Smokey T's — Restaurant in Christchurch

A Remarkable Turnaround: Smokey T's Reclaims Its Glory

As a long-time customer of Smokey T's in Christchurch, I feel compelled to update my previous review and share my latest experience. I'm thrilled to report that Smokey T's has not only addressed the issues I encountered during my last visit but has surpassed my expectations, reminding me why I fell in love with this restaurant in the first place.

The Redemption

After my disappointing visit almost a year ago, where I experienced significantly reduced portion sizes and a decline in food quality, I had reservations about returning. However, I decided to give Smokey T's another chance, and I'm incredibly glad I did.

What's Changed

Portion Sizes: The platter for two that left us hungry before is now a generous feast. The quantity has been restored to its former glory, ensuring satisfied customers.

Food Quality: The decline in quality I previously noted has been completely reversed. Each item on the platter was cooked to perfection, showcasing the culinary expertise I remembered from my initial visits.

Service: The long wait times are a thing of the past. The staff was attentive, friendly, and efficient, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Value for Money: While prices have understandably adjusted with the times, the value for money has significantly improved. The $69 platter now feels like a bargain given the quantity and quality of food provided.

Standout Items

The sausage, which was a particular letdown during my last visit, is now a standout item. The chicken wings were succulent, the ribs tender and flavorful, and the beef perfectly cooked. The accompanying sides complemented the main dishes beautifully.

A Word to Management

I want to commend the management of Smokey T's for taking customer feedback seriously and making such impressive improvements. Your commitment to quality and customer satisfaction is evident, and it has restored my faith in your establishment.

Conclusion

Smokey T's has not only redeemed itself but has exceeded expectations. I'm delighted to update my rating from 1 star back to a well-deserved 5 stars. To those who had similar past experiences, I encourage you to give Smokey T's another chance. Thank you, Smokey T's, for listening to your customers and recommitting to excellence. You've regained a loyal customer and set a new standard for responsive...

The online booking process via Google Maps and awareness of the staff we're coming was fantastic.

Despite the fact this place is very popular and busy staff was very friendly, helpful and attentive. Perhaps at the end of our meal almost to much as they were asking us if we are finishing as we were eating the last bits of the by all mean delicious meal to remove the plates and clean tables for new guests.

They have a good selections of beers and are serving them fast one requested one. And with this type of meal you need to drink lots of beers :)

As mentioned, the meal, we've got the the "Platter for two", was delicious, meat was slowly cooked and grilled and smoked that it was so juicy, tender and full of flavor. The coleslaw was one of the best I ever had. It was heaps of meat and we would appreciate to have a better variety of sites including more (non fried) vegetable. It was definitely a big load for two persons and we had difficulty to eat and next time we'd have part of it wrapped to take with us home.

Atmosphere is buzzy as how it should be at a such popular place like Smoke T's is.

The only only things which we felt could be improved were: the environment itself is very industrial and I'm fine with the look, but it is also very noise/laud with echoing sound because of plain concrete floors, walls and ceilings. (I feel sorry for the staff being in such environment for whole days.) It would be beneficial to install some sound absorbing panels on the walls and ceiling, to lower the noise level. as mentioned before, staff should not be taking away plates with whilst eating the last mouthful or about to take the last one. have a bit more balanced menu with other types of sites, e.g. mashed potatoes, gratin or steamed vegetables, fresh lettuce salad mix with balsamic...

I’m a chef from Melbourne here on holiday. I heard so many great things about this place so I just had to try it out. Ordered the platter for 2. I must say in terms of size I wasn’t disappointed, I would have preferred a little less chips and a little more meat.

Let’s start with the negatives; The chicken wings were very very dry, although they did have amazing flavour & potential. The brisket was ehhhh my piece was very dry however my partners was very moist. Again flavour was there though! I do love a good slaw with my meat, however the dressing was practically water. Only very lightly coating the slaw, most of the liquid dressing was sitting at the bottom of the bowl like soup.

Positives; Oh my god… The ribs!!! The ribs were amazing! Tender, juicy, moist, falling off the bone like melted butter, flavourful and a beautiful smoked flavour. I could have easily eaten a whole rack to myself haha. Pork belly was also really nice, again juicy, moist and delicious. That OG sauce was amazing sooo nice, I just wish there was a little more in that ramekin. Tortillas were also nice, can’t complain.

All round a very nice meal and nice service to. Didn’t feel pressured to get out on time or anything like that, although it wasn’t a very busy night. Will definitely be back for those ribs soon!

Thank you very much Kitchen team...