The Early Word on Smoked & Stacked

Smoked & Stacked, chef Marjorie Meek-Bradley's pastrami-focused sandwich shop, opened 10 days ago right by the convention center.

The public is already hooked on its breakfast sandwiches and build-you-own lunch options. There are also some signature sandwiches, like a Reuben-esque "The Messy," and a smoked chicken sandwich topped with lettuce, tomato, onion, and mayo.

Wedged in the middle of Shaw’s hot restaurant corridor, the simple interior includes chalkboard menus, a factory-inspired smoke stack mural, and distressed wood touches, plus tables for seating. Read on to hear what customers are saying about Meek-Bradley's third project in D.C.

The Decor News: DCist sums up Meek-Bradley’s touches throughout, saying "The vibe and decor of the space matches its menu—rustic, red wood paneling lines the bottom half of walls, while the partially-open kitchen can be viewed through frosted factory windows covered in chicken wire." Yelper Benjamin S. says the space is "not overly designed" with a "beautiful window wall which separates the main seating area from the kitchen." [DCist]

The Perfect Pastrami News: Zagat notes that "while creative types can design their own sandwich, first-timers should focus, with razorlike attention, on anything with the house-brined pastrami." Yelper Vince O. hasn’t had pastrami this good since he was last in Cleveland and ate at Slymans. "Of course, they focused on corned beef. Very rich. Love the charred ends. Even the potato salad was awesome." [Zagat, Yelp]

The It’s OK To Go Nuts News: Tasting Table ranks it as one of 18 new U.S. restaurants to try, noting "There’s also the option to build your own pastrami sandwich, so go nuts." [Tasting Table]

The Affordable News: Yelper Leslie R. noted that "prices are extremely reasonable. My breakfast was around $10. Super!" while The Washington Post says "the $13 price tag beats the pastrami and corned beef sandwiches at DGS Delicatessen in Dupont Circle by two bucks, and the portions feel more generous at Smoked and Stacked. [Yelp, WaPo]

The Eponymous News: Yelper Dan M. tried The Stacked since it’s their namesake, which comes with pastrami and coleslaw and Dijon on a milk roll: "It was a little smallish for $13 but tasted quite good." [Yelp]

The I’ll Be Back News: Facebooker Jonathan Goldfuss had lunch on opening day
and "can't stop thinking about it. Marjorie rocks it again," while fellow Facebooker Ryan Kim said one of the "best pastrami and smoked chicken" he’s had in a long time "eased the pain" of a Redskins loss. [Facebook]