A smokin’ hot restaurant opens in Ferndale

Ferndale’s dining scene just got a little hotter. Ferndale resident and restaurateur Dana Taucher has launched her latest venture, Smokehaus Ferndale, located at 177 Vester, directly across the street from her first restaurant, Syndicate. Taucher has been in the restaurant business since she was 16, starting out as a server. After the challenges of Covid, she decided it was time for a change — and began developing the concept for Syndicate, which opened in September 2023. With its seasonal menu and craft cocktails, the spot quickly became a Ferndale favorite. Now, Taucher is expanding her culinary footprint with Smokehaus, a bold take on barbecue that aims to be anything but ordinary. “I wanted to bring barbecue to Ferndale because I knew it was something we were lacking,” said Taucher. “We brought on (Chef Ross Flack), and we sent him out to Austin in search of something that was different than your average barbecue place.” Flack found inspiration at LeRoy and Lewis, Austin’s Michelin-starred New Age barbecue restaurant known for reinventing traditional smoked fare. The result is a menu that marries familiar barbecue favorites with creative, modern twists. Guests can expect classics like brisket, shaved roast beef, pork belly, pulled pork, wings, and locally made sausages — alongside inventive dishes such as a fried chicken sandwich topped with kimchi aioli and brisket served with avocado chayote slaw. The vibe at Smokehaus is as approachable as the food is inspired. Taucher describes the interior design as “Backyard BBQ meets Dad’s Garage” — a relaxed, welcoming space where friends can gather for good food, cold drinks, and Detroit sports. With four TVs at the bar and nine more in the dining area, it’s a perfect spot to catch the game while digging into some next-level barbecue. 177 Vester Street, Ferndale smokehausferndale.com