Smoke BBQ
About us
What we do at Smoke is simple: Wood-fired barbecue smoked with care and served in a space that feels lived in, relaxed, and ready for company. Smoke BBQ opened in late 2022 after owner, head chef, and pitmaster Josh Maynard spent years rebuilding the former Herb’s Seafood property by hand. The menu centers on meats smoked over 100% Maine Red Oak, house made rubs, sauces, and sides, with standouts like brisket, baby back ribs, pulled pork, and smoked wings. Known for authentic wood-fired BBQ in Kennebunk, the experience blends counter ordering with table service, a full bar, 16 beers on tap and a Maine-centered dining room that moves at its own steady rhythm. When the weather is fine, enjoy the outdoor patio or have a drink by the firepit. Cheers!!!
Smoke BBQ opened its doors on November 26, 2022. Now, more than a year after opening, they have really hit their stride. Josh Maynard, the owner, head chef and Pitmaster at Smoke bought what was once the iconic Herb's Seafood property on 58 York St in Kennebunk in January of 2020. Three months later, Covid ran roughshod over all of our lives. The plan had been to remodel the old building and open in time for the summer of that year. As fate would have it, things took a little longer than anticipated. The old building, built in 1960, needed a lot of TLC as well as structural and aesthetic upgrades. Josh did all the demo himself and most of the framing, woodwork, tiling, drywall and interior design with the help of a friend. Smoke is a true labor of love.
Josh's vision was to create a warm and inviting gathering place for locals and visitors alike. Open year-round. A visit to Smoke is reminiscent of going up to camp, with the food and drinks ready and waiting. When you step through the door the first thing that hits you is the amazing aroma of smoked meats. The décor is Mainecentric, with New England sports memorabilia, beer paraphernalia and natural wood finishes. With it's ''crusty clean'' vibe, Smoke feels like it has been around for decades.
Their hybrid style of service is both convenient and efficient. After ordering at the counter, the rest of your experience is essentially full service at your table. All of their meats, sides, sauces and rubs are made from scratch using their own recipes. The meats are smoked with care using locally sourced Maine Red Oak on their 100% wood-fired smoker, Ruby. The 15' smoker was hand-fabricated in Mesquite Texas by true artisans.
The meat is gently smoked and tended to by their pitmasters. All the meats are dry rubbed and there are 5 delectable sauces to choose from if so desired. If you love Texas Style Brisket, Carolina Style Pulled Pork & Memphis Style Baby Back Ribs, then Smoke is the place for you. And wait until you try their Smoked Wings and Smashburger.