Tyris Bell, who helped start the acclaimed Luella’s Southern Kitchen with his brother Chef Darnell Reed, and served as its general manager for eight years, will open his own establishment, Bell Heir’s BBQ (704 W. 47th Street, Chicago; 773-420-3685) on February 3. Designed primarily as a takeout restaurant, the venue will feature signature dishes including Rib Tips and Houston-style Barbecue Turkey Legs.
“I am such a lover of barbecue that when I decided to open my open restaurant, it was an easy decision to take my great-grandmother Luella’s wonderful recipes and serve them up to the many barbecue lovers in Chicago,” said Bell. “Luella was a major influence on our entire family. Her recipes and high standards of food preparation are what inspire me every day. My goal is that Bell Heir’s BBQ will rise above the crowd of Chicago barbecue joints and be considered one of the best.”
Bell knows that barbecue brings people together. The menu is designed for at-home family dining just like he enjoyed with his parents, Stephanie and Anthony Bell and 5 siblings. Guests can order in-person, by phone or online and bring the food home for a delicious family style meal.
“Some of my best memories are of our family sitting down together to enjoy wonderful barbecue and other family recipes,” said Bell. “When the table conversation at home quieted down, it was because we were too busy eating to talk. I will be thrilled when our guests have the same feeling of joy being together while they enjoy our great barbecue and comfort food.”
The menu features two sections: main dishes and sides. The signature dish is a Rib Tip Dinner served with Fries ($16.99); a large order of smoked rib tips served wet. Another standout is the Rib Tips & Chicken Combo ($21.99) featuring a large order of rib tips served with 4 fried chicken wings. A unique dish is the Slagel Farms Smoked BBQ Turkey Leg ($16.99), a Houston-style creation smothered with baked Mac ‘n Cheese. Fried chicken lovers will enjoy the Fried Chicken Wings with Fries, brined and battered chicken wings served with fries and barbecue sauce, available in a 3-piece ($4.99) or 6-piece portion ($9.99).
Brisket and burger lovers will rejoice at the unique BBQ Brisket Cheeseburger with Fried Pickles and Fries ($16.99), featuring the best of both worlds: two 4oz Slagel Farms ground beef patties topped with BBQ Brisket, cheese and fried pickles, and served with Fries. Another brisket lover’s favorite is the BBQ Brisket Mac ‘n Cheese ($14.99) a hefty portion of gooey baked mac ‘n cheese smothered with savory BBQ Brisket. Take your fries to a new level with the Smothered Fries with Cheese and choice of Pulled Pork or BBQ Brisket ($14.99), topped with jalapenos and drizzled with barbecue sauce.
If pulled pork is your passion, choose the Nachos with choice of BBQ Brisket or Pulled Pork ($14.99) featuring fried-to-order tortillas layered with cheese, jalapenos and house made barbecue sauce. Side dishes ($5 each) include Coleslaw in a creamy vinegar sauce; Baked Mac ‘n Cheese; Fries drizzled with BBQ sauce and topped with jalapenos; Fried Pickles, and BBQ Baked Beans.
As a takeout-focused restaurant—limited seating is available—Bell Heir’s BBQ encourages guests to bring the food home for a delicious family style meal. Guests are encouraged to spread the word by posing for selfies in front of the wall-sized Bell Heir’s BBQ logo.
Featured Image: Bell Heir’s BBQ