Hoxton Square has so much to offer – it’s always buzzy and vibrant. So I was delighted when my pal who lives nearby suggested we try out the catfish (one of my favourites) at this Kansas-style BBQ place.
It’s informal. When we arrived early evening mid-week, the place was already jumping. So many happy people chatting and enjoying the fine weather. Both outside and in. The staff provide a swift service with a smile.
There’s a bar at the rear and our table was nearby at a great vantage point. The wood décor gives it a ranch-like appeal and there are animal skulls on the wall. No cowboys or campfires though – although they’d fit right in.
While my companion enjoyed a long island iced tea (£8.50), I sipped my ice-cold glass of Chenin Blanc (£7.40) and we turned our attention to the menu.
Not surprisingly, meat is the focus. And you’d better be hungry as the portions are American size - generous to say the least. There’re ribs and buffalo wings. The carnivore platter for the serious meat-eater looked amazing. The breakfast platter is also available for weekend brunch – you’d need some nap time time to recover from that. If you can demonstrate formidable meat-eating skills you can win a tee-shirt and join the wall of fame for the Devastation Challenge (£27.50).
Of course we choose to share some catfish to start (nine large pieces for £12.25 but smaller portions available from £5.75) which came with a remoulade sauce and was in a super-light crispy batter. Other starter options include mozzarella sticks (£5.75) and wings (from £4.95).
Pit cooked Bar-B-Q is the speciality – hickory smoked pulled pork (£16.50 for a meal which includes two sides), brisket, chicken and ribs. With some combo selections if you can’t make up your mind. There are also sandwiches and whole joints – if you give 48 hours’ notice you can sample the 16 hour smoked pork shoulder which serves 6-8 at £77.50.
Then I enjoyed the blue cheese bacon burger (£10.45). Presented on a no-nonsense wooden slab. The burger was meaty and moist, the bacon crisped to perfection and the cheese suitably strong and creamy.
He delighted in his Hawaii-Five-O (£11.45) – pineapple, Applewood smoked bacon, chipotle mayonnaise and American cheese. The fries (£2.95) were good.
So man up and get your protein fix with a meat feast at the Red Dog Saloon.
(There’s also a branch in Clapham).
