Ongoing pop-up Sneaky's BBQ, which for a time had a home at Rebel on Market Street, has a new permanent home in the kitchen of Southpaw BBQ (2170 Mission Street between 17th and 18th). As Southpaw announced in a press release this week, Southpaw's former chef Justin Belluomini had to step down for personal reasons, and that sent Alabama-born owner and manager Elizabeth Wells and co-owner Zack Smith on the hunt for someone new to man the smokers. Their new partner came in the form of her friend Ben Thorne of Sneaky's, and now the two operations have merged. Says Thorne, "There is an incredible team already in place at Southpaw. Their friendly service, creative cocktails, and unique house-brewed beers have made it one of my local favorites." And, he adds, after doing pop-ups for the last seven years, "I am finally ready to establish a permanent home."

This means an overhaul of the Southpaw menu with Sneaky's specialties, like Carolina-style pulled pork, dry-rubbed ribs, and delicious brisket, all taking the place of the former offerings — Sneaky's also some impressive vegan BBQ using jackfruit, FYI. But some Southpaw crowd favorites, like the smoked pulled goat, "natchez," and fried pickles will all remain.

Also, this means the possible return of Sneaky's famed Date Night — basically barbecue poutine with french fries topped with brisket, beans, cole slaw, rooster sauce, and jalapeno relish. The name, obviously, is ironic.

Says Wells, "I’ve been continuously impressed with Sneaky’s and saw a unique opportunity to have them take over our kitchen."

Smith will continue to grow the bar's whiskey program, which now boasts over 100 bottles, as well as the evolving cocktail list, and as always, the in-house brews are always on-tap and in rotation.

It should be noted, too, that Southpaw has a unique way to buy a drink for a friend who isn't there: their Cocktiles wall, where you leave a note and a drink order, pre-paid. "Take it from us," they say. "Nothing says you care like alcohol."

Southpaw BBQ - 2170 Mission Street between 17th and 18th - 415-934-9300 - Open Wednesday to Friday, 5 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 3 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.; and Monday, 5 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Previously: Best BBQ In S.F.