Whether you are planning to visit Melbourne, or you are planning to go on a road trip to enjoy some delicious American food, you should know that there are many great places to go to get some of the best barbecue in the world. In this article, you will learn about some of the best BBQ spots in the city. This article includes information on Pinkerton’s, Ike’s Rack Shack, Fancy Hank’s BBQ, Up in Smoke, Bluebonnet BBQ, and Meatworks Co.
Bluebonnet Barbecue
Bluebonnet Barbecue is one of Melbourne’s most popular American BBQ restaurants. The barbecue joint specialises in smoked meats, and is renowned for its bourbon-glazed pork ribs. It was originally a pop-up unit, and moved to the John Curtin Hotel in Carlton in 2013. But it’s now a permanent location in Brunswick East. Bluebonnet BBQ has stayed true to its Texas barbecue roots, but it also offers contemporary eats. The menu features a range of smoked meats, including beef brisket, lamb belly, pork belly, and pork cutlets. There’s also a daily selection of sausages, which are made in-house. Aside from the meats, Bluebonnet has a range of sides, including a slaw and smoky cornbread. They also offer craft beers and whiskeys. They have an impressive American smoker, which can cook half a tonne of meat each day. It’s powered by an Ole Hickory Pit, which was imported from the USA. It also burns ironbark wood, sending the smoke and heat into a separate chamber. Its pork ribs are cooked to fall-apart perfection. If you haven’t tried them before, you should.
Fancy Hank’s BBQ
Fancy Hank’s American BBQ in Melbourne Victoria is a top pick for BBQ lovers. Aside from offering delicious meats, the restaurant features a small selection of local beer and wine to accompany your meal. The restaurant also has an impressive cocktail list. One of the most popular things to do in Melbourne is visit a barbecue restaurant. Whether you are a foodie or a casual eater, there are dozens of options available. Some of the best barbecue joints use a variety of techniques to produce delicious meats. In general, it is important to cook your meat properly, in a proper smoker and with the right wood. For instance, pork ribs are finger licking good, while beef ribs are tender and smokey. Fancy Hank’s specializes in American-style slow-cooked BBQ. The restaurant uses custom built two-tonne smokers for a total cooking time of 22 hours. They offer a variety of meats, including the “big four”: beef, brisket, sausage, and chicken. These are cooked to perfection and served with a range of house-made condiments.
Meatworks Co
If you’re a fan of American BBQ, you’ll have to stop by Meatworks Co in South Melbourne. It’s a meat-focused restaurant that promises simple dishes, great service and reasonable prices. In addition to great barbecue, Meatworks Co also boasts a large seating area lined with functional metal and wooden furnishings. There are also plenty of windows and natural light, making it a bright, airy space. Meatworks is situated in a converted garage. The interior is a pleasant blend of steampunk and canteen, with a few retro industrial lamps. As with most American restaurants, the main focus is on meat. You’ll find a range of meats, sides and seafood, along with a few vegetarian options. Meatworks’ claim to fame is their hand-built in-house wood smoker. Their meats are slow-smoked over a 450 kilogram jet black smoker. Other features include a craft beer list, cocktail menu and Elvis shrines. With the amount of choices available, there’s no reason to be hesitant about what to eat here. Overall, Meatworks Co is a good choice for a dinner date or a casual meal with friends. They’re happy to accommodate any changes or special requests you may have, and you can expect a speedy and friendly service.
Ike’s Rack Shack
Ike’s Rack Shack is a new restaurant at The Beaufort in Carlton. It’s a great option for a casual American barbecue experience. It’s located in the back of the bar, away from the main crowd, and the menu features ribs, burgers and desserts. The restaurant offers a variety of cocktails and drinks, including Old Fashioneds, Old Fashioned martinis and Bourbon based drinks. You’ll also find a selection of vegan style ribs, as well as a vegetarian burger. The restaurant is run by chef Chris Terlikar, who has worked in some of the most famous BBQ pits in Texas. He has even used a Bunnings tool box as a smoker. If you’re looking for a high end, formal dining experience, you’ll be disappointed. However, it’s a great place to stop for a few drinks and a plate of ribs. The menu is fairly limited at the Rack Shack, but the offerings are worth a try. The Triple Back Rack Stack is one of the best dishes. It features beef, lamb and pork ribs. There are also vegan style ribs, and mac and cheese. You’ll also find a number of sizing options.
Red Gum BBQ
If you’re looking for American BBQ in Melbourne, check out Red Gum BBQ. This restaurant uses Australian wood to give the meat a delicious, authentic flavour. It’s committed to serving up a southern style American BBQ experience. Meats are sourced from grass-fed, ethical producers. And the signature rub and sauces are made with only natural ingredients. Traditionally, the meats are smoked for 12 to 16 hours. They are then slow-cooked, marinated and served. The restaurant is family friendly and has plenty of room for kids to play. They also offer cooking classes. Their menu includes a wide variety of meats, including pork, beef, and lamb. Meats are slow-cooked and seasoned with a secret recipe. Some of the dishes include fried cauliflower, devilled eggs, and a smoked pulled lamb shoulder. There are also vegetarian options, such as a smoked black angus beef brisket. In addition to the main menu, the restaurant offers three different side dishes. You can choose from a spicy buffalo sauce, a ketchicky sauce, and a cayenne pepper based sauce.
Pinkerton’s
Pinkerton’s American BBQ in Melbourne Victoria is not new to the food scene. It is run by owner Grant Pinkerton. He started the business in December and had a steady line of customers waiting to get in. But the line has died down. The menu consists of a range of classic barbecue meats. Some dishes are a bit more unique, such as miso-glazed duck breast. You’ll also find brisket, wings, and some sides. For a truly authentic experience, head to Fancy Hank’s. Initially started as a pop up in Princes Park, it’s grown into a Melbourne institution. They serve up Southern-style BBQ, using free-range meats. Their CBD location is a full-on experience. While you’re there, don’t forget to check out their signature ice-cold IPA. Apparently, a beer goes with barbecue. Bluebonnet BBQ is another ‘old hand’ in the Melbourne barbecue scene. This restaurant was originally a pop up unit, but now has a permanent home on Johnston Street in Collingwood. Using oak wood and ironbark, their meats are a tasty mix of modern and classic.
Up in Smoke
Up in Smoke is one of the latest incarnations of American BBQ restaurants in Melbourne. This smokehouse, situated in Footscray, features American-style food and craft beer in a masculine space. The menu is a carefully curated combination of classic smoked meats, smoky side dishes, and even craft cocktails. The restaurant has a full liquor license and the cocktail list is quite extensive. It’s also worth noting that there’s a decent wine list as well. As for the smoked meats, there’s a wide selection of low-and-slow-cooked meats such as beef brisket and pulled pork, as well as a number of classic sides. If you’re hungry for a snack, there’s the retro-style potato skins, filled with mashed potato, chives, and cheese. Up in Smoke’s bar is more akin to a high-end sports bar. It offers a great selection of cocktails, a full liquor menu, and a beer garden. There’s even a smoky babaganoush and a smoky eggplant dip. Considering how popular the trend is for smoky barbecue in Australia, it’s no surprise to find a number of restaurants offering the stuff. Up In Smoke’s ‘double barrel’ smoker produces a range of meats seven days a week.
