Smoke Masters BBQ

Situated in the industrial heart of Fyshwick, Australian Capital Territory, Smoke Masters BBQ brings a genuine taste of American low-and-slow barbecue with a distinctive Aussie twist to the Canberra region. This family-owned, award-winning BBQ restaurant has carved out a reputation for tender, smoke-kissed meats and a welcoming, unpretentious atmosphere. From the moment you arrive at Unit 7a/19-25 Kembla St, the rich aroma of smouldering ironbark and hickory signals that you've found something special—a place where brisket, pork ribs, and pulled pork are treated with the patience and respect they deserve.

Pitmaster Scotty Masters, whose roots run deep in the butcher shops of Newcastle, leads the pit at Smoke Masters BBQ. His lifelong obsession with meat, honed over decades of roasts and traditional Aussie barbecues, truly ignited six years ago when he fell for the low-and-slow method. Today, he fires up his arsenal of smokers and spits almost daily, transforming premium 100% Australian proteins sourced through Alpha Fresh into dishes that stop conversation and start cravings. The result is a menu that balances traditional American technique with local ingredients and a uniquely Canberran personality.

Menu Highlights at Smoke Masters BBQ

The menu at Smoke Masters BBQ reads like a carnivore’s love letter, with options spanning breakfast, lunch, and catering. While the offering evolves, the core lineup is built around long-smoked, hand-rubbed cuts that develop deep bark and melting tenderness. The restaurant menu, available Wednesday through Saturday, and the catering menu for private events share the same DNA: bold flavour, generous portions, and a refusal to compromise on quality.

Brisket and Beef Creations

Beef brisket is the undisputed star. Smoked for hours until it reaches that wobbly, collagen-rich perfection, it appears across multiple formats—sliced on trays, tucked into pies, or piled onto burgers. The brisket pie, frequently described as “award-winning” in customer reviews, is a must-try, encasing that smoky, peppery beef in flaky pastry. Beef shorties and tri-tip round out the beef selection, each offering a different texture and fat profile for barbecue aficionados.

Pulled Pork and Ribs

Pulled pork delivers the sweet-savoury balance that defines great Carolina-style barbecue, while pork ribs and beef ribs satisfy the primal urge to eat with your hands. The pulled pork brekkie wrap adds a morning dimension, folding that succulent meat with egg and sauce for a satisfying start to the day.

Poultry, Lamb, and House Specialities

Beer can chicken, wings, and salmon cater to those seeking something other than red meat, cooked until the skin crisps and the flesh stays juicy. Lamb, jerky, jalapeño poppers, and house-made bacon further diversify a menu that clearly prioritises range without losing focus. Picanha—the prized Brazilian cut—and tri-tip reflect Scotty’s willingness to experiment beyond standard barbecue offerings.

The Dining Experience

Smoke Masters BBQ operates from a practical, no-fuss shopfront in Fyshwick. The atmosphere is casual and friendly, suited to a quick lunch or a relaxed weekend meal. Indoor seating is straightforward, and the real focus stays squarely on the food. The restaurant is a licensed venue, meaning you can pair your smoked meats with a cold beer or a glass of wine—a detail that elevates the experience beyond a typical takeaway joint.

Customers describe the service as prompt and genuine, with Scotty himself often visible behind the counter or checking in on tables. The business encourages bookings via its website, though walk-ins are welcome. For those who prefer to enjoy barbecue at home, takeaway options are available, and the catering arm can bring the full Smoke Masters spread to private functions, parties, and events across Canberra.

Customer Reviews & Ratings

Smoke Masters BBQ holds a 4.8-star rating on Google Maps based on 209 reviews, an impressive score that reflects consistent quality and a passionate customer base. Reading through the feedback, several themes emerge clearly.

Google Maps reviewers consistently mention the brisket as the standout item—many use words like "tender," "flavourful," and "melt-in-your-mouth." One reviewer, Charlee Hommen, shared a particularly heartfelt note: "I'm from Alabama, and my dad owned a smokehouse... This restaurant made me feel at home. The brisket and pulled pork were perfect."

Another reviewer, Marc Weber, a Local Guide with hundreds of contributions, strongly recommended the brisket plate and brisket pie while noting the pulled pork was "okay" and advising against the brisket burger—feedback that highlights the subjective nature of taste and the benefit of focusing on the house specialities.

Reviewer Cameron Bell recounted arriving just as the prized brisket pie sold out but left "completely satisfied" after exploring other items, a testament to the depth of the menu. Across these reviews, the service and atmosphere are regularly praised as friendly and welcoming. Any occasional critiques—such as the brisket burger not meeting one diner's expectations—are met with constructive, appreciative responses from the owner, showing a commitment to improvement.

Smoke Masters BBQ in Fyshwick

The restaurant is located at Unit 7a, 19-25 Kembla Street in Fyshwick, ACT 2609, a suburb known for its mix of trade suppliers, showrooms, and increasingly, food destinations. Its position in the Kembla Street complex places it among a cluster of small businesses, making it a convenient stop for workers, shoppers, and dedicated barbecue seekers alike. Fyshwick’s central location in Canberra means that a drive from the city centre or surrounding suburbs like Kingston, Manuka, and Queanbeyan is straightforward. On-street and complex parking is generally available, and the area is accessible by public transport with nearby bus stops. For cyclists, the surrounding industrial roads offer a practical route, and the ground-level entry provides step-free access.

Hours, Reservations & Contact

As of the latest update, Smoke Masters BBQ is temporarily closed, with the owner indicating a reopening on June 10th. During normal operation, the hours are as follows:

• Wednesday: 9 AM – 2 PM
• Thursday: 8 AM – 2 PM
• Friday: 8 AM – 2 PM
• Saturday: 10 AM – 2 PM

The restaurant is closed Sunday through Tuesday. Given its popularity, especially for the brisket pie, arriving early is wise. Reservations can be made by calling 6106 9563 or by filling out the booking form on their website at smokemastersbbq.com.au/contact. The website notes that bookings remain tentative until confirmed by the team. Catering enquiries for events—from corporate gatherings to private parties—are handled through the same channels, and the business frequently updates its mailing list subscribers with new menu items and event appearances around the Canberra region.

What Sets Smoke Masters BBQ Apart

Several attributes define the Smoke Masters BBQ experience. The commitment to 100% Australian proteins, sourced through Alpha Fresh—a supplier with roots dating back to 1952—speaks to a farm-to-table philosophy rarely articulated in the barbecue world. The blend of American smoking traditions with Australian ingredients and sensibilities creates a flavour profile that is both familiar and refreshingly unique. The licensed bar adds a dimension of relaxed hospitality; enjoying a brisket plate with a cold ale in a casual setting is a simple pleasure executed well here.

Above all, the story of Pitmaster Scotty Masters—from the sawdust floors of his grandfather’s butcher shop to the radio studios of Canberra to the pits of Fyshwick—adds a layer of authenticity that no franchise can replicate. Customer reviews repeatedly cite his passion and knowledge as key reasons they return, reinforcing that Smoke Masters BBQ is, at its heart, a personal project driven by a genuine love for smoked meat. For anyone in the Canberra region seeking a true low-and-slow barbecue experience with an Aussie accent, Smoke Masters BBQ in Fyshwick warrants a visit.