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THE BBQ SHACK

Updated

Phone: (646) 750-1382

Address: 85-06 PITKIN AVENUE 11417

TLDR

Iconic Texas-meets-Dominican BBQ. Features mouthwatering smoked brisket, crispy chicharrón, and unique sides in a lively Bushwick space.

Reddit Sentiment for THE BBQ SHACK(based on 6 Reddit opinions)

83% Positive17% Neutral

Tags

dominican 12american 6texan 5brisket 9pork ribs 8barbecue 7View All

Neighborhoods

Ozone Park

Instagram Posts References

The reviewer visits Bark Barbecue, described as NYC's most viral BBQ restaurant, which combines Texas-style BBQ with Dominican flavors. They highlight several dishes including the smoke barbecue brisket, carnitas, mac and cheese, fried plantains ('tres golpes'), and burgers. The restaurant's ambiance is noted as impressive, leaving the reviewer speechless and earning a perfect 10/10 score. The reviewer strongly recommends adding it to a list of places to visit in New York City.

Bark Barbecue is enthusiastically reviewed as a fusion of Dominican flavors and serious Texas barbecue techniques. The establishment, founded by Froilan Santana, has a new, beautiful, and vibey location in Bushwick. Highlights include the 'ridiculously juicy' brisket, ribs, chicharron, and other meats like carnitas, often served over crispy tostones. Traditional Dominican sides like moro (rice and beans) and queso frito, alongside classic barbecue sides like mac & cheese, are also praised. The restaurant features a cafecito bar and a lineup of unique drinks made with soju, reflecting a real-life 'colmado' atmosphere. The overall experience is celebrated for authentically representing Dominican culture through its barbecue, making it a must-visit spot in New York.

Bark Barbecue has expanded with a new, large, and aesthetically pleasing location in Bushwick, Brooklyn, which was previously only available at the Time Out Market in DUMBO. The restaurant is known for its Texas-style barbecue infused with Dominican flavors, emphasizing the 'bark'—the rich, dark crust formed by low and slow wood-smoking. The post details several menu items, including the Beef Rib, Mac & Cheese, and Torta Dominicana, offering specific price points for some dishes. While many items received high praise, there were some critiques, such as the Pork Ribs being slightly dry in parts and the Torta Dominicana lacking in moisture and having a coarse texture. Overall, the new location is presented as a significant addition to NYC's barbecue scene, especially for those seeking a unique take on traditional Texas BBQ.

Bark Barbecue is presented as 'the Dominican American Dream' realized by owner Ruben Santana, now operating in its largest and most aesthetically pleasing location in Bushwick. The establishment prides itself on serving what is hailed as the 'best barbecue sandwich in New York City,' specifically the chopped brisket and chicharron sandwich. The meats are consistently described as falling apart in one's mouth, with the brisket sandwich being exceptionally juicy and complemented by the added crunch of chicharron. The pork ribs are noted for their perfect bark and tenderness, while the smoke carnitas are rich with swirling flavors. The restaurant's design elevates the dining experience, featuring custom-fitted pits for smoking meats and a front-of-house colmado and cocktail bar, creating an inviting aroma that greets customers upon entry.

This post raves about Bark Barbecue, a restaurant in Bushwick, Brooklyn, that offers a unique Texan-Dominican whole hog barbecue experience. The description specifically mentions succulent pork ribs and a delightful honey-butter-brushed cornbread, painting a picture of a must-try destination for barbecue enthusiasts.

Bark Barbecue, a highly regarded barbecue spot previously known from Time Out Market, has opened a new brick-and-mortar location in Bushwick. This establishment uniquely combines Dominican culinary influences with traditional Texas BBQ techniques, offering a distinctive fusion. The menu features signature items like smoked brisket, chicharrón, and a 'tres golpes' sandwich, alongside sides such as mac & cheese and maduros. The new venue provides a full experience with cocktails and cafecito, and boasts a patio for outdoor dining. The grand opening is scheduled for July 1st.

Featured Articles

Dedicated reviews and comprehensive features focusing directly on this restaurant.

positive

Bark is a new Dominican-inflected barbecue joint in Bushwick that offers a unique "New York state of mind" smoking experience with bold, vibrant flavors.

Aug 5, 2026
Read More →
Grubstreet
The Resy Hit List: The Restaurants to Know in New York This August
positive

Resy explores Bark Barbecue, where chef Ruben Santana serves unique Dominican Texas-style barbecue in a sprawling new Bushwick space.

Aug 2, 2026
New Brooklyn Restaurant Spotlights Central Texan Barbecue With Dominican Flair
very positive

Pitmaster Ruben Santana brings his acclaimed fusion of Central Texan barbecue and Dominican flavors to a new, sprawling 8,000-square-foot permanent home in Bushwick.

Jun 29, 2026
Bark
positive

Will Hartman reviews Bark, a unique Dominican-Texan barbecue spot in Bushwick that serves smoked meats alongside Caribbean staples like tostones and chicharrón.

Will HartmanJan 6, 2026
Read More →
Infatuation

Other Article Mentions

Lists, round-ups, and guides where this restaurant is mentioned alongside others.

Mentioned In
positive

An exploration of Texas-Dominican BBQ, with a special recommendation for the flavorful Tres Golpes sandwich.

Jul 29, 2026
Read More →
Infatuation
Mentioned In
The NYC Restaurant Openings Heatmap: July 2026
positive

A full-service transition for the popular pop-up, serving Central Texan barbecue infused with Dominican flavors.

Eater StaffJul 1, 2026

Details

This Bushwick destination masterfully fuses Central Texan low-and-slow smoking techniques with vibrant Dominican culinary traditions [2], [5]. Pitmaster Ruben Santana elevates the barbecue experience by offering standout smoked meats like juicy brisket and cerdo a la leña alongside culturally inspired sides [3], [5]. The spacious, industrial-style venue serves as a communal hub that features a full cocktail bar and café program [2], [5].

Food Overview

The menu centers on perfectly smoked meats that highlight a unique cross-cultural flair, with the 'Tres Golpes' sandwich and carnitas consistently earning high praise [3], [4], [5]. Sides are equally celebrated, particularly the creamy mac & cheese and flavorful arroz congri [4], [5]. While most offerings like the beef rib and chicharrón are hits, experiences with the torta dominicana have been mixed [4].

Highlights / Recommended

Mentioned Dishes:

  • pork ribs(3)
  • tres golpes sandwich(3)
  • mac & cheese(3)
  • brisket(3)
  • carnitas(3)
  • ribs(2)

Customer Sentiment

Patrons are overwhelmingly enthusiastic about the authentic fusion and high-quality meats, frequently labeling it a must-visit spot in NYC [5], [6]. While most feedback is glowing, some note that minor inconsistencies can occasionally occur with certain items or availability due to high demand [4], [5].

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