Things keep getting closer for the opening of 4505 BURGERS & BBQ, in the former Brother-in-Law’s/Da’ Pitt on Divisadero. I paid a visit to chef-owner Ryan Farr to check out the new digs and get some initial details on the project.
While the space isn’t camera-ready just yet, here are some notes for you. The first thing you’ll notice is all the light inside—they installed larger windows, which makes a big difference, and things are lightened up further with white subway tile and hex tiles on the floor. Farr’s wife and 4505 partner, Cesalee, chose a dark gray flannel color for the walls and a gray-blue for the ceiling (oh yeah, and there’s a glittery gold floor in the bathroom!). There’s distressed corrugated metal as well, giving things a bit of a roadhouse look, plus vintage-style fans and almost Steampunky light fixtures.
Fortunately the wood-fired pit itself was not repainted, so its decades-old patina remains intact (the building goes back to the 1930s!). You’ll be able to order a whole or half hog from the pit, and you’ll always see some hanging sausages in there too. There’s a walnut counter, and just behind it there’s a huge Southern Pride smoker (4505’s third, and largest).
The menu will be like their farmers’ market stand menu, with barbecue sandwiches, barbecue meats by the pound (hello, brisket), sausages, and of course the famous cheeseburger (all are made with locally sourced and sustainable meats). Weekend brunch will start about three months after the opening, which is when you’ll be able to get their egg sandwich. Big score: there will be a late-night burger window, open 10pm-2am on the weekends (to start).
Another cool thing: they will be serving beer and wine, and the license they got will allow for beers to be purchased on premise and brought home with you. Yup, you can get a pound o’ meat and a six-pack to go—instant party. Some potential barbecue-friendly beers on the list will include Racer 5, Anchor Steam, and Shiner Bock.
A big component to the project is the outdoor patio, which won’t be complete until June; 4505 plans to open the counter first for to-go orders—there won’t be any formal seating just yet, although there will be a small standing counter inside. The lot outside is 40 by 25 feet, and there will be a shipping container that’s converted into a seating area (there will also be skylights in it). Coming off the container will be a corrugated metal roof, with heaters (yay) and plenty of seating underneath—there will be space for 48 seats total.
Once you order inside at the counter, if you want more to eat or drink, there will be runners who will be able to assist—no need to get back in line. Kids will have a place to play (FYI, the lot itself will also be enclosed by a fence), and there will also be a bike rack. Yup, it’s all shaping up to be a very neighborhood-friendly joint. For now, the target for takeout/standing room only is Saturday May 3rd; stand by for pics and more in the next couple of weeks! Initial hours (to be finalized) may be daily 10:30am-11pm. 705 Divisadero St. at Grove.
Work in progress at the new 4505 Burgers & BBQ on Divisadero. Photo: © tablehopper.com.
