Bark Barbecue is opening its first sit-down restaurant this Wednesday, July 1, at 25 Thames Street in Bushwick. The business, led by pitmaster Ruben Santana, previously operated as a pop-up in Queens and then as a food stand in Brooklyn. Now, Santana is preparing for a regular dinner crowd in a larger space between Morgan Avenue and Bogart Street.
The menu centers on Central Texan barbecue, including brisket smoked over oak and peppery pork ribs. Santana includes Dominican influences, such as arroz con gandules and chimichurri sauce, alongside classic barbecue sides. Early photos show a counter-service setup with seating for about 40.
Lunch service will not be offered at launch. Doors open at 5 p.m. and are scheduled to stay open until the meat sells out. Santana said in a statement that he expects brisket and ribs to go quickly, especially during opening week.
The new opening comes as Bushwick’s summer evenings fill with foot traffic and late-night gatherings. On Sunday, several neighbors walked by the space to look through the windows at the smoker and kitchen setup. Staff inside arranged trays and checked the temperature on the new pits.
Bark Barbecue’s expansion follows a period of pop-ups and weekend lines. Santana says he hopes the fixed location will bring more consistency for returning customers and introduce newcomers to his blend of barbecue styles.