Following a couple of fairly predictable delays, Black Bark BBQ (1325 Fillmore Street) is finally ready for its opening next week, on January 13. The fast-casual barbecue spinoff of 1300 on Fillmore from chef David Lawrence was originally set for a late summer opening, and then had a date set for early December, but this one sounds for real for real.

Black Bark marks a return of southern barbecue to the Fillmore neighborhood, which was once home to several well loved spots like Brothers BBQ and Leon's, owned and operated by famed pitmaster Leon McHenry until his death in 1999. Lately all the nearby love has gone to 4505 Burgers & BBQ on Divisadero, but Lawrence hopes to give them a run for their money and bring barbecue fanatics back to the Fillmore with his low-and-slow-smoked brisket, pulled pork, and ribs.

"The Fillmore used to be known for its barbecue,” says Lawrence via a release today. "But since Leon’s closed in the early 2000’s, there’s been a void that needed filling. A few years ago I started putting ribs on as a special at ... 1300 on Fillmore and they flew out of the kitchen; people were demanding full racks even after we took them off the menu. We knew then that we were onto something."

Lawrence will be sticking to Texas-style, dry-rubbed ribs, and in terms of sides he's previously promised some poutine-esque "dirty fries" as well bourbon mac-and-cheese and sweet-potato casserole. Also something to get really excited about: smoked fried chicken.

For dessert, there will be pecan pie, as well as house-made ice cream sandwiches.

Out on the sidewalk facing Fillmore Street there will ultimately be a 15-seat patio, but otherwise this place will be a counter-service joint with 12 beers on tap and some limited indoor seating for 56 people, and some big-screen TVs for watching the end of football season.

If you want to be on their email list, you can sign up for that here, but otherwise, get ready for a new BBQ option for your pre-Fillmore Auditorium dining pleasure.

Black Bark BBQ - 1325 Fillmore Street - Opening January 13. Hours will be Wednesday to Monday, 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Closed Tuesdays.