Overview
Wellington's Wilson Barbecue is best known for its irresistible meaty creations. The American-style low 'n' slow barbecue joint, which originally started as a food truck and has since popped up across the capital, famously prompted a burger frenzy with its smoked beef short rib burger.
Wilson's husband and wife team Casey and Blair were due to open a bricks and mortar location in Johnsonville earlier in the year, but were halted by the COVID-19 lockdown. Instead, the pair turned their cooking talents to ready-to-eat meats for those looking to recreate the low 'n' slow experience at home.
Coming out the other side of the pandemic, Wilson's almost-two-tonne smoker can now be found cranking at full capacity in Johnsonville. Casey and Blair put down permanent roots at 17 Johnsonville Road in August to serve up all the classics from their famed food truck across breakfast, lunch and dinner.
The signature ten-hour-smoked beef brisket is there. Meat lovers can grab it as a 150-gram portion alongside pickles and barbecue sauce, or have it tossed into mac 'n' cheese, loaded on top of fries or served up in eggs bene form. The brisket cheeseburger is a nod to the hefty creation that took out Burger Wellington in 2018. Pulled pork and fried chicken round off the burger selection.
From the pit you can feast on pulled pork and sausages, or ribs by the quarter, half or full rack. The sharing platters combine all of the above and are perfect if you want a bit of everything — they range from one- to four-person servings.
For the complete meal there are sides like jalapeño cheese dip, pulled pork croquettes, potato salad and slaw. Dessert is even thrown in the smoker — take your pick from a smoked boston creme doughnut, smoked creme brûlée, smoked cheesecake or warm vegan brownie. And while it's generally all about the meat, vegetarian and vegan diners can also be catered for on request.
Find Wilson Barbecue at 17 Johnsonville Road, Johnsonville. It's open Wednesday to Sunday from 7am until late. For more information, visit wilsonbarbecue.com.