William SmithAh, America. Home of sizzling burgers, stacked pancakes, and milkshakes as tall as the Empire State Building.
And guess what: You don’t have to fly across the world to get a taste of it because Auckland has its own little slice of American foodie heaven! Trust me, these diners are like stepping into a movie—complete with neon signs, checkered floors, and menus that scream comfort food.
Let’s get started because I’ve done the legwork and tasted the goods to bring you a list of Auckland’s best spots that will make you feel like you’re in a scene from Grease!
Peach’s Hot Chicken
– Media from hallertau_nz
Address: 482 Dominion Rd
Contact Details: +64 9-215 6336
Opening Hours: Tue-Sun 12 PM–9 PM
Cost: $
Craving some Nashville heat? Peach’s Hot Chicken brings a fiery Southern kick to Dominion Rd. From crispy chicken tenders to stacked burgers, choose your spice level—mild to “Holy Cluck!”—for a mouth-watering experience.
Their sides are unbeatable too; grab a side of their tangy coleslaw or seasoned fries. It’s all about comfort food done right with a Kiwi twist that packs flavor.
| Pro Tip: Pop in on Sundays for their brunch specials like chicken and waffles—served for limited hours only! |
Smokin Cole BBQ
– Media from smokincolebbq_
Address: 295 Lincoln Rd
Contact Details: +64 9-215 3450
Opening Hours: Tue-Sun 11 AM–8 PM
Cost: $$
For true BBQ lovers, Smokin Cole’s BBQ slow-smoked brisket, ribs, and pulled pork to perfection. Everything’s cooked low and slow, right in their traditional wood smoker, giving that perfect tender, smoky flavor.
Get your fix with hearty sides like creamy mac ‘n’ cheese or slaw that complements their savory meats. Plus, they often have daily specials worth checking out.
| Pro Tip: Order early to get the juiciest cuts—they’re known to sell out fast, especially on weekends. |
Juke Joint BBQ
– Media from brothersbeerjukejoint
Address: 1A Charles St
Contact Details: +64 9-360 1971
Opening Hours: Mon-Sun 12 PM–9 PM
Cost: $$
Juke Joint BBQ combines craft beer and BBQ, giving you the best of both worlds. Their menu is packed with smoked wings, brisket, and ribs, all done the classic American way. It’s an absolute treat for meat lovers.
Pair your BBQ feast with one of their craft beers, brewed on-site, making it a unique BBQ-and-beer experience you won’t forget. The relaxed, laid-back vibe is a bonus.
| Pro Tip: Try the BBQ platter for a taste of everything—perfect if you can’t decide on just one dish. |
Blue Ox Babe BBQ
– Media from blueoxbabebbq
Address: 5/3 Morton Ave
Contact Details: +64 9-215 9985
Opening Hours: Thu-Sun 12 PM–9 PM
Cost: $$
Blue Ox Babe serves up authentic Texas-style BBQ, smoked for hours to bring out the rich flavors. Brisket, ribs, and pulled pork are their specialty, and every bite is melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
The cozy space gives a laid-back, rustic feel, perfect for sharing BBQ platters with friends. And don’t forget their delicious cornbread or cheesy potato sides.
| Pro Tip: Order the “Feast for Two”—a well-rounded combo with meats and sides, giving you the full Blue Ox Babe experience. |
Miss Moonshine’s
– Media from missmoonshines
Address: 130 Ponsonby Rd
Contact Details: +64 9-360 4075
Opening Hours: Mon-Sun 12 PM–10 PM
Cost: $$
Miss Moonshine’s brings Southern BBQ to Ponsonby, using fire and smoke to enhance flavors. Their meat cuts are smoked to perfection, creating tender bites packed with flavor. Brisket and ribs here are a must-try.
You’ll find some incredible sides too—think smoked fries or spicy pickles—to pair with your meal. And the desserts? Save room for their delicious pies.
| Pro Tip: Book a table for dinner as they tend to get busy; it’s the best way to avoid waiting times and enjoy your BBQ feast. |
The Fed
– Media from federaldelicatessen
Address: 86 Federal St
Contact Details: +64 9-363 7184
Opening Hours: Mon-Sun 7 AM–11 PM
Cost: $$
The Fed is your classic NYC-inspired deli with all-day breakfast, bottomless coffee, and comfort food galore. Think Reuben sandwiches, matzo ball soup, and fried chicken—classic diner dishes done right.
The bustling atmosphere gives you that real American diner vibe, making it an ideal spot for casual brunches or late-night eats. Plus, their milkshakes are to die for.
| Pro Tip: Swing by during their Happy Hour for discounted cocktails and small bites, available daily from 4 PM–6 PM. |
Miss Clawdy
– Media from threadnz
Address: 12 Jellicoe St
Contact Details: +64 9-969 6986
Opening Hours: Mon-Sun 12 PM–10 PM
Cost: $$
Step into Miss Clawdy, and you’re immediately greeted with a taste of the South—gumbo, jambalaya, and po’ boys are just some of the highlights on the menu. It’s all about vibrant flavors and a touch of soul.
You can’t miss out on their beignets, dusted in powdered sugar, which make the perfect sweet ending. The bright, lively setting adds to the Southern charm.
| Pro Tip: Check out their “Feast with Friends” menu for a set course meal, perfect for sharing with a group, and trying a bit of everything. |
Morepork BBQ
– Media from moreporkbbq
Address: 5/1 Westgate Dr
Contact Details: +64 9-215 8280
Opening Hours: Tue-Sun 11 AM–9 PM
Cost: $$
Morepork BBQ crafts smoky flavors straight from their American-style smoker. From juicy ribs to tender pulled pork, every bite bursts with authentic BBQ taste. The meats are seasoned just right, with sauces to match.
Sides like smoked beans and cornbread round out your meal, giving you the full Southern BBQ experience. Their portions are hearty, so you’ll definitely leave satisfied.
| Pro Tip: Morepork offers BBQ packs for takeout—perfect if you’re planning a picnic or backyard gathering. |
Burger Burger
– Media from burgerburgernz
Address: 3B York St
Contact Details: +64 9-973 2305
Opening Hours: Mon-Sun 11:30 AM–9:30 PM
Cost: $$
Burger Burger is more than just patties in buns—it’s all about quality ingredients and bold flavors. Their burgers are juicy and cooked to order, with a range of toppings from classic cheese to spicy jalapeños.
Pair your burger with their crispy fries and unique dipping sauces. They’ve got veggie options too, so there’s something for everyone’s taste buds.
| Pro Tip: Keep an eye out for their seasonal specials, featuring limited-edition burgers and sides not on the regular menu. |
Jambalaya Southern Kitchen
Address: 7 Anzac St
Contact Details: +64 9-489 4975
Opening Hours: Mon-Sun 8 AM–9 PM
Cost: $$
At Jambalaya Southern Kitchen, expect New Orleans-style dishes served with flair. Their menu includes classics like gumbo, jambalaya, and shrimp po’ boys, all rich in spices and flavor.
Breakfast lovers will enjoy their Southern take on morning dishes, from pancakes to savory grits. And don’t forget to check out their desserts for a sweet Southern finish.
| Pro Tip: Head there on Tuesdays for their live jazz night—a perfect combo of music and mouth watering food. |
Orleans
Address: 48 Customs St East
Contact Details: +64 9-307 1409
Opening Hours: Wed-Sun 4 PM–Late
Cost: $$
Orleans is all about Louisiana-inspired eats with a modern twist. Think fried chicken, waffles, and seafood platters, all with that signature Cajun flair. The vibe is lively, reflecting the spirited New Orleans culture.
Grab one of their cocktails to accompany your meal—crafted with a creative Southern twist. It’s the perfect place to unwind after work or enjoy a weekend night out.
| Pro Tip: Visit during happy hour from 4 PM–6 PM for discounted drinks and small bites, making it a great start to your evening. |
Bedford Soda & Liquor
– Media from bedford_bar_ponsonby
Address: 4 Brown St
Contact Details: +64 9-360 4957
Opening Hours: Mon-Sun 12 PM–10 PM
Cost: $$
Bedford Soda & Liquor is a New York-style bar with American diner vibes. Their meatballs are legendary—whether beef, chicken, or veggie, they’re full of flavor. Add your choice of sauce and sides, and you’ve got a customizable feast.
Drinks are a big deal here too; handcrafted sodas and cocktails complete the experience. It’s casual, fun, and the perfect spot for meatball lovers.
| Pro Tip: Try their “Meatball Monday” deals where you can score combos at discounted prices—an absolute steal. |
Goodness Gracious
– Media from goodnessgraciousnz
Address: 2A New North Rd
Contact Details: +64 9-309 2893
Opening Hours: Mon-Sun 7 AM–3 PM
Cost: $
Bagels done right—that’s Goodness Gracious. With flavors ranging from smoked salmon to pulled pork, their bagels are fresh, loaded, and delicious. Perfect for breakfast or brunch, you’ll get a taste of New York in every bite.
The options are endless; whether you go classic or adventurous, each bagel is made to order. Don’t forget to pair it with their excellent coffee.
| Pro Tip: Swing by early—popular bagels sell out fast, and they’re worth waking up for! |
Bald Eagle Diner
Address: 109 Devonport Rd
Contact Details: +64 7-928 0121
Opening Hours: Mon-Sun 9 AM–9 PM
Cost: $$
Step back into a retro American diner at Bald Eagle. Think towering burgers, loaded fries, and thick milkshakes. They nail the classics while adding a fun, modern twist to every dish.
This spot is great for families or anyone wanting a fun dining experience. With its laid-back atmosphere and hearty dishes, you’ll feel like you’ve walked into a diner straight out of the ’50s.
| Pro Tip: Share their “Eagle Challenge” burger if you’re feeling brave—it’s a massive, loaded burger meant for the hungriest of eaters. |
Lucky Taco
– Media from luckytacoyvr
Address: 230 Ponsonby Rd
Contact Details: +64 21-626 226
Opening Hours: Tue-Sat 5 PM–10 PM
Cost: $$
While not a traditional diner, The Lucky Taco serves up mouthwatering American-style tacos. With fillings like pulled pork, beef brisket, and fresh fish, each taco is crafted with bold flavors and fresh ingredients.
Their tacos are designed to be eaten quickly, with messy hands and a smile on your face—just like in the best of American food traditions.
| Pro Tip: Check out their taco kits, which let you make your own Lucky Tacos at home—ideal for a DIY taco night! |
The Flaming Onion
– Media from flamingonion
Address: 9/8A Victoria Rd
Contact Details: +64 9-445 0532
Opening Hours: Mon-Sun 11 AM–9 PM
Cost: $
For some of the best burgers in town, The Flaming Onion fires up juicy patties with unique toppings and sauces. The burgers are always fresh, and they cater to all tastes, including options for vegetarians.
Add some of their thick-cut fries or onion rings to complete your burger feast. The casual setting makes it a great stop for a quick yet satisfying meal.
| Pro Tip: Try their weekly special—it changes regularly and always features creative and delicious burger options. |
The White Lady
– Media from thewhiteladynz
Address: Corner of Commerce & Fort St
Contact Details: +64 27-233 9231
Opening Hours: Mon-Sun 7 PM–4 AM
Cost: $
The White Lady is an iconic food truck serving classic American diner fare since 1948. Their burgers are loaded, juicy, and exactly what you need for a late-night bite. It’s the place for comfort food that hits the spot.
From cheeseburgers to hotdogs and hearty fries, every item is freshly made and packed with flavor. It’s a go-to spot if you’re out late or just craving a great burger.
| Pro Tip: Try the “White Lady Special”—a double cheeseburger with bacon and egg. It’s a local favorite, perfect for an after-party feast. |
