Let's talk about the exciting news that Bark Barbecue, a beloved Dominican-style BBQ joint, has found its new home in Bushwick. This is a big deal, and I'm thrilled to dive into the details and share my thoughts on this culinary adventure.
The Rise of Bark Barbecue
Ruben Santana, the mastermind behind Bark, started his BBQ journey in a Queens garage, serving up Central Texas-style BBQ. His unique blend of Texas and Dominican cooking styles quickly gained attention, earning Bark a spot on the list of the best BBQ spots outside Texas and a feature in The New York Times for its iconic sandwiches. Santana's vision has now come to life with an impressive 8,000-square-foot restaurant in Bushwick.
A Culinary Experience
The new Bark Barbecue boasts an industrial-chic vibe with seating for 200 indoors and 90 on the patio. The heart of the operation, four powerful smokers, is on full display, a testament to Santana's commitment to slow-cooked perfection. Here, you'll find his signature dishes like low and slow brisket, pork ribs, and longaniza sausage, along with mouth-watering sandwiches. But the real star of the show is Santana's take on Dominican-style whole hog pit smoking, a tradition he honors with his unique twist.
A Taste of the Dominican Republic
Santana's menu pays homage to his Dominican roots with popular sides like arroz congrí, a family recipe, and a unique take on mac and cheese infused with adobo and Dominican oregano. New additions include Criollo-style BBQ beans with pulled pork and batata asada, a smoked sweet potato dish. The cocktail menu is a delightful fusion of classic and tropical flavors, featuring drinks like the tamarindo fizz and the watermelon highball. And let's not forget the beer selection, which includes the iconic Dominican lager, Presidente.
A Coffee Culture Experience
Bark's day program, Cafecito, brings Dominican coffee culture to the forefront. The coffee menu offers a unique twist on traditional drinks, such as Dominican cortados and iced coconut Americanos. One standout is the coco miel, a blend of coconut water, honey, sugarcane, vanilla, and espresso. Even breakfast gets a BBQ twist with tacos featuring chopped brisket, chicharron, and longaniza sausage, served with mashed plantains, eggs, salsa, and crema, all wrapped in house-made tortillas.
A Dual Experience
The good news is, you don't have to say goodbye to the Bark Barbecue location in Dumbo just yet. The market outpost will continue to operate for the next few months, giving you two opportunities to indulge in Santana's culinary creations. Cafecito opens daily at 9 am, and Bark Barbecue serves lunch starting at 11 am. The restaurant closes at 10 pm from Monday to Wednesday and midnight from Thursday to Sunday.
Final Thoughts
Bark Barbecue's expansion into Bushwick is a testament to Santana's vision and the growing popularity of Dominican-style BBQ. This new location offers a unique dining experience, blending traditional BBQ techniques with Dominican flavors and a touch of tropical flair. It's a must-visit for BBQ enthusiasts and those seeking a taste of Dominican culture. I, for one, can't wait to indulge in some of Santana's creations and explore the delicious fusion he's crafted.
