There have been more than a few new barbeque spots pop up recently in the local area.  Seems like everywhere I turn there is a smoker outside of a restaurant or roadside stand, belching flavorful aromas into the air on these hot, summer afternoons.  So, while recently out running errands around Hagerstown, I decided to stop in for lunch at one of the establishments I pass by on a weekly basis – The Smokin’ Toad.

The Smokin’ Toad has had a turbulent history, moving from its first location at the old Conococheague Grocery (along Route 40 between Clear Spring, MD and Hagerstown, MD) to a short stint at Thunder Road Bar & Grille (next to the Hagerstown Speedway).  They’ve finally found a new (and permanent) home in the old restaurant portion of the Del Mar Inn (just east of Huyett’s Crossroads on Route 40 – west of Hagerstown).  Now with their location sorted out, they can get down to doing what they do best – producing good, honest barbeque at a fair price.

Now, don’t let the location scare you.  The Del Mar Inn itself has had a storied history, but the Smokin’ Toad location isn’t advertising white linens and 5-star service.  It truly is a barbeque “joint” – the interior only consisting of a long wooden bar with a few tables on the inside.  There’s nothing wrong with that.  In the end, I have come here for the food, not to be dazzled by interior design.

There is a chalkboard at the entrance advertising what has recently come off the smoker, which is fired up and smoking away in the parking lot next to the restaurant.  Like Forrest Gump would say, “you never know what you’re gonna get.”  On this day the advertised meat was beef brisket, so I ordered a brisket sandwich with hand cut fries and a smoked-apple barbeque sauce (which was served on the side).  Drinks were simply cold 12 oz. beverage cans (no soda fountains here).  I chatted with the owners for a bit as my food was prepared (really nice people, by the way), and soon my sandwich was presented.

The brisket was served on a toasted bun and smelled wonderful.  That earthy, smoky flavor had penetrated deep into the meat, which was tender and flavorful all on its own.  The smoked apple barbeque sauce added a nice tangy contrast to the sandwich, which disappeared quickly from my basket.  The fries were hand-cut and crispy, complimenting the sandwich well.

The menu can vary, depending on what is coming off of the smoker (pit beef, pit ham, pulled pork, and brisket are in the rotation), but there were also subs, sandwiches, salads, and burgers available.  The “Toad Burger” caught my eye (a burger topped with bacon, brisket, cheese, and barbeque sauce), but I’ll have to save that for another trip.  Breakfast sandwiches are also offered.  Prices seemed reasonable, and the staff was friendly and personable.

In addition to onsite dining, the Smokin’ Toad offers carry-out and will cater special events.

If you’re looking for good barbeque at a good price, you can’t go wrong at the Smokin’ Toad.  I’ll definitely be adding it to my list of places for good food at a good value.  Check them out yourself.

 

Restaurant name:                            The Smokin’ Toad

Overall rating (out of five):         3.0

Food:                                                    3.5

Service:                                               3.0

Ambiance:                                         2.0

Value:                                                  4.0

Address:  16715 National Pike, Hagerstown, MD  21740

Phone:  (240) 707-6919

Hours:  Tuesday – Saturdays, 11:00 a.m. – 09:00 p.m., Sundays, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Website:  Smokin’ Toad Facebook Page

Parking:  onsite

Reservations required?  Not required