Name: J&J Bar-B-Que
Neighbourhood: Kensington Market
Contact: 193 Baldwin St., 416-531-4227, @jandjbarbque
Previously: Thomas Lavers Cannery and Delicatessen
Owners and chefs: Jonathon Lucas (The Harbord Room, Ursa) and Jay Moore (Momofuku Shoto, Ursa, Petite Thuet, Sushi Kaji)
Central Texas–style barbecue (turkey, brisket, beef ribs, pulled pork, house-made sausages) that’s smoked over white oak in wood-burning smokers. “It’s a purer style of barbecue that only needs a little salt and pepper,” Moore says. “There’s nothing to hide behind.” J&J also serves a couple of extreme sandwiches, like a smoked beef–stuffed pretzel bun, and chopped brisket between jalapeño-bacon danishes. The shop opens at 11 a.m., and closes when everything’s sold out (usually around 2:30 p.m.).
Fountain pop, including Big Red, a cream soda–type drink imported from the States, and sweet tea. There’s also Topo Chico sparkling water, which Lucas says is synonymous with barbecue in Texas.
The long room features take-away and butcher counters, as well as a communal high-top table—there’s no sit-down dining here.
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