Big Roddy’s Rippin’ Rib Shack is known for its burgers and barbecue ribs that people online say “melt in your mouth.” We think that when it comes to ribs, tenderness is one thing but flavor should be just as important. They didn’t shy away from that category.

The well-seasoned meat is a treat. Ribs come with sweet potato chips, coleslaw, and cornbread, which are all amazing sides that are perfect complements to the barbecue.

According to some customers we’ve spoken to, the meat can be a little bit tough sometimes. But this restaurant has earned its rightful place in people’s lists of the best BBQ joints with its original and sweet BBQ flavors.

Some downsides we experienced was, first, the menu wasn’t flavorful for our wallets as the items were on the expensive side. Other items were also inconsistent in terms of serving size after we compared our platters to the other table, which was disappointing.

Additionally, we also saw that the service isn’t the highlight in this place*. Because it’s busy most of the time, some customers like us can get overlooked even when we raise our hands. Regardless, the food was great and that’s the main thing that mattered! 

Loved it

Our beef and pork ribs were desirable and soft due to the sou vide style also smoked for maximum flavour and melt in your mouth eating. The BBQ corn was rubbed with marinade so flavour was soaked in and amazing. The hand made and cut sweet potato chips were specially crunchy coated for a perfect bite. Both texture and flavour was unique. Various sauces for sampling to perfect your experience. What we loved most was the owner is here food prepping and serving customers in full swing ensuring the best of the melt in your mouth meat experience and best food quality is perfect on every plate. amazing! Loved it.

MR C | Google Reviews

The best I’ve ever had

The best I’ve ever had! The staff were amazing. So accommodating. We even met Big Roddy, he was awesome. Even saw someone with a Big Roddy’s hat on and we chatted about how good the food and service was. So many people love this place. And now so do I.

Ashlee Sanford | Google Reviews

Frankie’s Smokehouse is one of those places that really pulls you in because of the aroma from a few meters away.

When we were deciding what to order, the first thing that caught our attention was the Death By Food Coma Platter. It’s right in the middle of the menu and the name alone meant we had to get it.

It had six different kinds of meat items made up of a variety of beef, pork, and even chicken wings! What had me salivating the most, though, were the brisket pit beans, zesty corn, and the White Alabama Sauce.

Try doing what one of us did with some of the inclusions. Hear me out: smoked beef brisket in a corn tortilla with hot sauce! 

Most of their food is also gluten-free and they have an amazing variety of cocktails to go with their food. It’s just a shame that their full menu is only available Saturdays and Sundays. 

That makes after-work meals on weekdays a bit of a letdown. Service can be a bit slow too at times, but we’ve rarely had issues.

I’ll definitely be back

There’s a wonderful smoky smell when walking in and everything on the mixed platter was so delicious! I especially liked the chicken wings which were so plump and flavourful. There’s a variety of beer and other drinks available and the guy at the bar was so helpful to provide recommendations on what to get. Plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. Went there for lunch on a weekday so the full menu wasn’t available, but I’ll definitely be back!

Julian Seow | Google Reviews

Absolutely amazing

Absolutely amazing!! The beef rib was absolutely delicious, I loved the brisket and pulled pork on the loaded fries and the BBQ chicken wings were also perfect. Staff were friendly and helpful, all of our orders came so fast we were in and out in less than an hour. Cravings satisfied for now but will definitely visit again!

Kanchana Somboon | Google Reviews

When you come here, get the Dirty Dozen combo before trying everything else – it includes all four of their specialty beef cuts! Add some truffled Mac & Cheese and some Coleslaw with that and you’ve got yourself a damned fine meal.

The place also has outdoor seatings, a private dining room, and some very courteous staff. They have it all. For a BBQ restaurant, you really can’t want anything more in terms of dining and service.

However, if you’re not into salty meat and are on a tight budget, that’s where the downsides start to show. We got notes from other customers about how inconsistently they season the meat. And for the size of the bill, the serving was only moderate.

The best compromise you can do here is to make a request for less seasoning  because they can go over the top with it sometimes. Additionally, you can look at other menu items for cheaper options than the ones mentioned!

I would visit again

I recently visited this restaurant, and it was absolutely amazing! The food was delicious, full of flavor, and beautifully presented. The staff were incredibly friendly and made the whole experience even better. The atmosphere was cozy and welcoming. Definitely a place I would visit again and recommend to friends

R M | Google Reviews

The food was divine

I was skeptical reading the menu before I arrived, but oh my goodness I was BLOWN away. The food was divine, flavours that melted in my mouth. Henry was just wow, his hospitality and customer service was impeccable. I have never experienced a more lovely wait staff In my life. Aditi, who is behind the bar is so good at her job, she’s got such a contagious smile that lights up the room. Will definitely come back! oh and henry gave us ice for our water cause it was so hot!!

Milan Brook | Google Reviews

Bluegrass BBQ prides itself on being an authentic American BBQ joint. That’s exactly why we decided to go there!

First off, we have to mention the price. For their BBQ plates, sides are already included! We think we got the maximum value for what we paid for. We can say this because the entire meal is very affordable compared to other joints we visited.

Coincidentally, American tourists were at the table next to us. They told us that the barbecue indeed tasted like it’s from home. This, along with the large menu variety, is an experience to look forward to. Not to mention the very helpful and hospitable staff.

I do think that their sauce needs more thickening, though. Additionally, the meat can be tough or even burnt, maybe depending on how busy the place is. However, if it’s value for money you’re after, then this is the place!

Best BBQ I’ve had

Best BBQ I’ve had in a restaurant in many many years. The food was all fresh and delicious. The service was first class and Jamie was a legend! Well done service team and amazing cooking back of house! Well worth the trip from Brizzy! Did I mention the price? Under $20 for a wonderful feed!

MJ Raatz | Google Reviews

Up there with the best

I am from the States and miss BBQ quite a bit. We have tried BBQ places across Australia and this is up there with the best. The beef ribs are amazing and though their sauce could use another couple minutes under the broiler to thicken it up on the ribs, it’s good! Their corn bread is authentic southern style and delicious, almost like I make at home, so I could be biased. I do wish they had American style dill pickle spears, though they are hard to find (I can only find them at Costco.) They are great with BBQ. Oh, one last thing, it would be great if they could change the light bulbs to something a little less bright. Right now they are very bright and sterile, you need some welcoming warm light to hide the sauce on your chin and unladylike smacking.

Mare Starr | Google Reviews

Navala Churrascaria is another BBQ joint that aims for authenticity. They serve a Brazilian style of meat called churrasco. 

We really recommend getting the Churrasco Rodizio because it’s unlimited! You can get your value for money literally by just eating a lot, so it’s a win-win situation. They have a wide meat selection too, including sides and even their signature Cinnamon Pineapple.

We also have to mention the sauces available as they have six different ones to try. All of these, with a quick and excellent service from our experience, really made us feel that we’re getting your money’s worth from the very beginning.

That said, some people told us the churrasco could be more authentic. Other people also voiced out their complaints about the inconsistent service depending on the crew.

Regardless, we had a great time dining over there. Anything unlimited is worth it because you won’t leave hungry!

Most of it was delicious

We had dinner here and really enjoyed it. The food was yum and the staff & atmosphere were also really good. The idea is brilliant. $75 a head for all you can eat sides, sauces and meats that are brought to your table on skewers. Most of it was delicious – the calamari however was not lol. The lamb was the best!

Aussie Destinations Unknown | Google Reviews

We will definitely return

Our first time at Navala and we will definitely return. The staff could not have been more attentive and were so friendly,warm and welcoming. Nothing was too much trouble. The food could not be faulted – absolutely scrumptious! Thank you so much for making my sons birthday lunch one to remember

Carol Gilmour | Google Reviews