Taking a ’Cue

Barbecue buffs need wait only a few days longer. The sign made by artist Kat Clear is ready, as are new Conant Metal & Light [1] fixtures. A wood smokehouse protects Betty, the 1.75-ton Southern Pride smoker [2], from the elements. All is in place for the July 10 opening of Bluebird Barbecue [3].

When Seven Days spoke to owner Sue Bette and executive chef Michael Clauss [4] on Monday, the smoker was filled with test pork butts ready to be made into pulled-pork plates and sandwiches. The menu was still being finalized, but Bette and Clauss assured us that said pork would be served in a Carolina-style cider-vinegar sauce. Ribs, brisket, sausage and sides — including vinegar-based coleslaw and pit beans — are also certainties.

Bette says most of the space, including the bar area and main dining rooms, will look pretty much as it did when it housed Bluebird Tavern [5] (which relocated to St. Paul Street). However, the front event space, formerly known as the “blue room,” has become a pub space and recreation area featuring TVs and tables for playing shufflepuck, also known as table shuffleboard. One way to work off all that meat.