Some of my fondest memories begin with the smell of something smoking on the grill. Few things in life compare to looking around a table and finding your favourite people gathered together, passing plates, swapping stories, and helping themselves to another serving. Maybe that is what makes soul food so aptly named. It’s a meal that feels like coming home; hearty, familiar, and best enjoyed with the people who make a place feel like yours.
DECKLES Smokehouse, nestled within voco Bangkok Surawong, brings that recognisable warmth to the dining table through its take on smokehouse fare and all-American comfort food. Let’s be real; there’s something refreshing about a meal that encourages you to roll up your sleeves and tuck in. Still, good smokehouse cooking needs to offer more than a bountiful serving; the flavours have to hold their own, too. We arrived hungry, ready to see how DECKLES Smokehouse brings its own take on this much-loved style of cooking to Bangkok.
Space: Located on the second floor, the expansive space pairs modern-retro touches with an eclectic yet pared-back sensibility, giving it plenty of character. There is a bar to the left as you enter, followed by a dining area filled with mismatched chairs, varied table settings, and framed artwork in different sizes. Dividing walls give the room a little structure, while lampshade-like lights scattered across the ceiling lend the space an almost studio-like atmosphere. For those who fancy a little fresh air with their meal, the outdoor seating looks out over the pool.
Crowd: DECKLES Smokehouse feels right at home hosting a table full of people. The spacious interior offers room for family meals and gatherings with friends, while a cosy corner makes an inviting setting for a date for two. The bar welcomes those popping in for a quick drink, and the restaurant can also accommodate larger parties looking to gather over something comforting.
Our drinks set the tone for an evening of good conversation, as we found ourselves swapping anecdotes about nights out with the team’s Director of Marketing Communications, Khun Anne. Somewhere along the way, we mentioned the Long Island ice tea (THB 320), and, lo and behold, one soon appeared at our table, alongside a glass of red we had also been discussing. It was a thoughtful gesture that added to the convivial atmosphere of the evening, reflecting the team’s hospitality. For those who prefer to keep things alcohol-free, the menu also offers an extensive selection of playful alternatives.
With our beverages in hand, we moved on to the appetisers, starting with the Cobb salad (THB 330), a refreshing combination of crisp greens and BBQ chicken dressed in a punchy Gorgonzola and red wine vinaigrette. The Smoked chicken wings (7 pieces, THB 320) followed, bringing a Thai-inspired twist to an American favourite with their jaew marinade. Served with a choice of blue cheese or classic ranch dip, they were an easy favourite at the table, disappearing in no time.
When it comes to smokehouse dining, the meats naturally take the cake, and the BBQ mixed platter (Large, THB 1,890) made quite the impression. A meat lover’s dream, the platter featured 200 grams of brisket smoked for 14 hours over lychee wood, half a rack of slow-smoked Kurobuta pork ribs, and a smoked chicken leg. We certainly had our work cut out for us. For a lighter counterpoint, the Grilled mediterranean style seabass (THB 720) brought a taste of the inland sea, with wood-smoked fish topped with sun-dried tomatoes and olives. Still, we could hardly leave without trying the Root beer beef ribs (600–700g, THB 1,390). Coated in a slightly sweet root beer glaze, the beef was so tender that it practically fell off the bone.
Of course, the sides deserve their fair share of attention, too. The Esquites with chicharrón (THB 90) might just convert anyone who has always considered corn on the cob the default way to enjoy corn; it packs plenty of flavour and texture into a satisfying little dish. The Cornbread (THB 90) arrived with honey butter and has that lovely crumbly texture that makes it enjoyable on its own or used to scoop up whatever sauce remains on your plate. The BBQ baked beans (THB 160) brought a smoky kick, establishing that you need not be English to appreciate a good serving of beans. Meanwhile, the Louisiana cajun shrimp mac 'n cheese (THB 190) added a little extra indulgence, arriving piping hot with creamy bites of shrimp and soft macaroni.
Despite the generous meal that came before, the desserts were hard to resist. Somehow, we found room for all three, which should tell you something about their appeal. First up was the Mississippi mudpie brownies (THB 240), a treat for serious chocolate lovers. The brownie was layered with chocolate mousse and cream, then finished with a drizzle of salted caramel and a topping of pretzels and wafers for added crunch. The Fried hand pie (THB 220) took us in another direction, with a flavour profile that felt like autumn wrapped in a golden crust. Then appeared the S’mores skillet (THB 350), served warm with melted chocolate and golden-brown marshmallows, alongside shortbread biscuits for dipping instead of the usual sandwich-style s’more.
Amid such a generous spread, singling out one highlight was difficult, yet the NY buffalo chicken dip (THB 380) kept drawing us back. A first for us, this appetiser had the allure of loaded nachos in dip form. Celery sticks and tortilla chips came along with for scooping, although we soon began using the dip as an accompaniment to the other dishes, too.
DECKLES Smokehouse
Second Floor, voco Bangkok Surawong
80 Surawong Rd, Si Phraya, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500
Opening Hours:
Breakfast: Monday to Friday, 6 AM to 10:30 AM; Saturday to Sunday, 6 AM to 11 AM
Lunch: Daily, 11:30 AM to 4 PM
Dinner & Bar: Daily, 4 PM to 11 PM
Tel.: +66 (0)2 234 4545
Instagram: @vocobkksurawong
https://www.ihg.com/voco/hotels/us/en/bangkok/bkkaa/hoteldetail/dining