Other roads in Shanghai must be pretty jealous of Julu Lu. After all, it’s pretty much lined with quality eateries big and small from one end to the other. Recently, most of the talk has gone to Found 158, but another little nook has wedged itself in and deserves a little attention. Give a warm welcome to Bulldog Bar.
Owner Charles Tse is a big fan of cooking (and eating) good old Texas-style barbecue, but he remarks, you can’t exactly whip up an individual portion of brisket at home – you gotta do the whole giant slab of meat, or nothing at all. And what good is a big beautiful brisket if no one else gets to eat it? No good at all.
Bulldog is a no-frills operation – just a couple of tables and single page menu. Choose from three meats – Texas brisket, country pork ribs, or barbecue chicken – in small (45RMB), medium (85RMB) or large (160RMB); with the option of getting more than one meat. You can add on two sides for 15RMB, or get double-portion sides for 10RMB a piece. It’s a steal.
The small size of the meats isn’t small, either – the white meat option will get you a whole plump breast and a wing from the juicy, super zesty chicken; three giant pork ribs slathered in tangy sauce; or five or six slices of thoroughly brined, flavourful brisket with sliced bread (definitely ask them to trim some of the fat from the last one, though).
Sides here are pretty basic but also pretty tasty. There are nicely seasoned grilled veggies; rich mac and cheese that’s a bit more like mac and cream; garlic and herb fries; fairly standard creamed corn and a side salad. Though not particularly special, they all make fine companions to their meaty counterparts.
Bulldog’s barbecue may not be the best you’ll ever eat, but it’s sure to satisfy those cravings and fill your belly without emptying your wallet. Well worth a try.
Bulldog Bar 695 Julu Lu, near Xiangyang Bei Lu, Xuhui district. 11am-10pm Sun-Thu; 11am-midnight Fri-Sat (5448 8175).
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