The mural in the back room of Cinder goes from grey into full color as it moves toward the light of the windows. You might recognize the firestation at the center…

According to owners Matt Krim, John Anderson and Bill Coleman, what they want Cinder BBQ to be is a neighborhood hang out. Nothing fancy or formal, just really good food in a really comfortable environment.

The space at 800 Upshur Street NW has evolved into just that — a great local BBQ joint with great food.

With dry-rubbed spices (sauces on the side), the ribs melt off the bone, the pulled pork and chicken sandwiches taste amazing, and the brisket — well, as a boy raised in Texas, I can say this is good brisket.

On the menu you’ll find exactly what you’d expect for a barbeque joint, from sandwiches to collared greens, mac and cheese to Angus burgers. The beef rib is insanely good (trust me, I’ve tasted it and one rib is a full meal on its own). There are a few vegetarian items on the menu, and kids have their own menu as well. From experience, most of the food isn’t too spicy, but you’ll want to try out the menu for yourself — it’ll be a fun hobby.

Pulled pork, pulled chicken and brisket sandwiches. (photo: Cinder BBQ)

If you’re a bourbon or whiskey fan, you’ll find a new home at their bar. They have a lot of pride in their collection of whiskies and bourbons (100 different types), with prices that go across the spectrum, from $8 up to $48 for the Yamazaki 18 year. Through a special partnership with Willett Distillery, they’re offering a rotating collection of Willett bourbons and whiskies that they call “the Willett 3.”

You can also get wines by the glass, beer from 3 Stars and other breweries, as well as cocktails.

Right now they are dine-in and take-out only (you can call ahead to order take-out and stop by to pick it up), and they plan to set up delivery soon. Likewise catering will be coming soon — it’s a specialty of Pit Master Bill Coleman who owned a barbeque catering business for almost two decades.

They open for the public on Saturday, April 13th at 5pm. Then going forward, they’ll be open at 5pm Wednesday through Sunday, closed on Mondays and Tuesdays for now. They hope to open for lunch/brunch in the coming weeks as they get settled. The patio will be available for outdoor seating (though the huge windows that open up along Upshur make sitting inside feel like being on a patio).

Find them online at CinderBBQ.com and follow them on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.