Wilson Barbecue

The Wilson Barbecue story is widely known and admired within Wellingtonian food circles. And if you ever need reminding, just stop by Blair and Casey’s flashy Johnsonville restaurant - the whole journey is laid out in a beautiful mural by the kitchen.

Charting the pair’s path from their food truck beginnings to their pop-up stints right through to their now permanent base, it’s an eye-catching attraction that easily stands out in the spacious, well laid-out interior. Take your time perusing inside and you’ll notice other mementos from the Wilsons’ journey - see if you can spot the 1,900kg Yoder smoker they imported straight from Kansas, which they’ve been firing up since day one.

Around the restaurant, the sleek monochrome palette is offset by touches of soft brown in the leather seats and the impressive bar, which takes pride of place at the centre of the establishment. Cleverly and conveniently positioned, it’s well-stocked and provides diners with a seamless transition to a post-barbecue tipple. Choose from a strong local lineup including Double Vision Brewing, and if you’re visiting for breakfast, there’s Libertine Blends tea and People’s coffee on offer.

Wilson Barbecue is loudly and proudly “all about the meat”, and their brisket, ribs, and pulled pork, all cooked low ‘n slow, enjoy a richly deserved reputation. An extensive menu allows you to order all your favourites from their food truck days - to make things easy, go for a signature platter, which can be scaled for one to four people. In the spirit of inclusiveness, there’s also plenty for those who aren’t so fond of meat - try the vegan ribs, coupled with a vegan brownie served with coconut yoghurt for dessert.

Blair and Casey’s restaurant not only answers their fans’ prayers for a permanent spot, but also provides a much-needed boost to Johnsonville’s fledgling dining scene. And with the goal of helping grow other local businesses as well as themselves, what’s not to like about this immensely popular addition to Wellington’s suburbs?