Where to Eat American Barbecue in Brisbane
Where to get your fix of some down-home USA cookin'.
Where to Eat American Barbecue in Brisbane
Where to get your fix of some down-home USA cookin'.
Not much else compares to the sounds, smells and tastes barbecuing evokes. That sizzle, the smokey aroma wafting from the barbie, that burst of juicy, meaty flavour from the initial bite — good barbecue is something pretty glorious. And luckily, we have plenty of barbecue joints at our disposal. There's Japanese yakitori, Brazilian churrasco, Korean barbecue and, of course, down-home American B-B-Q hailing from the US's southern states. Down past the Mason-Dixon Line (the obsolete boundary that 'divides' the USA's northern states from the south), barbecue is king, and we've tracked down some grade-A American barbecue joints in Brisbane where you can head for some brisket, ribs, wings and more. Get your appetites ready — you're gonna need 'em.
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Since April 2016, Big Roddy’s Ripping Rib Shack has been one of the best places in the city to get your barbecue fix. Like so many market stalls before them, a year later they made the leap to a permanent store because everyone really does need more beef and pork ribs, buffalo wings, poutine and burgers in their lives. Also following in the footsteps of plenty of other Brisbanites, Big Roddy’s set up their bricks-and-mortar shop in Fish Lane. As for what’s on the menu, expect half and full racks of both pork and beef ribs; veggie, cheese and fried chicken burgers; and a combination of both ribs and burgers in the form of The Ribwich. Certain to tempt your tastebuds, the ribs-meets-burger comes served on a brioche bun. Snacks include wings dripping in sauce and dipped in homemade garlic aioli, chicken bites, chilli fries, jala-macca-peño poppers (which, yes, really do stuff good ol’ jalapeño poppers with mac ‘n’ cheese) and the fries, gravy and cheese curd combo that is poutine. Be warned: if you weren’t a rib lover before, you will be soon.
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If you’ve ever spent time wistfully watching Travel Channel shows where fortunate hosts travel the US, indulging in all manner of comfort food along the way, then you will be very happy to read the Smoke BBQ menu. There are so many speciality items that at one time Brisbanites may have had a hard time getting their mitts on, but once Smoke BBQ came on the scene, they sorted us out right quick. Think North Carolina pulled pork, cheese steak subs, fried shrimp po’ boy sandwiches, hickory chicken, beef brisket, buffalo wings with blue cheese dipping sauce and banana cream pie. It’s hard not to get excited. If you’re going to make the effort of going out for American smoked BBQ, then you really should be getting some ribs. The Big Rib Combo (Texas beef short rib, Memphis pork belly and North Carolina pulled pork) and the ‘New’ Signature Rib Combo (Texas beef ribs, Bourbon lamb ribs and thick cut pork ribs) are designed for sharing and come with basic accompaniments. If for some reason ribs just aren’t for you, then the Pork & Chicken Platter will do (Memphis pork belly with a side of Memphis sauce, North Carolina pulled pork and a half hickory chicken with a side of Memphis BBQ).
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Much of the food at The Defiant Duck is infused with the smoky tenderness that can only come from a 100% charcoal-powered oven and grill. That pivotal appliance cranks out meals morning, noon and night, with charcoal buffalo wings, grilled burgers and Coca-Cola beef ribs among the highlights on the menu. Starting your meal off with mac ‘n’ cheese croquettes, and then topping it off with a mighty duck sundae (comprised of cookie dough ice cream, marshmallows, shaved chocolate, wafer, peanut brittle and cool whip) also sounds a treat — as well as sounding like the kind of dishes you would consume in a leisurely food and drink space like this one.
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Southern Attitude brings a humble slice of the American South to Oxford Street in Bulimba. The team’s love for all things Southern shines through the drinks and the decor. Most of the menu here is served deep-fried or smothered in a deliciously Southern sauce (like Tennessee Whiskey BBQ) — or a combination of the two, which is totally fine by us. Kick off with classics like cornbread served with molasses butter or the fried dill pickles served with sweet radish sauce. Nibble on some wings or dig into one of the many sandwiches and burgers. For some real southern comfort, check the BBQ and Southern specials. Make a mess of a plate of beef or pork ribs and fill up on the molasses braised pork belly. Servings are generous and all mains come with a choice of two sides. Sweet potato fries, blackened corn and Sierra Nevada Pale Ale onion rings are no brainers.
