The beer is chilled, the smoker’s running clear, and the band is warming up. It’s nearly all systems go for Double D’s Honky Tonk and Smokehouse at 3941 Erie St. in Willoughby. The new restaurant from Dustin Dykstra opened to the public on May 23.
Dykstra’s goal was to completely transform the former Hola Tacos and Brim Kitchen property into a fun and funky Western-themed bar and honky tonk. He did that by installing acres of reclaimed barnwood, salvaged bourbon barrel staves, and rust-tinged corrugated steel. He filled the gaps with oversize artwork, shabby-chic chandeliers, whiskey barrels and vintage milk cans. The window to the previous tenant’s brewhouse has been concealed by a new back bar.
Chef Matt Conti, working with a beefy J&R smoker that can tackle 600 pounds of meat at a go, offers a menu built on barbecue. The stars of the show are the beef brisket, pulled pork, chicken and baby back ribs, which are smoked, beer-braised and then grilled to order. Those meats are available as sandwiches, in a bowl with cheddar grits or mac and cheese, or as part of a platter with baked beans, pickles and bread…