I first had Smokin’ Pete’s years ago.
Back when they were just a food truck roaming around New York. No permanent home. No brick and mortar. Just smoke and meat and a following that kept growing.
Then they landed in Geneva.
And ever since, people have been telling me the same thing:
“You need to get out there.”
Well… after years of hearing it, I finally made the trek.
And I have to say – I’m incredibly disappointed.
Disappointed that I let myself wait this long.
This Is Real BBQ
Smokin’ Pete’s isn’t playing games.
They use wood-burning smokers for everything. No pellets. No gas-assisted shortcuts. No set-it-and-forget-it convenience.
Wood.
Fire.
Time.
They’re doing it the hard way – which is the only way if you actually care about barbecue.
And you can taste it.
The Meats
I had a little bit of everything, because that’s the only responsible way to judge a BBQ spot.
Brisket.
Ribs.
Pulled pork.
Turkey.
Every single one of them hit.
The brisket had that deep bark and proper smoke ring. Tender without falling apart into mush.
The ribs were balanced – not drowning in sauce, not dry, just right.
The pulled pork had texture. Not shredded into oblivion.
Even the turkey – which a lot of BBQ spots treat like an afterthought – was juicy and full of smoke.
That alone would put them high on my list.
But then they went further.
Birria Tacos… At a Texas Joint?
Yes.
Birria tacos at a Texas-style BBQ spot.
And they work.
They’re smoky, rich, and layered with flavor. It’s not a gimmick menu item. It feels like something they actually cared about getting right.
That’s the difference.
And Then There Was Dessert
The apple crumble hand pie.
I didn’t expect to care about dessert at a BBQ joint.
I was wrong.
It’s warm, crisp, filled properly, and finishes the meal the way it should – not as an afterthought, but as part of the experience.
If I’m ranking BBQ in New York?
Smokin’ Pete’s is in serious territory.
As of right now, I’d say they’re tied for second on my list alongside Ray Brothers BBQ and Brickyard BBQ.
That’s not casual praise.
That’s earned.
If you care about real wood-fired barbecue – the kind that takes effort and patience – Smokin’ Pete’s needs to be on your list.
Don’t wait years like I did.
Go.
📍5286 St. Rt. 14, Geneva, NY 👉 Follow them on Instagram
I’m thrilled to share that Smokin’ Pete’s is participating in the Eat Local New York Restaurant Week presented by our friends at The Summit Federal Credit Union! They’re one of more than 100 local restaurants participating… check the full list here.
