Handily located on the corner of Surawong Road and Rama IV, just a short stroll from Silom Road, Roadhouse BBQ offers wholesome and tasty American barbeque cuisine in a friendly, social environment.

During recession-beating ‘Happy Hours’ (4-7 pm), draft beers (Asahi, Heineken, and Tiger) cost just 85 baht. Selected house spirits are available during the same period, so check on arrival.

Healthy option
In an increasingly health-conscious world, Roadhouse BBQ now has to provide for all kinds of customers, so the restaurant offers plenty of healthy dishes and drinks, including a wide range of fruit juices, starting at 60 baht (US$1.78) a glass. All regular soft drinks cost 60 baht.

The three-storey converted shophouse has been finely furnished with all the goodies you would expect in a traditional American roadhouse-style barbeque and restaurant. The tables and chairs are comfortable and of a solid construction, while the American feel is genuine and unforced.

There’s a really decent range of bar games and activities to get involved in, too.

Since my last visit, the operator has installed some video game booths. There are some other interesting activities such as a full-side pool table, and what the French call Babyfoot, the Americans Foosball and the English table football. The ultimate pub sport – darts – is also available, along with a seven-meter long shuffleboard.

Courteous and friendly
The service during my most recent visit was excellent, while the food, created by chef Dana Edward Caron, is top quality. A “top of the range” Fillet Mignon Black Angus steak will set you back about 1,090 baht but there are also interesting cheaper options.

I ordered a Baked Potato (90 baht) with Coleslaw (35 baht) and also had a generous portion of Baked Beans (55 baht). Accompanied by a small glass of Strongbow cider, the whole meal came to just 310 baht, which is pretty reasonable given Roadhouse’s location, the quality of the excellent food, and, perhaps most importantly, the company.

There are lots and lots of interesting menu items, but please allow me just to mention a few “editor’s picks”.

Let’s start with the Stuffed Potato Skins (145 baht), which were absolutely delicious and go well with just a drink if just dropping in for a snack.