New Orleans’ favorite BBQ restaurant may be newer to the city than some, but it’s time-honored recipes were honed through decades of dedication to the culinary craft of BBQing. Central City BBQ became a reality as a result of decades of friendship between Aaron Burgau, award-winning Chef and owner of Restaurant Patois, and his Jesuit classmate Marc Bonifacic, a third-generation restaurant owner whose grandfather operated family-owned BBQ shop and passed their passion for and expertise in the art of BBQ’ing on to him. Aaron and Marc have talked about the idea of developing and opening a restaurant together since the late 90’s, and 20 years later, the perfect location on 1201 Rampart St. finally opened up, giving them the ability to make their long-time dream a reality. They opened the doors of Central City BBQ in 2016 with the intention of serving up unmatched BBQ cuisine in a fun, funky setting that would also serve as one of the coolest, largest outdoor venues for concerts and events the city had to offer. Since it’s induction, Central City BBQ continues to accomplish all of these goals and more, welcoming three-time Hogs For The Cause Grand Champion and Top Three Ribs World Champion James Cruse Jr. to lead the team as its illustrious Pitmaster. Stop by Central City BBQ today to experience how a passion for pork that just won’t quit culminates in the best damn smoked BBQ you’ve ever tasted, bar none.
