Bourbons Smokehouse In New Lenox Soft Opening Saturday, Sunday

NEW LENOX, IL — Fans of homemade, South Side-style barbecue have a new spot in New Lenox to get their fix: Bourbons Smokehouse. The latest New Lenox restaurant is scheduled to hold a soft opening from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at 280 E. Lincoln Highway. Bourbons Smokehouse is scheduled to hold its grand opening Wednesday.

Getting Bourbons Smokehouse ready for business was a family and friends group effort, said husband-and-wife co-owners Joe and Tanya Regiro, which fits right in with their mission to be a family-oriented restaurant that wants New Lenox to become part of their extended family.

"We took it on as a whole family," Joe Regiro said. "We have a very dedicated and loving family. Sisters, brother-in-laws, nieces, nephews, friends — everybody jumped in, and we are beyond grateful for all of the love and support we received."

Pit Master Joe Regiro has been perfecting his barbecue technique for the past 20-plus years, he said. The results? Barbecue that doesn't need sauce to taste great, though Bourbon Smokehouse does offer its own homemade sauces, too: Bold Bite, a peppery sauce with a Bourbon kick; Bourbons Sweet, also with a hint of Bourbon, but sweeter and milder than Bold Bite; Smokehouse Original, a middle-of-the-road favorite; Kickin' Dippin, a thinner sauce that brings the heat and pairs well with pork; and Mustard Rush, a mustard barbecue sauce.

"I have a strong passion and belief that the meat should stand on its own, and the sauce should be a complement to it," Joe Regiro said. "You're not going to find anything from us that's just covered and drenched in sauce and the meat has no flavor so that you need the sauce to flavor everything."

Bourbons Smokehouse has a dining area, as well as a separate, full-service bar, but patrons can order from either side regardless of where they are seated. Big-screen TVs for watching the big game are placed in both the dining and bar areas.

Bourbons Smokehouse will be offering a limited menu during the soft opening Saturday and Sunday. Menu items that will be available on those day are brisket, baby back ribs, pulled pork and select homemade sides. A build your own meal will also be available.

The menu will continue to evolve in the coming months based on feedback from customers, Tonya Regiro said.

"We're going to let the community tell us what they really need, and we're going to pivot if we need to pivot," she said.

Indoor and curbside pickup will be available for those on the go. Bourbons Smokehouse also offers catering. Those interested in catering can email catering@bourbonssmokehouse.com.

The Regiros said they are still looking to fill some part-time and full-time positions. Those interested in applying should stop by the restaurant.

For the latest updates on Bourbons Smokehouse, be sure to check out the restaurant's Facebook page and Instagram account.