Despite the recent explosion of food options in the Downtown area- from the Mediterranean masterpieces at Bonapita and Verts to all the delicious options at Boston Public Market – one category has been notably absent. That is until now.

After 20 years of holding down the corporate lunch gig through their popular Viga, TX natives Edward and Shawn Wilson (who cleverly combined not only their Lone Star loves but their names to put this new place together) have opened Shed’s on Bromfield Street (www.shedsbbq.com).

As you enter this comfortable filling station, you are greeted with authentic TX décor and down home hospitality. The staff is friendly and eager to please and the menu is both as well. While the focus may be on carnivorous carnivals of St Louis cut ribs (which are available by the 1/3 and ½ rack) as well as smoked turkey and brisket (both of which are home-prepared in a pair of 400-pound Southern Pride smokers), pulled chicken and pork and TX hot link sausages, those who want a little green on the scene will be pleasantly surprised by the complete menu of hot and cold bowls, which add savory servings of arugula, shaved Brussels sprouts, Napa cabbage, road oak leaf lettuce and other profound produce to the meaty mix. No matter what you order, the steam table of sides entices with fried pickles, smoked bacon, mac & cheese, BBQ beans, black-eyed pea salad, collards, and creamy coleslaw. And every plate comes with a firm block of cornbread served with a tiny tub of sweet cream butter.

While it is a pleasure to relax and savor each bite while Country plays in the background and the sweet and smoky smells waft through the air, those who insist on grabbing and going can either get their order boxed up or put some meat on bread and grab a sandwich and side. And though the meats are flavorful and tender, even these can be further enhanced with any of Shed’s six sauces, that range from MeeMaw’s molasses to authentic TX and Carolina variations (distinctions between which are explained on the website) and even one made with espresso that will really help you get up and go!

As some of the sauces are a bit spicy (especially if you add Tabasco or Sriracha, which are also always available), Shed’s offers a wide range of cue-worthy drinks, including TX tee and authentic sweet tea and fresh lemonade that can be used to make your own “Arnie.” There are also Boylan sodas and Maine Root beers. If you need a bit more sweet, fresh-made cookies, brownies, and cobblers (with or without ice cream) are handy takeaways that will keep the south in your mouth long after you leave and also keep you looking forward to your next visit.

So after too long away (if it ever were here), Downtown Boston can finally say, “Welcome, ‘Cue!”