Get ready, flavor adventurers!
Smoke’N Ash BBQ in Arlington, Texas, isn’t your ordinary barbecue joint—it’s a sizzling symphony where Texas smoking traditions collide head-on with vibrant Ethiopian spices.
From the moment you walk in, the air tingles and sizzles with smokey promise and the buzz of anticipation. It’s Texas BBQ, what else were you expecting!
How Smoke N Ash won local’s hearts
How does a local BBQ spot become the talk of the town?
By rewriting the BBQ rulebook—all thanks to the dynamic duo, Fasicka and Patrick Hicks, who decided that ordinary just wasn’t in their vocabulary.
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Their journey began as a humble pop-up starting in 2012, building anticipation among locals seeking something new.
Fasicka, who grew up in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, learned intricate cooking techniques from her mother, while Patrick, a Waco native, mastered the Texas tradition of low-and-slow smoking.
When Smoke’N Ash dropped its brick-and-mortar anchor in Arlington in 2018, locals lined up, curious and hungry for a mashup of bold Texas brisket and Ethiopian heritage.
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Soon, national spotlights followed—MICHELIN Guide recognition in 2024, a nod from the James Beard Foundation as 2025 semifinalists, a feature on Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives, and inclusion in The New York Times’ Top 50 Restaurants in 2022.
But Smoke’N Ash’s real magic?
It listens to its community.
Through tough times, Arlington rallied around them during the pandemic—lining up for their fusion feasts and urging them to keep those doors open during rocky patches.
This is more than just food—it’s heritage, heart, and hometown flavor on every plate.
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Food Highlights
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Awaze Brisket: A smoky masterpiece marrying classic Texan brisket with a mesmerizing Ethiopian awaze spice rub containing berbere, chili peppers, onion, garlic, ginger, clarified butter, and sometimes vinegar or lemon juice. Each bit of tender meat is rich and bold, with layers of deep, peppery heat and a slow-building warmth that sneaks up and leaves guests coming back for more.
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Berbere Mac & Cheese: Silky, creamy, and loaded with piquant berbere spice, this mac isn’t just a side—it’s a scene-stealer. Expect cheesy goodness with a hint of heat and spice that customers rate 10/10 and perfectly complements the smoked meats.
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Pulled Lamb: A unique, aromatic offering rarely found in Texas BBQ, this lamb is slow-smoked for hours, then hand-pulled to juicy, tender ribbons. Smoky flavor mingles with subtle Ethiopian spices, delivering a dish that blows away both the lamb-curious and BBQ purists.
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Smoked Doro Wat: This traditional Ethiopian chicken stew is gently smoked, adding a touch of Texas to a dish known for its vibrant, earthy spice profile. Each forkful is a comforting balance of smokiness, spice, and rich tomato broth that showcases the best of both culinary traditions.
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Injera Nachos: Forget ordinary chips! These are built with crispy Ethiopian injera and topped with choice BBQ meats or stews, cheese, ayib, BBQ sauce, and jalapeños. Featured on Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives as “brisket injera nachos,” every bite is a crunchy, cheesy, tangy explosion melding both cultures in one playful dish.
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Awaze Pork Ribs: These ribs are coated with a smoky, spicy deep red awaze sauce before being hickory-smoked to perfection. Guy Fieri featured these ribs calling them “pork ribs with awaze glaze,” and they deliver a flavor punch that combines Texas BBQ tradition with bold Ethiopian heat in every succulent bite.
Atmosphere
Step inside Smoke’N Ash and feel the vibe instantly shift.
It’s an inviting, come-as-you-are place—casual booths, table seating, and a welcoming ambience with the upbeat hum of families, locals, and foodies thrilled to be in on Arlington’s best-kept secret.
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The music is lively, the walls tell a tale of accolades and community devotion, and the staff greets everyone like family.
There’s an unmistakable energy here—part homegrown comfort, part boundary-pushing adventure.
Customers rave about the fantastic service and how quickly the place fills up with eager diners.
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Bottom Line
If you love bold flavors, vibrant traditions, and a good story to go with your ribs, there’s no skipping Smoke’N Ash.
The only Tex-Ethiopian smokehouse in the world, it’s the delicious proof that Arlington is home to creative risk-takers and BBQ innovators.
Ethiopian spices are prepared in Ethiopia by Fasicka’s sister and sent directly to Arlington, ensuring authentic flavors in every dish.
Get there early—rumor has it seats fill up fast.
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Address: 5904 South Cooper Street Suite 110, Arlington, TX 76017
📞 (817) 385-9975
🕔 Open Wednesday–Saturday, 11 AM–8 PM | Sunday, 12 PM–6 PM (Closed Monday & Tuesday)