William SmithSome time ago, I checked out a supposedly “famous” out-of-town BBQ spot I’d found online. The only thing famous about it was how quickly I regretted my order.
The brisket was tough, the BBQ sauce tasted like ketchup, and the coleslaw was so bitter I could barely take a bite.
That experience stuck with me, and it’s what inspired me to hunt down barbecue joints that make you forget every sad rib you’ve ever endured.
After plenty of sticky fingers and a few internal debates over brisket versus ribs, I’ve narrowed down the city’s best spots for authentic, mouthwatering barbecue.
How much does it cost to eat barbecue in Auckland?
It costs at least 25 NZD to eat barbecue in Auckland. This is just a price estimate. The actual price will depend on the place you go, what you order, and more.
1. What-A-BBQ Smokehouse!
Address: 34a Portage Road, New Lynn
Contact Details: +64 9 215 8468
Operating Hours:
- Thursday – 3 PM to 9 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 12 PM to 10 PM
- Sunday – 12 PM to 9 PM
What-A-BBQ Smokehouse is for people who want to leave with full bellies and the smell of smoke still clinging to their clothes.
There’s a huge smoker out back, and you can watch the pitmaster tending to racks of ribs and trays of brisket. The place is big enough that you never feel crowded, and there are fun arcade games too.
On the menu, everything that matters—ribs, pork belly, lamb shoulder—comes gluten and dairy free.
I love their baby back ribs. The meat has a proper chew, and you can taste the smoke all the way through. The slaw on the side is crisp and sharp, not drowning in mayo, and the pickles actually bite back.
The families I talked to love the Meat Madness Platter. It’s a pile of everything: ribs, brisket, short rib, and pork belly. It even comes with chorizo, fried chicken wings, and thick Texas toast.
Dessert is worth saving room for. The apple crumble comes hot, with bourbon custard pooling around the edges and hokey pokey ice cream melting on top.
The only real downside is finding the place—it’s tucked away, and you’ll probably drive past it once or twice.
Excellent BBQ, a meat lovers dream
“Excellent BBQ, a meat lovers dream. The ribs were our favourite, we couldn’t finish our platter, and the best side dish is the potatoes.
Friendly people and nice casual atmosphere. Lots of parking.”
–Sharis Mahon, Google Reviews
Meats were really juicy and soft
“Great food and great service. Couldn’t pick one thing to recommend because it’s all good. Meats were really juicy and soft and full of flavor. Worth the trip.”
–Ranock01, Google Reviews
2. El Sizzling Chorizo
Address: 136/138 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby
Contact Details: +64 9 378 0119
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – 12 PM to 4 PM and 5 PM to 8:30 PM
- Thursday – 12 PM to 4 PM and 5 PM to 9 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 12 PM to 9:30 PM
- Sunday – 12 PM to 8:30 PM
El Sizzling Chorizo is perfect for anyone who loves smoky, real Argentinian barbecue. Every cut is cooked over open flames and served with just enough ceremony to make it special.
The wagyu sirloin is the splurge item: 200 grams of marbled, deeply savory beef, seared just enough to let the fat melt through every bite. It’s rich, buttery, and pairs perfectly with a glass of Malbec.
If you’re after variety, the Orejano platter is a crowd-pleaser—empanada to start, then pork belly, BBQ potatoes, and a slab of flank steak cooked medium rare (or at least, that’s the promise).
The steak doneness can be hit or miss. I ordered mine medium rare and got something closer to rare, and I overheard a few others with similar complaints. If you’re particular, it’s worth being very clear when you order.
At least, the sauces are amazing. Chimichurri is the classic—herby, garlicky, and just sharp enough to cut through the richness of the meat.
Dessert is a must, even if you’re full. The alfajores are small but perfect: crumbly cookies sandwiching a thick layer of dulce de leche, just sweet enough to end your meal on a high note.
The food was amazing
“Great location, atmosphere was relaxed and the vibe was perfect. The food was amazing especially the short rib! Thank you guys.”
–Aaron Brown, Google Reviews
Try this Argentine – style bbq
“Amazing place. If you like meat you need to come here and try this Argentine – style bbq.
We had the empanadas and pork chorizo as a starter, these were just fantastic. And then we shared the short ribs – perfectly cooked, and enough for the two of us as we already had starters.We will definitely come back.
Also, great service!
Thanks guys!!“
–Andy Garcia, Google Reviews
3. El Humero
Address: 3/40 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna
Contact Details: +64 9 489 9973
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday – 5 PM to 9 PM
- Wednesday to Sunday – 12 PM to 3 PM and 5 PM to 9 PM
El Humero is for you if you want authentic Colombian barbecue. You can see and smell the wood smoke drifting up from the grills, and the sizzle of meat on the grates is almost hypnotic.
There’s a warmth here, not just from the fire, but from the way the staff greet you—even if you might wait a while for your order to be taken (at least 30 minutes).
But I swear, the food is almost worth the patience. The carne empalada is marinated in beer and onion, with that unmistakable manuka wood flavor.
The pechuga asada comes off the grill—juicy, not dry, with a little tang and a smoky edge. It made me want to drag each bite through every sauce on the table.
The suero costeño is creamy and sharp, the hogao is sweet and oniony, and the aji casero is the one that sneaks up on you with heat and fresh coriander.
The sides here are more than filler. Patacon, the crispy fried plantain, is something I’d eat by the handful if I could get away with it—salty, and crunchy.
Cosy atmosphere and delicious bbq meats
“Cosy atmosphere and delicious bbq meats and sides. The empanadas and chorizo were my personal favourites. Great selection of dishes and drinks and a good price. Will be coming back for sure!”
–Ayame Van Beusekom, Google Reviews
Amazing Colombian BBQ restaurant
“This amazing Colombian BBQ restaurant has been a fixture in Takapuna for the last 10 years and deserves to be in business for another 20! This place is a must for anyone who enjoys mouthwatering and tender meats slow cooked over a charcoal grill. The service is attentive and the atmosphere casual and fun. Don’t miss it!”
–Monique Anderson, Google Reviews
4. Smokeland BBQ Albert Street
Address: 10/35 Albert Street, Auckland Central
Contact Details: +64 210 485 303
Operating Hours: Monday to Saturday – 11 AM to 8 PM
If you’re the kind of person who thinks barbecue is best enjoyed in big, messy portions, Smokeland BBQ Albert Street is your spot.
Service is quick and friendly, and the vibe is casual—no one cares if you make a mess or lick your fingers. Plus, the menu is built for sharing and sampling.
The 500g smoked beef brisket is the star for most people: thick slices with a dark, peppery bark and a deep smoke ring. It’s tender, rich, juicy, and doesn’t need much more than a splash of their house BBQ sauce.
If you’re after something over the top, the loaded chips or smokehouse potatoes with meat are a crowd favorite—crispy and salty. They’re buried under pulled pork or brisket, cheese, and sauce.
But not everything hits the mark. The low & slow lamb shanks were a miss for me—mine was a bit too dry, lacking the tenderness you expect from a long cook.
And while the mac & cheese is a staple at any BBQ joint, here it fell flat. It was a bit bland, with a watery sauce that didn’t cling to the noodles. There’s also not nearly enough cheese or seasoning to make it memorable.
Amazing BBQ
“Amazing BBQ, got the brisket and was very happy with the quality, taste, and portion size.”
–MS, Google Reviews
Excellent traditional Texas style BBQ
“Excellent traditional Texas style BBQ. Great lunch option in the city. Well worth a try, as you won’t find better in Auckland.”
–Stuart Wilson, Google Reviews
5. Smoking Shack
Address: 108 Surrey Crescent, Grey Lynn
Contact Details: +64 9 883 5544
Operating Hours:
- Thursday to Sunday – 11:30 AM to 9 PM
- Wednesday – 5 PM to 9 PM
Smoking Shack is best for anyone who wants high-quality barbecue without the high price tag. If you care about flavor and want to try meats that are slow-smoked to perfection, this place is where you go.
The Wagyu Brisket is rich and juicy, with each slice holding just the right amount of smoke. I liked how the chimichurri and pickles on the side added a freshness that cut through the richness of the meat.
Their smoked beef cheek is also tender and soaks up the jus, pairing well with the creamy grits.
Many regulars love the Hog Candy for its sweet and smoky bite, and others rave that the Swift Pork Ribs fall apart in the best way.
I was just disappointed with the vegetables. I found them overcooked. I also thought the Mac & Cheese needed more cheese for that creamy pull everyone expects.
At least, their Smoking Shack’s Smash cocktail was worth ordering—smooth, smoky peach amarula blended with fresh apple juice.
Really impressed with the corn bread and short rib!!
“Really impressed with our dinner at the Smoking Shack! I’m from Alabama and have been living in Nz for almost five years and was really craving some BBQ. Smoking shack did not disappoint. We had the Wagyu short rib, pulled pork sandwich, loaded brisket fries, and the cornbread. I was really impressed with the corn bread and short rib!! The atmosphere is great – you’re basically just sitting in this shack with a smoker smelling the meat cooking while waiting. Great service. Would recommend booking a table – looks like it can fill up quickly.”
–lexarroo, Google Reviews
The brisket is so juicy and tender
“Just picked up the “pit stop platter” takeaway around 12pm today. First time trying the smoking shack. Loved it, the selection of meats were tasty each with their own smoky flavour. I am a large rugby player and currently writing this from the couch with more than half of the platter left and a very full stomach (I thought I could eat a lot more). The brisket is so juicy and tender. The Mac and cheese is very soulful. And to top it off – the waiters were very nice and playful with my 3 year old son. Giving him a hi 5 and attention. This really helped him at ease because it can be hard to bring him to restaurants at his age.”
–Beau Pumipi, Google Reviews
