When Alleycatz closed down in the summer of 2020, it left a gaping hole in the Yonge and Eglinton live music scene. But, now, a new locally-owned restaurant, Benny’s Barbecue is giving the space some life again.
On Wednesdays through Sundays, the craft smokehouse serves up carefully smoked goodness from 11:30 to 8:30, or until the restaurant runs out of meat. Menu options include barbecue platters, brisket (both lean and fatty), pulled pork, smoked turkey breast, ribs and more. And, each order comes with a side of pickles, coleslaw and fresh buns, with all Texas barbecue recipes crafted by Chef Ben Slan himself, with assistant pitmaster Andrew Golden helping to manage the barbecue reins.
In May 2021, Benny’s Barbecue started as a catering and delivery business with weekly pickups out of Slan’s parents’ basement. But, with success, it has expanded to include a dine-in and take out option at the new 2409 Yonge Street space, where the building is tucked into an alley and surrounded by other eateries (of course, this setup is where Alleycatz got the name). The new space officially openedon March 9 (after a soft launch about a week earlier), and will feature rotating dine-in specials as time goes on.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CbDxg6gO-M2/
For savoury sweet treats, Benny’s Barbecue hired a baker, who’s expertise brings goods like cheesy jalapeno cornbread and s’mores pie to the Benny’s menu, adding a decadent finish to Texas barbecue.
To turn Alleycatz into Benny’s Barbecue, the space underwent some renovations, including changing the flooring and adding some bright paint colours to the walls to create a more open space. But, odes to the Mediterranean eatery and live jazz club still remain in the new barbecue restaurant, like the massive wood bar and the stone wall.