SWEET CHEEKS 1381 Boylston St., Boston
617-266-1300
www.sweetcheeksq.com
Chef Tiffani Faison, of “Top Chef’’ and Rocca fame, brings barbecue and Southern hospitality to the Fenway neighborhood. Sweet Cheeks opened two weeks ago in the space formerly occupied by Cambridge 1. Loud and open, with music blasting, the restaurant is outfitted with communal high-top tables made from recycled church doors and bowling lanes. Drinks are served in Mason jars, food on brown paper in metal trays. In the spring, the outdoor beer garden will come into play. Yes, there is a porch swing.
The menu features pulled pork, ribs, brisket, pork belly, turkey legs, and more, available a la carte, in sandwiches, or in combos with sides included. The meat is prepared in “Tootsie,’’ a 4,700-pound J&R smoker Faison nicknamed in honor of one of the country’s oldest female pitmasters, Tootsie Tomanetz of Snow’s BBQ in Lexington, Texas. Sides include macaroni and cheese, heirloom BBQ beans, broccoli-cheese casserole, fried okra, and coleslaw. To drink, you’ll find cocktails such as the Damn Yankee (bourbon, maple liqueur, and maple bitters) and the Dollywood (vodka, lemon cordial, lemon juice, and sparkling wine), as well as beers from PBR to Rogue Shakespeare stout.
