Last week, I had the chance to visit a local restaurant that I have passed by plenty of times in one of the major Pleasanton plazas near the intersection of Stoneridge and Hopyard. After forgetting to bring my lunch to work, one of my colleagues said that he was going to the Red Smoke Grill and that I had to come try the place with him. After a couple of loops in the parking lot (the plaza is always busy during lunch hour), we finally made it in and headed to the counter (this is one of those places where you order and pick up your own food at the counter, but they bus your table at the end). My first impression of the restaurant was a positive one of a cozy, friendly place where the employees would know your name only after a couple of visits. The décor is modern yet casual-a place where the menu is written on a blackboard with chalk.
What I liked about Red Smoke Grill was its laid-back atmosphere with good quality, non-fast food type, meals. This is not a place to go and get your double-decker burger with fries and a shake; in fact, I don’t think I saw a burger on the menu. In contrast, it is restaurant built of wholesome meals you may find at a family gathering.
Based on a high recommendation from my colleague, I ordered the BBQ chicken sandwich topped with creamy coleslaw on their signature roll made fresh on site with a side of mashed potatoes. Within minutes we had our meals called up and we began to dig in. The food was fresh and of good quality with the portions being fairly generous for the cost. The chicken was tender and the BBQ tangy. The warm sandwich and the cold coleslaw complimented each other well and were packed into the freshly baked bread…very tasty!
Based on my first impression, this would be a place that I would certainly like to try again. The staff was friendly, the food was fresh and not greasy, they have several beers and wines available and the prices are more than fair for what you get.
Next time you are in Pleasanton and looking for a quick bite that you won’t feel guilty about eating, you may want to try the Red Smoke Grill. Besides, I have heard that the legendary John Madden has been spotted eating at this local Pleasanton eatery.
Chris Kamali is a TriValley Real Estate Agent, helping clients buy and sell homes in Dublin, Pleasanton, San Ramon and Livermore.
