The Smok’d Hog

Owner Chris McAfee started the original namesake, ‘The Whole Hog’, from humble beginnings when he purchased a custom made BBQ/Smoke pit out of Houston, Texas and started to immerse himself in the culture and tradition of American Regional Bar-B-Que. The business built it’s bones on this first pit, and a lot of hard work. Chris and his staff took tremendous pride in bringing the community of North Park, and their many regulars fresh daily Bar-B-Que and gourmet sandwiches, all of which we are completely comprised of cuts that were hand-picked, butchered, brined and seasoned, and smoked completely in-house. The crew at the Hog perfected it’s craft over the following years by sticking to its foundation; freshness, and the practice of traditional and timeless methods and recipes.

The Smok’d Hog

For those of us who have had the opportunity to have had beef brisket at a proper smokehouse in Texas, Carolina pulled pork done right, ribs in Kansas City, or enjoyed the bold flavors from the Gulf Coast, know that below average BBQ is no substitute for any of these great institutional practices. Which is why we strive to prepare & serve our BBQ with knowledge of, and respect to, tried & true traditional- methods.

The Smok’d Hog

The Smok’d Hog is an award-winning & well-loved traditional Bar-B-Q restaurant and trailered barbeque-pit catering company founded and originally operated out of San Diego, California. We are proudly entering our fifth year of successful operation and are anxiously waiting to improve upon our current model and occupy our new home at The Cookhouse Foodhall. We are excited to bring several new additions and upgrades into the fold as we will now look to include breakfast options, a weekend brunch offering, and most importantly, an exciting pairing of a new bar component. Our new bar program known sweetly as “The Daisy” will take pride in offering contemporary takes on classic cocktails prepared with fine & fresh local ingredients, craft & well-procured American classic beers, communal-style shared-cocktail experiences, as well as local and trend-forward wine offerings. Inspired by American regional cuisine, and a contemporary take on a classic cocktail bar, the new The Smok’d Hog and it’s sister-bar The Daisy will pay homage to, and celebrate the rich history of their American roots, and the Cookhouse at Vail Ranch itself, by focusing on their respected original culinary art forms; BBQ, and the traditional American cocktail. Throughout the United States, regions passionately identify with ingredients and the best means of preparation to honor them. From the vast array of recipes that emerge from such diversity, we have selected specific soulful dishes, and beverage offerings that we feel will evoke the same pride, spirit, and feeling consistent with our new Temecula location in the historic revamp of the Cookhouse at Vail Headquarters, located at the heart of historic Temecula, The Vail Ranch.