Cinder BBQ celebrates 4 years on Upshur – a record for a restaurant on this block
/Cinder BBQ on the corner of 8th and Upshur Streets NW opened in 2019 and has thrived in the neighborhood
by Ashley Cobb
To make it through a pandemic as a new restaurant is no major feat. Cinder BBQ may have been barely a year old when COVID-19 began wreaking havoc on a global scale, forcing many restaurants to shut down or take more creative measures to stay afloat. I remember scrolling through Instagram in 2020 and seeing Cinder’s call for community action. If they were to survive this pandemic intact, they needed the community to come out and support them – just as they were giving meals away to those who needed it.
That meant that although you couldn’t dine in, you could place your order, pick it up outside and enjoy the goodness at home. I was nine months pregnant and definitely had my fair share of pick-up orders.
Fast forward to April 2023. It is safe to say Cinder BBQ has made it through the pandemic and is happily celebrating its 4th anniversary. In talking with co-owner Matt Krimm, he shared similar sentiments in discussing the success of Cinder BBQ. When asked what about the restaurant that has captivated the heart of the neighborhood (and beyond), Matt stated that despite the growing pains and hiccups that may have reared their heads, “Being the only restaurant on the block to remain open throughout the entirety of the pandemic” played an enormous role in their relationship with the community.
Not only did Cinder BBQ never close, but it also became a neighborhood staple where friends and families could safely gather outside to eat and donate money so Cinder BBQ could provide meals for others. The mutual support helped solidify the relationship we see today. Only Dannie’s carry out and Timber Pizza have been on the block longer as restaurants.
So, what does the future hold when you are a four-year old community success story? Matt said he wants to expand Cinder’s collaborations in the area and work with other spots to help promote business for everyone.
Currently, they are supplying roast beef to Little Food Studio for a “bomb sandwich” and corned beef to Johnny’s All-American. With many ideas coming to fruition, one to be on the lookout for is Cinder BBQ’s bourbon barrel collaboration with Timber Pizza. Talk about merging greatness!
The Beef shorties — beef ribs — are a popular special that pops up on the menu.
If you want to try some of the fan favorites, I hear the community loves the smoked and fried wings, their best-selling appetizers, and the Texas-Style brisket that tops the entree orders.
Chef Ciara is always whipping up new ideas in the kitchen, so be sure to check the menu for their daily specials if you want to try something new.
Cinder BBQ
800 Upshur Street NW
CinderBBQ.com
