The Stellar Hog won’t be open until late September, but the stars have aligned for barbecue fans.
Before the official opening, lunch is served on Saturdays, when pitmaster Alex Cupp rolls out a limited menu of barbecue faves. The festivities start around 1 p.m. and go until the food sells out. Each weekend’s menu is posted on The Stellar Hog’s Facebook page around 9 a.m.
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“We’re testing recipes and getting reactions,” Alex Cupp says. So far, the reactions have been positive.
Here’s a preview of what to expect if you visit:
• The building still has a sign for Super’s Bungalow, but you are at the right place.
• There’s limited parking on the north side of the building, as well as on-street parking.
• The graceful pavilion on the south side of the building is easily accessible by wheelchair, but the handicapped access to the restaurant/bar is still under construction.
• Order at the bar. There’s no table service.
• Go early. Cupp makes plenty of food, but it does sell out.
• Take out or eat in. If you like the atmosphere of classic South Side bars, then eat in.
• You can’t go wrong on your choice of food, but if you like wings order the meaty smoked and fried Stellar Hog version.
Over the past several months, Cupp has transformed the longstanding neighborhood bar into something special, with family and friends pitching in:
• Alan Cupp: Alex’s father attended community meetings, answered neighbors’ questions, cleaned, hammered, sawed, and pitched in at every level. It was Alex’s father who first taught him about cooking. “My dad was always the one who inspired me to cook,” says Alex. “We used to cook pasta con broccoli for family and friends, and we would cook Easter breakfast at Timothy Lutheran Church.”
• Nicole Natsios: Alex’s older sister keeps him organized and on-task. “Our list of improvements was six pages long,” she says. Alex looks to his big sis for business help: the plan, the budget, and the cash flow. She’ll handle social media as well.
• Olivia Cupp: Alex’s younger sister painted the ethereal Stellar Hog and designed the logo for Alex. “She’s a graphic designer studying fashion design,” Alex says.
• Pamela Cupp: Nicole credits their mother, Pamela, for instilling the importance of cooking. “Mom made us cook when she worked,” Nicole says, a sentiment echoed by Alex, who adds, “Mom just gave it to us as a chore.” Alex always enjoyed baking. “He wanted to open a chocolate restaurant when he was 10,” says Nicole. “He’s always been the cook in our family.”
• Tom Polson: Alex’s uncle laid the striking hickory floor that replaced an ancient spongy multi-layered tile-and-linoleum bar floor. He designed and inlaid a compass rose under the chandelier in the main dining area. He also crafted the paneled door.
• Luke Martin: Alex’s friend painted the celestial ceiling, a swirling mass of blues, silver, rose pinks, and oranges with galaxies and star sweeps that punctuate the “stellar” theme. Luke was a longstanding fan of the old Super’s. “I grew up in this bar,” he says. “It used to be a little rowdy, with a pool table and jukebox. Now there’s no smoking, and Alex is serving craft beers and barbecue. It’s all different.”
“A lot of people told me they can’t wait until we open,” says Alex, “but I know the change will be hard on some of our regulars.”
Stop by for lunch during the next few Saturdays, and you’ll find a different menu each week.
The Stellar Hog
5623 Leona
314-481-8448
