PlanJam!From your screen to the scene

Honky Tonk Barbecue is a delicious, no-frills barbecue joint, which upgraded from a portable smoker and catering service. I would recommend it for a date because of its excellent food, relaxed atmosphere and frequent live music.

Don’t be put off by the plain metal doorway at 18th and Racine, the interior is bright and comfy with light wood tables, swinging shutter doors and local art on the walls. Two types of barbecue sauce - smoky and sweet - bring out the best in the beef brisket and pulled pork. My favorite meal here is the half chicken (whole ones are also available) fresh - never frozen - and succulent. All chicken here is free-range; owner Willie Wagner prides himself on natural meat and Memphis-style barbecue. Free-range doesn’t mean high-priced here; most menu items are under ten dollars with your choice of two side dishes.

The side dishes include baked beans, coleslaw, corn on the cob and Mexican style cornbread with a few kernels baked in. The salad of jicama, walnuts and mixed greens calls itself “What Your Girlfriend Wants.” If you and your date like beer with your barbecue, you’re in luck; Honky Tonk is BYOB. Some regulars were sharing a bottle of wine when I visited, but the two dining rooms weren’t overcrowded or too loud. The restaurant seats 60. Menu items, such as salads and sides sometimes rotate and all are house-made. The applewood-smoked pork spare ribs never disappoint. Bratwurst, hamburgers and cheeseburgers and pulled pork and brisket sandwiches arrive on fresh rolls with your choice of sauces.

Local country, blues and jazz bands play here a few nights a week. Every Friday night you can hear the Northside Southpaws, John Hasbrouck and Matt Gandurski, a left-handed duo playing “archaic country and obsolete ragtime” on a steel guitar and mandolin. Their mellow waltzes and fun folk songs mix well with the delicious old-fashioned meals. A row of old theater seats provides extra spots for watching shows.

If you or your date live near Honky Tonk, call for delivery. Catering remains available for special events. No matter how many take-out and delivery orders people call for, servers are smiling and friendly.