Jan. 23, 2020 By Michael Dorgan

A New York City barbeque joint is opening at the former Studio Square location in Long Island City this April.

Pig Beach, a Brooklyn-based brisket and ribs eatery, will occupy the 29,000 square location and the operators are currently in the midst of renovating the space.

The owners plan to bring award winning barbeque dishes to the 35-33 36th St. venue, including their brisket and ribs, and specialty ‘Smash’ burger, which won the 2019 People’s Choice Award at the New York City Food and Wine Festival.

The venue will feature a 12,000 square foot outdoor garden area that can serve 700 people.

The outdoor space will include a giant screen–30 feet x 30 feet—that will play football games, soccer, baseball and other big sports events. The outdoor space—which will have 70 picnic tables– will be open all year round depending on the weather.

The establishment will also have a large indoor dining and bar area with about 120 seats. There will also be another indoor area with space for about 85 people, which can be used for private events.

The entire venue will be able to be able to serve about 1,000 customers.

Shane McBride, a co-owner and Astoria resident, said that the establishment will have a laidback vibe where kids are also welcome.

“We won’t be a nightclub or play ear-splitting music; it will be a mix of classic rock, singer-songwriter and oldies played in the background,” McBride said.

McBride has been a chef in New York City for 20 years, serving as the head chef at Balthazar in Manhattan. Matt Abdoo, a co-owner, was executive chef for high-end Italian restaurant Del Posto.

The pair—along with three co-owners—own and operate Pig Beach in Gowanus, with this venue being their second operation.

The concept came together while they were at a barbecue competition in Memphis.

Opening hours have not been finalized but McBride says they will likely be open from 5 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 3 p.m. Fridays and from 11 a.m. on weekends.

Closing time will be at midnight, except for Saturday nights–when it closes at 1 a.m. on Sunday.