The Handsome Hog opened Monday in St. Paul’s Lowertown in the former Bin Wine Bar space.

With the mantra “bourbon & smoke” and a pork-centric, contemporary Southern-themed menu, the restaurant from Carol March, who runs Public Kitchen and Bar in the same building, (203 E. Sixth St., St. Paul; 651-340-7710; handsomehog.com) is open for lunch, dinner and late-night.

Justin Sutherland, whose resume includes Meritage in St. Paul and the former Brasserie Zentral in Minneapolis, will head the kitchen.

Handsome Hog is not just a clever name. Crispy pig tails, whole roasted pork jowl, pork chops and braised pork shoulder star on the menu. Entrees such as smoked beef brisket, shrimp and grits as well as chicken and waffles with an updated twist also can be found.

Joe Pirri, formerly of FireLake Grill House and Cocktail Bar, will run the front of the house and bar program. In addition to craft cocktails, local brews and wine, expect a list of 100 or so bourbons. Eventually, some in-house barrel-aged bourbons will be added.

As far as the space, the spot on the corner of East Sixth and Sibley streets in the Park Square Building has been given a makeover and a changed blueprint.