There’s a new option for locals eager for a fresh twist on traditional barbecue. Old City Barbecue on York Street officially opens to the public Friday, with barbecue staples like ribs alongside mac and cheese ready to be served.
“But everything’s sort of done with a twist,” said owner Vernon Geddy. That extends to dishes like crispy fried pig ears and beans cooked in the outdoor pit.
Geddy, along with fellow co-owners and chefs Mason and Gardner Brooks, opted to cook everything in a wood-fired pit instead of a gas one. It’s challenging, but there’s an art to it.
“It’s definitely the harder way to do it,” Geddy said, but it was a non-negotiable stride for the best flavor. “It’s an up-all-night-cooking kind of thing.”
Geddy said the intend to use as much of the animals as they can, serving options like pork shoulder barbecue and spicy pork belly bites. The pigs hail from Heritage Farms in Goldsboro, North Carolina.
“They raise really, really good pigs,” Geddy said. “They live happy lives.”
Old City uses local products as much as possible.
“We’re using a lot of high quality meats and produce,” Geddy said. “Everything we make is all from scratch. We’re trying to make the quality of those ingredients shine.””
There are also other options for those less interested in a pure pork experience.
“It’s definitely a place where it’s barbecue but certainly a little more inclusive than your typical barbecue place,” Geddy said.
Other options include sandwiches, tacos and a full service bar, including selections from local breweries like Alewerks on tap.
“We’ve got a lot of cool, creative stuff here that is definitely different for this area,” Geddy said. All three of Old City’s co-owners grew up in the area, and now they’re eager to spice things up. “It’s nice to be back.”
Birkenmeyer can be reached by phone at 757-790-3029.
Want to go?
Old City Barbecue, located at 700 York St., kicks off its grand opening at 11 a.m. Friday. The restaurant is open 11 a.m.-10 p.m. daily.
