A few months ago, a smoker suddenly appeared in front of the building that has housed many a coffee shop and restaurant over the past few years.

I figured it was a summer thing, until a coworker arrived with a menu for Bear Creek Barbeque Grill on Vine Street in Willowick and told me it was a must-visit for someone like me, who proclaims herself a fan of that genre of food.

He kept after me for a few weeks until my husband and I and couple of friends ventured out on a rainy Saturday night for dinner.

When we got inside, I mentioned my friend had been after me to try it out, and that he’d told me that the owner had given him a tour of the place and showed off the fact that everything is homemade on site.

Read more from Managing Editor Laura Kessel's review Dining Out: Bear Creek in Willowick adds tasty barbecue to its offerings.