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Nestled in Hawthorn East, Third Wave BBQ Hawthorn is a barbecue lover's paradise, known for its mouthwatering meat dishes and vibrant atmosphere. Each bite reveals a symphony of flavors, from tender brisket to crispy chips and sumptuous coleslaw. Guests rave about the creative monthly specials and hearty portions, including fan favorites like the candy bacon and the classic burger. The attentive service adds to the dining experience, ensuring every visit feels special. With rave reviews highlighting both the food and hospitality, Third Wave BBQ is a must-visit destination that lives up to the hype, leaving patrons eagerly anticipating their next meal.
About
Welcome to Third Wave BBQ Hawthorn, a culinary haven nestled in the heart of Hawthorn East, Australia. Located at 234 Riversdale Rd, this vibrant eatery has quickly become a hotspot for barbecue enthusiasts and food lovers alike. With rave reviews highlighting its mouth-watering offerings and exceptional service, it’s clear that this restaurant is more than just a meal; it’s an experience.
As you step into Third Wave BBQ, you are greeted by an inviting atmosphere that sets the stage for a memorable dining outing. The decor strikes a perfect balance between casual and stylish, ideal for enjoying hearty dishes with friends and family. From the moment you arrive, the attentive staff ensure that your dining experience is seamless, mirroring the sentiments of numerous patrons who commend the friendly service.
One cannot visit without sinking their teeth into the candy bacon, a must-try that has swiftly garnered a cult following. The pork’s sweet and savory profile is just the beginning; the classic burger is another star on the menu, promising satisfaction with each delectable bite. As Christina Ward wisely warns, come hungry, because the flavors and portions here do not disappoint. The BBQ platter is perfect for sharing, and according to Rube, everything on the table is a testament to culinary excellence—crispy chips paired with the most flavorful meats tantalize the taste buds.
The culinary creativity doesn’t stop there. Regular patrons like Boris Zhang are thrilled by the monthly specials that turn traditional barbecue into an art form. Feast your eyes on the mega beef stack and the innovative lasagna burrito, a dish that everyone talks about. It’s this blend of innovation and tradition that keeps food lovers coming back for more, eager to see what the kitchen will create next.
While the food at Third Wave BBQ is undoubtedly the highlight, it’s the balance between flavor and service that truly defines the experience. From crispy onion rings that accompany your feast to the rich and satisfying sauces that elevate each dish, every element is crafted with care. Even when mishaps occur—like unexpected bone shards in the birria layer—rest assured that the attentive staff will go above and beyond to remedy any disappointment, ensuring you leave with a smile.
Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a food adventure, Third Wave BBQ Hawthorn invites you to dive into a world where BBQ dreams come true. With its exceptional menu, inviting atmosphere, and top-notch service, it’s no wonder diners are left feeling obsessed. Don’t just take our word for it—come experience the hype for yourself!
Contact them at +61 3 9676 2399 for reservations and embark on a delicious journey that will leave your taste buds yearning for more.
“ So. Much. Food. Come hungry, beware the spice level. Absolutely delicious and the service is friendly and attentive. The candy bacon is a must, along with the kransky sausage. Don’t underestimate the size of the classic burger, so good, so filling. ”
“ Had the pleasure of dining at the Hawthorn restaurant with another couple last night. In a word amazing. The atmosphere is great, the service was excellent and the food excellent. The 4 of us shared the BBQs Thor hammer with a side of onion rings (very crispy, amazing)and coleslaw. More than enough food for all of us. Highly recommend this place and we will be back. ”
“ The service was fantastic, the girls were so nice and quick, best service I have had. The food was so amazing, i can not recommend the candy bacon and the brisket loaded fries enough. At lunchtime on a Saturday it was quite and relaxing with only a couple of other tables, perfect place for a nice relaxing lunch date, or to catch up with friends ”
“ We went in for the free birthday dinner which comes with one entree, one meat and one side (or dessert). It's not a lot if you're hungry but pretty good for free. We ended up also getting a bbq platter for 1 and sharing everything. Everything was delicious. Would definitely come back. ”
“ I’m absolutely speechless. Everything we ordered was absolutely incredible! Every meat we ate was delicious and had its own amazing flavour. The chips were crispy, the dressing on the coleslaw was mouth watering. The service tonight was fabulous too, better than any place I’ve been!! We could not fault a thing. I cannot wait to come back soon, believe the hype!! I’m OBSESSED!!! ”
“ Came for the free Birthday meal, and it comes in such a big portion. The beef ribs are juicy and tender, which is highly recommended. The candy bacon is delicious and well presented. Will be back for other choices. ”
“ 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. ”