Initial Q Social Bar & Smokehouse

Long-awaited "Gastro Smokehouse," Initial Q officially opened last week in the renovated Leader Building. (127 W Main St)The bourbon-themed social bar focuses on unique smoked meats such as rabbit, hickory pork belly, and bourbon barrel sirloin, for a refined spin on the traditional "BBQ plate."An I.Q platter allows guests to pair any four of the smoked items with three sides for $34. Sides include mac and cheese, honey coleslaw, mashed potatoes, baked beans, crispy Brussels sprouts, and more. Also on the menu are specialty entrees, appetizers such as ahi tuna and meat-and-cheese boards, salads, and more. The restaurant will also serve up specialty cocktails, and a plethora of whiskey options.“It’s very exciting,” said Stacey Wingate, the restaurant operations manager, who will run the establishment along with three other business partners. “This has been a long time coming. We spent really more than two years planning and preparing it.Currently, the restaurant is open during dinner hours, from 5-10 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 5-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 4-9 p.m. Sunday. The bar opens at 4 p.m each day of operation, but the business is closed Monday.Eventually, lunch hours and a lunch menu will be added, Wingate said. There’s also a plan to introduce live music.Find UnderPin Lanes 'N Lounge on the building's basement level and Magnolia Grand Event Center at 106 W Broad St.Read more here at GoUpstate.com.