Plans for Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint to come to the North Main area of Columbia

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Photo by @martinsbbq

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Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint could be coming to the NoMa District. On Thursday, July 11, Columbia’s Design/Development Review Commission will review their plans to repurpose three existing buildings at 2203 Main St. (a vacant auto repair shop + two other buildings) to be the restaurant + a beer garden. They also want to redevelop an existing, remote parking lot at 2301 and 2307 Main St. The three spaces sit near Curiosity Coffee and Sweet Temptations Bakery.

Here are the proposed locations:

aerial view future martins bbq joint

Left: Restaurant and beer garden. Right: Remote parking lot. // Image via Design/Development Review Commission

And here’s what it could look like:

martins bbq joint rendering 1

Walker Westbrook, architect // Design/Development Review Commission

martins bbq joint rendering 2

Walker Westbrook, architect // Design/Development Review Commission

What is Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint?

The Tennessee-based barbecue restaurant currently has 10 locations across the Southeast – one of which is in Charleston (and the first to open in S.C.). What sets them apart from other barbecue spots – aside from being named in Southern Living’s The South’s Top 50 Barbecue Joints 2018 – is that they smoke a whole hog every single day.

They’re also known for their “Redneck Taco” – BBQ on a cornbread hoecake and topped with slaw + sauce. All their sides are made from scratch which include everything from mac n’ cheese and baked beans to cheese grits and potato salad. Most of the sides, as well as all their desserts (hello, coconut cake, pecan pie + fudge pie) are made with family recipes. Check out some of their menus here.

What do y’all think about the possibility of beer + bbq coming to NoMa?

Poll

It’s a huge missed steak (i.e. Nope)

“NoMa already has two local bbq spots. NoMa is BBQ’d out.” –anthony_j_charles

“I say “NoMa” BBQ, please!” –Amanda G.

“They are mediocre at best. Been to 2 locations in the greater nashville area. It is just a chain. How about we support @citylimits into becoming brick and mortar!!!!” –Shelby J.

“No more chains!” –@rwtalbert85

Hog-a-llujah (i.e. Yes)

“yes bring us alllll the white bbq sauce. plus any new restos in NoMa would be great!” –glennab28

“This is a much needed in this area! With the beer garden would attract other locations” –@bourbonstache85

“Would be AWESOME for that area. Especially love the beer garden idea.” –Jeremy G.

“Yes!!! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 @martinsbbq is so so good.” –@blakeneypowell

“💯💯💯” –@jwienges12

“👍🏼 Live music in the beer garden would be awesome!” –@allio84

“There can never be too many quality BBQ restaurants in Columbia!” – @BeatKentucky

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