Smokin’ Hot
Although chef Andy Husbands of the South End’s Tremont 647 fame has been an award-winning barbecue pitmaster for years, he didn’t open his first proper tribute to juicy, slow-cooked meat until Kendall Square’s The Smoke Shop (thesmokeshopbbq.com) debuted in 2016. When the popular Tavern Road restaurant closed this past summer, Husbands wasted no time in filling that space (343 Congress St., 617-261-RIBS) in Boston’s Fort Point neighborhood with the second iteration of his acclaimed eatery. Expect the usual mouth-watering platters of ribs, brisket, pulled pork, savory sides and extensive whiskey selection, along with a few surprises unique to what is sure to be an area hot spot.