Mac Rating: 5.00 | Votes: 1 | Date: 13/04/2026 22:19:00

The Hickory Shack & Charlie's Garage Craft Brewery sits at 98 St George's Street in Simon's Town, right on the main drag near the penguin colony and harbour. It's a casual Texas-style smokehouse BBQ spot with an on-site craft brewery run by Charlie Murray (of Charlie's Garage). The vibe is rustic, welcoming and low-key Southern—think slow-smoked meats over hickory and pecan wood, house sauces, and fresh craft beers poured straight from the taps. No fancy fine-dining here: it's hearty, meat-focused comfort food in a relaxed pub-like setting with live music, quiz nights, comedy and weekly specials that draw locals and day-trippers from Cape Town. What to expect: Doors open daily around noon (till 9 PM, last orders), with happy hour Tue–Sun 4–7 PM on drafts and ciders. The menu leans heavy on pasture-reared, grass-fed meats: brisket, pulled pork, pork/beef ribs, half chicken, Texas links (jalapeño-cheesy sausages) and Black Angus steaks—all served with fries and slaw. Shareable tasting platters let you mix it up (e.g. links, brisket, wings and ribs). Lighter bites include burgers (R95–140), BBQ sandwiches (R75–110), tacos (R110) and chilli dawgs. Veggie/vegan options like black bean or jackfruit tacos keep it inclusive. Sides are simple (meaty beans, slaw R40–45). Desserts are smoker-friendly—cheesecake, brownies or s’mores. Charlie’s beers (blondes, reds, weizens and rotating specials) are the star; try a taster flight (4 for R75 or 6 for R50) or draughts (340/500 ml around R45–55). Tacos Tuesday is a hit: four tacos + beer for R150. Expect friendly service, takeaway options and a fun, unpretentious crowd—great for lunch after a False Bay drive or evening wind-down with live tunes.