Smokey T’s had been on my radar for a while, and since I was in Christchurch, I figured it was the perfect time to check it out. It’s conveniently located not too far from the city centre, so I decided to walk there.

From the outside, Smokey T’s doesn’t immediately look like a restaurant — the high fencing gives it a low-key, almost hidden feel. But once inside, it opens up into a well-designed space with an upstairs area and a small courtyard that you must walk through to access, where you can see the magic happening — the meat being cooked right in front of you.

I went for the Pit Platter, which came with two grilled tortillas, slaw, pickles, Smokey T’s Original Sauce, waffle fries, and my protein of choice — the brisket. The food arrived quickly, and as soon as I saw the platter, I had a good feeling I was in for something special.

The tortillas looked house-made, and I put together a wrap with slices of that beautifully tender brisket, some slaw, a good drizzle of the house barbecue sauce, and a splash of locally made SpicyBoys hot sauce. One bite — and I was in heaven. The brisket was smoky, tender, and had that perfect barbecue-charred flavour. The slaw was fresh and balanced without overpowering anything, and the sauces tied it all together — the house BBQ was rich and flavorful, and the hot sauce gave it just the right kick.

After the tacos, I sampled everything separately. The brisket held up on its own — juicy and full of flavour — especially when paired with the barbecue sauce. The slaw, admittedly, was a bit bland on its own, but as a component of the whole, it definitely served its purpose. The waffle fries were crisp, well-seasoned, and a great side. But honestly, the absolute joy was in combining everything — that’s when it truly shines.

I’m so glad I decided to make the walk and try this place out. The food was genuinely impressive. I only wish I hadn’t come alone, so I could’ve tried more — their wings, jerk chicken, mac and cheese, and so many other things caught my eye as well when looking at the menu. I guess that just means I’ll have to come back — and next time, I’ll bring a bigger appetite.

Website: Smokey T’s

Address: 314 Cashel Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011