Smoked cuts, USDA burgers, classic bourbon vibes and lagers, Red Dog Saloon brings serious Southern swagger to London.

I’ll be the first to admit that American-style BBQ isn’t normally my go-to, so I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect when I booked a table at Red Dog Saloon in Soho.

On a buzzing Soho Thursday my guest and I arrived at exactly the same time at the door of Red Dog Saloon.

It’s busy, a relatively small venue packed, to a point that walk-ins are politely turned down.

It feels like stepping into a classic Southern-style saloon — cosy, down-to-earth and very deliberately rustic.

Warm wood paneling on the walls, black and white vintage picture frames spaced between antlers all add to the Austin, Texas feel.

It’s busy and buzzing, with staff maneuvering between chairs serving craft brews and large plates.

As an American destination the portions are as expected filling and meat heavy. I start with a dip toe starter – barbecue empanadas, a popular Latin America dish it’s made its way up the map of course.

Crispy and filled with mixed mince and a generous slobber of a fresh zesty chimi on top, that balances the oil well.

For my guest it’s Buffalo wings, and when Red Dog Saloon say wings they mean business, proper fiery pool of sauce, so order with caution.

Generous portion and battered they would satisfy that wing craving in no time.

Moving onto drinks there is just about everything one can think of from home brewed Red Dog lager, frozen milkshakes, iced teas to bourborn and tequilas.

Along a list of margaritas and sours, five in each category, a great variety if you ask me. There is even a rule breaking Agwa mojito.

An unknown item to me until today is a Bolivian spirit distilled from coca leaf, as explained in the menu.

But we keep it tame today: a lemon iced tea, presented in what might be the largest glass I’ve ever seen for an alcohol-free drink and classic pisco in a standard glass.

The tea lasts my guest till the end, no surprise since there is about half a litre of it. A much needed refreshment after the spicy buffalo wings and to wash down the meaty long horn beef rib main.

The rib is so big it doesn’t fit the actual plate, a tricky item to eat for sure and enough to feed two. But well worth the struggle, the brand’s pride is in the smokers here.

Imported wood and smokers from the US, the meat is smoked daily and never reheated, makes for an attractive feature for those craving authentic Austin dishes.

Another signature here is burgers, made with USDA beef that gets its distinct marbling from grain rich feed.

There’re over fifteen to choose from, from fig ancho sauce to cheese whiz topping, to say I’m overwhelmed is an understatement as I’m torn between the smoked meats and the burgers.

But there is a solution for diners who can’t decide between the meat and the burgers, like myself.

Both come in a burger bun, steak chuck minced topped with a brisket ticked both of my boxes, so I’m well happy.

It’s a fully loaded burger with melted American cheese, a mountain of crisp fried onion and a side of potato tots.

I can’t forget the tater tots, little golden bits of deep-fried happiness. Kind of the ultimate comfort food but even with my hearty appetite I barely manage half. So the main comes with me.

Unlike most of the menu the dessert here is simple, just one, a loaded waffle sundae with ice cream, glazed cherries and brownie pieces.

Delicately soft in the middle with a satisfying crisp on the outside, the ice cream gives a pleasingly cooling while cherries add the needed tartness.

We’re a little disappointed on the brownie crumbs though, they are good but there isn’t enough of them. It could definitely do with about double the amount.

Red Dog Saloon is a full-throttle celebration of American barbecue culture. From the smoked meats to the USDA beef, every dish feels like a signature, making it a must-hit spot for anyone chasing Southern comfort food.

Red Dog Saloon also now serves breakfast across all sites on weekend only.

Red Dog Saloon Soho, 20 Berwick St