The North American food trend keeps on keeping on, continuing its infiltration of Brisbane suburbs. Albion’s Hudson Corner American Barbecue & Ale House has been around for almost one year and has hit its stride. Though its inner north location is not exactly the sticks, the place seems a little underappreciated.
Their smoked pork ribs (dry rubbed and served with house-made sauce) and wings (buffalo, Hudson or BBQ, $12) are solid, but they excel at various incarnations of beef between bread. Beef brisket, in comparison at least to its more popular cousin pulled pork, is often missing from Brisbane BBQ menus. Thankfully, Hudson Corner gives this cut the love and attention it deserves; their brisket roll ($20, or in a burrito for $14) is one of the best dishes they offer.
The best, in our opinion, is the cheeseburger ($12): a testament to the indulgent umami flavours of a US culinary icon, without the stodginess it often entails. Hudson Corner’s burger strikes a happy balance between the wholesomeness of quality ingredients and fatty, salty instant flavour gratification.
Sides include more than the obligatory chips ($5) and onion rings ($8); the green chilli rice is a fragrant addition and the Tex Mex black beans (both $5) help to make your takeaway seem like a proper meal. The jalapeno poppers ($10) are even a bit classy. Stuffed with cream cheese, bacon and shallots then grilled, they're a far cry from the breaded and deep-fried calorie bombs more commonly seen in Tex Mex cuisine. Meals may seem small to some and conveniently portion-controlled to others.
Craft beers on tap and Back Porch Tea (peach iced tea with bourbon) are available for those who dine in. Though the greasy spoon aesthetic is obvious, the fit-out is not slavishly on theme, nor too cool for school. Similar, in some ways, to the food.