Best BBQ Joints to Celebrate The 4th of July
Words: Hannah Lemass
Images: Instagram
Howdy, pilgrims! It’s time to strap on your star-spangled finery and grab a fistful of freedom. Today is the 4th of July, and the best way to party like it’s 1776 is to chow down on some supersized BBQ. That’s how the forefathers did it, they grilled, knocked back Budweisers, and set off fireworks with reckless abandon. While fireworks in Ireland are a no-go, you can still indulge in the time-honoured tradition of eating BBQ.
We’ve got a little list for you here of the best places to get a BBQ fix so you have the most Yankee Doodle Dandiest day ever, even if you’re not celebrating America’s birthday. It’s always good to have a list of BBQ joints on hand. Let’s face it, not all of us are cut out to be pitmasters. Maybe you don’t have a garden, grill skills, or maybe you’re just lazy like us. These spots will steer you right with the most rootin’ tootin’est brisket, burgers, and dogs around these parts, y’all.
Temple Bar, Castle Market, Swords
Smokin Bones has been dishing up authentic American-style BBQ to the good people of Dublin since 2014. In the 10 years they’ve been operating, they’ve perfected the art of the pit with everything from mammoth burgers to delectable salads on offer. They even sell pouches of their tender, juicy pulled pork in Aldi and on their website so you can easily whip up some to munch on at home.
Wellington Quay
If you’re looking for some true Americana, Bison Bar & BBQ is the place to be. The atmosphere here is next level. You really do feel like you’re taking a step back into the Wild West, with kitsch western-style adornments on the wall and a stacked menu full of authentic BBQ dishes. Head chef Oliver Byrne learned the craft in Memphis. They use the best cuts of meat and take it slow with the smoker for delectable melt-in-the-mouth results. Try the St. Louis-style ribs with a Bison Punch to wash it all down. You’ll be line dancing all the way home.
Georges Street
The pit masters here have really perfected the art of the smoke. Their Irish meat is locally butchered and smoked over wood for up to 12 hours for that fall of the bone tenderness. They are truly passionate about the art of BBQ making all their sauces and pickles in house. The sides here deserve as much attention as the meat. The burnt end beans and bone marrow mash are particularly worth a good munch.
Royal Hibernian Way
Ok, ok, this one isn’t American, but if you’re looking to get your meat sweats on, you have to give BAH33º a go. The menu at this Brazilian-style eatery is a carnivore’s paradise. Sure, there’s an à la carte option, but in the spirit of the USA, go big or go home. Opt for the all-you-can-eat feast, authentic gaucho-style slow-roasted meat served on skewers by roaming waiters. There’s also a bunch of sides to choose from and a salad bar where you can help yourself to a selection of greenery. It may be Brazil, but that really sounds like the American dream to me.
Smithfield
Don’t let the funny name fool you; this place is dead serious when it comes to meat. They keep it simple, focusing on the essentials: great meat and great flavours. Choose beef, pork, or chicken and get it served in a box, on bread, or on a board. They have a selection of cuts to choose from, with the goods getting the Texas treatment and served up with signature BBQ sides. We recommend getting a bit of everything with a mix board and as many sides as you can.
Popping Up and Popping Off
Scorchio once held residency in a vacant Clanbrassil Street car park. During the pandemic, they were a lifeline for locals looking for great food during lockdown. I was one of them, and it was the best BBQ I have ever had. Now they have moved more into the gastronomic experience space, catering events and popping up at festivals and markets. You can catch them next at the Big Grill, but keep your eye on their socials for more opportunities to try their stuff. You won’t be disappointed.
