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The Smokin' Goose
Review
About
Low and Slow BBQ Restaurant and Beer Garden Set in a beautiful location just outside Whakatane this restaurant is known for its delicious food, friendly service and large outdoor kid friendly space.
Features
CUISINES
American, Barbecue
Meal types
Lunch, Dinner
Special Diets
Vegan options
FEATURES
Highchairs Available
Reservations
Seating
Table Service
Is this restaurant good for breakfast?
Reserve a table
Save this restaurant
Hours
Closed now
• Opens at 12:00 PM
Sunday
12:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday
5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Thursday
5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Friday
12:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Saturday
12:00 pm - 10:00 pm
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4.8
28 reviews
Excellent
23
Very good
4
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
0
AwakeriLocal
Whakatāne1 contribution
Feb 2025 • none
We went to The Smokin Goose for a birthday dinner with five diners. There was nothing we could fault. The food was excellent quality and more than we could eat. We each ordered a meat dish and four sides. There was more than enough for four adults and we left with two boxes of food to takeaway. The staff were very professional It was our servers first night at her job, but she was confident and honest about her knowledge and always made the time to clarify our questions about the menu. She did a great job on her first night. Well done! The atmosphere is always great fun with games and good music. The drinks are generous and there is a good range of good quality options. The venue was spotless and well maintained. Thank you the all the staff for a really enjoyable night.
Review collected in partnership with www.restauranthub.co.nz
This business uses tools provided by Tripadvisor (or one of its official Review Collection Partners) to encourage and collect guest reviews, including this one.
Written 27 February 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
melissa_hunia
Whakatāne3 contributions
Sept 2024 • none
We have dined recently at The Smokin 'Goose and really enjoyed our experience. The food was plentiful and tasty/ Staff were accomodating and no request was too hard for them. I had to correspond with staff before our booking to ensure our group was catered to and communication was always prompt and helpful. Our group enjoyed the outdoor setting and games that were on offer. We look forward to coming back in the summer when we can truly enjoy the outdoors and the wonderful kai again.
Review collected in partnership with www.restauranthub.co.nz
This business uses tools provided by Tripadvisor (or one of its official Review Collection Partners) to encourage and collect guest reviews, including this one.
Written 12 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
riria16
Kawerau91 contributions
Mar 2023 • family
Beautiful atmosphere, really keen to please staff, accommodating, but still a bit green.
We decided to try this place out as we wanted somewhere special to celebrate my daughter’s graduation.
We asked for our meat to be served to each person individually and for sides, sauces and salads to be placed mid table.
Unfortunately, all meats were served on one platter and a family member accidentally ate a hot sausage. Also we asked for the hot sauce not to be added to the rack of ribs (full rack) and unfortunately it was still added this actually put my husband off his food.
I Loved the food and I will be back. However I ensure we do get the food how we would like to eat it. Our family of 7 were polite, but hopefully the 2nd visit all will go well.
Written 1 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CMG292
Tauranga36 contributions
Feb 2023 • family
We were a group of 20. The children had burgers, Mac n cheese balls which they loved. The adults had 3 huge platters to share from.
The food was not only delicious but plentiful. The platters had a beautiful variety of meats which were so tender and came with their own sauces or gravy, coleslaw, pickled veg, chicken, mash, Mac cheese Balls ,bread.
We relaxed after the meal under the shade watching the children play cricket on the extensive lawn. We all left totally feeling satisfied and very full. Would highly recommend this restaurant.
Written 18 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cleo01paw
Bay of Plenty Region226 contributions
Jan 2025 • couples
A great outside and inside eating stop for either lunch or dinner. A real point of difference for eating in Whakatane. Great BBQ menu with options to be creative putting together a platter. Ample portions to satisfy the hungriest. Attentive but not rushed service. We had sausage of the week, brisket loaded fries, and smoked portobello mushrooms, with an excellent fresh pickle. Nice selection of craft beer from Tauranga. Will definitely go again.
Written 23 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Traveler45122772162
2 contributions
Nov 2024 • none
No prep. No leather steak or charcoal sausages, no dishes, no fuss, PERFECT!
Ambience/atmosphere 10, Clean 10, service 10 (Thank You Summer), Food 10. Price 10. Rural Location 10 What more would you ask for. Be prepared for a gastronomical experience and be prepared to share your YUMMY desert
Review collected in partnership with www.restauranthub.co.nz
This business uses tools provided by Tripadvisor (or one of its official Review Collection Partners) to encourage and collect guest reviews, including this one.
Written 17 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Phillip B
Palmerston North235 contributions
Jan 2023 • friends
Wow. Went here with my wife and good friends for lunch and we were still talking about it later that night.
Plenty of parking
Lots of tables both inside and out
Bbq meat and sides delivered to table as a share platter (you can also order individual meals)
Great selection of drinks
Excellent service from happy staff
This was some of the nicest food that we have had for a long time and will be back on our next trip to Whakatane.
Written 15 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jost-Pauline S
Bay of Plenty Region372 contributions
May 2022 • none
To celebrate our daughter's birthday we decided to try out this recently renovated country side cafe/restaurant. What a difference to previous versions, lovingly restored country side venue with plenty of room for parties out the back (birthday and business celebrations). The service was very good - with the owner initially explaining what the menu and the drinks available were all about.
Food and drinks were served efficiently and more than met our expectations in terms of presentation, tastiness and volume. A place to be advertised among friends as the new go to place for a lovely and uncomplicated meal. Food and drink are priced reasonable - which is greatly appreciated.
Written 21 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jimfrety
Whakatāne55 contributions
Jan 2022 • couples
Came for a relaxing Sunday lunch and was not disappointed. We had steak with cornbread, fries and coleslaw accompanied by a nice glass of rose. The meat was cooked very nicely - although could of had a little more smokey flavour, great sides and friendly service. Time taken for food delivery was a little slow but they were busy so understandable.Overall a nice experience and will definitely come back
Written 15 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cillar212
Opotiki46 contributions
Sept 2024 • family
Family gathering for a 65th birthday. A popular place. First time there for me and my husband. Other family members have eaten here a few times before. Service was good and friendly. Food was delicious. Most had the Gunslinger banquet - $49 pp. Sides and salads were tasty as well. Will definitely visit again.
Written 21 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Horrid G
Greytown55 contributions
Mar 2023 • couples
10 minutes out of whakatane, so doesn't come up in searches for places to eat in whakatane. Friday night, busy, walked in early, good service, and nice food. There is nothing to complain about.
Written 9 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Phillip B
Palmerston North235 contributions
Jan 2025 • friends
We went to The Smokin Goose for our 3rd time. We really enjoy working out what we want for the platter. We were very happy with our choice and the food was fantastic.
Great friendly service, nice food, and great drinks menu.
Hopefully, we will be back next time in Whakatane.
Written 18 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kezzaj17
Auckland93 contributions
May 2022 • family
This is second time we've been here and again, was not disappointed. The food is so good. The pulled pork was the winner tonight. They seriously need to sell bottles of the Alabama White Sauce! That stuff is divine. And the brownie, wow!
The staff there are always great.
Written 20 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
the2kiwis
Whakatāne40 contributions
Feb 2022 • none
we were with a group and just ordered a big platter with sides and salads to share. The food was really good and we were all happy. The staff friendly and showed us the BBQ's used for cooking and explained how it all works. Looking forward to returning
Written 4 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aroha R
Whakatāne13 contributions
Dec 2024 • business
We had a large business Xmas dinner with 25 + ppl. Large platters, the full service & desert. Nice food, just the bread was a 2/10. A good vibe IN/OUT supplied a JBL partybox outdoors.
Tayla, Jess, Ella, Summer, Cassie, all deserve a great staff trip & work shout. They all have an exceptional CS standard. Polite, professional, hard working lady's. Made sure we were well catered too. Well done!!
Written 3 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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