Sticky, sweet, smoky and delicious, American BBQ is definitely one of our favourite food groups. What’s not to love about meat cooked until it’s so juicy and tender you barely have to chew before swallowing?
Then there’s the delicious sides like corn bread, coleslaw, mashed potatoes, corn on the cob and beans. It’s the kind of food you’ll gladly set aside your knife and fork and don an embarrassing plastic bib for.
In recent years it’s been a lot easier to get your BBQ fix in Perth, and thankfully it’s not looking like the American food trend is slowing down any time soon.
Here’s where to find the best American BBQ in Perth.
Old Faithful Bar & BBQ
Perth
Old Faithful take their BBQ very seriously. First their meats are rested in brine for almost 12 hours, then they’re dry rubbed with all kinds of delicious spices and cooked low and slow in a smoker for 18 to 26 hours before arriving on your plate and ready to devour in a matter of minutes. We recommend one of theirplatter which includes plenty of BBQ meats, alongside delish sides like coleslaw, pickles, and mac and cheese.
Big Don's Smoked Meats
No fixed Address
This underground BBQ is serving up arguably some of the best American style meats in Perth but they don't have an actual restaurant so the hardest part is actually keeping track of when and where you can get your hands on it. An ode to central Texas barbecue, Big Don's Smoked Meats does not muck around. Expect big, juicy flavours and classic cuts—we're talking briskets, ribs, fried chicken, and more, all inspired by America's south. Keep an eye on Facebook to see what's cooking and where Big Don's popping up next.
Side Door BBQ
MOUNT LAWLEY
If you’re after a real American BBQ experience, head to Mount Lawley's Side Door BBQ. They’ve got tasty smoked and non-smoked BBQ meats and all of the trimmings you could ever want or need including cornbread, BBQ beans with burnt ends, corn on the cob, pickled slaw and collard greens, as well as starters like pork belly lollipops and hush puppies.
Frank's Texas Smokehouse
Victoria Park
Set in an old car yard along Albany Highway in Victoria Park, Frank's delivers some serious Americana vibes. Their huge outdoor space—complete with long picnic style tables and festoon lighting—is perfect for a big feed with friends on a hot summer evening, especially considering the drinks are so cheap. Whatever you do, though, just make sure you get a serve of the moist brisket. It's not going to win you any health points, but damn, it's one of the juiciest slabs of meat you'll find around Perth.
Ribs & Burgers
Perth
We’ve sampled our fair share of eats at Ribs & Burgers and can honestly say that their ribs are freaking delicious and some of the best in Perth. Grab a giant glistening stack of eight-hour beef or pork ribs served over a mound of tasty chips soaking up all of the delicious BBQ flavours. If you want to add some carbs into the mix the burger menu is also pretty damn good.
Brooklyn Lounge
Scarborough
Get your meat sweat on at Brooklyn Lounge in Scarborough and order the ribs, which are slow cooked in a home made BBQ sauce for 12 juicy hours, or the epic Empire State Building burger with double beef, bacon, pulled pork, cheese, crispy onions and barbecue sauce. If you’re eyes are feeling particularly hungry a serving of the crispy loaded fries topped with pulled pork, jalapenos, pancetta, cheese and queso won’t disappoint.
Varnish On King
Perth
There’s no better accompaniment to BBQ food than whiskey, and this is what Varnish On King does best. Choose from amped up American dishes like the wagyu brisket with smoked mussel jus or maple bourbon chicken wings. Whatever you do, don’t forget to try a few different whiskeys while you’re there!
Holy Smokes
Fremantle
Fremantle is a foodie's dream and American barbeque joint and small bar Holy Smokes doesn't disappoint. Mac and cheese croquettes, fried pickles and some of the best ribs in town? Don't mind if we do. Head here for a drink and just try and say no to the food (spoiler: you don't want to).
Looking for more greasy eats? Hit up some of the best pizzas in Perth.
Image credit: Sidedoor BBQ