Grand Ole BBQ Sets Grand Opening in East County

At long last, Grand Ole BBQ Flinn Springs is scheduled to open to the public this Wednesday, January 30. Eater got an early look at East County’s new barbecue palace last fall; take a tour of the 15,000-square-foot dining and entertainment venue.

A partnership between local hospitality group Social Syndicate (The Local, Wonderland Ocean Pub, The Rabbit Hole) and restaurateur Andy Harris, it’s an extension of Harris’ original Grande Ole BBQ y Asado in North Park. A pitmaster with considerable skills, Harris is known for Central Texas barbecue ranging from house specialty brisket and pulled pork to smoked turkey breast and hot links available by the pound or in a sandwich. He and his team will tend to a collection of smokers and grills to feed the 400-seat venue, which encompasses a dining room, cocktail bar, and a huge outdoor space set up with picnic tables, firepits, and a stage for live music.

In addition to smoked meat, the kitchen (led by chef Ami Cisneros of JRDN and Pacific Standard Coastal Kitchen) will serve a comprehensive menu that includes prime steaks served with béarnaise, bordelaise, or chimichurri sauce, burgers, house-smoked salmon, bar snacks like Frito Pie and chili-topped nachos, and weekend brunch. Open daily for lunch and dinner, Grand Ole BBQ Flinn Springs will stay open until midnight Sunday through Thursday and until 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday, although the kitchen will close earlier.

Its lineup of live music kicks off this weekend, with Bluegrass Friday on February 1 with The Draught Tolerant band. On Saturday, February 2 from noon to 3:30 p.m., The Dave Gleason Trio will be followed by Sara Petite from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Trevor McSpadden will be playing from noon to 3:30 p.m. on Superbowl Sunday.

Haley Hill Photography

Haley Hill Photography

Haley Hill Photography