5 RCA-winning Barbeque Restaurants to Turn Up the Heat

Summer is just around the corner and so is barbeque season…picture sizzling steaks on the grill, succulent seafood and delicious sides that perfectly accompany your thrills on the grill.

Alternatively, you can head to your favourite Readers’ Choice Award-winning restaurant and turn up the heat on dinner with family and friends. Here are five venues where barbeque is the grill deal:

Those seeking generous platters of Korean charcoal barbequed meat head along Lyons Street to find Jang Ta Bal Strathfield. This authentic Korean eatery with tabletop BBQ grills for cooking your own protein and vegetables, is filled with tantalising aromas, smoky flavours and a lively buzz of conversation, as diners treat themselves to all manner of temptations.

From premium cuts of Wagyu to ox tongue, pork jowl and belly, duck, chicken and seafood – there is something to satisfy all cravings – along with sides like squid and shallot pancakes and fresh crab marinated in chilli paste. Perhaps soy bean paste stew hits the mark with mixed seafood, tofu and rice; or delve into the likes of stir-fried glass noodles, beef and vegetables, ideally paired with an ice-cold beer, or glass of wine.

Combining the best of East and West, head to Chop ‘n’ Chill on Horton Street in Port Macquarie for street-style Southeast Asian fare blended with the hearty smoked-meat flavours of the Americas. Nestled on the Town Green with spectacular views of the beautiful Hastings River, this restaurant is all about spending great times with family and friends; find indoor-outdoor dining in relaxing surrounds, while a kids’ play park entertains the little ones.

 

Jump right in with spicy BBQ chicken wings, blue cheese dressing, carrot and celery sticks, before slicing your knife into perfectly grilled Wagyu steak with red wine jus, horseradish crème, potatoes, coleslaw and spicy BBQ sauce; or go for a taste of Asia with grilled lemon pepper barramundi, coleslaw, chunky fries, lemon wedges and tartar sauce. Perhaps share a smoked stand platter with brisket, pork sausages, chicken wings, mac ‘n’ cheese, pickled vegetables and cornbread.

Quality ingredients, cooked to perfection – that’s the simple mantra that sums up everything on the menu at Elements Smokehouse Bar and Grill on Palmer Street in Darlinghurst. On balmy days dine alfresco and people watch or take in city lights at night; while indoors is elegant and stylish with a sandstone bar, recycled timber and cosy corners ideal for an intimate evening with someone special.

 

Steak is the specialty featuring the choicest cuts, sizzled and seared to a succulent sensation, with your choice of sides; devour a signature eye fillet cooked on a sizzling hot stone with sides of nduja baked potatoes, steamed asparagus and grilled sweetcorn ribs, or chow down on a surf ‘n’ turf burger with Wagyu beef patty, grilled prawns, tomato, Spanish onion, radicchio, provolone cheese, burger and spicy BBQ sauce.

Embody the spirit and flavours of Texas at Frank’s Barbecue Texas Smokehouse on Albany Highway in East Victoria Park. Dishing up a wide variety of smoked meat along with authentic Texas side dishes, Frank’s is the place to head for tender brisket, ribs, succulent pork, juicy chicken and signature sausages; all served in rustic surrounds of recycled timber, exposed brick, neon signage and red and white checked tablecloths.

 

Get the party started with honey BBQ chicken wings and fries, before succulent, finger-lickin’ good pork ribs with sides of ranch-style beans, Texas mashed potato, corn and creamy coleslaw; turn up the heat with a Frank on Fire smoked brisked burger with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, jalapeño and hot sauce, or a piggy sandwich with pulled pork, sausage and bacon.

The Bootlegger Bar on Bathurst Road in Katoomba is a local family-friendly speakeasy that has earned a reputation as a haven for lovers of smoked culinary delights and innovative libations. Taking pride in crafting exquisite smoked meats, each bite bursting with rich, smoky flavours that leave guests craving more, Bootlegger doesn't stop at just food - its smoked drinks are a true testament to a dedication to the art of smoking.

 

Pair a Liquid Smoke cocktail with starters like cheeseburger spring rolls and ranch dipping sauce, moving onto a grilled tomahawk steak with slaw, fries and char-grilled corn with Creole butter; burger lovers opt for the Bootlegger – brisket, bacon, cheese, pickles, and house BBQ sauce – with sides of shoestring fries and smoked mac and cheese.