If you have a hankering for BBQ with real smoky flavour and goodness, Up in Smoke is the place to…read morego. From the outside, it doesn't look full of promise, being set next to an old tyre/car repair shop. However, upon entry you'll notice a nice set of tables outdoor and a clean, open space inside. The high ceilings help to ventilate the smoky goodness wafting from the smoker room. Take a peek and see where all those delicious meats are cooking. There is a very decent beer selection listed (and cool bar at the back), although we managed to find two beers from the menu that were not in stock, along with another that was not good for serving. The waiter comped another similar beer with no hassles. Clearly this isn't their first rodeo. Coming with a large group that included children, I noticed a theme during the late afternoon. Many families enjoyed this establishment because it was pram-friendly, catering to more of the singles crowd queueing up as we left later into the evening. They were quite patient with our extended use of the table. The noise level seemed reasonable for a crowd of that size and tables were filling fast. Then came the food! Having to sample a bit of everything, we ordered the Big Tray, featuring spicy sausage, pulled pork, beef brisket, milk buns, two types of pickles and sauces, one sweet and one spicy. This also came with your choice of sides, which we selected the mac and cheese, and chilli mayo slaw. In addition we got a side order of hot wings. I would say the only surprise was the hot wings, as they were more of a smoky, mellow taste than spicy. Still really damn good. Stand outs for me were the mac and cheese with crumbles on top and the pulled pork. I enjoyed having some spicy bites and others sweet. A really great combination. Lastly, the finishing touch, which I didn't feel ready for but went for it anyway, the ice cream donut. What looked like a bagel was cut into two sweet, soft slices with a layer of real vanilla bean ice cream in the centre. It was so good that I immediately regretted my decision to share it. The perfect ending to the meal. I would definitely return to try more off the menu. Other guests in my party had yummy sandwiches and tacos. I could go for the smoky ribs, melting off the bone. There are plenty of choices and a good reason to return soon!

After much anticipation, Up In Smoke finally opens its doors to the public however there's…read moredefinitely room for improvement. We had no trouble getting a table-for-two however after being seated and given ample time to look at the menu, once we were ready to order it was only then we were told that there were 4-5 items on the menu that were sold out. I think it would be preferred service etiquette if the wait staff advised the customers in advance. "The Big Tray" feeds two people for $42. You get 3 meats (beef brisket, pulled pork, sausage) you don't get to choose these but you do get to select the 2 sides. We tried the fries and chilly mayo coleslaw. You also get 2 milk buns, pickles and sauces. My favourite was the pulled pork. The portions were decent but my disappointment would have to be in the sauces and seasoning. With the sharing plate you get 2 sauces that are served in mini silver deep dish bowls but check out my photos and you'll see you barely get anything. Pretty much the size of sweet n sour sauce you get from Maccas. I love BBQ sauce and that's what I love smothering my brisket in but generous they are not with their condiments. The sauces aren't as sweet and flavoursome as other smoke houses I've tried in Melbourne. I don't particularly like spicy foods but it was my mate's choice to try the coleslaw and she said that there wasn't enough mayo. Finally the last variable that made me give up a star on my review was that I was saving room for dessert. The menu said "banana cream pie" which isn't common so I couldn't wait to try it. Unfortunately when I was ready to order I was told that they hadn't released the dessert menu yet. This is game changing information. I would've been more forgiving if I was told beforehand. I think the business and staff need to communicate this with a billboard upon entry or at the very least tell patrons when seating them. Up in Smoke goes down in flames. =(

This restaurant was amazing. The wait staff made the experience until the food arrived. Their…read moreservice was put into second place purely because of how amazing the food was. If I get a chance, I'd fly to the US to find this food again

I recently visited my brother in the Melbourne area. Since he had been taking me to try different…read moreAussie cuisine, he decided we should try some "back home" food for lunch since he not had any for over a year. We decided to give Mason Dixon a try. We ordered the Reuben Supreme, the MD Reuben, french fries, Dr. Pepper and A&W Root Beer. The sandwiches are individually crafted and made with great care. When our order was ready, we were quite pleased. The sandwiches were HUGE and outstanding! The New York style pickle was very tasty. The only small correction that needed to be made was that there was a little too much cajun seasoning on the fries. It sure was nice to get some Dr. Pepper and root beer to go along with our food. We spent quite some time talking with the owner, who is a terrific guy. He has created a wonderful menu with lots of great choices. If only we had come a little earlier, we might have tried the Seattle Bagel! If you are looking for an American-style sandwich for lunch, give Mason Dixon a try. You won't regret it!

Great bar! The sandwich was fine, but nothing like a steak you would get in Philly. Roll was way…read moreoff from our bread. Steak was the best part but not enough of it. Orange sliced cheese is non existent in Phila sandwich shop, this was like McDonald's cheese galavanting as whiz. Onions were cut too large so the ratio to meat was wrong. Again, I enjoyed the sandwich, it's just nowhere near authentic. If you're from Philly like me, don't get your hopes up.

I'm so excited that I finally got to cram one of Sparrow's Philly Cheesesteaks creations into my…read moremouth. Doubly excited that they have an entire wall devoted hot sauces and condiments for said creations. Triply excited that, despite their name sake, there are vegetarian options on the menu. But just because it's vegetarian, it makes no pretense that it's healthy. That fried tofu sandwich comes topped with vegetarian chilli and gooey, guilty-pleasure American cheese. Plus the option to have it all seated on top of a big pile of fries. You can save money for more beer at the Catfish bar on Mondays, when the cheesesteaks are only $8 or $10 with fries. Order and pick-up at the back hatch. Then add a little heat with things like the chipotle bbq sauce and tomatillo & jalapeno, or just play it safe and stick with the basic tomato sauce & yellow mustard. There is no way you're walking out hungry after one of these.

Delicious barbecue. Can stand up to even the barbecue in the southern US states. Beautifully…read morepresented and very flavorful.

I'm a Native Texan and this place is nothing short of amazing!..... seriously I live in Austin…read moreTexas home of such BBQ legends as Terry Blacks, Blacks, Coopers, La BBQ & Franklin Bluebonnet is hands down my favorite- truthfully I was in Melbourne for just over a week total and ate here 3 times! Honestly it's not just the amazing food but the amazing people as well..... especially the bar tenders Josh & Ellen- they are superb! Bottom line..... If facing a firing squad and forced to pick my last meal; I'll take Bluebonnet. I'll even say their brisket is better than Franklin BBQ of Austin Texas.... yeah I'm going on the record with that statement.

Don't come i ordered a simple meal. When it came it had taken 40 minutes to vome and the was…read moreinclean the bread was and had a hair in it. In the restaurant it was so hot and other customers smelt. Avoid at all costs

The first day in Australia, I was craving a big, hearty sandwich, a rarity in Japan. A quick Google…read moresearch led me to Bowery to Williamsburg. The name suggests a connection to the street or bridge in NYC. Am I correct? Located in the alley between Flinders and Collins, parallel to Russell, it was a bit unexpected to find this eatery here. With plenty of tables on the patio and inside, the atmosphere was inviting. Being alone, I didn't want to occupy a larger table, so I decided to grab my order to go. After glancing over the menu, my eyes locked on the 'Reuben,' thinking 'this can't go wrong.' The staff were kind and friendly. Despite not dining in, they allowed me to sit and wait at a table. After a few minutes, I received my order and rushed back to the hotel because I couldn't wait! Excitement led me to open the box like a treasure chest, revealing a huge sandwich - the portion I had been searching for. In Japan, where I live, the general trend is to reduce portions to maintain prices rather than increase prices to keep portions consistent in the face of inflation. Now you understand how crucial this is. Another crucial aspect - the taste was on point. With a generous portion of meat, it dominated the experience along with the sourness from the pickled cabbage. It was a bit too sour for my taste, but I assume that's how a Reuben usually tastes. Overall, I was really pleased with this place and would love to come back again.

Quite disappointed given the rave reviews. My steak came well done, I ordered medium. It had a…read morebitter taste I wasn't expecting, and was anything but tender. The mash was so dry, and very heavy. It was chewy, and certainly not light and fluffy as it should be. Frankly it tasted like they just added water from a packet. Don't get me started on the water like, bitter peppercorn sauce. Awful. I didn't finish the meal in the end. Getting the attention of the wait staff was nigh on impossible, pleasant as they seemed. It's rare that I don't tip staff but I didn't interact with anyone beyond someone dropping the food in front of me and never coming back. Food did come out very quickly and the onion rings were ok, crispy, but still very greasy. The ambience in here is a bit weird. Families, work groups, noisy, dark, and decor like you're visiting your auntie Kay in her front room. I've not been checked on in thirty minutes. Might be something to do with the awful table tucked against a wall.... I definitely wouldn't recommend eating here. Maybe two years ago it was good, maybe I got it on a bad night, maybe it just sucks. I'm going with the latter. There are plenty of other options sound Melbourne to eat. This one definitely wasn't worth the $30 taxi ride out here from the CBD.

This was actually a pretty decent pub, particularly with the choice of beers they had on tap (being…read morea number of decent craft beers). It seems to be more focused on being a restaurant than a pub, though the front section is more of a bar (though they tend to have high tables and stools, which I'm not all that fond of). There is also a nice beer garden, and it looks like it has been recently done up, which is also pretty cool. Mind you, the beer garden is designed mainly for smokers so unfortunately there is no food out there (though that may have changed). However, I still quite liked this pub, though it did sort of lack a uniqueness that sets it apart from a great pub.

This is definitely a family restaurant! Very big. Very busy. Very noisy. Perfect if you have small…read morechildren! The menu is excessively large so be prepared to take a while on that front. And the meals are massive. Small kids can definitely share a kids meal.

As I paying customer I expect to be able to eat with my friend in peace and make whatever joy we…read moreplease so long as it does not intervene with another's. I honestly felt like being black was a crime because these waiters kept waiting around and asking and taking just to be noticed so we could leave. They were people who attended way before us however they were not interrupted, we were not a nuisance and behaved in a formal manner. Your food reflects your service aka Poorly served!! I have been to the Tullamarine one and boy does the food taste better, I guess when the service is great you taste it in the food and nobody bothered my friends and I.

This is your guilty pleasure comfort food, so greasy and amazing!…read moreSome of the best burgers I experienced in Melbourne. Really cool retro decor and upstairs/rooftop patio & they're open late! I overindulged by ordering "The David Chang" which included premium Australian beef, streaky bacon, fried egg, sliced beetroot & tomato, American cheddar cheese, butter lettuce and their special mustard seed burger sauce! I swapped it out on a lettuce bun but you can also get it on the regular brioche bun! Accompanied by their delicious oozing cheesy fries, and a salted caramel, maple bacon and bourbon milkshake!

Visited multiple times, best burgers I've experienced in Melbourne…read moreDiverse range of burgers Good service Cool/rustic venue The dessert menu is reason enough to go ORDERED MAINS The Ivan Drago 3.5. $18 Premium Aussie beef patty, American cheddar cheese, streaky bacon, black Russian tomato, sliced beetroot & McDowell sauce on a toasted brioche bun CB1 2.9. $10 Premium Aussie beef patty, American cheddar cheese, diced shallots & pickles, American mustard & tomato sauce on a toasted brioche bun (Small burger) Atomic 3.5. $18.50 Premium Aussie beef patty, American cheddar cheese, caramelised onion, chilli cheese kransky, streaky bacon, BBQ sauce & truffle, cayenne mayonnaise on a toasted brioche bun DESSERT Waffle Sandwich 3.5 $13 Fresh house made waffle stack, freshly whipped cream, fresh strawberries & drizzled with Nutella sauce. Choices of parfait are: OREO PARFAIT: Garnished with crushed Oreo's and edible flowers Churro Icecream Cup 3.0. $12 Hot churro cup with assorted ice cream, garnished with crushed hazelnuts Oreo Beigent. 2.7. $8.50 Mini doughnuts filled with Oreo, powdered icing sugar, drizzled with Salted Caramel sauce and topped with crushed Oreo's

8bit is without a doubt one of Melbourne's most hyped burger in this era of the burger trend here…read more The restaurant has a really cool retro video game theme. Our favourite item here is the classic 8bit with cheese - the beef patty that sits in between the other fresh ingredients is always tender and juicy. The beer battered fries are always crispy and complement the burgers perfectly. However, their food has changed slightly as compared to a few years ago. The food is still good, but we found that it wasn't as good as it was before. With that said, it's still one of the better burger places around and will always be the local's favourite!

Fantasticly tasty food but if you're health conscious I wouldn't consume any of the delicious food…read morehere

Excellent food. In…read moreMelbourne on holiday/vacation and came to this place on the first night. When we walked in the hostess stand wasn't apparent but was placed in the middle of the restaurant. The Gnocchi I received by mistake but it was a much welcomed one. The truffle was very pronounced. My husband had the Sofia Pizza, he said it was pretty solid but "had a lot going on".....full disclosure he says pizza has a lot going on when there are more than 3 ingredients on it. I would definitely come back if I lived here.

"FOR SHAME, JACKIE" I hear you all yelling. Yes, I know. I have lived in Melbourne for umpteen…read moreyears and have never once set foot in Trunk. It seems almost impossible, huh? I don't know how I managed it. So finally, last night was the night. It was a 42 degree day but was an absolute DELIGHT to be sitting in the Trunk courtyard, under their gorgeous candy-striped umbrellas and stunning fairy lights. The atmosphere was perfection. The four of us ordered a couple of pints of Kosciusko Pale Ale, while I went for the Chicken Club Sandwich and my friends went for the Mushroom Pizza, Chicken Burger and a Super-sized Chicken Burger (it was pretty big). Everyone's plates were clear within 15 minutes (you can't go wrong with a chicken club, right?) however it really would have made my day had it come with fries - it just looked so lonely on the plate. Then the dares came... We noticed on the menu that for a measly three clams you could try "STUPID HOT WINGS - 900 times hotter jalapeño!!!!" Game. Set. Match. The staff actually tried to talk us OUT of buying them. When they arrived on the table the spicy scent was ominous. Dripping with sauce, only two of us were game to give it a bite with one left gasping for air for twenty minutes after. The Stupid Hot Wings are stupidly hot. You've been warned. Trunk is the perfect spot for a mid-week lunch or dinner on lovely, summers day. It's just so damn pretty!