Pros 
Cons A Southport Staple: What Customers Are Saying About Sams BBQ Butcher
Sams BBQ Butcher, nestled within the Southport Park shopping center at 171 Ferry Rd, Southport QLD 4215, is making waves in the local community. With a consistent rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars, this butcher shop isn't just a place to pick up meat; it's developing a passionate following, particularly for its BBQ offerings. Through a deluge of online reviews, a clear picture emerges – Sams BBQ Butcher is a go-to destination for authentic, flavourful, and often generously portioned Chinese-style BBQ, alongside quality fresh cuts. But is it all perfect? Let’s delve into the details of what customers are saying.
The Juicy Wins: Roast Pork & Duck Dominance
The overwhelming consensus amongst Sams BBQ Butcher's patrons is that its cooked meats are a standout. The roast pork receives a huge amount of praise, consistently described as "amazing," "juicy," and "delicious." Several reviewers go as far as to declare it the "best crispy pork on the coast," highlighting the exceptional crackling achieved. Here’s a breakdown of customer favourites:
Roast Pork: Repeatedly lauded for its crispy skin and soft, succulent meat. One enthusiastic customer even confessed to wanting "another box straight away" after the first taste. A word of warning for those sensitive to fat – the pork is described as "perfect" for those who enjoy it, but may be too fatty for others.
Roast Duck: Many reviewers highlight the duck as a superior alternative to supermarket offerings. It's described as "so flavoursome," "heaps more meaty," and "reasonably priced" – a winning combination. Booking in advance for special occasions is recommended, as mentioned by one customer who appreciated the "great husband and wife duo" running the shop.
Chinese Sausage (Lap Cheong): A perennial favourite, consistently labelled as "yum yum and yum."
BBQ Pork: Frequently mentioned together with the roast pork, receiving similar positive feedback.
Char Siu (Barbecue Pork): While opinions are somewhat mixed (see below), the Char Siu still commands a positive following, particularly for its appeal when paired with dishes like Japanese ramen noodles.
"Honestly, the best crispy pork on the coast. Got a container and wanted to get another box straight away after we tried it. The cracker is so crispy and the meat underneath is soft, not chewy at all!” - A delighted customer
Addressing the Concerns: Room for Improvement?
Despite the widespread praise, Sams BBQ Butcher isn't without its detractors. Some customers have flagged specific areas where improvement is needed. It's important to note that these concerns are in the minority, but they provide valuable insight into potential weaknesses.
- Char Siu Consistency: A recurring complaint revolves around the Char Siu. Several reviews mention it being "over cooked and burned," a pity for a dish that otherwise holds promise.
- Roast Pork Skin Texture: Alongside the praise for the crackling, some reviewers felt the roast pork's skin was “not crispy and a bit tough.” Consistency in achieving that perfect crispness seems to be an area for attention.
- Meat Quality Concerns: One customer raised concerns about "low quality" meat, prompting a need for stricter quality control measures. Crucially, this review emphasized the importance of checking the meat before leaving the shop.
- Service & Customisation: Whilst the the overall consensus praises the friendly husband-and-wife duo, some expressed a desire for more personalised cuts and options.
| Aspect | Positive Feedback | Negative Feedback |
|---|---|---|
| Roast Pork | Juicy, Crispy, Delicious, Best on the Coast | Skin can be tough |
| Roast Duck | Flavourful, Meaty, Reasonably Priced | N/A |
| Char Siu | Tastes nice with ramen | Often overcooked and burned |
| Chinese Sausage | Yum! | N/A |
| Fresh Cuts | Never disappoint, Keen prices | Low quality (single mention) |
Convenience, Accessibility & Payment Options
Beyond the quality of the meat itself, Sams BBQ Butcher scores well on accessibility and convenience factors. The shop's location within the Southport Park shopping centre provides easy access for many.
- Accessibility: The shop boasts excellent accessibility features, including a wheelchair accessible entrance and parking lot. This makes it welcoming for a broad range of customers.
- Opening Hours: Consistent opening hours from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM Monday to Friday, plus Saturdays, make it convenient to pop in for daily needs or to stock up for the weekend. Sunday is closed, so plan accordingly!
- Planning a Quick Visit: Customers report the shop is suitable for a "Quick visit".
- Payment Options: Credit cards are accepted, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free transaction for all shoppers.
- Community Appreciation: A significant number of reviews express gratitude for the shop's relocation to Southport. Customers value having a local alternative to Asian butchers further afield (like Sunnybank), saving them the time and effort of travelling. The phone number +61 7 5578 6522 is valuable for booking roast duck ahead of time.