We reached peak burger-craze just around the time that Dennistoun BBQ opened in 2014. With Bread Meats Bread, Gourmet Burger kitchen, Handmade Burger Co., Five Guys, Smashburger, and just about every pub with a deep fryer and griddle competing for Glasgow’s best burger, it was only a matter of time before the East End got their own. It’s a great thing to say that an independent restaurant like this also happens to be one of the best in the city. They’ve been impressing locals with a range of Southern-US inspired plates. Every burger is loaded high, dripping with juice. The seasoned fries opt for thin and crispy, and given the heft of the burgers, taste without too much stodge is a good fit. Their other BBQ’d options – pit pork, beef brisket, chicken wings, and Nutella ribs – are just as much the stars as the burgers – melty, sweet, tangy and smoky in all the right places.
As you can probably tell, I’ve been here a lot – which brings me to the main reason why Dennistoun Bar-B-Que is so good: it’s ours. I live on Whitehill street, but on a miserable December Monday, I find myself walking right past my road, called to the kinney burger. I could have phoned through my order and taken it home, but the warmth of the grill and the Christmas decorations are too good to pass up. I really don’t need a side with Christmas around the corner, but the garlicky mac & cheese is half the reason I’m going.
Credit: Dennistoun Bar-B-Que Facebook Page
Dennistoun Bar-B-Que have just gotten their licence, so I try one of their new imports –
Credit: Dennistoun Bar-B-Que Facebook Page
Brooklyn Lager. They’ve perfected their American diner vibe since opening, and I almost feel like I’m in a Coen Brothers film, leaning over the counter with a can while mustard-brushed burgers are being flipped. The illusion is shattered when I the server rings up £4.50 on the till. It’d be nice to see a few cheaper options, given we’ve got so many amazing craft beers on our doorstep. Going full yank is nice as a novelty. Not so much when it’s outpricing regulars. It’s a shame given that the rest of the menu is reasonably priced. On my first visit, I wasn’t so sure about paying about eight quid for just a burger, given the casual setting, but the size of these monsters makes it well worth it.
The Kinney
The food is soon ready and I’m in a good mood again. The kinney has long been my favourite option. The peppery double beef patty holds its own against the salty charred-mustard and cheese sauce, while the jumbo pickle underneath shines through everything. Without that, the dense burger might be overwhelming. The mac & cheese is big enough to be a main in its own right. Chunks of garlic and pepper are laced through each bite, just in case it wasn’t apparent that Dennistoun Bar-B-Que are about intense flavour.
Vegetarians shouldn’t be scared off by how meat-oriented this place is. Their website says their meatless alternatives are “not a mushy vegetable patty”, and they live up to the hype. My veggie flatmate has been frequently disappointed by the quality of bean burgers at BBQ joints like this, but genuine care has been made to make their patties tasty, chewy and interesting. with Stereo, 13th Note, and Bloc leading the way in the centre, it’s great to see Dennistoun get a burger spot that is looking out for our herbivore pals.
I walk home from Dennistoun Bar-B-Que with a stupid grin, mouth covered in burger sauce. Most takeaways make me feel guilty, but all I feel is warm.
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Food – There are a lot of good barbecue places out there. Few of them season like Dennistoun Bar-B-Que. 9/10
Service – The staff are always cheery and welcoming, whether it’s dead like tonight, or when they’re bouncing between the grill, the till and the phone on a Saturday. 8/10
Atmosphere – I used to take my food home, but the warm, casual feel here at Christmas made it easy to stay for a bite. 9/10
Price – Steep drink options and premium burger prices mean it’s not as regular as a stop as it could be. 7/10
Overall – 8/10
Dennistoun Bar-B-Que is at 585 Duke Street. Bookings can be made on (0141) 237-7200
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