Remember the plans, three years old by now, to open a rib shack in the space formerly occupied by Evos Arts Institute on Middle St. in Lowell? Well it's back on. Since the first of the year, a work crew has been inside the formidable, historic bldg. filling up dumpsters, looking at plans and clearing the space for rehab. A foreman told a source close to GG that the Village Smokehouse will open in early spring, April. This could be the shot in the arm the downtown needs to get it humming again. The owners whose Village Smokehouse in quaint Brookline Village has been an institution for several decades, will do this former textile storage hall justice. The Brookline spot has an open kitchen, bar w/ umpteen beers on tap, great ribs, pulled pork and chick sands. all tied up in a winning, laid-back atmosphere. Trust me this will be a dining destination.
Stay tuned to this blog for updates. I'm on the rib joint case!
Good work GG. Although I prefer to call it the old Smithwicks.
FABULOUS! I am so excited. We we bummed last year when we noticed work had come to a stop.
I loved that bar even when it was smithwicks, its a great space.
Jalapeneuya~~~~!!!!!!!!
No offense, but I would hardly call the Village Smokehouse "great". It may have been around for a long time, but they don't even have real smokers, I believe. I will be glad something is going in there, but don't hold your breath for great BBQ.
This is great news. Middle street was so alive when Evos was open and over the last couple years the street has lost some of its luster, though it still has some great spots at either end. The village smokehouse will be a welcome addition to the downtown scene. It will hopefully also attract diners from neighboring towns since good BBQ is hard to find!