Seeking the Paw-sible Potential
Red Dog Saloon Soho is all about serving up mouthwatering South of US barbecue dishes. They try to create a cozy, rustic vibe with vintage Americana vibes, but honestly, it falls a bit flat. It seems like they just threw in some dirty furniture, and the place feels oddly lonely in the lively heart of Soho, London.
As for the food, They put on a show with their tempting lineup of smoked meats and hearty sides that make your taste buds go wild. But here’s the thing, I couldn’t shake this feeling that something was missing. The food was fine, but it’s like they’re almost there, but not quite hitting the bullseye.
What I Ordered:
The menu was a feast fit for a hungry cowboy or girls like me. All about that slow-cooked barbecue goodness, and the star of the show was their smokin’ hot smoked meats. Ribs, pulled pork, brisket, chicken—you name it, they’ve got it.
Barbeque Platter: USS Oregon
When that platter arrived at the table, my mouth started watering… It was a total feast for the eyes, a smoky masterpiece. The USDA brisket was a melt-in-your-mouth delight, tender as could be. That slow smoking process gave it a kick of full-bodied smokiness that perfectly complemented the meat’s natural flavors.
And the pork ribs? They were meaty, tender, and had this smoky crust that was pure satisfaction. Although I missed the moment of taking a bite, then the meat practically falls right off the bone…
Also, smoked buffalo wings was crispy on the outside, juicy and bursting with flavor on the inside. And those hot links brought a bold taste.
Though I must say, I enjoyed the sides and accompanying sauces the most from this plate (just to clarify, I’m not a vegan or vegetarian). The meaty pit beans, I doubt if they slow-cooked for 48 hours actually, were a comforting and flavorful addition. And let me tell you! That slaw had the perfect crunch and tanginess, thanks to the creamy mayo goodness. It really balanced out the richness of the meats. And dill pickles offered a zesty and palate-cleansing element that cut through the richness of the meats. Now, the burnt end mash had a creamy texture, but personally, I wasn’t a fan of the flavor.
Barbeque Platter: USS Kentucky
Look at this juicy burger that served as the foundation for this indulgent platter. The patty was cooked to absolute perfection, nestled within a toasty bun and loaded up with a medley of mouthwatering toppings. Wish there had been more fresh veggies to make the burger a seriously satisfying centerpiece.
Now, onto that 4-way pork shoulder mac & cheese that came as a side. It was supposed to be all about cheesy goodness and tender pork, but the cheese ended up being a bit too hard, and the macaroni got chewy as you can tell from the image. And the pork just didn’t deliver on the flavor or juiciness that I was hoping for. 1-way is ok but cook properly, please.
Conclusion:
Overall, my visit to Red Dog Saloon Soho left me confused with the mediocre food, because it was not bad but also something was missing. If you were to ask me if I would go back there? I’d have to say NO. Now, I will give credit that their drink selection was actually quite good. However, in a competitive dining scene like Soho, there are definitely better options out there for anyone looking for a truly satisfying barbecue experience.
Also, if you want to check their BBQ focused menue: https://www.reddogsaloon.co.uk/food-drink-menu
