Flavour Report: Geraldton’s Smokin’ Grill and Burger Restaurant hits the spot, but still room for improvement

I was really excited to savour every aspect of my latest flavour adventure, and this time my journey led me to Smokin’ Grill and Burger Restaurant nestled in the heart of Geraldton city. Having just wrapped up my first week in a new job, I was eager for a well-deserved treat, for a week that had been both incredible and demanding. To begin, the ordering process was wonderfully simple and convenient via their webpage. The restaurant offered an extensive array of options, from burgers and chicken dishes to loaded fries and ribs. With our hearty appetites, we decided to indulge in a smokin’ cheese smashed burger, a classic Aussie cheese burger, a veggie tikki burger, some pulled pork loaded fries, and a serving of barbecue ribs. The icing on the cake was the ample parking right in front, and at the time, it was free too. We found a few tables available for those who prefer to dine-in. However, I wouldn’t classify the place as a traditional restaurant; it had more of a relaxed takeaway feel with optional seating. Although the total bill amounted to $138 for our substantial order, we were pleasantly surprised by the experience. We held onto high hopes for generous portion sizes and a delightful feast. Let’s talk about the fries and loaded fries — they were absolutely amazing. Perfectly crispy, packed with flavour, and served generously. The pulled pork and sauce on the loaded fries struck the perfect balance of moisture, enhancing the chip’s flavour without making them soggy. The regular fries were exactly what you’d expect: piping hot, crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside. Now, onto the burgers — a bit of a tale here, but with a happy ending. While there were some minor hiccups, such as the burgers being slightly dry, they made up for it with a robust flavour profile. What truly shone were the quality of the burger buns and the rich, smoky sauces that accompanied them. Every burger was accompanied by a sauce that brought out those delightful smoky flavours. The additional coleslaw was a pleasant surprise, adding an extra burst of flavour to the dishes. The ribs we shared were a mixed bag. One side of the half rack was moist and tender, an absolute hit, while the other side was a tad dry and tougher. As someone who prides themselves as a barbecue connoisseur, I’d still rate them a respectable 7 out of 10, with lots of potential and a bit of room for improvement. All in all, our expectations may have been set a tad too high after reading some glowing reviews, but we truly enjoyed our experience. Would I recommend paying a visit? Absolutely, without a doubt. If you’re seeking fantastic fries to savour by the waterfront, Smokin’ is a must-visit. And if you’re craving hearty burgers and classic meaty goodness, it will hit the spot.