Up in BBQ smoke
we got a BBQ place and yesterday we lost it
12/31/2010 12:37 PM
I was thrilled when we got a for-real barbecued rib joint in the neighborhood recently: Ole' Hardwood at 13th and Wabash. Yesterday we lost it. In a fire. It was the third restaurant in the space, coming after an upscale tapas place and an upscale Caribbean place. I used to peek in when they were building out the space and the kitchen appeared awfully small--but maybe I wasn't taking it in properly.
The warehouse/loft-type structure that contained the restaurant space also houses small businesses and do-gooder organizations such as Independant Voters of Illinois and Chicago Coalition for the Homeless. Both organizations say they will re-open early next week.
The Police Department says the fire is suspicious, according to news reports. It's worth noting that two dismal reviews of the restaurant came out recently in the Reader and in Time Out Chicago. I'm just sayin'.
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By Stephen Reginald from South Loop
Posted: 01/03/2011 11:17 AM
It's a shame that it's gone. I ate there on three occasions and had a pleasant experience each time. The food was good (a little pricey, perhaps) and the wait staff was friendly. What more could you want?