Cherry Street Bar-B-Que is serving up its Toronto takes on Southern-style barbecue at Assembly Chef’s Hall.

Owner and pit master Lawrence La Pianta has specialized in wood-smoked BBQ for over 20 years. His other location is in the Port Lands.

No marination happens here; as per traditional Texas style barbecue, the meats served at Bar-B-Que get their flavour from rubs. Options include brisket, baby back ribs, pulled pork, and turkey, which can be mixed and matched in different portions on custom platters.

It’s definitely a sight to watch Lawrence shave off a juicy, quivering piece of brisket ($14.95 per half pound) and put it on your plate. Marinated with a simple rub of salt and pepper, the brisket is flavourful and juicy, which is not what you’d expect with so few spices.

The pulled pork ($11.95 per half pound) was my favourite. Incredibly moist, this dish will definitely leave a mess on your platter. Fruit juice is a key ingredient to the pork and lends to its sweet sauciness.

Another option for your platter, the baby back ribs, are full of flavour, with meat that easily falls off the bone. A full rack of ribs is $48; for half, $25. 

Approaching the checkout you’ll see two types of hot sauce available: the sticky sweet and the sriracha honey, both which are made in-house. For an extra $4.95 you can add a side of bowl of slaw, BBQ beans, or potato salad to your meal.