I've eaten at Bierrex two or three times now, including at their launch party, and I think our…read moreoverall opinion is that it's really a better place to drink! They have a great, sunny bar area with a huge chalkboard menu of interesting beer options. I've been here for drinking events, and the atmosphere is great. They also have a tiny, hidden back patio with heat lamps, and some kind of secret downstairs bar too. I don't know why it isn't busier when we go - people are really missing a trick if they're skipping this place for drinks.
Last time we came, we got two BBQ combo plates. You cannot argue that this is an amazing deal - two meat and two sides for £10! Between us and our two plates, we got brisket, St Louis ribs, chicken wings, and pulled pork, as well as mac 'n' cheese, collard greens, super slaw (which has lots of healthy things in it, yogurt instead of mayo, beetroot, etc), and sweet potato fries. Our overall impression was - better than Hop N Cleaver, and MUCH cheaper, but still leaving something to be desired for an American and her BBQ-loving Brit. I'd argue the sides are the best bit - love the mac 'n' cheese, it's got four cheeses in and smoky bacon bits and you can really taste complex, interesting flavours. It isn't just noodles and cheddar. Makes a massive difference. The collard greens are excellent but always too salty - we keep forgetting to ask if they can turn that down a notch, they'd be perfect otherwise. I like the nice healthy slaw, much more creative than the usual. The meats were less impressive, sadly - they were fine, but a little dry, a little plain. Chicken wings a massive improvement on Hop 'n' Cleaver though. It just isn't as good as it should be.
Service can be touch and go - a bit inattentive at times. We spilled a glass of wine almost immediately after it was brought, and while they cleaned it up and offered me another glass, they totally forgot to bring it. It wasn't even that busy in there, people walked by my table loads of times without remembering. So there's some room to improve on that front. Come here to drink though, and you've definitely got the right idea. They get an extra star for being a great bar. Wish the food was just a bit better! I still think it's the best BBQ in Newcastle, mainly for the sides, but I've tried all the competition and haven't really been wowed by any.