Meet the Pitmasters Behind The Wilds Taphouse & BBQ's Mouthwatering BBQ

This is the former site of the Wolf Tree Brewery Taproom next to Oregon Coast Community College’s Central County Campus. The Wilds is owned by Dave & Jill Redlich. When asked how the idea for opening this new venue came about, Shane, the GM, Chef and Pitmaster said, “It’s just that typical story,  two friends decided that they were going to do something, and this space became available.”

The two took over the space on Nov. 1 and have been gearing up for a celebration on their opening day. “There will be live music here from noon to 2 p.m.,” Shane  said, “and we’ll have beer and food specials all day.”

Shane defined The Wilds Taphouse & BBQ as a “craft barbecue” establishment because “barbecue is the base of almost everything we do.”

Dave and Shane plan to operate the business in southern-barbecue style, meaning they plan to feature a “heavy hitter” menu three times a week. “Our menu is this, our heavy hitter barbecue stuff is only three days a week,” Shane said. “It’s kind of funky, but a true barbecue place, like in Texas, is usually only open three days a week. So we’re modeling this after traditional barbecue from the South.”

The “heavy hitter” days will be every Thursday, Friday and Saturday, when The Wilds’ full menu will be offered. A modified menu will be available on other days.

The big smoker outside will be cooking brisket, pork, chicken and both beef and pork ribs. And there will be brisket burgers. “We grind our own meat, we cut our own fries, we make from scratch,” Redlich said. In fact, around 90 percent of items are made in-house, and bread is locally sourced.  There will also be vegan and vegetarian options on the menu. “I like vegetables as much as I do meat,” he said.

The owners of The Wilds Taphouse & BBQ also intend to focus heavily on area residents. “Our main focus is the locals,” Redlich said. “Our secondary is tourists.”

Shane added, “We will be holding a happy hour for the winter, from 3 to 6 p.m. every day we’re open.” They will also offer discounts to people who attend Oregon Coast Community College when they present their student ID.

Stop by and see us today!