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International Smoke
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
International Smoke
8.4
Michael Mina & Ayesha Curry’s fire-driven spot turns out smokey, sauce-forward ribs alongside globally inspired plates in a lively Transbay room. Locals come for consistent execution, a strong bar program, and rib options ranging from St. Louis pork to Korean-style beef short rib.
Must-Try Dishes:
Smoked St. Louis Pork Ribs, Smoked 'Galbi' Beef Short Rib, Rib Tip Mac & Cheese
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Globally influenced BBQ with standout pork and beef rib preparations.
Who should go: Rib lovers who want a lively night out
When to visit: Weeknights 5–7 for happy hour and easier seating
What to order: St. Louis pork ribs, galbi beef short rib, cornbread
Insider tip: Ask for both sauces on the pork ribs—classic BBQ and gochujang.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet offered at nearby garages around Salesforce Transit Center; street parking is scarce after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans are fine but most diners lean dressy for evenings.
Noise level: Lively and loud during peak dinner; easier conversation at early seatings or bar tables.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation; book ahead for large groups.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait; tables turn quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several globally inspired veggie plates and sides.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 mains plus sides can be adapted.
Gluten-free options: Yes—staff can point to gluten-free rib sauces and mains.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—dim lighting, lively energy, and shareable plates make it a fun, upbeat choice. Slightly noisy but adds to the vibe.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible on weeknights at the bar or early in service; weekends almost always require booking.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for adults and groups; kids welcome but no dedicated kids’ menu and volume is high.
Best For
Better for: Creative global rib styles and a cocktail-driven, social atmosphere compared to more traditional BBQ houses.
Skip if: If you want quiet dining, classic Southern BBQ without fusion twists, or family-style casual service.
International Smoke
7.9
Vibes:
Trendy Table Hotspots
Group Dining Gatherings
Happy Hour Hotspots
Business Lunch Power Players
Michael Mina and Ayesha Curry’s fire-driven spot pairs steaks with global spice and smoke. Lively room, strong cocktails, and a menu that runs from filet mignon to Korean-style short ribs.
Must-Try Dishes:
Center-cut filet mignon, Wood-fired ribeye, Korean short ribs
Scores:
Value: 7.3
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Open-fire steaks with internationally inspired rubs and sauces.
Who should go: Groups who want steak plus cocktails
When to visit: Weeknights for easier reservations and bar seats
What to order: Filet mignon, wood-fired ribeye, smoked old fashioned
Insider tip: Check the bar menu—steak cuts and snacks hit value sweet spots.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Garage parking available at nearby lots (e.g., Rincon Center, 121 Spear St); limited metered street parking after 6pm; valet not offered.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans and sneakers are fine, but most guests lean stylish for the lively scene.
Noise level: High-energy and loud during peak dinner hours; conversations possible but not intimate.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation; bar seating sometimes easier.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait if you arrive before 12:15; fills quickly with business crowds.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—salads, flatbreads, and sides offer several options.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 dishes can be customized; ask staff for modifications.
Gluten-free options: Yes—gluten-free menu markings available, and kitchen is accommodating.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a lively, fun date than an intimate one—expect energy, cocktails, and shared plates rather than quiet romance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible, but weekends are tough; your best bet is bar seating or calling ahead for late availability.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young kids—volume and cocktails dominate—but older teens can enjoy the menu with families.
Best For
Better for: Cocktail-driven nights out, group dinners, and exploring steak with global spice twists.
Skip if: You want a classic, quiet steakhouse experience focused solely on prime cuts.
International Smoke
8.1
Vibes:
Date Night Magic
Business Lunch Power Players
Group Dining Gatherings
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Celebrity chefs Michael Mina and Ayesha Curry bring globally-inspired BBQ to SOMA with wood-fired meats, creative rubs, and international flavor profiles. The St. Louis ribs with Korean gochujang glaze and the wood-grilled Wagyu tri-tip showcase their fusion approach, while the vibrant bar scene adds energy to the upscale BBQ experience.
Must-Try Dishes:
St. Louis Ribs with Gochujang, Wood-Fired Wagyu Tri-Tip, Peking Pork Belly Bao
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Global BBQ fusion with celebrity chef pedigree
Who should go: BBQ lovers seeking upscale, creative interpretations
When to visit: Happy hour 4-6pm for best value
What to order: St. Louis ribs, tri-tip, craft cocktails
Insider tip: Ask for extra gochujang sauce on the side
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking challenging, use Embarcadero Center garage ($20-30) or valet when available ($15)
Dress code: Smart casual recommended, business attire for lunch, upscale casual for dinner
Noise level: Energetic with DJ - conversation possible but lively atmosphere
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation, book ahead strongly advised
Weekday lunch: 15-20 min typical, faster with reservation
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - wood-fired vegetables and creative sides available
Vegan options: Limited - mainly sides and salads, notify server for modifications
Gluten-free options: Yes - meats naturally GF, dedicated fryer for sides
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes - upscale atmosphere without being stuffy, shareable plates encourage conversation, though can be loud on weekends
Can I get a table without a reservation? Bar seating usually available for walk-ins, dining room tough on weekends - use OpenTable for best availability
Is it kid-friendly? Better for older kids (10+) given upscale vibe and pricing, no kids menu but shareable portions work well
Best For
Better for: Creative BBQ fusion you won't find elsewhere, celebrity chef cachet for special occasions, best cocktail program among SF BBQ spots
Skip if: Want traditional Texas-style BBQ, on tight budget, or seeking authentic regional BBQ - try 4505 or Hardwood instead