New York is getting a legit Texas barbecue joint this summer, thanks to acclaimed Lone Star pitmasters Jonny White and Chuck Charnichart. Their respective restaurants — Goldee’s in Fort Worth and Barbs B Q in Lockhart — are some of the best barbecue joints in the country over the last several years, with Michelin nods, James Beard nominations, notable publication recognitions, and much more. The two are opening Kirbee’s in Greenpoint at 55 McGuinness Boulevard South, between Engert Avenue and Newton Street, on Sunday, August 30.
Much like the way barbecue works in Texas — where it’s a lunchtime meal when people tend to line up very early for smoked meats — Kirbee’s is a daytime spot. Its first day is limited service, running from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The restaurant will fully open starting on Labor Day weekend, from Friday, September 4 through Sunday, September 6. The restaurant is named after White’s dog and the very hungry pink video game character.
Kirbee’s menu showcases what each pitmaster does well. Charnichart’s barbecue plate will feature her South Texan and Mexican takes on barbecue: pork ribs with lime zest, brisket with Mexican spices, charro beans, and the iconic green spaghetti. White’s is more modern, with brisket, ribs, turkey, potato salad, and coleslaw. Each will include pickles and bread.
For dessert, find chocolate pudding (from Barbs) and banana pudding (from Goldee’s), with an optional swirl of the two.
Kirbee’s will work like a true Texas barbecue: People will line up outside and place their orders at the first window; their orders will be cut up and plated inside; and then they’ll pick up their trays at the second window; after which they can either find a table in the 24-seat dining room. They worked with design company Bolt for the space (formerly Peeps Kitchen, which relocated).
They had previewed their plates with a pop-up at East Village’s Bar Snack on Tuesday, August 11.