If you have a hankering for BBQ with real smoky flavour and goodness, Up in Smoke is the place to go. 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! read more

See all

After much anticipation, Up In Smoke finally opens its doors to the public however there's definitely 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. =( read more

See all

What can I say. We came for a late lunch so didn't get to try the smoker meats so had a go of the 'up in smoke' sandwich. It comes with brisket burnt ends, American cheese, chilli mayo & BBQ sauce on a soft burger bun. Holy cow it's amazing! We got a side of BBQ rub fries that were to die for, along sigh the Mac and cheese & smoked chorizo succotash. The succotash isn't my cup of tea but the rest was absolutely fantastic. We tried each of the tacos, small but worth having a share. They have an extensive beer menu, do some funky cocktails and have a really fun outdoor atmosphere (where pets are welcome!). The waiter said everything, including the table chilli & BBQ sauce is make in house. If I lived in Melbourne I'd be here all the time. Reminds me of the states! Brilliant. read more

See all

"Let there be smoke" reads the large street corner billboard that marks the spot for Footscray's newest addition. Brought to us by the team behind famed burger outlet 8bit, Up In Smoke brings smoked barbecue meats to the west in the form of a modern diner-style restaurant and cocktail bar. The interior is an intimate affair with black painted brick walls, dimmed lighting from strategically placed downlights and exposed copper piping. Seating is mostly in the form of booths on the inside and small tables in the outside beer garden area. There is also bar seating along the bar that shares one end of the interior dining space. A small alcove to one side of the interior showcases the giant orange and black Yoder smoker. An adjoining BBQ themed general store is opening soon. It is to be expected that the food menu will have no shortage of juicy meats, and this certainly holds true. The menu is divided into small starters, which include fried and smoked mozzarella sticks, grilled corn cobs and smoked hot wings, salads, tacos, sandwiches, smoked meats and desserts. Currently on offer in the meat department is beef brisket, pulled pork, jalapeño and cheddar sausage, beef ribs and pork ribs. A range of sides such as mac and cheese, various slaws and brisket beans in the style of classic American chili are available to accompany the meats. For those that can't decide, The Big Tray offers the beef brisket, pulled pork and a jalapeño and cheddar sausage, the choice of any two sides, milk buns and pickles served on a quaint enamel tray. This is no small feat for one person, but definitely possible from first hand experience, and is designed for sharing. The meats are tender, juicy and full of flavour and the added jalapeño in the sausage was a welcomed surprise. The brisket beans side is a must try and reminiscent of classic American home cooking. Dessert options include chocolate buttermilk waffles and a doughnut icecream sandwich. Having dessert after consuming an entire big tray is regarded as a challenge and so the doughnut icecream sandwich was ordered. The icecream flavours change regularly and on this visit it was cherry ripe. It is exactly how it sounds, a giant chunk of icecream between two halves of a doughnut. The cherry ripe icecream was on point, however the doughnut was a little on the doughy side and lacked excitement. The drinks list is mammoth with over 45 beers available, including 10 on tap. A generous selection of wines and cocktails are also available. There is a lunch service from 11am with the full menu except for the smoked meats. Up In Smoke fills a void in the industrial border of Footscray with a taste of Americana and classic smoked meats. Return visits are definitely in order to sample the rest of the menu and cocktails. read more

See all

2nd time here, the first time i went was their second night of opening and as expected there were teething issues. 2nd time here is a slight improvement. Bit of a hit and miss with the customer service there were quite a few that were not very attentive (also we were served at least once by each of the staff (why??)). The meats are great. Their spicy sauce packs a punch! And the mac and cheese is omg-worthy. Thankfully have not encountered the issue of meats running out but then again i had rocked up by 6-6:30. All this being said, i would recommend you come here as a local or you're ok with not being 100% blown away. If you're from the other side of town and want this style of food then stick to the city ones! read more

See all

I have been here three times now, all in one week! The food is smoked slowly giving everything on the menu an amazing flavour. The prices are fair and the portions are unbeatable, even the ribs had plenty of meat on them. The staff even appear to enjoy their job. Now that says it all. You must try up in smoke!! read more

Up in Smoke - Beef ribs and apple and fennel slaw. - American Near Me - Footscray, VIC

Came here when we visited Melbourne in November. We were not expecting much with BBQ in Australia but were surprised with the quality of the food...Beef Brisket sandwich was excellent and the Ribs were cooked perfectly. Pickles were excellent on the food. Also enjoyed the beer and drink selection. Very nice people talk with the owner about where he learned to cook. Great experience read more

Went to the soft opening of up in smoke. The menu was not their full menu which is released later this week. However if the short menu is anything to go by then this place is a winner. We had the ham hock and cheese croquettes, the brisket roll and the Texan rub fries. All was delicious and really reasonably priced. Price for two of us was $45 for two brisket buns, croquettes and fries and a few soft drinks. Up in smoke is owned by the guys behind 8bit burgers and it is just as good. However with table service and a beer garden area I think I prefer the atmosphere than to 8bit. Having a chat to the staff they also plan to open a general store/deli at the front with BBQ supplies etc. I can tell you I look forward to heading back and reviewing the full menu. read more

Up in Smoke - American Near Me - Footscray, VIC

If you enjoy comfort food and beers this is place for you. The food is reasonably priced ,however the draught beer is $14 a pint. A little pricey even for boutique beers. The sides are good. You won't go wrong ordering mac and cheese and fries. They have a good salad selection. read more

Up in Smoke - American Near Me - Footscray, VIC

Look, the food itself is fine, it's not ground breaking and it's very palatable however it does lack that finishing refinement. It has to be said that the service is lack lustre, being forced to request drinks after the initial order wasn't completed, chasing sides well after mains have been served, menus and extraneous tableware not being cleared to the point where mains were laid on top of the existing tableware is unforgivable.Yes the venue is only new, however service issues should have been sorted out before now. read more

A true gem in the west. The prices are so reasonable and the servings are more then generous. A good combination of meat and veg.

Visited the cafe section in the evening and was very disappointed with the level of service. We were completely ignored by the staff member in the kitchen. Assuming that she was not able to serve us, we tried to get the attention of the nearest waiter who pretended not to hear us either. Rude and downright insulting. Will not be visiting again. read more

Good BBQ and beer options, and staggering distance from Footscray station if you want a big night (or afternoon). Definitely worth checking out if you are in the area. read more

If smoked meats are your ting and being seen in all the right places is important then this the place for you. The service was great but the food wasn't earth shakingly good, still passable. We may return perhaps on a warm night to soak up more of the ambience. read more

Super fast service - we were there on a Saturday night even - and really reasonably priced. As a vego I went for a whole mess of sides, all of which were great. To be honest, I'd go just for the pickles!! The Mr loved the mac and cheese and had one of the sandwiches (can't remember which). Definitely a favourite for an easy dinner read more