The Smoke Haus

You'll smell the smoke before you see the shopfront tucked into Mary Ann Street, just off the main St David's Centre bustle. The Smoke Haus does what it says on the tin – proper low-and-slow BBQ that would make a Texan nod approvingly. The brisket falls apart at the touch of a fork, the pulled pork has that perfect bark, and the ribs come sticky with their house sauce that's got just enough kick without making you reach for your pint. The setting is unpretentious – industrial touches, communal wooden tables, and the kind of atmosphere where you're expected to get messy. Portions are American-generous, so come hungry or prepare to waddle back towards Queen Street afterwards. It's become the go-to for anyone who's tired of Cardiff's endless parade of chain restaurants and wants meat cooked properly.