Who could say no to a hearty American BBQ?
The Fourth of July is this weekend, which means we have the perfect excuse to try some awesome flavours at American restaurants around Melbourne. Yes, it’s an American holiday, but that doesn’t mean we can’t appreciate a good burger. Luckily for us, Melbourne has several amazing American restaurants to choose from. Enjoy some southern hospitality with a barbecue or sip on a delicious milkshake in a diner. Whatever you’re craving, here is our list of the best American restaurants to try in Melbourne.
1. Le Bon Ton
Be transported to Louisiana at Le Bon Ton in Collingwood. With a motto like “Come hungry, leave happy”, you know you’re in for a good time. Their specialty? American BBQ. The meats are smoked over iron bark and fruit woods for up to 12 hours.
This 4th of July, they’re cranking up the heat with their Hot Wings Challenge. The eight wings are coated in their sizzling Extra Hot Suicide Sauce. Eat each wing in under two minutes for a chance to win a dining voucher. If you’d like to warm up a different way, try some of their delicious cocktails to put some fire in your belly.
On top of their Hot Wing Challenge, this Sunday there will also be a roving photo booth, an American muscle car display and live music between 4pm and 7pm.
Find Le Bon Ton at 51 Gipps St, Collingwood VIC 3066.
2. Soda Rock Diner
It doesn’t have to be about the meats! For a classic American diner experience, visit Soda Rock Diner on Chapel Street. You’ll have a blast as there’s a jukebox on every table, pinball machines – even roller-skating waiters! Enjoy their range of burgers and hotdogs, and, if you’re looking for a sweet dessert, try out their famous cherry pie. Of course, what’s a diner without a milkshake? Made the “old-fashioned American way”, these milkshakes are deliciously thick and creamy, with three scoops of ice cream in every serve.
Find Soda Rock Diner just outside Jam Factory, at 10/500 Chapel St, South Yarra VIC 3141.
3. San Antone by Bludso’s BBQ
If you like smoked meats, you’ll love this Texan smokehouse in Crown Casino. San Antone was brought to Melbourne by Kevin Bludso, a third-generation pit-master responsible for Bludso’s BBQ in LA. The meat is slowly cooked over hand-picked woods and seasoned with a secret recipe. Prepare to get your fingers messy and sticky. To wash down the meat, try one of their margaritas, like the Chuck Norris, or their cocktails, like their Redneck Rocket Fuel.
Find San Antone on Level 1 at Crown at 8 Whiteman Street, Southbank VIC 3006.
4. Bowery to Williamsburg
Travel to New York at this beautiful laneway café. Bowery to Williamsburg is an homage to the Bowery subway station in New York City. Expect hearty sandwiches like the Rueben or a Philly Cheese Steak. In addition to the sandwiches, there’s also classic bagels, waffles and eggs. And while you can enjoy a more Melburnian type of coffee, they also offer the American filter style as well.
Discover Bowery to Williamsburg at 16 Oliver Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000.
5. Bluebonnet Barbecue
Bluebonnet Barbecue has had a tumultuous journey in Melbourne. It had some pop up locations, operated as a food truck and was once completely burned to the ground. Now, it’s safe in its permanent home on Lygon Street.
Specialising in Texas barbecue, Bluebonnet offers a range of delicious meats, like beef brisket, house-made sausage and smoked lamb ribs. Their wood fired Ole Hickory Pit smoker can cook half a tonne of meat per day! Their bar also has over 100 different types of ryes, bourbons and whiskeys for you to try.
Find Bluebonnet at 124-126 Lygon St, Brunswick East VIC 3057.
6. F.A.T Fried And Tasty
Get fat in the best way possible. Head to F.A.T on Brunswick East for some excellent fried chicken. Feast on fried chicken with waffles, grab a F.A.T pack or enjoy a whole bucket of fried chicken. If you’re not interested in chicken on its own, they have burgers as well. Try some delicious sides, like Mac and Cheese, chilli corn or ranch salad. Then, wash it down with a beer or a milkshake.
Find F.A.T at 360 Lygon St, Brunswick East VIC 3057.
7. Sal’s Authentic New York Pizza
In the city, you will find a pizza joint that provides truly authentic New York pizza. This restaurant boasts of using pizza techniques and secret recipes from Salvatore Leo, the man responsible for Sal’s Pizza in New York. Here, you will find ingredients such as Vine Ripened California Tomatoes, Wisconsin mozzarella and slow risen dough made from New York Milled Hard Spring Wheat Flour.
Find Sal’s in the CBD, Fitzroy or Brunswick. See their website for full details.