Third Wave BBQ Hawthorn — Restaurant in Melbourne

Booked in advance on a Saturday night to try the monthly special. Extremely dissapointing;

Despite having our own booking the previous booking was still at the table when we arrived- totally understandable on a Saturday evening and we waited outside until the table was free- but not the best way to start. The first thing we noticed when were were seated is the restaurant is LOUD and very hard to have any kind of conversation in, not ideal but not entirely unexpected for a BBQ joint. As noted, we came specifically to try the monthly special- when we tried to order it, we were told it was sold out. again, understandable for a Saturday night, we adjusted our order to shared meats and drinks. After ordering we were told that the drinks we wanted were also not available. At this point we were thoroughly disappointed. I let the manager know that whilst we were trying to make the best of things, all in all we were pretty unhappy with the service we had received. Towards the end of our meal, when we had finished some dishes but not others (as is the nature of share plates) what I can only assume was an inexperienced staff member attempted to clear the entire table, including food we were still eating. We actually had to ask to have certain plates left on the table. When we left, we decided to pay at the counter and when asked how our experience was, we answered honestly - we were once again given a brief apology and the explanation that they had simply sold out.

I will note that the one redeeming feature would possibly be that the bbq was good, but it feels like flipping a coin as to wheather they will actually have thr ability to make half the items in their menu, so why risk it when there is other BBQ places around.

TLDR- food was ok but paid over $200 for consultation food and drinks because they had sold out of multiple menu items. No further explanation, brief apology when confronted, no customer...

• Review Update *

Following my review, the management reached out to sincerely apologise and assured me they are taking steps to address the issue. They also offered a gift voucher as a gesture of goodwill and commitment to customer service. I appreciate their proactive response and willingness to make things right.

• initial review *

Great Food, Disappointing Customer Service

We recently visited the new branch of Third Wave to try their much-talked-about smoked beef. While the food lived up to the hype, the customer service—especially from the manager—left much to be desired.

The issue arose when one of our group grabbed a hot sauce bottle from the service cabinet. The bottle was placed next to BBQ sauces that were clearly meant for table use, with no signage, price tags, or indication that this particular bottle was for retail. Naturally, we assumed it was free to use.

When we brought this up with the manager, her response was disheartening. Instead of understanding the confusion or offering a reasonable explanation, she insisted we shouldn’t have touched the bottle in the first place. Her approach came across as dismissive and accusatory, making us feel unwelcome.

While she reluctantly agreed to remove the charge, the entire interaction felt unnecessarily unpleasant. Rather than focusing on resolving the situation gracefully, her attitude left a sour impression.

It’s a shame because the food was good, but the manager’s poor handling of this minor incident overshadowed the experience. Customer service should be about making guests feel valued, and unfortunately, this encounter missed the mark. It’s hard to imagine how such behavior would reflect in other situations.

We came as a group of five, eager to enjoy the evening, but left feeling disappointed. Third Wave might want to reconsider how they train their staff to ensure customer satisfaction...

We recently experienced Third Wave Moorabin so when we received news Hawthorn was opening this was indeed a no brainer to enlist a group of local teen boys and try out the $59 All You Can Eat Ribs opening special.

What a hit it was. Walked in and it was #blokesville all the way. Only 3 mums in total representing the sisterhood within. Mind you some lovely hospitality femme fatale staff including our gem from Moorabbin heading the team.

Great interior fit out & match for the Hawthorn area.

And the ribs well they did not disappoint the 7 boys whatsoever. Oversized, meaty 9 spice dry rub and hickory wood ribs, finished with finger-licking good sticky bbq nectar.

2x Large super crunchy fries. 2x Sticky chicken wings. 2x Deep fried Onion Rings (think our waitress doubled up on this order) And a large Slaw just to add some veg to the plate

Soft drinks and juices. Lots of water. Boys advised tonight prob not the best night to pre-fill on a milkshake order! And a cheeky glass of Shiraz each for the mums.

Food came out super fast considering the venue was pumping. Maybe 2 other seperate families, otherwise the rest of the diners groups of men - big meat eaters/rib lovers! Very smart marketing brand campaign team! Delivering to expectations and above!

Our boys didn’t order a 2nd plate each! The ribs were that big. Meat coma at the table. And the boys still talking about their ribs wanting to go back again already.

Welcome to the hood Third Wave Hawthorn. You’re on a winner here!

Ps thanks for the complimentary take home dessert slice! It didn’t even make it home and was shared/devoured (without a spoon) by the boys in the...