A Drive-In Movie and BBQ Is the Perfect Combo
Juicy Lucy BBQ's new drive-in movie theater is a great way to spend a summer night.
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Staten Island's Juicy Lucy BBQ was the first barbecue joint to close its doors when the COVID-19 pandemic hit New York City earlier this year, showing a willingness to change and roll with whatever strange fate would befall it in 2020. That level of foresight is also present in Juicy Lucy's newest pandemic-inspired attraction: a full-fledged drive-in movie theater next to its restaurant. Given all regular movie theaters in the area are closed, Juicy Lucy is one of the few places to see a movie outside the home near NYC right now.
Juicy Lucy launched its drive-in movie theater concept, dubbed "A Flick And A Feast," on July 4th weekend and it's already become a popular nightly attraction. Before the movie starts, you're able to order from a streamlined menu that includes most of its top items (including brisket, ribs, and burgers) and then you get the food delivered to a tray that attaches to your car window.
The drive-in is located in a parking lot next to Juicy Lucy BBQ, and the lot can accommodate 40 cars to allow for social distancing between vehicles. To hear the movie's sound, you turn your car radio to a certain FM station. Servers in masks come around during the movie so you can order more food and drinks as needed.
I ate tasty brisket poutine while taking in the movie at Juicy Lucy BBQ's drive-in theater.
Juicy Lucy BBQ, which won the 2019 Brisket King NYC competition with its killer brisket, opened its doors officially about a year ago and quickly joined the ranks of the best barbecue joints in New York City. This new attraction adds another element that makes the joint a must-visit, especially for those who live on or near Staten Island.
Owner Richie Holmes told NYC BBQ this week that the drive-in has not been a break-even proposition yet, but he is hopeful it will turn a profit as more people come and more processes are streamlined. When it first launched, Holmes had daytime showings but it was too hot, so now showings are set for 5 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. on most days. He said he now plans to run showings through the end of October, but he could have showings in November if there's enough demand.
The burger at Juicy Lucy BBQ is a popular choice.
As of now, the drive-in movie theater is showing a wide array of classic and modern films. I went on Tuesday night and was able to enjoy the 1985 cult classic The Goonies, which I had weirdly never seen. Upcoming titles include Twister, Return of the Jedi, Easy Money, American Graffiti, The Shining, and Escape from New York. On nights when R-rated moves are playing, alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase. But on family-friendly nights, the menus will be kept alcohol free.
As for the food, Juicy Lucy BBQ is still serving up high-quality eats. I had the brisket-topped poutine (which included waffle fries, fried cheese curds, cheese sauce, gravy, and chopped brisket) and a burger. I never imagined eating barbecue while at a drive-in, but it was highly satisfying. I'm looking forward to going back and trying more items while taking in another classic film.
If you don't have time for a movie, Juicy Lucy BBQ also has a great outdoor dining setup.
Outside of the new drive-in, Holmes said he is trying his best to keep things running smoothly at Juicy Lucy BBQ given the difficulties of running a restaurant during the pandemic. Thankfully, the restaurant has a lot of outdoor dining space that can be utilized while the weather is warm. Holmes said he intends to open up partial indoor dining as soon as the city and state allow it, but his top priority remains keeping customers and staff safe.
Sean Ludwig
Founder, NYC BBQ
EAT ALL ABOUT IT
Some of NYC’s top BBQ talent like Michael Puma are heading out to Long Island for a "Pitmaster Series" in Greenport, NY.
Here are the top BBQ and related food news stories you need to know about this week:
Some of New York’s top barbecue talent and friends from around the U.S. are heading to Greenport, NY on Long Island for a “Pitmaster Series” at Green Hill Kitchen & Que. The first event is this weekend with the crew from Pig Beach NYC, and other weekends this summer will feature Michael Puma of Gotham Burger Social Club, John Wheeler of Memphis Barbecue Company, and Craig Verhage (aka The BBQ Ninja).
Top New Jersey food reporter Pete Genevese wrote out his list of New Jersey’s 25 best hot dog joints.
In this week’s strangest-but-cool BBQ story, Penn State powerlifting national champion Angelo Poulich created his own barbecue sauce business with help from legendary Pittsburgh Pirates’ former second baseman Bill Mazeroski. Poulich Pit BBQ sauce is not available widely but it’s quickly becoming available around PA and can be acquired from the Poulich Pit BBQ team on Facebook.
NYC officials now estimate about 2 million New Yorkers are experiencing food insecurity during the pandemic, so restaurants like soul food joint Katie O’s in Brooklyn are helping out by feeding those in need. You can donate to Katie O’s GoFundMe to feed those struggling in Brooklyn.
Popular food market Smorgasburg has officially reopened in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, but it has been transformed by the pandemic. It’s now called “Smorg To Go” and only allows preordering. Each week, 10 new vendors will take over space at 51 North Sixth Street.
IRL BBQ
Given the coronavirus crisis, we will be leaving this section blank until things get back to normal. Many events continue to be up in the air, but the NYC BBQ website will be kept up to date with events in the area. Click below for more.
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