Review The Smoking Barrel - Motueka

Full marks! The best burger in town, by a country mile. I really enjoyed it. The service was beautiful, and the banter acceptable. The decor is not the only unusual feature of this place. So if you want something classy and a little different- this is the one.

Love this place! Called in twice on way to and from Golden Bay. Loved the cheeseburger donut and the cheesecake ones. Had 6 and have a pimple to prove it lol

I almost didn’t come here. My husband felt like bbq and it looked like this places specialty was doughnuts. I’m glad we did, the beef brisket alone was worth it. We got the brunch platter and added jalapeño firecrackers. Chicken wings were underwhelming which is sad since I love buffalo wings. They were dry and not much flavour but all the rest was good. Beef brisket is a must.

Tasty bbq, the pork and brisket was tender and juicy. Tried a burger (could have had a thicker piece of chicken) and a doughnut another time too which was good (bit sweet for me).I would say it was pretty bloody pricey and I've eaten at a lot of bbq joints. This is right up there. Certainly wouldn't be able to bring the family here too often

We were recommended this place through an BBQ FB page and it lived up to its reviews. Cosy place with very friendly and helpful staff. Our waitress knew exactly how to talk and interact with our kids and provided great service. Our food was amazing and promptly served. You can tell they care about what they do. Also a delicious range of donuts 🍩 😋 would highly recommend

Excellent food. We all enjoyed our meals. Wish I had a bigger stomach.

We kept driving past saying we have to go there for ribs and we finally made it.. We swapped out the corn bread, I got broccoli and dad got the cauliflower. Dad kept stealing my broccoli and wished that he’d got it because it was deliciously charred and cooked to perfection, I nearly liked it more than the ribs.. nearly. The ribs were fall off the bone with a bbq sauce yum! The coleslaw was pretty good too. The place has a cosy atmosphere with the fire going right beside an old truck which you can sit in front of. I also couldn’t take my eyes off the donuts in the cabinet and I managed to get the last salted caramel pretzel one, it was amazing. So glad we finally made it.

I come here every time I'm in the area to see family. Every time, the food is excellent, with generous portions. Yesterday I had the pastrami stack with curly fries, with tuna ceviche. Outstanding.

We showed up at the Smoking Barrel on a very busy night, however we were not disappointed. The service was top notch. Even though we didn’t have a reservation the staff still fit us in a very full restaurant. We ordered the platter so we could try a little bit of everything. The pulled pork was the best I’ve ever had. The ribs, wings, and brisket were fantastic as well. We would definitely go back! Stop reading this and go there for yourself.

Popped in for some donuts but they were all sold out! We'll have to up our game and get there early tomorrow. Honestly they're that good!! The Smoking Barrel is a fantastic spot on Motueka's main street, with a great menu and delicious coffee. It's always a good vibe, and when we're passing through Mot, we make sure we stop in.

Really enjoyed my first visit here. Came for breakfast with my Mum. Sat near a window with the sun streaming in. The donuts did not at all disappoint, so good that I had two! (The Dark Chocolate & Boysenberry is DIVINE). Also highly recommend the breakfast brisket tacos! Amazing food, warm and welcoming atmosphere, well organised and managed, and plenty of ethical practices going on e.g. recycling plastic syringes, using local products in the food and making everything fresh on site each day. Thanks for an awesome breakfast. ☕🍩 I can't wait to go back for a 2cnd visit!

This is a hidden gem. This venue has been a cafe for many years, but with this new ownership (owner is the chef) it is amazing. I have been before to enjoy their delicious coffee and donuts, but this visit was for an evening meal and food was to die for, the service friendly and personal. I will definitely be going back at every opportunity.

We had our daughters 14th birthday here. The staff went out of their way on a busy Saturday night to deliver great food at great prices plus a tower of delicious doughnuts for desert with surprise candles. To top it off the staff sang happy birthday. Our separate adult table had superb food. Highly recommend the Smoking Barrel. Thanks team for a memorable evening and outstanding customer service.

Friends from tauranga always want to go to smoking barrel when they are here, and we have never been disappointed!!! I'm an extremely fussy eater, and I can always find something in the menu. And it's always amazing!!!! From the doughnuts (French toast) and coffee to beer (desperado) and burgers.... definitely a regular place for us to go!!! We love it!! Great staff too....

We had one night in Motueka and spent it at The Smoking Barrel. Best decision ever!!! The burger and ceviche were out of this world amazing, the service was outstanding and Jo the owner even popped over for a chat. Top class! Highly recommend! Thank you for a great evening �

We popped in for a sweet treat and a cup of coffee with my Nana and my 5 year old daughter. From the smiling staff to the delectable donuts this has to be a confident 5 star establishment. The layout is fantastic, warm, great vibes and family friendly. The staff are energetic, friendly and helpful. And the food, my goodness YUM! It's not always easy to get a double whammy and discover not only great food, but great coffee too. Really affordable without compromising quality. Well done guys. We'll be back again! ���

Thank you for making the best burger I’ve EVER had!! The slow cooked smoked beef brisket was to die for. Everyone at our table of four loved the friendly, efficient customer service. Lively atmosphere. Will be recommending to all my friends �

We have been three weeks in a row. The food, service and atmosphere has been fantastic each time! We are quick to suggest this place if we are out and about or catching up with friends for a cuppa. Go here! you will not be disappointed!

Dined here for dinner. We both had amazing meals. The meat was absolutley delicious and cooked to perfection. The sides were the perfect accompaniments. Great service and the chef was extremely accommodating. Definitely worth booking as we dined at 6pm on a Wednesday night and they were fully booked and turning people away. Highly reccommend.

I had the gluten free eggs Benedict. It was seriously the best breakfast I have ever had!

What a wonderful experience! Great menu, fast and friendly service and the food was amazing. We'll definitely be back. The smoked meat is just fantastic.

Came in today with my mum and two boys, we thought to ourselves that we might have a wait as you were really busy but we were very happy to have our coffees served really quickly and had the most amazing donuts. Thank you so much for you're wonderful service and great coffee and food. Keep up the good work .

Fabulous staff. Very friendly and engaging. I’m a vegetarian but they offered options off the menu which is awesome. Food was great and lots of it! Burgers are HUGE. Great vibe. Will be back very soon. Wish you would rethink the winter closing days and keep Wednesday as it’s our only kid free night!! � and is so busy!!

Amazing food!! Melt in your mouth brisket and pulled pork from the heavens!