Alley Cat Smokehouse
“Oh, and their brisket with pickled onions on Texas toast…well, there aren't any words.”
“I can't wait to return to this hidden gem on east Tremont!”
“On different occasions I've tried the ribs, jalapeño cornbread, collard greens, BBQ smoked salmon and BBQ chicken.”
Alley Cat Smokehouse
Takes Reservations: Yes
Delivery: Yes
Take-out: Yes
Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
Bike Parking: Yes
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Good for Kids: Yes
Good for Groups: Yes
Outdoor Seating: Yes
Has TV: Yes
Waiter Service: Yes
Caters: Yes
Offers Military Discount: Yes
Price range.
$$ Price range $11-30
3 reviews
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Alley Cat Cafe is tucked away in, well, an alley in the heart of Throgs Neck. You could easily walk right past it, but you shouldn't. My boyfriend and I came on a Friday night and it was really empty! 🙁
We started off by munching on the complimentary peanuts. Drinks are reasonably priced and made very well! The food choices are varied and since I'm no BBQ expert, I stuck with a simple BBQ chicken with macaroni and cheese and corn.
I'll just say that I am NEVER stepping foot in Dallas BBQ again. This chicken was actually moist and flavorful! It was also fun pairing it with the different sauces. The macaroni and cheese was garlicky and wonderful, especially in terms of texture.
However, the restaurant was really, really quiet. As a result, my boyfriend and I opted to completely monopolize the cash jukebox, which made it a party! According to our tastes, anyway.
So I was scrolling through GrubHub, looking for something to order for lunch when I stumbled upon Alley Cat Cafe. I'd never seen it on the list before and the menu looked great so I decided to give them a shot. I am quite glad that I did because the food is amazing! I ordered the pulled pork sandwich, sweet potato fries, and red cabbage slaw. The pulled pork was some of the best I've ever had. Juicy, tender, not at all dry like a lot of pulled pork dishes I've had.
The pulled pork was so good, in fact, that I decided to order again the day after. This time I decided to try the brisket, mac & cheese, and more sweet potato fries & slaw. The brisket was just as delicious and tender as the pulled pork. I mean melt-in-your-mouth tender. And the mac & cheese was also quite impressive. I rarely order mac & cheese when I see it on a menu unless I know it's amazing because so many restaurants get it so wrong. Well, lucky me, they ran out of collard greens and I took a gamble with the mac & cheese. It was flavorful and herbaceous, definitely well-seasoned, not at all bland.
I love eating a meal and tasting the love & attention given to preparing it. I read in another review that they smoke their meats from 8 to 18 hours, and it definitely tastes like it. I don't personally know anywhere else in the Bronx with BBQ this good! I can't wait to eat in the restaurant so I can try their homemade sauces and some of the other tasty-looking menu items. Honestly, the only reason I haven't given 5 stars is because I've only ordered twice. But believe me, I am so sold on their food. I will most definitely be updating once I stop by for a visit!
Alley Cat Cafe brings the diversity we needed in this area. John, the owner, made a smart choice of bringing BBQ to Throggs Neck.
Chef Brian and his team crank out some really good food, especially when you get tired of the monotony that surrounds the neighborhood. On different occasions I've tried the ribs, jalapeño cornbread, collard greens, BBQ smoked salmon and BBQ chicken. I am no connoisseur of BBQ but everything I've had so far has been satisfyingly good.
Alley Cat Cafe offers a happy hour between the standard hours of 4:00pm-7:00pm, but even without happy hour their drink prices are very reasonable. On this particular visit, bartendress/waitress Mia, the hardworking young woman who seamlessly managed the bar/restaurant/front of the house with ease was a pleasure to witness. And during all this work handed to her Mia still displayed a pleasant demeanor, it was a joy to watch.
If you're in the area and are looking for a restaurant that has a neighborhood feel with great vibes, decent ambiance indoors and out, then check out Alley Cat Cafe.