Why Locals Love Third Wave BBQ Hawthorn
Nestled in the vibrant suburb of Hawthorn East, Third Wave BBQ Hawthorn is a must-visit American barbecue restaurant that brings authentic slow-smoked meats right to the heart of Victoria. Specializing in traditional American BBQ, this hotspot expertly showcases a meticulous smoking process that imbues each dish with profound smoky depth and unforgettably tender textures.
The star of the menu is undoubtedly the Slow Smoked Beef Brisket. This unusually cut, widely adored in the US but less common locally, offers deep, beefy flavors that melt in your mouth after being smoked for an impressive 8 to 10 hours over hickory wood. Paired with a sharp horseradish sauce, each bite is a masterclass in barbecue craftsmanship—tender, juicy, and exquisitely delicate.
Equally enticing is the Pulled Pork, smoked for 12 hours until it's irresistibly soft and infused with a perfect balance of spices. The chefs’ promise that you’ll be able to pull apart the pork with your fingers speaks volumes about the care and technique behind this dish. This juicy, flavorful pork is made all the more memorable when dipped in their house-made Hot And Spicy BBQ Sauce—a fiery blend of award-winning American barbecue sauces that adds a luscious, caramelized finish with just the right amount of kick.
For a true communal feast, the BBQ Platter For 4 is a showstopper. This generous spread features 4 beef ribs, cheesy kransky sausages, 300g brisket, 12 juicy wings, and heaps of pulled pork, accompanied by perfectly crispy beer-battered fries, onion rings, slaw, pickles, and candy bacon. It's the ideal way to share the authentic BBQ experience with friends or family, with enough to satisfy even the heartiest appetite.
Dining at Third Wave BBQ Hawthorn offers more than just incredible food—the atmosphere is welcoming and lively, with a casual yet vibrant vibe that perfectly complements the hearty, unpretentious nature of barbecue. Guests consistently praise the friendly service and the spacious, relaxed setting, making it a perfect spot for celebrations or casual outings alike.
As Kelly Lean noted after her birthday dinner here, the portions are generous, and the hospitality warms every visit: “The food is delicious in generous portions... Friendly service and lovely ambience too! I will definitely return!” Regulars, too, rave about their creative specials and the skillful treatment of each cut of meat, turning each meal into a memorable occasion.
Whether you're a seasoned BBQ aficionado or new to slow-smoked American flavors like Taylah Bons and her friends experiencing them for the first time, Third Wave BBQ Hawthorn guarantees an authentic, satisfying barbecue journey that beckons you back time and time again.
With its location on Riversdale Road, Third Wave BBQ offers a convenient and vibrant setting to indulge in a soul-satisfying feast. If you are after smoky, tender, and richly flavored American BBQ in Melbourne's east, this venue is well worth the visit—prepare to savor truly memorable dishes that celebrate the art and tradition of barbecue.
See the Space & Food
What Makes This Place Friendly
- No-contact delivery
- Delivery
- On-site services
- Takeaway
- Dine-in
- Great beer selection
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Wheelchair-accessible seating
- Wheelchair-accessible toilet
- Assistive hearing loop
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Small plates
- Spirits
- Wine
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
- Bar on site
- Toilet
- Casual
- Trendy
- Family friendly
- Groups
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safe space
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
- Good for kids
- Has changing table(s)
- High chairs
- Free of charge street parking
- Parking
Real Reviews from the Community
- Mar 22, 2026
Came here for my birthday dinner. The food is delicious in generous portions. I do not know of any other place that offer a free three course meal. So, thanks for that . Friendly service and lovely ambience too! I will definitely return!
- Mar 20, 2026
The bacon was a bit too hard for me, but everything else was great! The platter is good for group of 3-4. Oh.. by the way the vegan option was just okay..
- Feb 7, 2026
I visit Third Wave BBQ Hawthorn regularly, and their monthly specials never disappoint. They always find creative ways to turn stacks of beef ribs, brisket, and steak into something close to art. On my most recent visit (Father’s Day 2025), I was very disappointed to hear that the monthly special had already sold out. It was only the start of the month, the restaurant was fully booked, and I had been looking forward to the massive lasagna burrito all week. Thankfully, the waitress noticed my dismayed expression and kindly convinced the kitchen to make one for me anyway. I couldn’t have been happier—and I got to enjoy the special after all. Huge thanks to the helpful waitress; the service deserves six stars. My partner ordered the Mega Beef Stack with pancakes, and we also shared a perfectly cooked rump steak. There’s just something magical about biting into a piece of juicy steak cooked exactly right—it was deeply satisfying. That said, I do have a couple of pieces of feedback on the Mega Beef Stack: 1. The birria layer contained at least five small bone shards, which really affected the eating experience. One or two tiny pieces occasionally is understandable, but this was too many and too frequent. It hurts the teeth! 2. The pancake sauce pairing could use a rethink. The maple syrup was very sweet on top of the pancakes, and with the BBQ sauce on the beef, it felt a little unbalanced. A savory gravy or pepper sauce might work wonders here. Overall, this is still one of my favorite spots for meat lovers. I’ll definitely keep coming back—Third Wave BBQ is a solid, go-to destination for seriously good barbecue.
- Feb 6, 2026
SUCH A COOL EXPERIENCE This was such a fun experience! My friends and I went for dinner, and since none of us had ever tried American BBQ before, we decided to go all in. We ordered the BBQ Platter for 2 along with some cornbread — though honestly, the platter alone is more than enough for three people (and we still couldn’t finish it). The highlights were definitely the beef ribs, brisket, and pulled pork — all incredibly tender and juicy, you could practically cut them with a spoon. The kransky, fries, and onion rings were also great. On the other hand, the candied bacon was a bit too chewy, the chicken wings didn’t stand out, and the cornbread was quite dry. The only downside for me is the price. While I think the quality of the food justifies it, it’s not somewhere I could visit regularly — it feels more like a special-occasion spot.
- Dec 18, 2025
I had the waygu steak medium rare. It was delicious. My wife had the beef ribs which was fall off the bone softness and delicious. Portions are huge, meals look very interesting. They treat their meat well here I will be back next time I won't eat all day to prepare!
- Dec 4, 2025
I was reluctant to come back here for dinner, as I had a bad experience here earlier this year. Me and my son we had stomach ache last time after dinner and we haven’t visited since then. To my surprise the food is better this time round, the steak of cooked to perfection this time, not like last time the steak did not rest enough before cooking. Staff are friendly and attentive which is a bonus.
- Dec 2, 2025
American BBQ? Yes please! We went here for our weekly friends dinner and this did not disappoint! They are massive and worth the money. Will definitely go and try the Tuesdays all you can eat next time!
- Nov 30, 2025
Celebrating my birthday here was a fantastic experience. The food was surprisingly affordable, and the birthday voucher was a major highlight. I was initially skeptical, assuming there would be hidden terms or conditions, but there were none at all—it was a straightforward, great deal. The environment was very welcoming, and the overall value is unbeatable, especially with the cheap meal deals. I have to mention the French fries, as they were absolutely amazing! It’s also a great spot if you’re looking for non-alcoholic options, as the mocktails and soft drinks are very reasonably priced.
