In some excellent news for Fillmore district denizens and fans of barbecue, the fast-casual barbecue spinoff of 1300 on Fillmore, Black Bark BBQ, is just a few weeks from opening. This marks a bit of a delay — last we heard, the place was aiming for a September opening — but Eater now reports that the debut is set for December 3. The space is right across the street from 1300, at 1325 Fillmore, and chef David Lawrence has been developing the menu over the last year and visiting famed BBQ meccas like Franklin’s in Austin and Bludso’s in Compton to do his research.

As you can see in the photo above, he's also got a brand new smoker that should be adding some pleasant scents to the neighborhood — which, incidentally, was once a hub of good barbecue in SF before the redevelopment bulldozers arrived in the 1950s and 60s.

Black Bark's menu will focus on Texas-style 'cue, including dry-rubbed ribs and brisket, and we're promised "poutine-like dirty fries and bourbon mac and cheese." And as Lawrence's fans at 1300 know, he's already a master of Southern cooking, and it was actually the popularity of his ribs at the restaurant that inspired him to open Black Bark.

There's also an outdoor patio/beer garden area with seating for 15, and there will be wine and beer available, with 12 local brews on tap.

Prepare for many a side-by-side comparison on Instagram as barbecue fans do their taste tests between 4505 a few blocks away on Divisadero, and Black Bark.

Black Bark BBQ - 1325 Fillmore Street - Openin December 3. Hours will be Wednesday to Monday, 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.