Brewski’S Big Tray Bbq is a barbecue restaurant in Media City, Manchester. Rated 4.4 stars from 181 Google reviews. Known for authentic texas brisket and knowledgeable, personable staff. Best for groups sharing big trays and meat lovers. Price range: £20–30.
Rankings updated April 2026
BREWSKI’S BIG TRAY BBQ
Across 194 Google reviews, 82% gave four or five stars.
Quick Verdict
Authentic Texas BBQ executed with care — brisket and sides that justify the trip, staffed by people who genuinely know their craft.
You're seeking proper Texas-style BBQ with knowledgeable staff and don't mind counter-service ordering.
About BREWSKI’S BIG TRAY BBQ
Brewski's Big Tray BBQ has become a destination for authentic Texas-style barbecue in Media City, drawing repeat visits from across the region. The kitchen smokes brisket, lamb, and house-made sausages to tender, flavourful results; sides like creamy mac and cheese and crisp slaw are prepared with equal care. Generous shareable trays and a kids' menu make it accessible to groups and families, while the modern, well-lit dining room with rooftop seating and live music creates a casual, social atmosphere. Staff—including named chefs like James and Jimmy—take time to explain smoking techniques, meat selections, and pairings, turning the counter-service model into a teaching moment. The bar stocks beer, cocktails, wine, and hard liquor, with free water refills standard. On-site parking, full wheelchair accessibility, and free Wi-Fi complete the picture. Dogs are welcome inside and out.
What Stands Out
Authentic Texas brisket
Multiple reviewers describe brisket as 'cooked to perfection', 'tender/moist ratio', and 'the best BBQ I've had yet in the UK'; one visitor from Leeds travelled specifically because it matches US standards.
Knowledgeable, personable staff
Reviewers consistently praise named staff (James, Jimmy, Cam, Aaron) for explaining wood types, meat cuts, and pairings; one diner left their table to thank the chef for the brisket experience.
Generous shareable portions
Reviewers note 'generous servings', trays that 'easily do a big tray on your own', and 'immense' sides; groups report feeling very full after shared platters.
What Customers Say
Best barbecue I've had in Manchester, hands down
Really tasty food, generous servings and friendly staff. This is a great place for meat lovers, but the vegetarian in our party was also well catered for with delicious macaroni cheese, broccoli salad and an aubergine dish.
Honestly, this is about as close as you'll get to proper Texas BBQ in the UK. As someone who regularly travels to the US and has tried more than a fair share of BBQ restaurants worldwide, I made the trip from Leeds just to check this place out. It did not disappoint.
Real quotes from Google Reviews
In Their Own Words
Review highlights surfaced by Google, in the language they were written
“Sunday Carvery Tray with double meat (beef brisket + roasted lamb).”
“Really tasty food, generous servings and friendly staff.”
“Cold, small portions, poorly presented and with little in the way of service.”Practical Information
Opening Hours
Contact
media city, Unit 35, the quays, quayside, Salford M50 3AG, United Kingdom
+44 161 399 5798Visit WebsiteCommon Questions
How consistently good is BREWSKI’S BIG TRAY BBQ?
Across 194 Google reviews, 82% of visitors gave four or five stars — placing BREWSKI’S BIG TRAY BBQ among Media City's most reliably rated barbecue restaurants.
Does BREWSKI’S BIG TRAY BBQ have outdoor seating?
Yes — BREWSKI’S BIG TRAY BBQ offers outdoor seating. Outdoor tables are popular during warmer months so arriving early or booking ahead helps.
Is BREWSKI’S BIG TRAY BBQ family friendly?
BREWSKI’S BIG TRAY BBQ accommodates families — Google visitors note facilities for children, and the casual atmosphere suits all ages.
Frequently Asked Questions about BREWSKI’S BIG TRAY BBQ
Yes. The venue has a dedicated kids' menu, high chairs, changing tables, and is explicitly family-friendly. Reviewers mention bringing children and note vegetarian options are available alongside the BBQ.
Yes. Dogs are allowed both inside and outside the venue, making it pet-friendly for dining with your dog.
Counter-service: you order at the kitchen and staff prepare food in front of you. Staff are patient with first-timers and will explain menu options and wood-smoking techniques.
Yes. On-site parking is available with a paid garage and lot, and the venue usually has plenty of spaces. Wheelchair accessible parking is also provided.
The kitchen smokes brisket to a tender, moist finish using specific wood types. Staff are trained to explain the smoking process and can advise on cuts and pairings.
Yes. Beyond the BBQ meats, the menu includes macaroni cheese, broccoli salad, aubergine dishes, and other sides suitable for vegetarians.
Also in Media City
View all3 venues changed rank in Media City this week → See full zone ranking
How We Rank Venues
Rankings are recalculated monthly from live Google Business Profile data. Our Hot Score weighs review velocity (new text reviews in 90 days), recency (how fresh), baseline rating, and Google Business Profile completeness. No editorial picks, no paid placements — just what the data says this month.
How our monthly rankings work