Avellino Family BBQ Launches Food Truck at Third Place by Half Full Brewery

Andrew Dominick September 12, 2021

Smoked tri tip is one of Avellino Family BBQ’s signature sammies

Leland and Sarah Avellino now have their BBQ spin-off.

If you recall, I covered their preorder smoked meat pickup concept earlier in 2021 and asked a question about whether Avellino Family BBQ would grow into a storefront. The answer was sort of a “not yet.”

On Saturdays, Avellino Family BBQ’s truck doubles as a pickup location. For those ordering smoked brisket, racks of ribs, half chickens, and more, you can opt to pick up your meaty feast at the truck if you can’t make it to their commercial space in Norwalk.

Forget the brick-and-mortar. Think food truck. And it has a residence at the brand-new and stunningly beautiful Third Place by Half Full Brewery in the South End of Stamford.

Unlike Avellino’s BBQ pickup that includes pounds of smoked brisket, racks of ribs, and half chickens, the truck’s focus is sandwiches, some of them with smoked meat, some of them “smashed,” and others are grilled and sauced.

Let’s start with one of their signature smoked sammies. It’s a wagyu tri tip—served cold and shaved to the thickness of deli sandwich meat—with crispy shallots, a tangy dollop of BBQ sauce, and horseradish aioli.

Their other truck staple, you ask? A prime brisket blend double smash burger, melted American cheese, and Zap sauce (think Big Mac sauce with some heat) on a Martin’s Potato Roll.

Another special called THE DAP: dry-aged prime beef and American cheese on brioche.

And while you may see more interchangeable smoky beef or pork offerings at the truck, expect plenty of non-smoked stuff. A recent special showcased Leland’s love of Asian flavors in a banh mi riff; spicy ssamjang paste marinated chicken breast, that’s then grilled, basted with Korean BBQ sauce, and lots of fresh crunch factor from pickled cucumbers and carrots.

That banh mi riff may return but be on the lookout for specials that have included the likes of a crispy pork belly BLT and a pork belly, egg, and cheese breakfast sandwich for lunch. Sides like cornmeal crusted fried green tomatoes and smoked bacon deviled eggs have been added to the menu, too.

It’s all beer friendly fare, but what’s better to pair with your pint than poutine? And this may be one of the best versions I’ve had. Avellino’s poutine sees a basket of fresh cut fries doused with a ladle of slow simmered, 36-hour gravy, gobs of creamy homemade pimento cheese, and chopped chunks of assorted pork and brisket. So, this. Enjoy it as a side, as your main meal, it doesn’t matter.

We know…you’re practically tripping over your own feet to get to Avellino Family BBQ’s food truck but be aware that this is currently a four days per week affair. You can catch them at Third Place Thursday and Friday from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m., on Saturdays from 12 – 7, and 12 – 4 on Sundays. If you’re an early riser, Avellino has been dishing out BBQ breakfast on some weekend mornings. Look out for updates on BBQ style kegs and eggs on their Instagram.

Gather your friends, grab a round of beers, and indulge in BBQ sandwiches.

575 Pacific Street (at Third Place by Half Full Brewery); Stamford
https://www.avellinofamilybbq.com/