Le Bon Ton American BBQ Smoky-Moist Heaven
Le Bon Ton in Collingwood shows how its done when it comes to American southern style BBQ. Brothers Mick and Will Bailleau from New Mexico have transformed this pub into a slice of southern America. The World Loves Melbourne was catching up with friend Jonathon from Promised Land Coffee when we could literally smell the amazing BBQ aromas as we drove past Le Bon Ton. On a busy day we had to park way down on Smith St and walk to Le Bon Ton, eager for a unique BBQ experience. So worth it. Having arrived 20 min before the lunch opening we perched in the outside courtyard with custom made smoking unit in full view. Check out our Best Steak and Meat Restaurants in Melbourne.
Le Bon Ton has that southern American feel to it (at least I've been to the south and can say that). This is not chandelier finery but character personified with rustic exposed brick walls, interesting hotch potch timber roof, high solid tables, southern looking furniture including couches, attractive copper bar, and those large white candles.
Bar Manager Evan Stanley ex Black Pearl has the place pumping. Evan knows his cocktails (another feature of Le Bon Ton) with his southern themed cocktail list but, evident from our chat, is also savvy on all things American BBQ.
Le Bon Ton has a great atmosphere. It's something of New Orleans but also something of Texas in its food and ambience. Lay back casual style with American cool...
What to order? We wanted it all. The engaging waitress suggested the Smoker's Lot - a massive meat tray of smoky-moist meat. What a sensation. For me this was the best BBQ I've had in Melbourne. The meat came out warm and smokin and featured Grain-fed Riverina Angus Beef Brisket (1/2 lb), Otway Ranges pork shoulder (1/2 lb), Jalapeno and cheddar hot-link sausage, and 1/2 Chicken basted in apple BBQ sauce.
Every element was a knockout and a home run "out of the park". The brisket was high quality meat smoky-moist and with fat - melt in your mouth. The smoky flavours hit you and all meats on this board were smoked over iron bark and fruit woods for up to 12 hours...
Texan style BBQ features sausage and the meat board here featured amazing sausage infused with jalapeno and cheddar - intense and rewarding. All the meat here is intense in flavour - but the adventurous will still add the hot sauces on the table. As you do. The hottest sauce hit me between the eyes like a redneck punching me in the face...
The pork shoulder seemed a mountain of pork and more than the 1/2 lb advertised. Again, it was smoky-moist and delectable. Note the salad on the board - you need something refreshing to contrast all the meat.
The Smoker's Lot in all its glory...
Pit-smoked meats baby! There's almost certainly other house specials but we couldn't get past The Smoker's Lot. Le Bon Ton is also famous for its Buttermilk fried chicken, Crab cakes, Oysters and Cheese Burger.
A cool surprise was the 1/2 Chicken - it turned out to be a highlight with intense smoky flavours. Yep, there were no weak links in this southern style slow cooked meat bonanza...
Nothing better than imbibing amazing southern BBQ while listening to vintage Johnny Cash.
As my friend was more paleo, he opted for refreshing green salad. The World Loves Melbourne went for the golden fries - some of the best around, served with dipping sauces.
The World Loves Melbourne went for the American Brooklyn Pale Ale while Jonathon from Promised Land Coffee went for the Barossa Shiraz (refined dude).
Le Bon Ton offers an attractive courtyard area, with ringside seats to the smoking action. If the smoking unit is active you may have to visit your dry cleaner, but who cares...
Fairy lights and all...
Le Bon Ton fits well into working class (becoming trendier by the day) Collingwood. We love their monastic seriousness about southern style BBQ. Is there anywhere better for your BBQ fix? We think the best in Melbourne. Highly recommended.
