Upscale BBQ Joint to Open in Former Cafe 28 Space

Call it the cloth napkin approach to barbecue.

Owner Dean Grozdich and chef Larry Tucker are opening a barbecue restaurant in the former Cafe 28 space at 1800 W Irving Park Road.

But this won't be a pit with chairs and a table, Ravenswood Q will have an upscale, but comfortable dining atmosphere, according to Grozdich.

"Most people believe barbecue should be served on paper plates on picnic tables," he said. "It's not prepared by chefs and that's why it's limited."

Tucker plans to change that by offering salmon, steak and burgers along with barbecue. But don't fear, smoked meat will still be the main event. 

Beef brisket will join pulled pork and three types of ribs, all with their own rubs and sauces.

"We'll have the best barbecued chicken in the neighborhood for sure," Tucker said.
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Ravenswood Q marks the chef's return to the barbecue scene. In 1992, he opened NN Smokehouse at 1465 W. Irving Park Road.

Nine years later, Tucker closed the restaurant and took a break from the pits.

His new venture will have pick-up along with a dine-in experience.

Grozdich is also applying for a liquor license and plans to serve wine and 12 to 15 brews.