Cool Vibes Smoke & Flame smokes BBQ with a Bahamian twist in New Braunfels

“We both have a cooking background, I love to make barbecue, and Shawn ran a food truck in the Bahamas before moving to Texas,” Levin said.

Using Dean’s expertise in the food industry and knowledge of Texas barbecue, Levin said they began catering and cooking at local community events in early 2023.

“Sometimes we would just post up on the side of the road,” Levin said.

What’s special about it

Cool Vibes Smoke & Flame fuses together authentic Bahamian flavors with Southern-style barbecue—which makes them stand out amongst other "hole-in-the-wall" eateries, Dean said.

“We try to incorporate flavors from both of our backgrounds,” he said.

Dean said their most unique additions are Caribbean coleslaw and coconut street corn.

“Nowhere else really does it like us,” Dean said. “We’re trying to provide something really diverse to this growing community.”

Also on the menu is a la carte brisket and jerk chicken tacos, filled with the coleslaw and coconut corn and lathered in a tangy, island-flavor sauce.

Cool Vibes Smoke & Flame also serves brisket, jerk chicken and jerk pork sandwiches, topped with tangy sauces.

Dean said they also sell traditional barbecue plates and offer catering with bulk ribs, pork, brisket and more.

Notable quote

Dean and Levin said they feel great how the restaurant is doing and have been thriving with its small-town feel.

“Right now, we’re really enjoying doing this small thing,” Levin said. “We just want people to know that we’re here and always will be.”

• 486 Landa St., New Braunfels
• Facebook: Cool Vibes