TABLE TALK: Barbecue in Church Hill

It took about a year, but Alamo BBQ in Church Hill officially opened last Thursday in the former Ribtown U.S.A. spot.

Co-owners Paul Hubbard and Chris Davis bring extensive restaurant experience to their new venture: Hubbard worked as a chef at Chez Max, Franco's Ristorante and the Fredericksburg Capital Ale House. Davis, a former server at several restaurants, is the hospitality-minded one.

Davis is also from Texas, hence the name of the restaurant at 2202 Jefferson Ave.

Alamo BBQ is primarily takeout, but a patio is available. Also, said Hubbard, "People can get their lunch and sit on the hill and eat in the park. We like to think of that area as our dining room."

The restaurant also is sensitive to customers' budgets, offering a sandwich with two sides for $8.

Some of Alamo's specialties are Texas beef brisket, Carolina pulled pork and pulled smoked chicken, as well as at least 10 made-from-scratch sides daily, such as corn, black beans, cornbread and macaroni and cheese.

There are also several vegetarian and vegan options, including a barbecue portobello and onion sandwich.

Alamo BBQ is open Monday-Friday from 11 a.m. until 8 or 9 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday from noon until 8 or 9 p.m.

The restaurant doesn't have a Web site, but for details, call (804) 592-3138.

Said Hubbard, "We really want to be Church Hill's restaurant."

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The third location of Shackleford's is under construction in the Courthouse Place shopping center (11500 Busy St. Suite N) in Midlothian and is expected to open next month.

Owner Kirk Poore said the new spot will serve American food with a European touch (with an emphasis on fresh seafood and a raw bar) and contain a full bar and covered patio.

Shackleford's will be open seven days a week for lunch and dinner and also will serve Sunday brunch.

For details, call (804) 794-4900 or visit http://www.shacklefords.com.

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Caliente (2922 Park Ave.), which sports the only outdoor dining area in the Museum District, now has its patio open for the season.

For details, call (804) 340-2920 or visit http://www.calienterichmond.com.

In other outdoor-dining news, Sin é Irish Pub and Restaurant in Shockoe Slip (1327 E. Cary St.) has opened its "Patio Pub." An outdoor bar and serving station will be open Friday nights (weather permitting) through October.

For details, call (804) 649-7767 or visit http://www.sineirishpub.com.

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Chez Foushee (203 N. Foushee St.) is offering a Costa Del Sol Menu on Saturday, which includes chilled gazpacho, marinated carnicero steak and pork tocino with paella.

Cost is $35 per person plus tax. Reservations are recommended for seatings at 6 p.m. and 8 to 8:30 p.m.

For details, call (804) 648-3225 or visit http://www.chezfoushee.com.

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Manakin Grill (12912 Plaza Drive) is presenting its form of a financial stimulus package with discount days.

Among the specials: On Sundays, kids (11 and younger) eat free from 5 to 7 p.m.; Mondays offer half off all bottled wine for lunch and dinner; and on Wednesdays, customers can buy one entrée and receive the second at 50 percent off.

For details, call (804) 784-0544 or visit http://www.manakingrill.com.

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Vault, the lounge complement to Bank restaurant, at 1005 E. Main St., opened last week. The club's hours are Thursday-Saturday from 7 p.m. until . . . whenever (at least according to the Vault-Bank Web site). There is no cover before 10 p.m.

For details, call (804) 648-3070 or visit http://www.bankandvault.com.

If you have a tip for Table Talk, call (804) 649-6120 or e-mail . The deadline to receive items is noon Friday one week before publication.