Bluebonnet Barbecue

Overview

UPDATE: APRIL 7, 2020 — This Brunswick East joint is now selling boxes of locally sourced fresh fruit and veg and, of course, Texan-style smoked meats, as well as booze and ready-to-eat barbecue. They're all available to pick up from 12–9pm daily. Check out the menu on Instagram and call (03) 9972 1815 to order.

If there has been a Bluebonnet Barbecue-shaped hole in your life since the cult meat eatery shut up shop in North Fitzroy in early 2018, then we're happy to tell you that is has been filled. The next iteration of Bluebonnet has opened its doors in Brunswick East.

The Lygon Street venue is its new permanent home after a string of super-popular pop-ups — and a fiery short-term residency in Collingwood — and the original crew of 2014 are back together to mark the occasion: pitmaster Chris Terlikar, sous chef Eric Baird and bar manager Nate White. And they're throwing down their signature low 'n' slow Texan-style barbecue, with crafty cocktails to match.

It's serving up a mix of old favourites and new creations, in a menu that matches expertly smoked meats with clever revamps of traditional sides. The famed beef brisket makes its return, along with the likes of porter-braised beef cheeks and pork ribs, while supporting acts include fried green tomatoes on whipped goats feta and a black garlic cornbread. And night owl carnivores will find plenty to love about the solid menu of late-night bar eats.

The drinks offering has been amped up, now running to a three-part cocktail lineup — classics, lighter signature sips to complement the meat, and a produce-driven rotation of seasonal drinks — backed by a ten-strong Victorian tap list.

The space itself is laid-back and rustic, with reclaimed railway sleepers, big retractable front windows and a separate pool room, for those after-dinner sessions.