Ferris Wheelers Backyard & BBQ debuts today with 50-foot Ferris wheel, awesome backyard beer garden, Doug Pickering’s excellent smoked meats

You might think the main draw of Ferris Wheeler’s Backyard & BBQ is its 50-foot Ferris wheel (which will take you for a free spin when it receives its operating license Tuesday), but that’s just a part of the new place’s appeal. The backyard also sports an outdoor bar, family-friendly games, picnic tables, a small stage with live music and sharp views of downtown Dallas (well, until the Virgin Hotel tops out across the creek and blocks the vista). But there’s more than meets the eye here. Inside the former burger haunt, postmaster Doug Pickering turns out the kinds of slow-smoked BBQ ribs, brisket and sausages he’s grown a following for. You can pop in beginning today at 11. The restaurant will be open daily, serving its BBQ and beer continuously from 11 am until 10 pm. The backyard opens at 4 pm each day.

The menu also includes honey-brined smoked turkey breast and pork shoulder, smoked BBQ beans, smoked green beans, BBQ mac & cheese, jalapeño bacon coleslaw and southwestern potato salad.

I sure liked what I saw (and ate) at a preview last weekend. I think you will, too. Pickering is a partner in Ferris Wheelers Backyard & BBQ, which means he”s found a home base instead of just a pop-up or catering gig.  The venture is owner by This & That Concepts –the same guys who also own Parlay, High Fives, Tiny Victories and Whippersnapper.

1950 Market Center Blvd. in the Dallas Design District, south of the Hilton Anatole. (214) 741-4141.