New Details on BJ Smith's Upcoming Smokehouse Tavern

BJ Smith, chef-owner of Smokehouse 21, is on track to open his Smokehouse Tavern on SE Morrison, near Nostrana, in early March. And he recently divulged a handful of tasty details.

As we reported in November, the 55-seat space, which includes a bar that seats 20, will be designed by Smith's fiancee, fashion designer and Project Runway champ Michelle Lesniak. Working the front of the house will be Peter Strolis, previously of Shanghai Tunnel, Sen Yai and Trifecta Tavern. They'll show select sports games on the flat-screen TV and offer game-day specials like $2 ribs. When the weather's nice, the outdoor patio will seat 10.

Although the menu will have the same favorites as the original Smokehouse 21, the larger, open kitchen is inspiring a much larger menu. There will be a deep fryer for things like pulled pork poutine with smoked cheese curds. A butchering area will allow Smith to order a whole animal each week and break it down for nose-to-tail specials. And the weekend brunch will offer dishes like brisket benedicts, pulled pork hash, and shrimp 'n' grits.

Smokehouse Tavern will be open daily for lunch and dinner starting at 11:30 a.m., with the full menu available until closing at midnight.

Smokehouse Tavern (opening March, 2015): 1401 S.E. Morrison St., Ste. 117, Portland.