Most foodies harbour an Inner Fat Kid who will always choose a big fat juicy cheeseburger over a plate of steak and foie gras. On occasion, this IFK will do anything to satiate a cheeseburger craving - from cancelling much-awaited reservations at fancy shmancy places to queuing up to 40 minutes at a fast food chain. Because sometimes, nothing can ever satisfy you like a cheeseburger.
Last week, my IFK pulled my ass to Red Dog Saloon in Soho. Twice.
The place looks like what I’d imagine modern-day saloons look like in the wild wild west: dimly lit with wood-panelled walls adorned with heads of whatever unfortunate hunted beast. But we weren’t there for the decor, really. We were there for something quick and comforting.
The original buffalo wings (£4.95) with bleu cheese sauce called to me when I saw the menu. The marinade was actually rather nice and almost reminiscent of the ones I grew up loving. The wings were a bit dry, though and the bleu cheese had a tinge of sweetness I didn’t like.
So let’s just go straight to the burger, shall we?
The Texan (£12.45) made me hoo-hah-ing like a Southern belle shouldn’t. My 6-oz beef patty was topped with American cheese, confit tomatoes, onions, pickles, barbecue sauce and a good piece of 12-hour hickory smoked brisket. This was one of the most satisfying things I’ve eaten in a while despite the slight sweetness of the sauce. The brisket was tender and the burger itself was a good bite. Delicious, delicious, delicious.
I had some fries (£2.95) with my burger boy it made Wednesday feel like a fry-day. They were perfectly sized and perfectly fried yet surprisingly not greasy at all.
The homemade sauces were slightly on the sweet side but I still liked them enough. Kansas City is a barbecue sauce, North Carolina is a sweet vinaigrette, Sweet ‘n Spicy is a honey mustard concoction.
I went back with my friends N and F two days later.
The ribs and brisket (£18.50) meal combo comes with two sides (we had fried okra and slaw) and it’s a meat feast bargain. The brisket, as mentioned, is tender and flavoursome whilst the ribs actually fall-off-the-bone.
I went for The Pit Master (£12.45) sandwich as it sounded promising with brisket, 16-hour smoked pork butt, jalapeños and Mexican cheese. Though the meat was delicious and tender, I missed the bite and chew you get from an actual burger. Not a bad sandwich, though. If you wanted a bit of a kick, this is the one to go for.
I didn’t really like the coleslaw that much and ironically, I didn’t take a photo of the better side dishes. The fried okra and the onion rings were decent enough if you wanted to peck on something else other than the fries. But trust me, the fries were a real standout.
I couldn’t say no to dessert but after a rather meat-heavy feast I wanted something slightly lighter than the rich pies on offer. I opted for the banana pudding (£6.50) but didn’t realise desserts came in gargantuan portions. Essentially, it’s a big bowl of crushed oreos, bananas, banana custard topped with whipped cream. Nothing special but hits the spot. Definitely a devilishly good banana dream come true.
A little shout out to these lads, who were so unceremoniously loud. They were boisterously throwing in the ‘F’ word like it was going out of trend… until they tried the Hot Wings Challenge (made with Naga viper chilli). The super spicy wings shut them up and made them sweat, which I found hilarious.
Overall, I think Red Dog Saloon is a good enough pit-stop for southern-style barbies and burgers. Is it the best burger in the city? No, but it’s competitive. You’re sure to expect a good filling and you’ll definitely satisfy your meatsweat cravings. Go and get smoky - your Inner Fat Kid will have a ball in this joint.
Red Dog Saloon Soho
20 Berwick St, London W1F
Ave spend pp: £25
You can follow new posts on The Girl Next Shore via Twitter and Instagram or by subscribing on Bloglovin.
Have fun!
I doooo declare…when I first saw these photos they gave me the worst case of hangry! This place is so cool - love how they name their sauces after bastions of the Deep South, the Texan burger looks A+, and the banana pudding is the stuff my lactose-heavy dreams are made of. Would love to go here, and fast! xx
Tamsin / A Certain Adventure
Oh Tamsin the place is like a guilty pleasure! x
My inner fattie is insatiable sometimes too - and just demands a 'shroom burger, cheesy fries and that gorgeous frozen custard at Shake Shack!
Mmmm… Shake Shack!!! Yuuuummm!!! My IFK is definitely in the mood for that right now! x
There are few things I love more in the world than a good brisket! x
Like two plates of good brisket? 🙂
IFK…love that expression! The ribs certainly look very tasty
The ribs were decent, Suze. But the brisket was the bomb! x
I went to the red dog saloon in shoreditch a coupla years ago for Thanksgiving and it was ah-mazing. I really need to go check the Soho one out, especially for that ice-cream!!
C x | Lux Life
I didn't think i'd like the pudding as much! x
Oooo I LOVE ribs! And a burger with brisket is something I need to get my teeth into. Looks yum fellow IFK! Lots of love, Andrea xxx
Andrea's Passions
We need to get down and dirty with a burger soon! x