I had a serious Homer-like (“Mmmmmm rackkkkkkk”) moment when I looked at the above photos from the newly launched Ike’s Rack Shack. Everyone’s favourite nouveau dive-bar The Beaufort has burst from its seams (probably all that beer it’s been drinking) and has opened a ribs and bibs joint out the back of the premises, with a simple mantra to serve up the best damn ribs in the city. Down.

Executive Chef, Chris Terlikar, is the boss that put the menu together – his popup Bluebonnet BBQ is getting all the smoked meat hype ’round town (yes, smoked meat has legitimate hype around it in Melbourne), and whilst the restaurant had a soft launch last week, the crew are officially ringing in their new smokey baby via a party this weekend on Sunday the 18th of May.

What’s that? You want some credentials first? Sheesh. Well, in addition to heading up a number of lauded food ventures around Melbourne, Terlikar also had a lengthy freelance stint at some of Texas’ greatest BBQ pits. What you’ll see is pork and beef ribs as standard, with a third rotational based on market availability. We’re talking venison, goat, lamb, you get the idea. For the adventurous, you can hit Ike’s Triple Rack Stack, a combo of all three. And there’s also vegan ones because Carlton/Fitzroy. Add to that a shitload of tasty sides and you have a dinner you’ll wanna fast for.

So, head to the official opening party this Sunday from 5pm, or swing by the week after. I shouldn’t have skipped lunch before writing this post. Errrgh.

Out back at The Beaufort
421 Rathdowne St, Carlton