Last weekend we celebrated The Better Half’s birthday. To kick off the festivities, we headed to Red Dog Saloon located on Hoxton Square. They serve American BBQ. TBH picked out the joint and I was super excited until the day before. Someone from the restaurant called to confirm our reservation and informed me that our reservation was from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. I didn’t like how she implied we had to be out of the place by half past three.
Here’s the dilemma. TBH is the slowest eater in the world. I used to think my grandfather was the slowest until I met TBH. One and half hours may sound like a reasonable time for most people to enjoy lunch, but I knew since we were celebrating we’d order appetizers, a main course, and dessert. And let’s not forget drinks.
To say I was worried is an understatement. I mentioned to TBH that we had a deadline. TBH instantly said, “Cancel the reservation.” It was a tempting thought, but then I remembered that this was a place TBH had mentioned on several occasions. So we went. I was preparing myself for a stern talk with the manager. No one was going to kick us out on TBH’s birthday.
I have to say the entire staff was friendly. We didn’t have one particular waiter. At one point I counted and determined five different people, give or take one or two, made sure we had everything we needed. The food was pretty good. The only thing I didn’t like was the pecan pie. Luckily TBH ordered Mississippi Mud pie and that saved the day.
This place was hopping as soon as we walked in. However, by the time the main course arrived, it was only half full. That put me at ease. We didn’t leave until a quarter to five. I told you, TBH is the slowest eater ever. Below you’ll find some photos of the place and the food. If you are in London and would like to sample some American BBQ give it a go.
50 Year Project 
BBQ in London? Cool! I wonder if they have Mexican food? Oh, that would have been so rude had they “kicked you out at 3:30.” So glad TBH had a wonderful lunch and so glad you could enjoy it, too. There are places in NYC that will do just that, kick you out, if you dare stay too long. The place you went to looks like it could be in Dallas, Austin, Houston or some small town in between.
I’ve tried some Mexican food places here, but nothing to write home about if you know what I mean. And they actually kick you out in NY. How rude! haven’t been to Texas yet, but it’s on my list. I hear Austin has some great live music.
I’m glad you enjoyed it. I assume you did although you sound ambivalent. The timing thing would have annoyed me too. The lack of veg food would have annoyed me more, but I guess you wouldn’t be going there if you were veg.
It’s funny how countries are known, or not, for their cuisine. Britain isn’t, American isn’t, Australia isn’t, but France, Italy, India, China, Thailand (for example) are.
I enjoyed it, but the whole phone conversation annoyed me some. I know she has a job to do, but still. When I think of American food I think of all the food that is bad for me. Pretty much everything is fried. And there are days I miss it. But you’re right, America isn’t known for their food. Maybe the American South, but overall no.
I do love all the other food from the countries you listed. I’ll add Mexico. Mexican is my fave, but that could be due to the fact that I grew up in California, two hours from Mexico.
That looks like spotted dick to me! Not the pecan pie, the other one.
My grandfather, lol, was the fastest eater on the planet. As soon as his plate touched the table it was all gone 😉 Yours must have grow up in a household with an abundant food supply…
My grandfather was mellow about everything and always moved in slow motion. I can picture him now, puttering around in the kitchen, humming A Little Drummer Boy his favorite, which is one of mine now.
Not sure I’m familiar with spotted dick. I’m assuming it’s a dessert
You’ve been in the UK HOW LONG?!? and you’ve not had spotted dick? This needs remedying, asap.
Where do I find this spotted dick? Careful how you answer this 😉
It’s often found on pub menus, coz it’s a traditional dessert. I’m surprised you’ve not seen it on there. It’s a steamed pud, with raisins (or currants?) served with custard.
Might turn out to be the best you ever had…!
Huh, I’m pretty sure the name would have caught my attention. Will keep an eye out for the spotted dick!
Now that your senses are primed, thou shalt find it 🙂
It’s a mission!
Sounds like you had a great time – I’m glad it all worked out ok :). The only problem is you’ve now made me very, very hungry LOL!!
dude I had the biggest stomach ache after this meal. But so worth it.
Definitely!! 🙂
Nothing wrong with taking your time to enjoy the food. It looks delicious! Happy belated birthday to your husband. 🙂
Thanks Carl. TBH hates being rushed.
This place looks great! My boyfriend loves that kind of food, will definitely look to taking him there!
I hope you two enjoy! Let me know if you go.
Nice to know there is such a place in London!!! I am glad they did not expelled you…I have never had that strange experience!!!
When I met C. we were in Basque Country,…Food is very important there…And, yes, everybody were terrified when we were visiting their restaurants….We used to arrive at normal (Spanish) dinner time , around 10…And we would not leave till 1 o clock in the morning! And Yes! we were the last ones almost always!!! But we had so much to talk about!!!! 🙂 🙂
Happy Valentine´s Day. and Happy Birthday to your BH!! 🙂
That sounds like fun. Dinner with a loved one should be enjoyed, not rushed through. And I love chatting with TBH over a nice meal. It makes for special memories. Happy Valentine’s Day!
Oh yum. I love BBQ and am surprised you could find that there. What a lovely surprise! I think I would have been a little concerned about the time frame, too—Would have made me felt like I was watching the clock while I ate. Happy Valentine’s Day to you and TBH!
Once the place cleared out, I felt much more relaxed. And I didn’t get the vibe from the staff that they wanted to kick us out. Happy Valentine’s day to both of you.
Thanks!!!!
ooo, i’d feel right at home with bbq! we always kid that the further you get from memphis the less sure you can be of getting good bbq, but the bbq in your photo looks perfect! i think i’d love living in london 🙂
I need to visit Memphis so I can make comparisons. And I think you’d love London for many reasons.
The meal looks delicious. I don’t like it either when you feel rushed to eat. Working your way slowly through a meal is the best – especially if the conversation is good 🙂
Exactly! We have to rush through most of life, can’t we enjoy our meals with our loved ones?
I agree – especially when we are out for a meal in a restaurant.
I know!
that all looks sooo good! I am not a fan of pecan pie, but the other one looks like a definite must try. I don’t like to be rushed eating either – although, I don’t think I am that slow. I just like to linger after a meal.
I have such a craving now for these deep fried zucchini sticks our local pub makes.
I’m not a fan of zucchini, but haven’t tried them deep fried. But I would love them now!
Now you’re talking! Barbecue is something I know about, being from NC. We are – if only self-proclaimed – the best barbecuers in the world!! I know others will challenge this, but I bet I could make a believer out of them if given the chance! Now I know I must come to London. BBQ calls.
And I need to go to NC and have a taste test. I’m a huge fan of BBQ and I’m always up for a good food challenge just as long as I don’t have to rush and can enjoy massive amounts. Yes, come to London–not just for BBQ. As a writer you’d love it.
Milton LOVES bar-be-cue; something due to my endless scroll of dietary restrictions I am no longer allowed to eat (can’t eat fried; can’t go near a tomato). But from your images, this looks good. Glad you guys were not given the stink eye and rushed out the door — especially on TBH’s birthday. That would blow.
Tomato–so no salsa? Milton and I would get along since I love bar-be-cue as well. I was prepared to give the worst stink eye of all to get them to back off.
Cool that you have American barbeque in London. Glad to know TBH had a good birthday. Hope you all have a wonderful Valentine’s Day, as well! And enjoy the weekend, while you’re at it!
Hugs from Ecuador,
Kathy
You can find all different types of restaurants in London–the key is finding ones that are actually good. So far I’ve struck out with Mexican restaurants. Have a great weekend!
Glad you had a great time. Indian food is pretty good too. I keep hearing about Indian restaurants in London patronized by the who’s who of UK and pretty much everybody else.
Indian food is huge here and I love it. Oh now I’m craving it and it’s only 8 in the morning. Have a great weekend!
Oh I went there once, just wandered in off the street. I had to eat at the bar, because they said all the tables were booked (even though the place was virtually empty). When I left the place was still half empty, so really I could have had a table.
Staff were nice though and food was ok.
Yeah they’re kinda weird about their reservation system. Sorry you didn’t have a great experience. I hate when places can’t be flexible.
Sounds like fun! I too worry about places that have several seatings and warn you that you will have to vacate the table – I like to take my time and relax. Luckily, for evening sessions we like to eat late 🙂 Glad you and TBH celebrates in style!
I’m with you. It’s better to take your time and relax. I have enough deadlines in life, I don’t need one when I’m eating. Hope you had a great weekend!
what fun…sounds like at least TBH doesn’t suffer from indigestion
nope. TBH is pretty healthy and eats all the veggies as well.
There is a woman in my office who is the fastest eater I’ve ever seen, as if someone is going to snatch away her plate before she’s finished. Like it borders on gross.
I don’t think that I take quite as long as TBH, but I lean toward that side of the spectrum. I do like to enjoy and savor my meal. It sounds like a great birthday celebration and I hope that Miles got some of your “leftovers”!
PS – I just rented The African Queen from the library because I kept thinking about your review. I can’t wait to watch it.
Of course Miles got some of the leftovers and Att like them as well.
have you watched it yet?
I watched it last night. I loved it! So great. I had to cover my eyes at the leeches part.
Thanks for the recommendation. What’s up next on the list?
When I was in Malaysia, several people in our group were victims of leeches. thank goodness I wasn’t. I would have passed out. they give me the creeps!
Cabaret is next. I love the musical but haven’t seen the film.
I never knew reservations had deadlines like that. Glad you guys were able to stay for as long as you needed to!
this was the first time I’ve been given a time window at a restaurant. I’ve had to deal with the waitstaff suggesting without really putting it into words that it was time to go. When that happens, we never go back to the place.
What a fun place, and the food looks good. Now I’m hungry…hehe:)
I wasn’t hungry for days after I left.
You’re so good at reviewing London pubs…did you ever think of writing a book about them?
The thought may have crossed my mind, but the trouble is, once I get a half pint in me, I don’t want to take notes and concentrate.
I love BBQ, and if I was in London and saw this place, I would probably walk in and take a try!
don’t forget to give me a jingle. I’ll buy you a beer 🙂
Absolutely!