Cleveland Taco Guide: Smokin Q's BBQ and Beer House's Polish Tacos Combine Texas Barbecue And A CLE Favorite

Type: Modern American
Price: $12

Any debate over whether a taco counts as a sandwich only gets more complicated with the Polish tacos at Smokin’ Q’s BBQ and Beer House.

Starting with a jalapeno hot-link sausage base, smoked in-house and sliced onto a house-made tortilla, the dish starts as a traditional Tex-Mex taco. The addition of house-made red cabbage slaw and French fries not only adds crunch, but pulls the taco’s flavor profile closer to its traditional Polish predecessor: the Polish Boy.

This emphasis on the native Cleveland sandwich reflects the stylistic choices of many items at Smokin’ Q’s, a restaurant that pays homage to Texas barbecue while also pulling in local and regional flavors.

Topped with a cooling, creamy guacamole, a house-made tangy and sweet barbecue sauce and a refreshing pico de gallo, the Polish tacos leave you satisfied with a perfect fusion of two worlds. With this delectable balance of flavors, textures and temperatures, it’s no wonder many crave this treat from morning until night.

“It’s the perfect post-party snack,” says chef and partner Zach Ladner. “It’s a really nice fusion and throwback to a regionally classic dish.” 718 SOM Center Road, Mayfield Village, 440-646-0429, smokinqbbq.com

Click here to order up 30 of Cleveland’s best tacos. Plus, meet the Northeast Ohio restauranteurs mastering Cleveland’s new favorite dish.