I love you, you love me…
One of the perennial rites of summer has occured: Barney’s barbecue, 16011 Manchester Road in Ellisville (just west of Clarkson, 636-227-2300), has opened for the season. Hours are 11-8 Friday through Sunday, but because of the holiday, it’s open on Monday as well this week. It’s that tantalizing smoke smell that hits you driving west on Manchester from the old red shack. I’m not exactly sure, but I believe this is Barney’s 43rd year in business!



Joe Bonwich has been the restaurant critic for the Post-Dispatch since 2002 and has covered the local food scene for various publications for more than 25 years. He does his best to maintain his anonymity so that he isn't recognized in restaurants (which is why his picture looks like it does).