Fast-Casual Barbecue Joint Coming to Carlsbad

Home already to Bird Rock Coffee Roasters, Richard Walker’s Pancake House, and Casero Taqueria, with Mendocino Farms and Giaola’s Italian Kitchen on the way, The Square at Bressi Ranch will soon be adding another fast-casual eatery to the mix; called WR Kitchen & Bar, it’s an offshoot of Mission Valley’s Wood Ranch barbecue and grill, a SoCal chain.

The Carlsbad opening follows the first-ever WR Kitchen & Bar, which debuted this past spring in Laguna Nigel. Scheduled to launch later this fall, the 3,900-square-foot Bressi Ranch outpost will revolve around a wood-fired open kitchen, with seating for 150 across the dining room, bar, and patio.

Its counter-service menu offers staples from the Wood Ranch menu, from pasture-raised tri-tip to baby back ribs, Carolina pulled pork, and fire-roasted chicken, with newly-added items including tacos with wood-grilled salmon, roasted cauliflower, and smoked brisket. Other dishes range from salads to sandwiches, burgers, and snacks such as wood-grilled shishito peppers and crispy shredded onions. The casual eatery will also feature a full bar, pouring 12 draft beers, wine, and cocktails that include a frozen rose slushy and a classic Old Fashioned and margarita.