The Smok’d Hog is an award-winning & well-loved traditional Bar-B-Q restaurant…

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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 loving 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.

The Mission

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.

Chris McAfee

Owner

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 Northpark, and their many regulars fresh daily Bar-B-Que and gourmet sandwiches, all of which werecompletely 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.

“A messy masterpiece of charred, tender beauty”

Kristin C.
Awesome spot. The Cubano was exceptionally good - a messy masterpiece of charred, tender beauty. The house-made sauces were very tasty as well. Highly recommended as a pit-stop for lunch on the walk over to the San Diego Zoo

"Melt-in-you-mouth tender cuts of meat...HUGE portions!"

Jodi Wagner
Found this awesome little restaurant on Google maps after our visit at the zoo. Saw the great reviews and appetizing photos...so we drove right over. We were not disappointed! We ordered the brisket and pulled pork plates. O.M.G.!!! Melt-in-you-mouth tender cuts of meat...HUGE portions! Definitely a winner for those who want great eats without all the fluff.

"This isn't a fancy place - this is a BBQ spot - and everything is perfect."

Travis Jennings
The smoker up front in the parking lot isn't just for show! They're using that thing, smoking their meats, serving lemonade, and putting out home made BBQ sauces! I got ribs, and they were phenomenal. Mine and my daughter's fingers smelled like ribs through the next day, and we just kept putting our hands to our noses to remind us. This isn't a fancy place - this is a BBQ spot - and everything is perfect.

Awards

2016 GOLD Best BBQ in Uptown news
2017 Silver Best BBQ in Uptown news
2018 GOLD Best BBQ in Uptown news

2016 GOLD Best BBQ in Gay San Diego news
2017 GOLD Best BBQ in Gay San Diego news
2018 GOLD Best BBQ in Gay San Diego news

2018 3rd Place best BBQ restaurant Turf and Surf BBQ State Championship

2017 Union Tribune Best Meatloaf