Philly smoking hot for summer

FOOD. When Food Network star Adam Gertler closed up the Smoked Joint a couple of years ago, it marked a low point for Philadelphia barbecue. Center City was without a single barbecue restaurant, and the rest of Philly’s options were far flung, erratically open and often mediocre.

But in recent months it seems we’re having a renaissance. South Street mainstay Phoebe’s Bar-B-Q is turning out Oklahoma-style eats at a second location in Roxborough (5002 Umbria St., 215-483-1330), complete with indoor and outdoor seating.

Just a mile away at the top of Ridge Avenue, Holy Smoke (473 Leverington Ave., 215-482-7500, www.holysmokephilly.com) brings barbecue from St. Louis to Carolina and offers more Victory beer on tap than anywhere but the Downingtown brewery’s own pub.

 Old City has seen the recent reflagging of Philadelphia Fish & Co. as Q BBQ & Tequila Bar (207 Chestnut St., 215-625-8605), whose menu even includes vegetarian options such as a bowl of barbecue spaghetti. Wash it down with one of the 60 or so tequilas they have on hand.

Adding to the barbecue rush will be Smokin Betty’s (116 S. 11th St.). Susan Schlisman, who also owns Devil’s Alley, is completely rehabbing the Center City corner to bring her concept to life. Even the Italian Market is jumping in: Bebe’s BBQ (1017 S. Ninth St., 267-519-8791) is adding a barbecue option to the land of cheesesteaks and tacos, and word on the street about the 12-hour smoked pork has been extremely positive.

 And on Sundays you can find Northeast Philadelphia’s highly regarded Sweet Lucy’s (7500 State Road, 215-331-3112, www.sweet lucys.com) at the Headhouse Square Farmers’ Market. Take a respite from your weekend produce shopping for tasty ’cue at their stand.