Where To Get Your American Food and Drink Fix in Christchurch

A plate of meat and chips on a table sittling alongside beers.

American food spans many cultures, locations and cuisines, making it an exciting and varied cuisine.

Words by: Ashlyn Oswalt

Luckily for those in Christchurch, there are plenty of delicious options for sampling American food and drink, so pull up a chair and get ready to enjoy the different nuances from around the fifty states.

Smokey T's

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314 Cashel Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch

A fan favourite in the Christchurch BBQ scene, Smokey T’s dishes up some seriously good BBQ.

You can smell the brisket, pork belly and jerked chicken being wood-smoked from miles away. The sides are as Southern as they come - with options like southern fried chicken, mac and cheese and waffle fries, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to an Alabaman back porch on a hot summer’s day. Make your way upstairs to catch NBA and other sports on their screens, or take in a distinct view of the Port Hills from the patio. Wash it all down with an iced tea, spiked of course, or a local craft brew.

Soul Quarter

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219 High Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch

From the soft notes of Ella Fitzgerald playing over the speaker to the warm greeting you receive walking through the art-deco doorway, you’ll immediately be charmed by Soul Quarter. Inspired by the flavours of Louisiana and the French and South American influences, the menu at Soul Quarter is unlike anything else in Christchurch. With braised beef short ribs rubbing up against fried chicken waffles on the menu, there’s something to please everyone. For a fancier night, we suggest perusing the wine list which includes extensive options from around the country, or digging into your adventurous side with something from their cocktail menu.

Austin Club

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161 Cashel Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch

Entering the Austin Club conjures up images of fringe dresses, Tommy guns and prohibition-era extravagance.

This imitation speakeasy bar sits beneath the action of Cashel Street and requires a password (which can be found on their website and social media channels) to get in. Once inside, you will discover a long bar with period-dressed barmen and women waiting to fix you up something strong. Inside a leather-bound menu, there are curiosity-inducing cocktails like ‘Mushroom People’ which includes shiitake scotch, earl grey and Italicus. If you’re hungry, simple bar snacks, cheese boards and grown-up toasties are on offer. Designed as a place to have a jolly good time, you just might get to see a live performance as well. 

12 Bar

342 Saint Asaph Street, Christchurch Central

In true American dive bar fashion, 12 Bar draws in a crowd and a cult following.

With a focus on blues, 12 Bar lines up frequent live acts, mostly with little or no cover charge, so you can enjoy the tunes with your craft beer. With 20 taps, there’s everything from chocolate-y stouts to fresh pilsners being served. If you’re feeling peckish after a bit of dancing and singing, you can find Craft Eats outside. A food truck with burgers, fries and poutine, you’ll be fueled and ready to go just in time for the second act. 

Boo's

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level 1/98 Victoria Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch

Southern American cuisine in an opulent setting sets Boo Radley’s apart.

Tucked away on Victoria Street, you’ll feel like you’ve stumbled upon a hole in the wall as you climb the stairs in the direction of the music. Once upstairs, the bar team will greet you with a dazzling array of cocktail choices, and plenty of beers and wines if you’re not ready for the hard stuff.

The seating at Boo Radley’s is decidedly comfy, yet refined, and if there’s a live act on you’ll wile away the hours. This place should not be deemed just a cocktail bar, however. Their food menu is a love letter to the south, featuring classics like pimento cheese dip, mac and cheese croquettes and s’mores for dessert. 

Currently undergoing refurbishment until April 2022. 

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Bessie

A table setting at Bessie, Christchurch's steak house.
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Dark, a little brooding and faultless in its theme, Bessie is an immaculate display of fine dining in the inner city.

Christchurch Art Gallery

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Locals and visitors alike have the pleasure of viewing some of the best art in New Zealand and the world here.

OGB

Sunlight streaming through OGB's speakeasy-style bar in Christchurch
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A speakeasy-style bar, OGB serves up an old-school approach to hospitality.

The Crossing

The Crossing courtyard.
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Bars key icon. Cafes key icon. Fashion key icon.

The Crossing is one of Christchurch’s greatest accomplishments post-earthquakes and has become the city centre’s premium shopping destination.