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Southeast Portland is losing a light-therapy bar, but gaining some of the city's best barbecue.
Willamette Week reports that BJ Smith, chef-owner of Smokehouse 21, is taking over the Lightbar space and opening Smokehouse Tavern this spring, a bigger, 50-seat version of his popular barbecue place on NW 21st.
Smith will have two partners in the project: Andrew Hansen, and Smith's fiancee, fashion designer and Project Runway champ Michelle Lesniak, who will be designing the interior as well as the staff's uniforms.
Smith says the tavern will have a similar menu as the original outpost, but will have a larger kitchen that will provide more space for new bar snacks and, most importantly, weekend brunch. Expect with five to six brunch specials in addition to the regular menu, plus brunch-y cocktails.
In addition to the expanded kitchen and dining room, Smokehouse Tavern will have patio seating, a television for select sports games (i.e. Blazers and football), and it'll be open daily for lunch and dinner starting at 11:30 a.m., with the full menu available until closing at midnight.
Smokehouse Tavern (tentative opening date March 1, 2015): 1401 S.E. Morrison St., Portland.
