Why: Alex Smokehouse is locally owned and operated. You may recognize the location as the former home of Amnesia Brewing. Alex Ramirez was in partnership with Amnesia and ran the kitchen as a separate business. He changed the name of his restaurant from Alex BBQ to Alex Smokehouse after Amnesia closed. The smokehouse provides a one-page menu that offers a wide range of flavors.
What I tried: To start, my dining companion and I had the Truffle Mac and ceviche. For our entrees, we shared the spaghetti and meatballs and the Brisket Platter. For dessert, we tried the hot apple crisp a la mode and a fresh berry cobbler, which combined several berry varieties.
The Truffle Mac is housemade. It was neither soupy nor dry. The cheese was not quite saucy and yet it was not stringy, either. It was more of a coating for the macaroni with that almost grainy texture that some cheese takes on when it is melted. The truffle oil was not overused and the dish was topped with housemade bread crumbs. We found the Truffle Mac very appetizing, not too rich and well-placed among the starter options.
The ceviche contains wild shrimp that is marinated in freshly squeezed lime juice. It starts with guacamole on the bottom, topped by pico de gallo, and then the shrimp. Fresh sliced avocado adorns the top. It is served with tortilla chips. I found that the generous amount of lime juice distinguished it from other ceviche I have tried. It had a refreshing, summery quality.
Dining out guide: Alex Smokehouse
Hours: 11 a.m to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday. 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday.
Where: 1834 E. Main St., Washougal.
Contact: 360-335-1008; alexsmokehouse.com
Health score: Alex Smokehouse received a score of 10 on April 18. Zero is a perfect score, and Clark County Public Health closes restaurants with a score of 100 or higher. For information, call 360-397-8428.
Spaghetti and meatballs is served with a couple of garlic toasts. The ratio of pasta to the pleasantly seasoned meatballs was just perfect. We enjoyed both together without a bunch of pasta left over. A light amount of sweet tomato sauce brought the essence of Italian cuisine to the dish. Not bad at all for a smokehouse!
The Brisket Platter consisted of several slices of slow-smoked brisket doused in the housemade barbecue sauce, roasted carrots and a portion of fresh-cut coleslaw with a dinner roll. The brisket was tender, juicy and delicious. I enjoyed the coleslaw, which was a cabbage-only version with a tangy dressing.
Dessert was done right and it finished our meal on a highlight.
My dining companion and I paired our meals with a beer; she had a sour and I had a lager. Both were excellent and refreshing.
Menu highlights beyond what I tried: Starters include smoked hot wings, nachos made with pulled pork or brisket, and sliders. Beer cheese soup and vegetarian chili is available. The caraway beet salad sounded yummy, as did the rib platter. Lasagna is on the menu, as are roasted portobellos. Kids choices are sliders, macaroni and cheese, spaghetti and meatballs, and pizza with a juice box or chocolate milk. Lunch specials are on the menu. Tacos are served on Tuesdays and wings on Wednesdays.
Atmosphere: The co-op brewery on premises takes up the back portion of the large space. In addition to bar-side seating, large, bench seating throughout accommodates numerous diners. The front wall has several open-air windows that blend indoor seating with the outdoors, where there are some long picnic tables if you prefer dining outside. Wood surfaces lend a modern tavern vibe to the space. Copper fish art pieces decorate the walls.
Other observations: Service was very friendly and attentive. I enjoyed the relaxed vibe and the open atmosphere was very appealing on the warm evening of my visit. Alex Smokehouse also caters.
Cost: Starters range from $3 to $16. Soup is $5 for a cup and $7 for a bowl. Salads start at $8 and top out at $14. Entrees are $14 to $18. Kids meals are $6. A glass of beer is $4.50, a pint is $5.50. A pitcher and a growler refill are $16 each. Sample flights include four beers for $8.
