The Smoking Goat
Hidden Gem
2A Academy St, Ayr KA7 1HS
The Smoking Goat is tucked away in the heart of Ayr town centre. Awarded Scotland’s Best Independent Bar in the West 2024, it’s an underground space which serves up craft beers, quality wines and specialty teas and coffees in cellar style surroundings where the exposed brick walls and barrel top nooks and crannies offer visitors cool hideaways in which to enjoy a chilled-out drink and some exceptional bar food. Entertainment is a big part of the experience with the bar hosting quiz nights on Tuesdays, acoustic nights on Fridays, DJ sets on Saturdays and a programme of classic movie showings and live streamed sporting events to keep customers entertained.
The food served on the premises is not for the faint hearted; big portions of street food-style fayre is what you can expect so be sure to take your appetite with you. Even if you think you’re going to go light you won’t – there are far too many tempting offers on the menu with sides that have your name all over them. For burger fans there are hearty and flavoursome options including the beer mac and cheese double burger, the buttermilk fried chicken burger and the Cajun halloumi burger which is topped with roasted red peppers and sweet chilli jam. All come served in a brioche bun with a side of fries, but if that isn’t enough you can upgrade to loaded fries which come with all sorts of glorious toppings: cheese and bacon, pulled barbeque chicken, chilli and parmesan… You get the picture.
For something a little bit different, though, you might want to venture into the world of savoury waffles which come with an equally tempting range of toppings. Favourites include the BBQ pulled chicken waffle served with charred sweetcorn and crispy onions, the cheeseburger waffle which has 2 x 4oz beef burgers (the beef is always locally sourced), cheddar cheese, bacon, gherkins and slaw on top, or the inspired Goat Waffle which brings goats cheese, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes and chilli jam together into one mighty tasty dish.
With loaded hot dogs, hand stretched sourdough pizzas, nacho boxes, wings (chicken or cauliflower), some classic desserts (including churros with a Dulce de Leche dip), a children’s menu and some gluten free options also on the table, there really is something for everyone. It’s feel-good food at its best which you’re encouraged to enjoy at leisure in this cool, subterranean hidden gem.
thesmokinggoatayr.com
