No frills.

Sometimes it is fun to just walk into a restaurant, no reservations needed, no wad of cash necessary…just head in and, hopefully, enjoy a good meal.

Before heading to an ATP tennis tournament, I decided to try out a barbecue joint that a Palm Beach chef had recommended.

I was a bit skeptical because smoked meat was not high on my list and my husband is a pescatarian.

The tennis venue was a five minute walk from Tropical Smokehouse which only opened last month in Delray Beach, Florida. Despite some trepidation I was all in with one stop shopping and parking.

The artwork on the outside of the building was inviting.

We moseyed in at 5pm and the joint was relatively empty which gave us time to munch on the menu.

It was Happy Hour and the only offering was a $5 hamburger along with various cocktails.

I solicited advice. The French server recommended the Brisket over the Pork Spare Ribs, Pulled Pork and Jerk Chicken.

Other than Queen E. and my other mother, Ethel, the brisket was hands down the best brisket I have ever eaten.

The coffee and sweet sauces were excellent.

The meal of 1/2 lb Demkota Brisket came with a side. I selected the delicious coconut rice ($19).

I was intrigued by the Demkota mention. It turns out that Demkota Ranch Beef is a certified USDA approved single-source beef processing plant in South Dakota, which partners with local family farmers and ranchers to provide high-quality, traceable beef. They specialize in Black Angus genetics, sourcing cattle from the Midwest, and finishing them on a corn-based diet for superior marbling and flavor. The facility is designed with humane handling in mind.

My pescatarian partner selected the Panko Shrimp Burger with homemade Cole Slaw ($16).  He praised the choice.

The presentation was simple and tidy served on a metal tray.

Every item is smoked and prepared on site except for the brisket which is prepared at Tropical’s flagship restaurant in West Palm Beach and then rushed over to Delray Beach.

No surprise the barbecue with its Latin and Caribbean influence was first rate as Tropical Pitmaster Rick Mace was a James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards semi finalist.

The open backyard is a perfect place to stuff yourself with first rate ribs, chicken, pork and brisket and watch the live fire cooking process.

Try Tropical. If barbecue is your thing, you will not be disappointed with their prime quality protein.

Tropical Smokehouse 524 West Atlantic Avenue Delray Beach, Florida. Open Tuesday-Sunday 11:30am-9pm. Free Parking. No reservations.