DEADWOOD SMOKEHOUSE
Wrexham Street, Mold
Tel: 01352 754187
Website: deadwoodsmokehouse.com
Every couple of weeks, I head out for dinner with my dad and teenage son.
We've dined out across a variety of establishments in the region, always willing to give somewhere a go.
But we do have our favourites, and a chilly February Thursday saw us visit one of those on that list.
Deadwood Smokehouse is a winner for us, managing to please a pensioner, teen and tired mum.
Read more: Smokehouse wins Welsh food award
It's quite a small space but without feeling cramped, and the decor is cool enough to feel a bit different but not trying so hard you feel uncomfortable.
It was surprisingly busy for the day and time we went, genuinely good to see for a market town high street venue.
First of all, as the name might hint at, this probably isn't the destination for the vegetarians amongst you.
In fact, it's a meat lovers paradise.
A pint of IPA, coke and a J2O keeping us hydrated, we checked out the 'Whilst you wait' (AKA starters) section. Me and my son are lured straight away by the buttermilk fried halloumi bites (£5.69) served with chilli jam. Dad chooses the jalapeno smoked sausage slices (£5.29) coming with cajun mayo.
All these were of quite a good portion size, with the jam and mayo both packing a bit of a kick.
There are also wings and a nachos platter for two on offer.
My cheese indulgence at the start of our meal had me not regretting skipping a side of mac n cheese with my main later.
Talking of mains, there's quite the American vibe. Everything is big. With the option to be made bigger!
There's the 'Showtime' selection - a variety of ribs, rump steak and quesadilla (including a veggie option); the sandwiches - including brisket grilled cheese, BBQ pulled pork; and the 'Big boards' - which features a big meat feast for two to share.
And of course they have burgers. Oh yes!
Feeling hungry? Try the Deadwood's Monster - two patties, low n slow brisket, BBQ pulled pork, loaded with American cheese and Carolina sauce. Again, there is also a veggie option.
My dad and I both go for a BBQ pulled pork, grilled onions, Swiss cheese and charred corn quesadilla (£13.99), served with fries (you can also upgrade to chilli, sweet potato or dirty fries).
The teen loves a burger and on this occasion it's the chicken n waffle - buttermilk fried chicken, crispy bacon and sausage gravy in between two Belgian waffles, topped with maple syrup (£14.99), and coming with seasoned fries.
The burger is served on one of my restaurant pet hates, a wooden board but its devourer doesn't seem to care! And by the size of it, he won't be going hungry.
Initially, our quesadilla and fries looked a bit lost on their giant plates. Maybe I should have gone for a side after all.
But it was deceptive. The filled tortillas were more than enough, even to the point I struggled to finish my fries (almost).
They were rammed with the pork, veg and cheese, drizzled with a BBQ sauce.
Despite all declaring how stuffed we were, pudding was attempted.
There isn't a huge selection of desserts on offer but we were happy with what there was.
Two all American New York cheesecakes were ordered by me and dad, with the teen going for the chocolate brownie with ice cream (£5).
The slices of cheesecake (£6) were larger than expected, and my son ended up having to help me with mine.
Dad usually loves to finish with a coffee but unfortunately this isn't available at Deadwood. I can only imagine it would be a great addition if they could include it.
The menu isn't the biggest at Deadwood Smokehouse but it's enough. And what it does, it does very well.
Youngsters will love the American vibe and presentation of the food, and for those smaller folks in your group, there is a children's menu.
If you're looking for a quicker fix, they also offer lunchtime deals, Monday to Friday.
You can also order food for takeaway, and we definitely took advantage of this during the lockdowns.
The staff have only ever been friendly and accommodating. This was witnessed on our visit when a couple arrived but there had been a mix up with the booking.
Staff went to great lengths to make sure the guests could be seated there and then, and did so in a warm manner.
Deadwood is a great place for a family treat out, groups of friends or couples alike. Just maybe take your stretchy pants!
Bill total: £85.74
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here