By Michael Lowe
I usually avoid all-you-can-eat restaurants. Jostling with crowds trying to fill their plates with sub-standard fare is the main reason I steer clear. But Frontier BBQ & Smokehouse in Niagara Falls is one exception that makes me glad I broke my own rule.
Frontier BBQ & Smokehouse is situated within walking distance of the Niagara Falls hotel district, an area often shunned by local diners. The restaurant is big — so big that my first thought was that it must be run by one of the big players in the area. Speaking with the chefs, we learn that it is owned by the same entity that manages the Hilton and a host of other restaurants in the heart of this bustling tourist area. The realization that this is not some inexperienced newcomer eases any apprehension.
We opened our minds and settled in at one of the clean comfortable booths close to the food stations. Our server, when questioned about beers on tap, rattles off a selection of a few of the expected brews and I stop him when I hear Oast House Barnraiser — always happy to hear local offerings. Local wines are well represented with ten or more each of red and white to pick from, most available by the glass. With drinks on the table, we head to the salad bar where selections include the quintessential BBQ accompaniment, coleslaw, and other staples like potato and macaroni salad. A hearty and healthy quinoa option is available if you’re looking for a few less calories to counter what’s to come.
The hot food station has plenty to choose from — baked beans, mac and cheese, chili, fresh vegetables, smoked sausage, and much more. At the potato bar you can pick your spuds — baked, mashed, hash browns — and load them up with any combination from the array of over 20 toppings. Meat lovers are especially spoiled for choice. Fried chicken, smoked beef brisket (below photo), pork ribs, smoked ham, BBQ pulled pork, and even bacon-wrapped meatloaf are all on the menu here. What struck me was not just the quantity of food but also the quality of the food and the apparent attention to its preparation.
Kitchen staff constantly inspected the food stations to see what needed restocking while the chefs were happy to answer questions and dole out delicious cuts of meat. The smoke application is not too heavy and all meats are moist, very tender and well seasoned. Service during our visit was attentive and empty plates were cleared promptly.
Dinner at Frontier BBQ will cost you $25.95 on Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday (closed Monday and Tuesday) or $29.95 Friday, Saturday and on holidays. Dessert costs extra — $5 for a piece of pie, $3 for ice-cream — but chances are you won’t have room anyway. Frontier’s concept of all-you-can-eat BBQ is unique in the area and I think it will appeal to carnivores unwilling to brave cold winter weather while tending the grill at home.
The restaurant also has plenty of free on-site parking so don’t worry about shelling out extra for that. Frontier BBQ proves that here are still good places to eat in the midst of this bustling and often overlooked area. If you plan to go, just remember one thing – go hungry my friends!
Frontier BBQ & Smokehouse
6519 Stanley Ave.,
Niagara Falls, ON
289-296-6367
Web: www.frontierniagara.com
Email: info@frontierniagara.com
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