Brisbane’s best American restaurants

Phat Boyz Smokehouse is about an hour’s drive from Brisbane or 15 mins from Ipswich. Either way, if you’re looking for a destination for lunch or dinner, treat yourself to a beautiful drive and an even more rewarding dining experience. Oh and the setting is great too…

Phat Boyz is all about the smokehouse, so it makes sense to turn straight to the ‘low and slow’ part of the menu. Wagyu brisket, ribs and pulled pork are the stars – but who doesn’t love a cheese kransky?

They also have burgers – and boy are they burgers – consider the monster burger: 200 grams of smoked Wagyu brisket plus 200 grams of pulled pork and the usual sides (slaw, fries) … props to anyone who orders it.

Ya gotta be tempted by the PB hotdog: cheese kransky, brisket and bacon crammed onto a roll with, wait for it, mac ‘n cheese. That’s one loaded dawg.

There are so many selections on the menu… just get into your car and take the family and friends for a fab day out. Enjoy the serenity, the food and possibly, the music (check the Facebook page for details).

Dish Cult’s top pick: Carnivore tray ($35)

Book it here

Sticky fingers and happy bellies are inevitable at Big Roddy’s Rippin Rib Shack.

Ribs are about as quintessentially American as it gets and the ones here are Flintstone-good. They are sticky and sweet and savoury and smokey. Now is not the time to debate beef or pork; sauced or not; rub or marinade. Let’s just agree that the best ribs are the ones you like. And Roddy’s has something for the Fred in everyone.

One thing everyone can agree on is that good sides maketh the best rib meal. Dip into Roddy’s coleslaw and fries, but for the purist, how’s about a little butter and garlic fried green beans? Not to mention cornbread?

Roddy’s has burgers and wings for the not-rib-inclined too. For vegetarians there is mac ‘n cheese balls, buffalo fried cauliflower or jalapeno poppers.
It gets uber busy at Roddy’s so be sure to book ahead. Suggestion: don’t wear your favourite shirt.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Royal sampler – a taste of all ribs ($60)

Bluegrass BBQ has three Brisbane locations: Eaton’s Hill, Albion and New Farm, so there’s no excuse not to tuck into some of the best beef barbecue in Brissy.

For those old enough to remember (cough), Bluegrass started as Blue Smoke in New Farm nearly 20 years ago. It added a new dimension to the foodie scene because Brissy had so few good barbecue places back then.

While the cuisine is American the meat is 100 per cent Aussie. The choices are really challenging: brisket or pulled pork or beef/pork ribs plates. Accompanied with two sides: fries, slaw, salads, corn, onion rings. Share platters are also available for two or more.

Bluegrass can satisfy nearly all American food cravings from wings and burgers to Philly cheesesteak and beyond.

It’s seriously popular which means it’s seriously busy, so book ahead.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Beef baby back ribs ($49)

If your tum says ‘feed me’ American, head on down to The American Diner Co. It doesn’t matter what you’re hankering for, the Diner has you covered with everything from wings to key lime pie, followed by a classic A & W Root Beer to wash it down.

Start with the most American food group of all – the burger. There’s nearly a dozen at the Diner. Seriously hungry? Then go for the smashed triple classic burger. If you’re not so hungry, then try a loaded dawg – we heartily recommend the Texas tommy with maple bacon (OMG) and triple cheese sauce on a brioche bun.

Make sure you leave room for pie. While pecan and pumpkin have fans, don’t be a follower, extend your pie repertoire with key lime, cherry or a slice of the totally decadent Reese’s Pieces pb pie. All are homemade and come under the ‘must try’ banner. Honestly, start with pie, life’s too short.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Juicy Lucy burger ($16.50)

Creole Soul Kitchen is about as southern American as you can get in Brisbane.

Lovers of NOLA will appreciate the menu. Let’s start with the po boys. For the uninitiated, a po boy is a ‘sandwich’ or in Aussie-speak a roll filled with southern goodness. The most traditional is the muffaletta: ham, salami and mortadella with provolone and mozzarella cheeses. It’s about as NOLA as they come and ideal for lunches.

What, I can get andouille sausage in Brisbane? Yes you can, with red creole sauce, onion and provolone and mozzarella cheeses. This is not the French version, but the spicier, triple smoked Cajun version – if you’ve never tried it Creole Soul is the place to try it.

For heartier meals you can’t beat classic offerings like gumbo ya ya, chicken fried steak or crawfish etouffee.

Leave enough space for the bananas foster scroll – share it if you must.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Chicken and sausage gumbo ($18)