Plenty of guides exist listing the finest barbecue cuisine throughout Melbourne. To be honest, I've only come across a single guide authored by someone American. I should mention upfront: I hail from the North and haven't spent time in the South. That said, I had many mates from the South, which meant I enjoyed loads of fantastic home-cooked barbecue fare. Fortunately, through the years, I managed to learn several tricks for making outstanding barbecue food!
I'd happily devour barbecue cuisine daily, so upon arriving in Melbourne, I had to track down quality barbecue for occasions when I couldn't be bothered preparing it myself. I began exploring various guides to discover the best barbecue joints and started sampling them. Here's what I reckon about barbecue spots in Melbourne:
**None of these establishments provided me with sponsorship. All views expressed are entirely my own. Simply aiming to support fellow Americans and those seeking genuine American barbecue throughout Australia.**
Big Boy BBQ
This was my initial visit to the establishment. I walked away thoroughly impressed and delighted by what I experienced. The meat proved juicy, tender, and packed with flavour. Their impressive range of BBQ sauces was exceptional! Discovering authentic American BBQ of this calibre in Melbourne felt like a stroke of good fortune. The proprietor discovered his passion for BBQ during travels across America and has become instrumental in establishing the cuisine in Melbourne. The venue offers an extensive variety of meat platters and sandwich options.
When I first arrived, I was thrilled to dine here once more. The Caulfield branch had undergone renovation (or so I believed) and after reopening, the cuisine had lost its appeal. The protein was parched, seeming as though it'd been warming under heat for an extended period, and devoid of taste. I gave this location another go hoping that day had simply been poor, yet the result was identical. I subsequently visited the other two branches hoping to rediscover the same excellent experience. Unfortunately, this wasn't the case.
Big Boys still has fantastic options if you're after some US imports. They carry an impressive range of beverages such as Dr Pepper, Grape Soda, and fruit punch Jarritos! Plus, they stock excellent BBQ sauces that are genuinely delicious.
MeatMaiden
This joint takes its craft seriously! I'd reckon they ought to rename themselves MeatMasters given how exceptional it is! Arrive early though, as their items tend to sell out quickly (the brisket especially goes fast).
To this point, MeatMaiden's has delivered the most exceptional brisket I've experienced across Australia. It's consistently remarkably tender and succulent. I'd happily dine there daily. As someone allergic to pork, I haven't sampled the pork offerings myself, though mates have praised the quality of those pork options. Virtually the entire menu is outstanding so there's truly nothing you can order that disappoints.
Fancy Hank's Barbeque
Crikey! When I first discovered Fancy Hank's, a mate brought me takeaway. I preferred not to base my assessment on the delivery option (which admittedly was quite delicious), so I held off until I could finally experience Fancy Hank's in person at their venue.
I recently visited with an American friend, and we both thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. I've forgotten what I actually ordered (possibly a brisket sandwich) but it hardly matters! It was fantastic! The meat melted in your mouth with such tenderness and richness, it was almost heavenly. The gravy-soaked brisket fries felt like my own personal taste of paradise.
Locating authentic sauce around these parts is no easy feat, and Fancy Hank's have nailed it perfectly. If I could immerse myself in that sauce, I'd do it in a heartbeat. Whether you're passing through or you're a local, head down to Fancy Hank's, and you'll leave satisfied!
Smokehouse 101
I'll begin this Smokehouse 101 review by noting that I've visited just once. During that single visit, I was quite impressed. It's not necessarily my top choice in Melbourne, yet the cuisine here is genuinely tasty! A friend and I ordered the meat platter to share. From what I could sample, I appreciated the poultry and the brisket, though I found the cornbread and chilli beans rather underwhelming. In fairness, cornbread hasn't impressed me anywhere in Melbourne so far.
I'm absolutely keen to return and try this venue again. The deep fried brownie continues to tempt me. They stock a solid range of American beers with regular rotations. Smokehouse 101 offers a brekkie menu that sounds truly excellent. Biscuits and gravy alongside grits 'n' bacon feature on this menu. I'll need to bring a mate who consumes pork so they can walk me through it properly.
Le Bon Ton
When it comes to fried chicken with gravy, Le Bon Ton nails it! Their white gravy ranks amongst the finest I've encountered in Melbourne. Honestly, it's incredibly moreish. I was equally thrilled that mozzarella sticks were on the menu. Mozzarella sticks are a favourite starter for me. Fried cheese always brightens my day.
Regrettably, the meat dishes fell short of expectations. They weren't terrible, but they weren't particularly memorable either. Perhaps the exceptional fried chicken had raised my standards too high, or maybe I simply caught them on an off day. I'm inclined to return and try Le Bon Ton again. That said, I'll definitely be back for the fried chicken.
Up in Smoke
After relocating to the west, I was thrilled to discover several BBQ establishments in the area. I typically visit restaurants without high expectations, so I was thoroughly delighted by the outstanding quality of Up in Smoke's cuisine. Whether I eat in or get takeaway, every meal has been wonderful!
The mac and cheese and Up in Smoke sandwich rank among my favourite menu picks. So far, I haven't been let down by anything I've sampled. Don't miss the munchies either. I'd strongly suggest trying the brisket waffle fries and fried cauliflower (you can probably guess I'm a regular here).
I've yet to sample any of their desserts, though they certainly appear delicious. When you visit Up in Smoke, be sure to arrive with an appetite. There's so much to taste on their menu!
Nieuw Amsterdam
Based on the menu and restaurant description, Nieuw Amsterdam presents itself as an American BBQ establishment. However, I wouldn't really describe it that way. To be honest, I wouldn't even call it BBQ. The venue is currently going through a management transition, so they could be shifting away from their former BBQ standing. That said, if you fancy some excellent fried pickles, you won't be disappointed!
It's astonishing how quickly American BBQ establishments shut down in Melbourne. Yet you can still discover quality barbeque if you look. The advantage of relocating to a different nation is sampling all manner of unfamiliar cuisines. Yet occasionally you crave traditional comfort meals. Have you sampled any of these establishments? If you have, which was your favourite? If you're living abroad, what cuisine do you pine for?
I'd happily devour barbecue cuisine daily, so upon arriving in Melbourne, I had to track down quality barbecue for occasions when I couldn't be bothered preparing it myself. I began exploring various guides to discover the best barbecue joints and started sampling them. Here's what I reckon about barbecue spots in Melbourne:
**None of these establishments provided me with sponsorship. All views expressed are entirely my own. Simply aiming to support fellow Americans and those seeking genuine American barbecue throughout Australia.**
Big Boy BBQ
This was my initial visit to the establishment. I walked away thoroughly impressed and delighted by what I experienced. The meat proved juicy, tender, and packed with flavour. Their impressive range of BBQ sauces was exceptional! Discovering authentic American BBQ of this calibre in Melbourne felt like a stroke of good fortune. The proprietor discovered his passion for BBQ during travels across America and has become instrumental in establishing the cuisine in Melbourne. The venue offers an extensive variety of meat platters and sandwich options.
When I first arrived, I was thrilled to dine here once more. The Caulfield branch had undergone renovation (or so I believed) and after reopening, the cuisine had lost its appeal. The protein was parched, seeming as though it'd been warming under heat for an extended period, and devoid of taste. I gave this location another go hoping that day had simply been poor, yet the result was identical. I subsequently visited the other two branches hoping to rediscover the same excellent experience. Unfortunately, this wasn't the case.
 |
| Check out their menu: Big Boy BBQ |
MeatMaiden
This joint takes its craft seriously! I'd reckon they ought to rename themselves MeatMasters given how exceptional it is! Arrive early though, as their items tend to sell out quickly (the brisket especially goes fast).
 |
| And now I want brisket! |
To this point, MeatMaiden's has delivered the most exceptional brisket I've experienced across Australia. It's consistently remarkably tender and succulent. I'd happily dine there daily. As someone allergic to pork, I haven't sampled the pork offerings myself, though mates have praised the quality of those pork options. Virtually the entire menu is outstanding so there's truly nothing you can order that disappoints.
Fancy Hank's Barbeque
Crikey! When I first discovered Fancy Hank's, a mate brought me takeaway. I preferred not to base my assessment on the delivery option (which admittedly was quite delicious), so I held off until I could finally experience Fancy Hank's in person at their venue.
I recently visited with an American friend, and we both thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. I've forgotten what I actually ordered (possibly a brisket sandwich) but it hardly matters! It was fantastic! The meat melted in your mouth with such tenderness and richness, it was almost heavenly. The gravy-soaked brisket fries felt like my own personal taste of paradise.
 |
| Delicious! Fancy Hank's Barbeque |
Smokehouse 101
I'll begin this Smokehouse 101 review by noting that I've visited just once. During that single visit, I was quite impressed. It's not necessarily my top choice in Melbourne, yet the cuisine here is genuinely tasty! A friend and I ordered the meat platter to share. From what I could sample, I appreciated the poultry and the brisket, though I found the cornbread and chilli beans rather underwhelming. In fairness, cornbread hasn't impressed me anywhere in Melbourne so far.
 |
| Check out Smokehouse 101 |
I'm absolutely keen to return and try this venue again. The deep fried brownie continues to tempt me. They stock a solid range of American beers with regular rotations. Smokehouse 101 offers a brekkie menu that sounds truly excellent. Biscuits and gravy alongside grits 'n' bacon feature on this menu. I'll need to bring a mate who consumes pork so they can walk me through it properly.
Le Bon Ton
When it comes to fried chicken with gravy, Le Bon Ton nails it! Their white gravy ranks amongst the finest I've encountered in Melbourne. Honestly, it's incredibly moreish. I was equally thrilled that mozzarella sticks were on the menu. Mozzarella sticks are a favourite starter for me. Fried cheese always brightens my day.
 |
| Le Bon Ton |
Regrettably, the meat dishes fell short of expectations. They weren't terrible, but they weren't particularly memorable either. Perhaps the exceptional fried chicken had raised my standards too high, or maybe I simply caught them on an off day. I'm inclined to return and try Le Bon Ton again. That said, I'll definitely be back for the fried chicken.
Up in Smoke
After relocating to the west, I was thrilled to discover several BBQ establishments in the area. I typically visit restaurants without high expectations, so I was thoroughly delighted by the outstanding quality of Up in Smoke's cuisine. Whether I eat in or get takeaway, every meal has been wonderful!
The mac and cheese and Up in Smoke sandwich rank among my favourite menu picks. So far, I haven't been let down by anything I've sampled. Don't miss the munchies either. I'd strongly suggest trying the brisket waffle fries and fried cauliflower (you can probably guess I'm a regular here).
 |
| Up in Smoke |
I've yet to sample any of their desserts, though they certainly appear delicious. When you visit Up in Smoke, be sure to arrive with an appetite. There's so much to taste on their menu!
Nieuw Amsterdam
Based on the menu and restaurant description, Nieuw Amsterdam presents itself as an American BBQ establishment. However, I wouldn't really describe it that way. To be honest, I wouldn't even call it BBQ. The venue is currently going through a management transition, so they could be shifting away from their former BBQ standing. That said, if you fancy some excellent fried pickles, you won't be disappointed!
 |
| Nieuw Amsterdam Bar and Restaurant |
It's astonishing how quickly American BBQ establishments shut down in Melbourne. Yet you can still discover quality barbeque if you look. The advantage of relocating to a different nation is sampling all manner of unfamiliar cuisines. Yet occasionally you crave traditional comfort meals. Have you sampled any of these establishments? If you have, which was your favourite? If you're living abroad, what cuisine do you pine for?
Until our next meeting...
Keep wondering!
