HUNTSVILLE – There is certainly no shortage of barbecue joints in the South, where some states, regions and even large cities stake claims to a certain style.
In the MidCity District in west Huntsville, the newest restaurant to open at the city’s entertainment and mixed-use complex brings a unique blend of the culinary favorite to the Tennessee Valley.
Blue Oak BBQ, a New Orleans-based restaurant serving Southern-style pork with Crescent City flair, is now open.
“We see ourselves like a big pot of gumbo and take that approach in the way we cook, drawing inspiration from all regions and walks of life,” said Ronnie Evans, who co-owns Blue Oak with Phillip Moseley. “Our specialty is taking dishes that everyone knows and loves, and preparing them in a way that’s a bit more interesting. Joining Huntsville’s growing culinary scene is
an honor and we can’t wait to share our food with this community.”
Now open at 1000 Mid City Drive, the restaurant features everything from slow-smoked spare ribs, pulled pork and brisket to wings, gumbo, crispy pork belly cracklins, chili-glazed Brussels sprouts and spicy chicken sandwiches.
According to a news release, the menu “mirrors the Big Easy in its diversity and creativity, drawing on International flavor profiles, as well as those from across the Southeast like Louisiana, Texas, Tennessee, North and South Carolina and, naturally, North Alabama.’’
Similar to the menu, the architecture and interior design of Blue Oak BBQ finds its influence steeped in New Orleans culture with distinct elements found in MidCity, the French Quarter, Marigny, Bywater, and the Warehouse District. Guests can also enjoy a spacious patio with outdoor seating, more than a dozen TVs, a 12-foot projector screen and a large walk-up bar area.
MidCity District developer RCP Companies states it is committed to bringing notable restaurateurs to Huntsville, which is quickly turning the area into a hotspot for innovative, original culinary concepts. Alongside local operating partner Octo Hospitality, RCP Companies’ addition of Blue Oak BBQ and the restaurant’s choice to make Huntsville its second home reaffirms the growing dining scene in Rocket City.
“The energy that Blue Oak BBQ has already brought to MidCity is truly remarkable and I can’t wait for locals to experience it,” said Max Grelier, co-founder of RCP Companies. “The inventive flavors, the ambiance of the surroundings and the creative mindset behind Ronnie and Phil is a perfect fit for our community and something we’ve been looking for. They’ve built a significant reputation in New Orleans and we’re thrilled to have them as part of the MidCity family.”
Blue Oak BBQ is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and will soon be open seven days a week with late nights and live music. In addition, the restaurant will begin hosting happy hour Wednesday through Friday from 3-6 p.m. with food and drink specials.
To learn more, visit blueoakbbq.com or follow them @blueoakbbq on Instagram, X and Facebook.
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