Mikealicious thinks the food at Novato's Southern Pacific Smokehouse "will have wide appeal" as a potential chain restaurant, but there are too many inconsistencies to give it more than two stars. "While some dishes can be uneven, [chef Ryan] Barnett and his crew have the barbecue items down pat. They also know how to fry...the fries are among the best around," and Alex Bachman's cocktails "can compete with any in San Francisco." So it's too bad that "a stronger hand was needed in the everyday operations. It's clear that even with all its promise, this 4-month-old concept needs a little honing before it's taken on the road." [Chron]
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