We can’t help ourselves, here in Melbourne. We love to jump on board a craze, a wave of flavours, the latest trend. We must try it, critique it and usually love it. Southern American cuisine was no different. We go mad for good fried chicken and are stupidly keen on pulled pork. While the craze has been kicking around for a while, we are still hungry for it. Here’s where you can get your fix.

Carnivores Ball with Burger Mary 

Burger Mary, aka Jess Pryles is the lady to look to on all things Southern. After two successful Carnivores Balls in Melbourne and Austen Texas, she is returning for a third in April this year. Guests will be wined and dined with a three-course menu that Pryles herself had curated. Think Fried Chicken with all the sides from Casey Wall at Rockwell & Sons, traditional BBQ offering from Silver Creek Smokers, then, a pork fat caramel doughnut with cinnamon and pork scratching sugar, to finish. Wear loose pants.

The Carnivores Ball, April 4th & 5th, Tickets $70 

Meatmother 

Meatmother on Swan Street in Richmond, pairs American BBQ style food with a solid drinks list and a well-designed interior. It’s small, but it’s considered. Lots of woods and cafeteria style dining upstairs in complemented by the intimate bar like vibe downstairs. Meat inspired light boxes are a bonus. The dinner menu is limited to your meats, and your sides. Plus a daily bun. Pulled pork on Texas toast with a side of mac and cheese is always a good idea.

Meatmother, 167 Swan Street, Richmond

Rockwell & Sons

Rockwell & Sons do a lot more than supply Burger Mary with her fried chicken. Run by Southern Californian Casey Wall, they know a thing or two about Southern cuisine. The Smith Street restaurant is casual and laid back and the perfect weeknight indulgence.  The Double Patty Smash Burger with kraft cheese and special sauce on a seeded bun is a rite of passage. And their fried chicken Wednesdays is the worst kept secret in Melbourne. Order ahead and don’t tell them we told you.

Rockwell & Sons, 288 Smith Street, Collingwood

Belle’s Diner

The Northside wins again with this American style diner. Tucked in below The Everleigh on Gertrude Street (after dinner cocktails anyone?), Belles’ Diner serves up your American dreams on a plate. Deep fried pickles, Boston Beans served with corn bread waffles, New York Deli Plates, Southern Fried Chicken and many burgers and sliders. Their cocktails go down nicely. Order a mint julep to stay in character. 

Belle’s Diner, 150 Gertrude Street Fitzroy