Providence Bar-B-Q Restaurant Closes After Eight Years

Durk's Bar-B-Q in Providence is closing at the end of November after eight years in operation.

In a social media post on Sunday, Nov. 2, owner Steve Durkee said, “As we move toward our ninth year in a few weeks, I've made the difficult decision to close Durk's Bar-B-Q, a life decision.”

Durk's, which originally opened on Thayer Street in January 2017, became known for brisket, pulled pork, dry-rubbed ribs, cornbread, mac and cheese, and chess pie. It was later relocated to downtown after the COVID-19 pandemic. The space Durk's occupies was formerly The Satin Doll, a strip club shut down by city officials, which Libby Slader Design helped transform into a family-friendly restaurant.

According to a Boston Globe report, the closure comes after a period of staffing changes and pandemic challenges. In recent months, the restaurant lost key staff members. Jen Davis, formerly beverage director for Durk's and The Eddy, a nearby cocktail bar owned by Durkee, left to become beverage manager at Gift Horse. This seafood spot recently earned a James Beard Award for its chef.

“I know there are many, many loyal guests of the restaurant and our catering, and we so appreciate and feel privileged for all the years of letting us feed you,” wrote Durkee on social media on Sunday. He declined to provide further comment on the closing.