First Look: Tony Morrow’s Real Pit BBQ, College Park

Sandwiches, $$3.75-$9; plates and combos, $9-$15.50; family size, $5.50-$25; wings, $6-$10; sides, fries and salads, $2-$8.50; desserts, $2-$3.50.

3807 Main Street, 404-996-2973,

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The eponymous new restaurant from the chef of the Pecan in College Park, Tony Morrow’s is a long-time-coming homage to Morrow’s family tradition of Alabama-style pit barbecue, serving up smoked meats and soul food sides.

The look: Down along Main Street from the Pecan, the 1920s storefont has been remodeled with a mix of blonde wood and stacked stone, horsehide-covered booths and bar stools, spangly dangling lights and family memorabilia. Beyond the snug bar and dining room, there’s a huge covered patio and a courtyard with an exhibition pit.

The scene: One recent Saturday afternoon, a steady stream of friendly College Park neighbors stopped by, placing take-out orders and sipping beer, while watching football on dual TVs and chatting with the bartender. The waitstaff, dressed in black Tony Morrow T-shirts and jeans, tended to diners scattered between indoor and outdoor tables.

The menu: Choose from barbecue sandwiches, including the likes of chopped chicken ($5.50) or fried bologna ($3.75), or opt for a plate, served on a metal tray with two sides. Among the offerings, pulled pork ($9), a half chicken ($12.50), beef brisket ($13) and “The Big Bone” beef rib ($17.75). Sauces include mild sweet, hot sweet, fire hot and Alabama-style white. Among the sides, find Brunswick stew ($4.50) family recipe cole slaw ($2), collard greens ($2.50) and mac and five cheese ($2.50).

The drinks: In addition to sweet tea, lemonade and fountain sodas ($2), there are chocolate or vanilla milkshakes ($3.50). Though so far there doesn’t seem to be a printed drink menu, the full bar offers cocktails, domestic and imported beer, and a small selection of wines by the glass. You’ll also find a walk-in humidor near the bar, should you fancy an after dinner cigar with your drink.

The extras: For dessert there’s fried apple or peach pie ($2.50). The family size menu includes whole chicken ($15), half ($13) or full ($25) slabs of pork ribs, and pulled pork ($4.50/$8.50) or chopped chicken ($5.50/$10) by the half or full pound.