Wildwood: Pit master “Big Lou” Elrose has come a long way from his Ozone Park lunch wagon; the 6’4 Brooklyn-born behemoth has now transferred from Hill Country to this new Park Avenue South barbecue restaurant, part of the B.R. Guest empire. The atmosphere is urban industrial and reclaimed rustic, with high ceilings and a 50-foot-long bar. Big Lou’s famous ribs, pork brisket, pulled pork and smoked chicken can be paired with such sides as Cast Iron Honey Cornbread or even vegetarian chili with smoked tofu. Blogger Beef Aficionado says Wildwood’s “beef brisket was absolutely superb. Even better than the brisket was the massive beef short rib which had a wonderful caramelized crust and comes served on a Bowe knife sized bone.” 225 Park Avenue South, (212) 533-2500.
Barrio: This new casual-chic Mexican restaurant in north Park Slope could give La Taqueria a run for its money. For one thing, it’s got a nice little bar, where, according to Andrea Strong, watermelon, tamarind, and prickly pear margaritas are ripe for the plucking. On the menu are black bean and sweet plantain empanadas with Oaxacan cheese and tomatillo salsa, a Puebla pork tenderloin with corn flan and finished in a chili arbol peanut mole, and a Baked Vegetarian Enchilada, among other things. And until April 30th, the owners are enticing the locals with a 15% discount. 210 Seventh Avenue @ 3rd Street, 718-965-4000.
Bourbon Street Bar and Grill: Opening tonight, this one might be worth remembering next time you’re in the theater district with time to kill. The two-story homage to the French Quarter looks like it’s got a lot going for it: plush sofas, a back patio, and a mahogany bar, with the main draw sure to be a second floor balcony where drinkers can toss cheap beads down on the tourists clogging 46th Street. The menu has Po’ Boys galore – ranging from oyster to “roast beef debris” – and entrees including a seafood platter, shrimp creole, pork chops and lamb. Thrillist has the menu. 346 West 46th St, (212) 245-2030.
