K&K Smokehouse

I stopped at K&K on a whim, driving by it around dinnertime. I'm glad I did.

Firstly, they have the friendliest young lady at the counter. Just makes you feel good to talk to her. My order took minimal time to come up to the window. I actually missed the handle when she handed it to me, and half of the order spilled out. It was my fault, but she insisted that she was to blame, and immediately started another order, which came up lickety-split. I know a lot of places that wouldn't even think of doing that.

For $7.99, I got a huge box o' tips, fries, and the tastiest side of mixed greens in the city. I always get my tips dry, with sauce on the side. (mostly because I prefer Carolina style sauce, because there is something magical about the mustard). And, it's soooo much better when you gently dip them in the sauce, compared to drowning them in it. Besides, so much love goes into slow cooking ribs that when you find a place that does it right, it's the only way fully appreciate the magic.

Anyway, K&K tips are PERFECT for doing it that way. They use a rub of some kind, generously applied. And it's awesome. The sauce is the perfect balance of tangy and spicy, and the tips are so succulent that you only really need a dollop). Each piece was sizeable, meaty, succulent, perfectly seasoned. And...there was easilya full Pound, and I order the "basket" size, not the "dinner" size. Nothing was burnt, there was minimal fat, and NO gristle.

The fries were those beer-batteryish type. And awesome. But to me, the sign of a good soul food place is when they have mixed greens that are to die for. And their greens are absolutely outstanding. I'd would buy it by the pound.

SB/Mishawaka is lucky to have a couple of great rib places already, with Frankie's and Pitt's being mainstays of the community for ages. I think K&K is every bit as good, in every way, and will hopefully become equally as famous.

Best soul food in town, has become my weekly treat!

Good food. Prices are pretty good as well. Friendly staff.