Ep 5. Smoked, Stuffed and Smothered

As barbecue and beer lovers alike tune in for Burgers, Brew & 'Que's sixth season, episode five, "Smoked, Stuffed and Smothered," they're in for a treat. Host Michael Symon leads viewers on a culinary journey to three different restaurants in three different states, each with its own unique spin on smoked food, stuffed buns, and smothered dishes.

First up is a visit to The Cleveland Smoke Company in, you guessed it, Cleveland, Ohio. Symon's hometown pride is on full display as he raves about this barbecue joint's unique menu items. Highlights include the "Porknado," a sandwich that packs in pulled pork, bacon, sausage, and coleslaw all into one bun, and the "Brisket Mac Attack," which takes brisket and mac & cheese to the next level by combining them in a bun. They also indulge in the "Smokie" fries, loaded with pulled pork, cheese sauce, and bacon, for a fully decadent experience.

Next, Symon heads to The Rub Bar-B-Que & Catering in Reno, Nevada, where they're cooking up some serious comfort food. Known for their Stuffed Potatoes, this restaurant takes the classic baked potato to a whole new level, filling them with everything from brisket to pulled pork to buttermilk fried chicken. Symon can hardly contain his excitement as he tries them all, including the "McMurray," a potato stuffed with cheese sauce, bacon, and chicken that had him ready to go back for seconds.

Last but not least, Burgers, Brew & 'Que takes viewers to the East Coast to visit The Smoking Swine in Baltimore, Maryland. This food truck turned brick-and-mortar is all about the smothered sandwiches, with a major emphasis on their famous "Swineburger." This pork burger is topped with pulled pork, bacon, cheese sauce, and BBQ sauce for a mouth-watering and messy experience. Symon also tries the "Woo," a sandwich stuffed with smoked brisket and mac & cheese, and the "Pig Inside," a take on a classic Reuben but with pulled pork instead of corned beef.

Throughout the episode, viewers get a behind-the-scenes look at each restaurant's cooking process and the passion that goes into creating these unique menu items. Symon's commentary adds to the overall charm of the episode, as he gushes over each dish and the people who make them.

Overall, "Smoked, Stuffed and Smothered" is a must-watch episode for anyone who loves comforting, indulgent food. The creativity and dedication of each restaurant featured is sure to inspire viewers to try their own twisted takes on classic dishes.