It's the Californian eatery that's supercharging service and flavour. Marlie's Eatery in North Sydney has been gathering a fanbase since 2018 for its mind-blowing Californian barbecue; now, Marlie's Depot in Brookvale has already made itself a firm favourite of Beaches foodies.

CALIFORNIA DREAMIN'

It all started with a road trip: hot summer skies baking overhead, truck tyres rolling across Californian highways. Each stop took chefs Jules and Mark to a new burst of flavour, and that inspiration now features everywhere on the Marlie's menu.

Mark spent 25 years working with top chefs and restaurants, and in food service sales and marketing. Jules was smashing it as a retail and development chef, leading a culinary team for a huge global food business. Now they dedicate every moment to the Marlie's machine, keeping the cogs whirring and the BBQ brisket smoking.

UNSTOPPABLE DUO

Two locations, two owners. Mark and Jules are the powerhouse couple behind Marlie's Eatery in North Sydney and Marlie's Depot in Brookvale. The Depot is also home to Calibar, open Friday and Saturday from 6pm 'til late for hand crafted margaritas, craft beer and Californian wines. The Eatery boasts 4.9 stars on Google across 387 reviews, while the Depot has already found its 5-star footing.

"The name comes from blending our names, Mark and Julie, Marlie's," explains Jules. "With North Sydney booming, we needed a larger commercial kitchen for food prep and supply. Brookvale is close to where we live and it's fast becoming a cool food and beverage destination. We wanted to bring Californian BBQ to the beaches."

Every visit delivers two things: excellent service and great food without compromise.

"Marlie's are super fierce in our resolve to deliver good food and good vibes so everyone who rocks into Marlie's walks out pumped!" shares Mark.

"EVERYONE WHO ROCKS INTO MARLIE'S WALKS OUT PUMPED."

THE CHEEKY MENU

Care for a Kick in the Face? That's just an offer to slap on some Jalapeños, of course.

Bad Boy and Big Joe are made for beef buffs, with 16-hour bourbon barrel smoked shredded beef and garlic mayo. Factor in Bad Boy's sweet red curry and chop chop egg, or Big Joe's sweet whisky barbecue.

Fire Bird and Yard Bird will have you cherishing chicken: smoky maple sriracha chilli, or all flavour and no burn with Tennessee-style barbecue, fried shallots and mojo mayo.

Pullman perfects pork. Lemongrass, sweet chilli jam, pork scratchings and garlic mayo over 16-hour smoked shredded pork? Yes please.

Ruby Lou and Sweet Betty send vegetarians home with full bellies, with smoky maple tofu, kimchi and crispy nori, or Texan roasted sweet potato, BBQ corn and smashed avocado.

Whatever's making your mouth water, you can have it in a freshly toasted bun, Californian taco wrap, hawker salad or rice super bowl. Every filling and sauce is crafted in house, and nothing comes pre-made out of a plastic bag.

"The brisket and chicken salad bowls were delicious; generous serves with great smoky flavour. The thick-cut chips were crispy on the outside, soft on the inside. Friendly service and great music added to the atmosphere. We'll be back!" promises Bec Rouse on Google Reviews.

You don't need a Californian road trip to eat like you're on one. Marlie's Depot, 2/11 Ada Avenue, Brookvale. Big flavour, no fuss.

Marlie's Depot | 2/11 Ada Avenue, Brookvale | Open Tue-Fri 10am-2pm, Fri & Sat 6pm-8.30pm (Calibar 'til late) | 0413 887 663 | marlieseatery.com

Photography: Marlies