New smokehouse brings Memphis-style barbecue to SLO County. What’s on the menu?

There’s a new barbecue joint in town: Chef Gregory’s BBQ Smokehouse opened in Atascadero at the start of June, bringing authentic Memphis-style barbecue from pitmaster Gregory Kalatsky.

The restaurant also has a second name — Chef G Ques — which Kalatsky said comes from southern slang for barbecue.

According to a news release, the idea behind the restaurant has been simmering for four years.

The new location, which opened June 1, will feature a restaurant with a spacious patio area where guests could enjoy cold beers and wines with hearty baby back ribs, smoked pork belly or barbecue chicken.

“We are thrilled to finally open our doors in Atascadero and share our love for authentic barbecue with the community,” Kalatsky said in the release. “We invite everyone to come and experience the flavors of Memphis right here on the West Coast.”

Chef Gregory’s BBQ Smokehouse became an addition to Kalatsky’s other food businesses, namely his condiments and peanut brittle line, as well as gourmet catering for weddings, rehearsals and other events. The chef said he’ll also offer his same chocolate puddle brownie cake, world-famous peanut brittle and spices that are also available online.

Though Kalatsky gave shoutouts to barbecue stalwarts Jeffry’s Wine Country BBQ and Big Bubba’s Bad BBQ in Paso Robles, he said he thinks locals will be receptive to more smokehouses in Atascadero.

“I think that people are jonesing for a barbecue place because there is not one,” Kalatsky said.

Kalatsky first joined the world of barbecue in 1999 when he competed in the Memphis in May World Championship BBQ Cooking Contest.

A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, he further refined his culinary skills in Europe, training under three-star Michelin chef Heinz Winkler, according to the release.

Kalatsky draws inspiration from his time in Germany, Hawaii and now the Central Coast, perfecting his craft in gourmet dressings, dipping sauces and barbecue.

“I’ve been around the block, been around the world for that matter, worked in different places,” Kalatsky said. “Right now, we’re just doing the simple fun stuff.”

What’s on the menu?

The Chef Gregory’s menu features an array of traditional barbecue mains and sides, such as slow-cooked baked beans, coleslaw, slow-roasted and smoked pork belly.

The restaurant’s slow-smoked baby back ribs are cooked for nearly three-and-a-half hours to achieve a perfect blend of tenderness and flavor. The menu also features barbecue chicken and a barbecue pork sandwich, coming in different sizes with sides.

Kalatsky said business has increased since opening and that his recipes may even be able to change some hearts and tastes.

For example, one customer said she didn’t care for coleslaw, until she tried Chef Gregory’s, he said.

“She said that she’s only coming in here for coleslaw from now on,” Kalatsky said.

For more information

Chef Gregory’s BBQ Smokehouse, aka Chef G Ques, is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 6550 El Camino Real, Atascadero.

For more information, visit chefgquesbbq.com or follow the business on Facebook.