Being born and raised in the great state of Texas, my standards for BBQ are extraordinarily high so when the opportunity presented itself for me to experience another one of this restaurateurs concepts I was beyond thrilled! If you live in the DFW area, you know Kenny Bower’s has a collection of restaurants and have probably dined at least once. Ranging from Italian to burgers, his BBQ venture at The Shops of Legacy proves he can conquer any cuisine.
If there’s anything I like more than BBQ, it’s Mexican food and Kenny’s Smoke House was found a way to incorporate both on a single plate. The Pulled Pork Tostadas with white queso, cheddar, pico, and a smokey BBQ ranch. I absolutely loved these! A perfect appetizer to begin the evening. Pulled pork can be substituted with brisket for only $1 more!
Stuffed peppers are a staple at any backyard BBQ and thankfully they are here too! Kenny’s signature brisket and Vermont cheddar stuffed jalapenos are served with a tangy chipotle BBQ ranch and will kick start those taste buds! They are fantastic dining in and also heat up well if by some stroke of luck any make it home!
By now you are in need of a cocktail and quite frankly, I’m surprised you’ve made it so long! My hands down favorite was the Texas Spicy Margarita. I literally thought I was sitting on a patio somewhere far, far away! It’s so refreshing and invigorating you could drink it in one sip!Cazadores Tequila, agave nectar, jalapenos, lemon, lime, and orange juices, then topped with Grand Marnier.
For all you guys, guys wanting a stiff drink, Kenny has his very own Knob Creek 9-year bourbon you can order anyway you like! I am a whiskey girl and had this in the Smoke House Old Fashioned along with orange peel, cherry juice, bitters, and soda.
Are you convinced yet that this place is incredible? The entrees are certainly the highlight of this experience. I wanted to try everything but I hesitantly showed some restraint and narrowed my choices to my top three must haves. The easiest was The Smoke House Sampler combining brisket, pulled pork, jalapeno cheddar sausage, pork and beef ribs. The ribs fell off the bone as soon as you pick them up, no fork needed (napkin suggested). The cheese oozes out of the sausage and the brisket and pulled pork are smoked perfectly and irresistibly tender and lean. Served with your choice of house made, spicy, or Kansas City sweet sauces and your choice of side. My choice of side was a no-brainer as soon as I saw there was Smoked Gouda Mac-n-Cheese on the menu! Y’all this is no joke! Cure 81 ham and truffle oil elevates this dish to a level of addiction.
Offering menu options to suit everyone was a passion of the founders so they also offer an array of southern style sandwiches. Buttermilk dipped chicken breast, fried to a golden brown, served with lettuce, onion, and pickle on a locally sourced bun and secret sauce this is not your usual chicken sandwich. The breading is so flavorful and chicken so juicy you will rethink your misconception of boring chicken sandwiches.
I relish in large group dinners and trying to find a restaurant that can accommodate the hearty needs of the guys and the lighter needs of some of us ladies can be challenging. I was so very pleased so learn Kenny’s Smoke House offers an Ahi Tuna Salad. Beautifully seared tuna on a bed of mixed greens, tomato, onion, avocado, mango, hickory almonds drizzled in a sesame ginger vinaigrette this is a salad for any appetite.
You didn’t think we left without dessert did you? Although we were secretly unbuttoning our pants under the table by this point, we had to finish strong. I mean who doesn’t have room for a brownie covered in vanilla ice cream then topped with chocolate and caramel sauce and roasted almonds?
I hope sitting back with a satisfied and full belly, you are able to reflect about the amazing meal you just shared with great company. I know I did!
I received dinner in exchange for my review. All opinions in this post are mine
Location: 5760 Legacy Dr #4, Plano, TX 75024
Phone: 972-473-7478
Hours: Sun-Thurs 11am-10pm, Fri-Sat 11am-11pm
Leisurely Leah 