Backyard BBQ Fridays at: Perry & Blackwelder’s, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai

BBQ Friday. Courtesy Madinat Jumeirha
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The location

Madinat Jumeirah has long been one of the best locations in Dubai for bars and restaurants outside the direct constricts of five-star hotels, with waterside seating aplenty and views of the Burj Al Arab. The backyard at American barbecue joint Perry & Blackwelder’s is no different, with a relaxed, casual dining area, plus a selection of bean bags for post-food lounging. The bar inside is vibrantly decorated with all manner of stateside trinkets, and makes a smart alternative after the exclusively outdoors Backyard BBQ concludes.

The atmosphere

The clue is in the title: this is a chilled afternoon with more of a trip-to-your-mate’s-house vibe than any need for overly prim-and-proper behaviour. A live singer-songwriter rolls out a succession of indie-rock hits from across the decades, although his volume is sometimes a mite cacophonous for such a small terrace area.

The food

There’s no messing around with the barbecue fare – you simply wander over to the grilling area and hold out your plate until it’s overflowing with an assortment of homemade beef burgers, Cajun shrimp skewers, hunks of chicken, jumbo hot dogs and baked potatoes wrapped in foil. A variety of sides – salads, cornbreads, grated cheese for your baked potato etc – are then deposited direct on your table by the notably cheerful and chatty waiters. Oh and ask for a drink in a shoe-shaped glass – there’s something endlessly amusing about supping from a translucent boot.

Who’s it best for?

Anybody who enjoys a low-key vibe and is sick of the standard glutton-fests of brunch buffets. It’s also family-friendly, with a children’s option for Dh65.

The verdict

Short of setting up a barbecue in your own garden, it doesn’t come much more genuine and no-gimmicks than this.

The National was a guest of the restaurant.

• Fridays noon to 4pm. Adults from Dh195 to Dh295 per person; children Dh65 per person. Perry & Blackwelder’s, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai. Reservations 04 432 3232.

aworkman@thenational.ae