LET’S MEAT AT THE RANCH

If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if a Texas BBQ joint crash-landed in the Hunter Valley, wonder no more. Full Throttle Ranch at Buttai is loud, smoky, and as we discovered, not just a place to eat and drink but to dance off the calories you consume.

Long before the ranch opened its doors the location was home to the iconic Buttai Barn. Original owners Gary and Marilyn Madison turned a patch of farmland into a popular venue for live music and country dances. And who could forget the mechanical bull “Elvis”, who once tested patrons rodeo skills and their egos.

In 2020, Mick Tyrrell and Sara Berg bought the venue and began transforming it into Full Throttle Ranch. Known for their Full Throttle BBQ and Full Throttle Custom Garage – and a love of all things loud and meaty – they saw potential to turn the old barn into a place where the music is just as important as the meat.

So, what’s the experience like? First, there’s the food. Meat lovers, prepare for heaven. While Elvis has been retired, there is a new star on the scene, ‘The Undertaker’. One of the largest reverse-flow smokers in the world, it’s an absolute beast and capable of cooking enough brisket, ribs and pulled pork to feed an army – or a very hungry husband. The meat is slow-cooked, juicy and the only challenge is getting it to your mouth before it falls off your fork.

Vegetarians, fear not – there are options for you but let’s be honest, this is a place that celebrates meat in all its glory.

The drinks menu is equally impressive. The ranch serves everything from craft beers to wines and cocktails that will have you up on the dance floor in no time. There’s also a whiskey bar, where we watched one of the staff “smoke” a whiskey sour for another customer. Even if you’re not a whiskey fan it’s worth a try for the entertainment value alone.

The kitchen team clearly has their act together. Not even fifteen minutes passed before our meals arrived: pulled pork, brisket, gumbo, cornbread, coleslaw and a loaded Texas potato. While the menu won’t be winning any Michelin stars, it was damn tasty. And with the generous serving sizes, it didn’t take long before pant buttons were popping and meat sweats kicking in.

Just as the food coma took over the live band hit the stage. Music is central to the Full Throttle experience, with a regular lineup of performers delivering country tunes, rock-infused classics and enough twang to make even city-dwellers attempt a line dance. When the band hits its stride it’s hard to resist the dance floor but after our feast moving was a challenge in itself.

The overall vibe is casual, rowdy and welcoming. If you’re after a place where you can eat like a Texan, drink like an Aussie and test your boot-scooting moves, head straight to Full Throttle Ranch. Just don’t forget to bring a napkin… or ten.