Wood Shop BBQ Fills Central District with Smell of Smoked Meat

On Saturday, as tens of thousands of people were gathering in Judkins Park for the Women’s March, the Central District’s new barbecue restaurant was quietly opening on Jackson Street.

Wood Shop BBQ, a venture from Matthew Davis and James Barrington, launched as a food truck in December 2014 peddling a blend of Kansas City- and Texas-style barbecue. In August last year, the duo announced plans to open a brick-and-mortar restaurant at 2513 S Jackson Street, next to The Atlantic and across the street from Standard Brewing.

Now, Wood Shop is ready to serve. Expect a menu similar to that of the truck, with post oak- and hickory-smoked brisket, pulled pork, beef ribs, hot links, and Polish sausage available by the pound or in a sandwich format. There are also mac and cheese bowls served with a hunk of meat and Wood Shop’s original sauce.

The restaurant is also offering a drinks-only happy hour menu, with the food portion being rolled out later. As the staff gets the hang of things, Wood Shop will expand hours and add brunch, hopefully by spring.

Right now, the drink selection includes house cocktails and draft beers from local breweries, including neighboring Standard Brewing. There, owner Justin Gerardy has created a special hickory-smoked sour beer just for Wood Shop. Should you desire more than just a couple of Standard’s beers, simply order your barbecue to go and head across the street to eat at the brewery.

2513 S. Jackson St, website. Open Monday to Friday 4 p.m. to midnight, Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. to midnight. Food service ends at 10 p.m. or when the food sells out, whichever comes first.