Thrill of the Grill originally opened in 2009 serving American fare like burgers, waffle-cut fries, hot dogs and melts. The downtown Tacoma eatery was purchased by Sarah Slaughter and Gregory Brock in November 2011 and reopened in early January. The co-owners say they are keeping the original name (for now), but are adding their own spin.

Slaughter reports their idea is to change the concept from burgers to barbecue.

Brock's real wood-smoked BBQ specialties have been added, like Texan sausage, pulled pork, chicken, pork ribs and slow-smoked brisket with a Louisiana twang. Brock tells the Volcano he's taken 30 years to develop his own barbequing and smoking style; his ribs and brisket have even won awards in Texas.

The usual suspects of side dishes are offered at Thrill of the Grill. Expect fried cornbread (aka griddle cake), okra, potato salad, barbecue bacon beans, coleslaw, green salad, rolls and white bread. Filling out the menu, hand-dipped milk shakes, a fruit crisp dessert, fries and burger patties are hand-cut and homemade.

Slaughter anticipates adding catfish and greens to the menu this month. And, as summer nears, she says to look for smoked salmon.

Current pricing ranges from a wing dinner at $6.50 and $9.50 for a Kaiser bun with brisket, pulled pork or chicken or sausage to the combo plate with five meats at $18.50. 

[Thrill of the Grill, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Saturday, noon to 5 p.m., 1402 Tacoma Ave. S., Tacoma 253.627.8292, tacomathrill.com/home]