Overview
In the era of #cleaneating, how can the less sanctimonious among us get our foodie jollies and an unhealthy serving of trans fats? The answer is deep-fried and covered in sauce: American food, of course. Fare from the US of A has enjoyed a steep increase in popularity among Brisbanites lately, and though it's not helping us keep our waistlines in check, the food on offer is just too good to ignore.
Here are five of the best American food joints in town, and the dishes you mustn't miss.
1. Yard Bird Ale House
Despite its Fortitude Valley location, this is one Ale House that's easy to miss — and regulars wouldn’t mind keeping it that way. Yard Bird is tucked into the Brunswick Central complex behind Bravo bar, and is regularly packed to the gills with ravenous patrons washing down wings, pizzas and burgers with a pint of Little Creatures or Monteiths cider. Everything on the menu is top notch, but the star has to be the chilli cheese fries. Shoestring fries perfectly deep-fried then heaped with beef chilli, cheese, jalapenos and Yard Bird’s special sauce. How could something that tastes so good possibly be wrong? Whether you're hungover or just really hungry, these fries will hit the spot. They're also available with bean chilli for those of the veggie persuasion.
6/24 Martin Place, Fortitude Valley
2. Tippler's Tap
Heading back towards Fortitude Valley, you'll find Tippler's Tap in Newstead. Light on the wallet and heavy on the calories, this is definitely an establishment you should enter hungry. With prices so low it's easy to over-order, so bringing a few hungry friends won’t hurt either. There is an impressive range of craft beers on tap, and the lovely bar staff can point you in the direction of your ideal brew. With a menu including hot dogs, jaffles and onion rings, it's tough to pick a favourite, but the chilli and sliders are probably the ones to beat.
1/22 Masters, St Teneriffe
3. Carolina Kitchen
The most unassuming of American food havens, Carolina Kitchen can be found on a quiet corner in suburban Coorparoo. This doesn't deter its loyal customers, though, who come in droves for the delicious hoagies (subs), burgers, wings, fries, and most of all, the ribs! Falling off the bone and smothered in rich and smokey BBQ sauce, these could tempt almost anyone away from their quinoa and kale. Pair these meaty beauties with a classic root beer, and finish your Carolina Kitchen meal off with a slice of pie — some of the varieties regularly available are pumpkin, key lime, pecan and cherry. Yum.
2/38 Macaulay Street, Coorparoo
4. Lefty's Old Time Music Hall
Lefty's doesn’t just offer an American food menu; it’s a little slice of Americana in the heart of Caxton Street. Described by co-founder Jason Scott as "themed like Deadwood meets Carnivale in a Louisiana brothel," this new bar and music venue has ambience to burn. The food menu is short and sweet, featuring snacks like popcorn shrimp and onion rings, but if you’re peckish, don’t miss the po’ boys. The blackened catfish po’ boy in particular is a tasty treat — full of smoky Cajun flavour on a crusty bun, and of course, a side of fries. You’ll love the mini Tabasco sauce bottles that come with the meals.
15 Caxton Street, Petrie Terrace
5. Shady Palms
The latest venture from Mal and Bec of Lady Marmalade Cafe, Shady Palms has already become Stones Corner’s hottest new Sunday session location. More importantly, it also features an excellent American-inspired menu stretching through breakfast (yay!) into the late evening. A Shady Palms brekky might include a bagel, salted cod croquettes or pork tacos, while the sliders, po’ boys and share plates make great afternoon snacks. For a full-on kilojoule walloping, try the fried chicken with a side of macaroni cheese — it’ll beat your bucket of drumsticks any day of the week. This chilled new venue also hosts live music and cult theatre nights.
427 Logan Road, Greenslopes