We
spotted an advert in the Pattaya Mail last week for Bob’s BBQ and
Grill, denoting that this establishment was about to celebrate its first
birthday, and since neither of us had been to this restaurant, it was felt
that this was as good an excuse as we could ever have. It had been described
as the most authentic American restaurant in Pattaya, so we dropped in to
see for ourselves.
Bob turned out to be a very American and hale and hearty
host, who had been cooking BBQ meals back in Houston, Texas, for 16 years.
Not just cooking, but entering the BBQ Cook-Off competitions, and being a
consistent top 10 finalist, though Bob shrugged it off saying, “It was
another good excuse to drink beer!” After retiring from Texas and coming
here, what did he do to stop getting bored? He started cooking BBQ’s
again!
The restaurant is in a single shophouse on South Pattaya
Road, almost opposite Soi Rungland, next to the Telephone Organization of
Thailand’s main office. Decor is minimal and consists mainly of Texas
flags and other American memorabilia. Seating is rustic and tables likewise.
A basket of sauces is on each table, plus salt and ground black pepper,
which they grind themselves. Upstairs there is another air-conditioned
dining area for parties of up to 30.
In fact, this is a restaurant that does almost all its
own preparation, even smoking the ground beef. The beef is hand-rubbed, Bob
assured me, and then smoked at very low temperature in wood flavoring for
seven hours. “There’s no shortcuts,” says Bob.
The menu is modestly sized (the only thing in the
restaurant that isn’t bigger than Texas) and begins with appetizers and
salads with such Americana as Texas Grande Mesquite grilled chicken salad
which comes with the warning that it is a very large portion for B. 195.
There are also many other items, including Tex-Mex (remember the Alamo) and
an interesting smoked pork tenderloin plate with Bob’s BBQ sauce at B.
125.
The next section has Baby back ribs, both smoked or
non-smoked at B. 225 or Texas size at B. 345 (you have been warned), and
other choices which have warnings like “very large” once again.
The next page is just for burgers, with the “wagon
wheel” burgers being the large ones which come with french-fries and dill
pickles for around B. 325, but there are some “regular” ones around B.
200. After that, it’s sandwiches, side orders and drinks, with local beers
(B. 50-65) and American ones coming soon.
We decided to try a “small” ribs which would be
anyone else’s “large”! It came with corn and “Mom’s potato
salad” which was wonderful, well done Bob’s Mom! We were also talked
into one of Bob’s Wagon wheels. These things are huge, taking Bob many
months to get a baker who could make the enormous buns! Flavorsome and
filling and superb french-fries.
You more than get the feeling in Bob’s BBQ and Grill
that the motto must be, “Nothing’s bigger than Texas”. A full rack of
ribs would take two people to lift it (unless they came from Texas)! The
Wagon Wheel burger was also the largest burger I had ever seen, and I needed
help to finish. By the way, if you can eat two in one hour, the second
one’s free. Don’t try. It’s too much.
Bob’s BBQ and Grill is an interesting American
restaurant. It sells very large, very filling hamburgers and large sizes of
just about everything else too. Definitely the place to go when you’re
hungry. You will not leave thinking you might just be able to nibble on a
little something else. There will be no room. Guaranteed! Well worth a
visit. Particularly if you come from Texas!
Bob’s BBQ and Grill (1) 124/06 South Pattaya Road (next
to the telephone exchange opposite Soi Rungland), Pattaya, telephone 06 049
6348 or 07 132 2368 (Thai), email [email protected]. Open seven days 10.30
a.m. - 11 p.m., on street parking. Delivery, take-out and catering available
too.
Bob’s BBQ and Grill (2), inside TQ2 bar, Soi BJ off Walking Street,
open seven days 7.30 p.m. until late.
