Zoe RocheAh, the classic BBQ craving—nothing quite beats that smoky, tangy, melt-in-your-mouth goodness, right?
I know you’ve been there too, scrolling through places and wondering where to get that perfect rack of ribs or a juicy brisket that’ll make you go wow. Believe me, we’ve all had those moments where the BBQ vibes just hit, and you need to find the best spot.
Well, food thing I’ve got you covered! We’re about to dive into some seriously drool-worthy BBQ joints around Auckland, and trust me, this list will have you grabbing your keys in no time. Ready? Let’s get to it!
Juke Joint BBQ
– Media from brothersbeerjukejoint
Address: 4 Mt Eden Rd, Grafton
Contact Details: +64 9 379 4937
Opening Hours: Mon-Sun: 12 PM – 9 PM
Cost: $$
Juke Joint BBQ is where your BBQ cravings get satisfied instantly. Their brisket and ribs are smoked to perfection, locking in all that mouth-watering flavor. You’ll literally find yourself immersed in a BBQ heaven with every bite.
Their outdoor seating vibe gives you that relaxed backyard cookout feel. You can grab a craft beer while digging into your pulled pork sandwich. It’s super casual, perfect for a chill hangout.
| Pro Tip: Want to skip the queue? Juke Joint offers online ordering, so you can simply pick up your BBQ feast without the wait. |
Blue Ox Babe BBQ
– Media from blueoxbabebbq
Address: 108 Station Rd, Penrose
Contact Details: +64 22 420 2443
Opening Hours: Wed-Sun: 5 PM – 9 PM
Cost: $$
Blue Ox Babe BBQ is the place to hit when you want that authentic Texas-style BBQ. Their fall-off-the-bone meats, especially the brisket, are something you have to experience for yourself. The flavor is unreal, thanks to their slow-smoking process.
For sides, the mac ‘n’ cheese is an absolute must-try, complementing the smokiness of the meat perfectly. It’s hearty, flavorful, and totally worth the trip.
| Pro Tip: Arrive early! They often sell out by 7 PM, so you don’t want to miss out on their top cuts. |
Morepork BBQ
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Address: 5/4 Tawa Dr, Albany
Contact Details: +64 9 948 7778
Opening Hours: Mon-Sun: 12 PM – 9 PM
Cost: $$
Morepork BBQ delivers that smoky, juicy goodness you crave. Their ribs and pork belly are next-level tender, served with sauces that really pack a punch. You’ll be licking your fingers by the end, no doubt.
They’ve got a variety of combos, making it easy to share with your friends or devour on your own. And their sides like cornbread and slaw? Just the right balance for that rich BBQ flavor.
| Pro Tip: For an off-menu experience, ask for the smoked chicken wings – it’s a local favorite that tends to fly under the radar. |
Miss Moonshine’s
Address: 130 Ponsonby Rd, Ponsonby
Contact Details: +64 9 360 4075
Opening Hours: Tue-Sun: 12 PM – 10 PM
Cost: $$
Miss Moonshine’s brings modern BBQ with an edge, fusing smokehouse classics with a fresh Ponsonby twist. Their short ribs are simply unbeatable and offer that melt-in-your-mouth experience you’ll want to return for.
What’s great is they also cater to non-meat lovers with veggie options that still hold their own. Whether it’s the pork ribs or their jalapeño cornbread, everything is made with a focus on quality and flavor.
| Pro Tip: Try their ‘Moonshine Picklebacks’—a shot of whiskey chased with their house-made pickle juice. It’s an adventurous combo, but trust us, it’s worth it. |
Smoking Cole BBQ
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Address: 2 Boundary Rd, Hobsonville
Contact Details: +64 21 508 315
Opening Hours: Thu-Sun: 12 PM – 9 PM
Cost: $$
At Smoking Cole BBQ, you’ll get true wood-fired BBQ goodness. Their meats are slow-cooked for hours to achieve that rich smoky flavor, with the pork belly standing out as a crowd favorite. You’ll feel like you’ve hit the BBQ jackpot.
The portions are generous, and you can easily share a platter with friends, making it a perfect spot for group dining. Don’t forget to pair your meal with their in-house sauces for that extra kick.
| Pro Tip: Ask for the chef’s daily special – they often have unique, off-the-menu cuts available, adding some variety to your BBQ fix. |
El Sizzling Chorizo
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Address: 136/138 Ponsonby Rd, Ponsonby
Contact Details: +64 9 378 0119
Opening Hours: Tue-Sun: 12 PM – 10 PM
Cost: $$
Menu
For something a little different, El Sizzling Chorizo brings that Argentine-style BBQ flair to the heart of Ponsonby. Their sausages and steaks are chargrilled to perfection, offering a distinct smoky yet juicy bite. It’s BBQ with a twist.
The rustic vibe of the place, with its open fire grill, makes for an authentic experience. Pair your meal with their chimichurri sauce, and you’re good to go.
| Pro Tip: Get a spot at the bar for a front-row seat to the grilling action. You’ll enjoy the smells and sights while you wait for your meal. |
Dixie Barbecue
– Media from dixiebarbecue
Address: 13 Customs St E, Auckland Central
Contact Details: +64 9 358 0124
Opening Hours: Mon-Sun: 11 AM – 9 PM
Cost: $$
Dixie Barbecue is a cozy spot in Auckland Central serving up Southern-style BBQ. Their pulled pork is an absolute winner, especially when paired with their tangy, house-made BBQ sauce. You’ll immediately taste the difference in the seasoning and the meat quality.
Whether you’re grabbing lunch or dinner, their brisket sandwich is also a solid go-to. It’s tender, juicy, and stuffed with flavors that hit all the right notes.
| Pro Tip: If you’re in a rush, their ‘BBQ Bowl’ is a quick and delicious option, offering a mix of their best cuts with sides like coleslaw and mac ‘n’ cheese. |
Brothers Beer – Juke Joint
– Media from brothersbeerjukejoint
Address: 5 Akiraho St, Mount Eden
Contact Details: +64 9 623 1845
Opening Hours: Mon-Sun: 12 PM – 9 PM
Cost: $$
Brothers Beer pairs up their fantastic craft beer with equally impressive BBQ. You’ll love the relaxed, brewery setting where the BBQ menu is just as celebrated as the beer selection. Smoked brisket, pulled pork, and house-made sausages steal the show.
It’s not all about the meat though – you can round off your meal with tasty sides like mac ‘n’ cheese or charred veggies. It’s got that ‘gather with friends’ kind of vibe that’s hard to resist.
| Pro Tip: Ask about their rotating BBQ specials, which aren’t listed on the main menu, for something truly unique. |
Louisiana Hog Heaven
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Address: 29 Drake St, Freemans Bay
Contact Details: +64 9 309 1419
Opening Hours: Wed-Sun: 5 PM – 10 PM
Cost: $$
Louisiana Hog Heaven brings a true taste of Southern BBQ to Auckland. Think smoky ribs, tender brisket, and pulled pork, all seasoned with that Louisiana flair. You’ll find yourself transported straight to the South with each bite.
They’re known for their BBQ sauce, which is rich, tangy, and slightly sweet—perfect for dunking or drizzling on everything. It’s the kind of meal that’ll stick with you long after you’ve left.
| Pro Tip: Their cornbread is an absolute hidden gem—ask for extra butter and syrup for that true Southern touch. |
El Humero
– Media from elhumeroakl
Address: 40 Hurstmere Rd, Takapuna
Contact Details: +64 9 486 1491
Opening Hours: Mon-Sun: 12 PM – 9 PM
Cost: $$
If you’re craving Colombian BBQ, El Humero is your go-to. From grilled chorizo to perfectly charred ribs, this spot offers a different kind of BBQ experience, combining flavors you might not expect. You’ll instantly get hooked on their smoky, rich meats.
Their open-fire cooking method really sets the tone here, adding layers of flavor that are hard to find elsewhere. Plus, they’ve got killer sides like fried plantains to complement your meal.
| Pro Tip: Go for the mixed grill platter—it’s a generous spread of their best offerings and perfect for sharing. |
Cleaver & Co
– Media from cleaverandco
Address: 40 Stonefields Ave, Stonefields
Contact Details: +64 9 526 6849
Opening Hours: Tue-Sun: 12 PM – 10 PM
Cost: $$
Cleaver & Co brings out a solid mix of BBQ and American comfort food, combining hearty portions with bold flavors. Their meats are smoked low and slow, ensuring everything from the ribs to the brisket stays juicy. It’s a meat-lover’s dream.
What sets them apart is their wide range of sauces that let you personalize your BBQ experience. Whether you’re into something spicy or more tangy, they’ve got you covered.
| Pro Tip: Keep an eye out for their BBQ platters during happy hour—you’ll get more bang for your buck and enjoy the full range of flavors. |
Smoking Shack
– Media from smokingshack
Address: 60 Cook St, Auckland Central
Contact Details: +64 9 377 9337
Opening Hours: Mon-Sun: 11 AM – 9 PM
Cost: $$
Smoking Shack is a small spot, but don’t let that fool you – their BBQ packs a serious punch. Their smoked pork and brisket are cooked just right, with the meat falling apart at the touch of a fork. It’s perfect if you’re after a quick but satisfying meal.
They offer a good selection of BBQ sides too, like their tangy slaw and creamy mashed potatoes, which are the ideal match for the smoky mains. Expect to leave here fully satisfied.
| Pro Tip: If you’re in a rush, opt for their BBQ sandwiches – quick, portable, and loaded with flavor. |
Red Pig Korean Restaurant
– Media from dopamine_sasha
Address: 63 Victoria St W, Auckland Central
Contact Details: +64 9 379 9497
Opening Hours: Mon-Sun: 11 AM – 11 PM
Cost: $$
Red Pig takes BBQ to a different level with its Korean BBQ style. You get to grill your meats at the table, adding a fun, interactive element to your meal. The marinated beef and pork belly are especially popular, offering a nice balance of sweet and savory.
The array of side dishes like kimchi, pickled veggies, and sauces make the BBQ experience even better. It’s a vibrant spot to enjoy a unique twist on BBQ.
| Pro Tip: Go for the all-you-can-eat option if you’re feeling extra hungry—it’s a great deal for groups. |
Daebak BBQ
– Media from daebak_kbbq
Address: 95 Anzac Ave, Auckland Central
Contact Details: +64 9 377 7766
Opening Hours: Mon-Sun: 12 PM – 10 PM
Cost: $$
Daebak BBQ is another Korean BBQ gem where you’ll grill right at your table. The prime cuts of meat and variety of marinades really make this place stand out. The beef bulgogi and pork belly are top-notch, bursting with flavor once you get that perfect char on them.
It’s a great place for group dining, with everyone sharing in the fun of grilling their food. The experience is as enjoyable as the taste itself, making it a memorable night out.
| Pro Tip: Don’t skip the dipping sauces—they’ve got some amazing combos to elevate your grilled meats to another level. |
