Where to find Perth’s best American barbecue
Vegans, avert your eyes. Meat eaters, change into some stretchy pants…
Big Don’s Smoked Meats
You cannot mention barbecued meat around Perth without a horde of BDSM fans emerging to extoll the virtues of these meat-laden trays. And to be fair – they’ve got a point! No one takes American BBQ as seriously as Big Don, who has changed the BBQ game with his ticketed pre-order model… Just make sure to set an alarm, as these bad boys sell out in seconds.
Bayswater
Charlie’s BBQ
Sundays are for smoked meats! The legends at Charlie’s know their way around a burger – but did you know they also serve up some insane BBQ platters? Available pre-order only for pick up on select Sundays, these behemoth boards will sate the hunger of 2-3 barbecue-lovers with mountains of meat – it’s generally a different offering each time, but think waygu brisket, lamb ribs, pork belly burnt ends, jalapeño snags and plenty of sides.
7/1 Glenelg Place, Connolly
Mrs Sippy BBQ
OK, this one might take a bit of a road trip… But we reckon it’s more than worth it! Located in the beaut Bakers Hill, you can’t miss the bright blue of Mrs Sippy BBQ, serving up stellar smoked meats in their retro surrounds. We can’t resist the juicy beef brisket, but we reckon it’s worth coming with a friend or two to really get a taste of everything.
4629 Great Eastern Highway, Bakers Hill
Frank’s Texas Smokehouse
Frank’s is another place that feels like it’s been transplanted from the middle of Texas, then plonked into an old car yard in Vic Park. Somehow though, it’s as if it’s been there forever. With an outside area perfect for big groups on balmy evenings, wallet-friendly drink specials (and weekday lunch specials) and meat that’s ready to go as you order (no waiting!), this is the perfect spot for a Sunday catch up with mates.
767 Albany Highway, East Victoria Park
Porkies BAR-B-QUE
Porkies is not for the faint of heart. You could almost believe you were deep in the heart of Texas, if not for the Australian chatter that fills the room, or the familiar faces across the many TV screens – but this is no place for highfalutin airs. It’s a place for greasy-fingered goodness, free soft drink refills and definitely for an elastic waistband. Us, we’re still dreaming about the sticky, sweet, smoky 16-hour burnt ends and garlicky stadium fries.
208 Railway Parade, Bayswater
Smokr
Any given weekend, chances are you can find us hunting down this food truck – in a positively frantic frenzy sniffing out their smokey goods! Smokr has become a favourite around Perth’s markets and pop-up events – and who could resist golden fries loaded with tender brisket, hulking beef ribs or juicy pulled pork?
Sir Smokes Alot
Another food truck favourite, Sir Smokes Alot have been popping up all over town and delighting meat lovers to no end. While their smokey meats are enticing enough (get a load of that platter!), you also won’t be able to miss the sight of their monster vintage Chevy truck, converted into a “Mobile Meatwagon” and lovingly named Big Boy Randy!
The Norfolk Hotel
This historic Freo pub is a favourite for a bend of the arm… But we reckon they’re also one of Perth’s hidden BBQ gems! One of the few places you can reliably get BBQ most nights of the week, grab a friend and settle in for one of the Norfolk’s spectacular smoked meat boards, cooked low and slow using jarrah, grape and cherry woods and loaded with brisket, smoked pork sausage, chilli and plum-glazed pork spare ribs, hoisin lamb shoulder and heaps more – add in sides like Asian herb slaw and duck fat potatoes to really make it a feast!
47 South Terrace, Fremantle
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The Guildford Hotel
Built in 1886, and gutted by a devastating fire in 2008, the Guildford emerged like a phoenix with a refurbishment in 2016 that restored the old girl to her former glory. Their on-site smoker (lovingly named Thomas) is pumping out some succulent low and slow goodies – best enjoyed, in our humble opinion, in the heaving Whole Damn Lot platter! If that wasn’t meaty enough for you, head there on the last Thursday of each month for their (and we don’t use this word lightly) epic Bottomless BBQ – or for something a bit more restrained, their Tuesday night Pitmaster’s Choice, just $50 for two people.
159 James Street, Guildford
The Beaufort
We normally associate the Beaufort with a cheeky rooftop cocktail or a refined lunch at Lotus… But we’ve gotta say, their Sunday smoked feasts has us hooked! Every Sunday from midday, they’re loading up some stunning meat trays with wagyu brisket, sticky pork ribs, jalapeño and cheddar sausage and heaps of sides – not to mention some cocktail specials to keep you well hydrated. At only $38pp, it’s some of the best value BBQ in town.
521-525 Beaufort Street, Highgate
Cover image: The Guildford Hotel