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One of Melbourne’s best Texas-style barbecue joints is found in the unlikeliest of places

Il Texas Barbecue serves slow-cooked brisket and pork cooked in the smoker for up to 18 hours.

Quincy Malesovas

Brisket is smoked for up to 18 hours at Il Texas Barbecue.
1 / 6Brisket is smoked for up to 18 hours at Il Texas Barbecue.Supplied/Tabemono Photos
Il Texas Barbecue is found inside Melbourne’s Il Mercato Centrale.
2 / 6Il Texas Barbecue is found inside Melbourne’s Il Mercato Centrale.Supplied
Pork and brisket tacos are also on the menu.
3 / 6Pork and brisket tacos are also on the menu.Supplied
Barbecue platter.
4 / 6Barbecue platter.Supplied
Sandwiches are made with Martin’s potato buns.
5 / 6Sandwiches are made with Martin’s potato buns.Supplied
Slow-cooked brisket.
6 / 6Slow-cooked brisket.Supplied

American$

This newcomer is smoking some of the city’s best Texas-style barbecue in the unlikeliest of places – Italian food hall Il Mercato Centrale at the city’s Southern Cross end. It’s led by Texas native Tim Jordan and Aussie pitmaster and executive chef Nathan Zammit (both behind Armstrong Barbecue in Geelong).

While smoking is usually an open-air operation, the duo have built a smoker directly into their stall and cook brisket and pork for up to 18 hours. If you’re after something quick and handheld, sandwiches (made with Martin’s potato buns) are a great place to start. Choose from pulled pork, chopped Black Angus brisket or a brisket and jalapeno cheddar sausage combo.

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Original URL: https://www.theage.com.au/goodfood/melbourne-eating-out/one-of-melbourne-s-best-texas-style-barbecue-joints-is-found-in-the-unlikeliest-of-places-20250724-p5mhle.html