The first thing you notice when you walk in the door is the smell of wood smoke. If you're after BBQ like we were you know instantly you're in the right place. Miss Moonshine's drinks menu fits on one page but still a manages to be extensive. Whether you're looking for a cocktail, mojito, craft or light beer, wine, cider or non alcoholic it's there. I chose a nice prosecco and Ryan had the Fizzy Rascal which I got to taste. Nice but not my thing. His next choice however, the Jammy B*stard I could get to like! The menu is a meat lovers dream and has all the trimmings of a trip to southern America. Shrimp, buttermilk, corn, avocado, rice and beans are words you'll find among the tasty viddles (Yes Granny Clampett would be a might happy here) among the starters and sides. The main dish is always meat. Of course it is and lots of it. Ryan had the pulled pork which was sensational but small - but that was clear on the menu as the weight of each cut is marked. My pork hock was more substantial so I shared some with the poor boy. The hock was both moist inside and crispy outside. Our side dish was a refreshing apple slaw. Desert options were Orleans Donuts, Chocolate Chilli Mousse or Lemon Meringue Pie. Ryan chose the pie much to my delight and I cheated the Paleo diet to try a spoonful. Or two. We went on their first night and there wasn't a sign of any teething trouble. Professional from day one... Nice. Miss Moonshine. Welcome to the 'hood! read more

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Miss Moonshine's brings back memories of my Southern States road trip. Meaty, smokey, delicious memories. As soon as you walk in the wood smoke hits and you know this is real deal. We went all in and ordered the pit boss ($45pp), which includes family style entrees, mains and dessert. The set menu changes daily but our entrées were cornbread (crunchy, soft, buttery goodness - a must order), fried chicken with guacamole (a strange combination in my mind but delicious nonetheless) and their magic mushrooms w chickpeas & blue cheese (take it or leave it). Then came the mains... a smorgasboard of slow-cooked, tender-as-it-gets barbecued meat. I'm talking brisket, pulled pork, beef short rib....heaven! Especially when combined with a killer slaw, cauliflower cheese w a truffle crumb and their very own smoked bone sauce. Dessert was a beautiful platter with lemon meringue pie, chilli chocolate mousse and beignets (doughnuts) with salted caramel sauce. Sharing dessert was a little more awkward but I'm not a sweet tooth so I loved that I was able to try all three without having to have a whole dessert. My only criticism? The salted caramel was suuuuuuuuuper salty. A couple of comments were made around the table about the size of the portions but I think $45 for three courses is unreal value considering the quality of the food! It's also a brilliant option for bigger groups, which Miss Moonshines caters for really well. I think this may just be the most excited I've been about a restaurant all year - partly because I LOVE the Southern States but mostly because these guys have nailed it, from the red lipstick wearing waitresses to the moonshine served paper bags. I'm looking forward to my next visit already... read more

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Vegetarianism isn't the first thing that springs to mind when dining at Miss Moonshines , it's meat all the way baby ! A southern style bbq of Delicious pork belly marinated and smoked for 12 hours , Lamb shoulder so tender it melts in your mouth and Beef brisket so lovingly cooked and cared for you know you're getting a taste of something magnificent . With the starters of corn bread and fried chicken with avocado and corn salsa , I was left wishing it had been a slightly bigger portion . We went for the set menu option which is great for groups (4 or more ) and at $45 seems ok value for money . Drinks are plentiful with lots of options . However I did imagine the decor to be leaning towards American diner in-the-middle of nowhere with Sookie Stackhouse as your waitress . Overall a cool experience and it just adds to the many cuisines now on offer in the Auckland area . read more

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Joint review by whole family. My favourite was the beef brisket. Smokey excellence. The aroma of the pulled pork evoked a sense of divine satisfaction; in the moment that I tasted it, it felt that for once in my life, I was truly content. I have to say, the cornbread with burnt butter was truly outstanding, it was spicy, and so soft it melted in your fingertips the moment you grasped it. Cauliflower is really amazing. Crab cake comes in very beautiful presentation and is also very tasty, except that the serving portion is on the petite side. One complaint - music is a tad too loud. read more

Miss Moonshine's - Crab Cake - Barbeque Near Me - Auckland, AUK

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LOVED Miss Moonshine's. It was my choice for a team dinner and the team at Miss Moonshine's did not disappoint. We had friendly, relaxed but attentive service throughout the evening and the atmosphere just buzzed. The set menu was a great idea that made everything easy with a large group and the fried chicken was rated by our team as the city favourite (and we like our fried chicken). The dessert platter was intense - it almost defeated me- and all I, and everyone else in the team could say was, when are we coming back? Can't wait to dine in a smaller group and to test our more of the menu. read more

Miss Moonshine's - Barbeque Near Me - Auckland, AUK

Celerbrating a birthday at miss moonshines was a bit hit and miss for me. Most of our large table ordered the Pitt boss set menu ($45) which was good value for money since a starter (10-15), main ($30)and side ($10-$15) anyway but did limit ur choices. The mains served in the pit boss deal on that night was pork belly, pork hock and ribs a bit disappointing if you didn't eat pork and they wouldn't let us swap. Service was fast, but they had real trouble remembering who ordered the extra dishes and gave a plate of chicken n beef intended for the non pork eaters to the wrong end of the table and it was half eaten before we figured it out. Oops. Also now the Pitt boss deal doesn't include desert, from previous comments it seamed like it was in the past. Dish of the night, the mackerel starter, whole deboned fish but cooked with bacon in the middle?..I just left the bacon to the side.... But this could of been next level if served with a tomato base. read more

Miss Moonshine's - Beat root side dish - Barbeque Near Me - Auckland, AUK

If I was basing the review on the dessert it would be TWELVE stars!! So good! Oh my GOD! It was a kind of deconstructed passionfruit tart that was sublime! The main, the rib, was certainly melting off the bone, just desperately needed more seasoning during the cooking process. The sauces on offer were not enough to pick it up. read more

Miss Moonshine's - Ribs..Soft, melt in the mouth, but underseasoned we thought. - Barbeque Near Me - Auckland, AUK

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This place is surprisingly good, from service to food! We went there on a sat afternoon for lunch, not pack at all, maybe it's tuck in an alley way hence lot many people know about this place? It's right next to food street collection if you know where I am talking about...they have plenty of seating, so it's great for party or large group gatherings. We order a few plates to share and a kids menu for the little boy, seriously it's the best kids meal I ever seen ( I would like one for lunch everyday) and best value for money kids meal ( was $8 or $10 from memory). The other foods we order are very good too, my partner really enjoy their pull pork burger and their other meat dishes , I love their dessert dishes, they are just as good as they look!! Amazing! We will definitely go back! read more

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So I'm actually from the south. I'm always skeptical of southern food joints. I tried this place on a rainy day because it was the only thing open mid afternoon and I was starved. I'm so glad I did. Vino was delicious. The brisket was insanely good!! It just melted in your mouth and was like butter - no life needed just cut or pull apart with your fork. It was so good I forgot to take a photo of it. I was in red meat heaven. LOL. The homemade burnt butter on top and grits underneath were a great complement. I got the local veggies and they were also done perfectly. I just had to get desert and a mocha - again awesome. I spent a mint but it was well worth it in quality. The reason I give 4 instead of 5 stars is because the service, though everyone was incredibly kind and polite, was a bit disorganized. I'm betting this was because i came in mid afternoon when shifts were changing. Everyone was familiar with the menu, kind and accommodating. I'm stoked I stumbled upon this place. Well done!! read more

Miss Moonshine's - Barbeque Near Me - Auckland, AUK

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We where a group of 6 & the place was a third full, so not a busy night. The wait staff where good... the food pretty average. The oysters where fresh and most of them where fat with a couple of them that had spawned so where small, they shouldn't of been put out. The pork buns were Ok. The bacon wrap jalapeños where not so good with some of the bacon being uncooked. The beef short rib was a bit dry. The "best" BBQ chicken was over cooked and was like something that you would pull out of the freezer for a midnight snack. The curly fries where nice and crunchy but way over salted. The slaw was fresh, but nothing to rave about. Cocktails where good. All up we where all disappointed. They may of been having an off night? I couldn't recommend this place from my experience, but reading some of the other reviews you may have better luck than us. read more

The smell as you walk down the lane is beyond. You actually just can't wait to get in there, and being a freezing winters eve, it looked super inviting with fires, warm lights and cosy wood and leather furnishings. The 'beach babe' cocktail was DELISH. Fried chicken to start got the thumbs up from my man (pretty big deal, he knows his fried chicken). We ordered the beef brisket and pork knuckles which were so meaty melty soft smokey crispy perfect. The service was good. If possible 'too good' ?? We did feel slightly like we were being watched too much and rushed out but we agreed it could be have been opening week nerves / eager to be doing their best. All staff were professional and attentive. Will definitely be back! read more

Miss Moonshine's - Barbeque Near Me - Auckland, AUK

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Miss Moonshine is your truck turned restaurant. Housed down an alleyway accessed via Ponsonby Road near MAC or via Richmond Road opposite Ponsonby Central. Be prepared to wait on a Saturday night, at least an hour and half. We ordered the set menu ($45pp) for 4 people and an extra Beef Brisket. The set menu is a pretty good deal, particularly for first-timers because it includes a large variety of entrees, and meat selection. The food didn't meet the hype. The descriptions sound amazing - smoked and slow cooked for at least 6 hours, some up to 12 hours! Majority of the meat though was lacking in flavour and not exactly out-of-the-world. Our favourites were the Venison ribs and corn bread with burnt butter. The ribs were thankfully a little sweet and a little sticky - ribs essentials, and the burnt butter was delicious - definitely something we want smothered over BBQ corn. The hot sauce we found sitting behind the benches were exciting for the tastebuds. Definitely give them a whizz. The atmosphere is great, but service is a little off. Everyone seems to be in a hurry and always wanting to take your plates before you've even finished. Our waitress also missed off our Beef Brisket and attempted to tell us that we'd eaten it already when we asked when it was coming. Not impressed... read more

I stopped in here, curious to see what the local take world be on BBQ. I was prepared to be a little disappointed but I definitely wasn't. Honestly it's the best I've had since I was last in Austin. The brisket was tender and had great flavor. It comes with a few sauce options but they are totally unnecessary. read more

Once we found the entrance around the corner from Ponsonby rd through the narrow entrance to the food truck collective which is a joke but that is another review. they don't take bookings for groups under 8 people, they take your phone no and tell you to have a drink at the caravan bar. 15 min later they called to tell us the table was ready The restaurant was buzzing with people, staff and great smells coming from the open kitchen. Our waitress was fantastic she new the menu and made a couple of recommendations. we ordered 3 mains, pork hock, beef short ribs and the lamp shoulder and and entree uttermilk chicken, all the portions were large and bueatifully cooked. This is a carnavores heaven we are going back very soon keep that BBQ cooking. read more

Delish short rib that melted away from the bone with the fork & huge portion! My Brit loved the lamb but as an American it was a bit chewy for my taste. Overall a good kiwi version of Bbq. read more

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OK - I came here three times in two weeks. The BBQ meat is heavenly and smoked with the native pohutukawa branches! Portions are not small. Service amazing (ask for Vicki) and the vibe here is incredible. A must see and experience. read more

We arrived the first day of a new menu. Nothing too drastic, but still, a little different. Pork rib was much better than expected, the asian slaw was quite good, and the raw oysters were reasonably priced and tasty. Decor is western-yet-trendy, and the Bloody Marys are amazing if you like a little spice. Would I come to New Zealand for BBQ? Oh hell no. But was it surprisingly decent? It was. read more

I went with a large group of 11 people to celebrate a 21st birthday. The restaurant was very loud and it was hard to hold a good conversation. I am vegetarian so there was only a choice of 2 items. I asked specifically if they were hot (as in chilli hot) and I was told they weren't, yet when I ordered the zucchini flour and grits cake it was spicy hot so I didn't have much to eat as the dish was an entrée size for $14.95 (NOT WORTH IT) Out of all the dishes that the rest of the diners had they liked the bbq meat but other dishes within the $45 pp meal was not worth the money. I was shocked that dessert wasn't included in the set menu. To make things worse when it came time to bring the cake out we were told it would cost $5 per person just to cut the cake. The lighting made it hard to take any photos which was a shame as everyone wants memories of their 21st birthday. read more

By far the best beef ribs. The lamb ribs out of this world ! I have been to many Texas BBQ joints while I lived there for several years but these guys are something else. The service was really good as well. read more

You have no idea how much I was looking forward to dining here, my head was filled with memories of succulent Texas bbq, slow cooked to perfection. I even pulled up the menu to have a quick read before I left home. The space is tucked away down an alleyway off Ponsonby Road with another entrance onto Mackelvie Street. There's a pretty outdoor courtyard with a bar. Miss Moonshine's has a large inside seating area and is outfitted in true Southern style. You are immediately greeted by the smell of bbq smoke. We ordered a selection - beef ribs, brisket, chicken, wild boar sausages and lamb. For sides, the apple and mint coleslaw and cauliflower cheese. When the food arrived it was all mixed up on platters and took a bit of sorting. I thought what we'd ordered would come individually plated, especially for $32. Seems that buys you two slices of brisket with a few pickles on the side. I found the brisket particularly dry, definitely not falling apart from slow cooking. The lamb and beef ribs were no better. I did mention it quietly to the manager and was told the dryness is a problem they are working on, that as soon as the meat is sliced it loses moisture. But even the chicken was dry, so I'm guessing it's the process more than the cut of meat that's the problem. Hope things improve, I'll give it another try further down the track. read more

Miss Moonshine's - Barbeque Near Me - Auckland, AUK

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Coming back from the states a week ago, I was already missing the ribs, pulled pork and all the good American BBQs. Thought that Miss Moonshine will do the trick being based on especially providing BBQ menu of beef/chicken and pork. Wasn't thinking that I will be so disappointed.!! Few positives the restaurant is nice, happening and for sure hype at the moment. Music is supra lound but the wine helps voices to increase. Service is OK, but the food is far to be up to mark. The pulled pork was smokey, but definitely tasteless. The entrée the venison sausage was ok, but again 5 mn after eating you just forget it. And on top, you need to add all the time a side dish, as the mains are without. The chicken looked cooked well in the BBQ but again 2 simple single legs for 30 dollars without any side. Well. No thank you. Doubt that it will survive the hype. read more

I really wanted to be blown away by this place. I had eagerly awaited it's opening and then an opportunity to visit with my family. They don't take bookings for less than 8, and so we turned up nice and early and were promptly seated by pleasant staff. The menu was smaller and more limited than I'd hoped for, but with the help of the staff who were well versed, we ordered what we would have expected at the price to be enough food to feed an army, trying a big range of the offerings. The food was ok, probably pretty good, but I honestly felt a little let down that it wasn't better. It just didn't blow me away the way I had really hoped it would. Serving sizes were a little on the small side for my personal taste. Drinks were prompt and well prepared. Dessert was expensive and whilst ok, missed the magic I had been hoping for. The environment and staff are both really good. I liked the massive cow on the wall, my wife commented the toilets were clean and well laid out. I think for me the food could be better, it's missing the wow factor I fully expected. read more

Trying beef while in NZ is a no- brainer, how you go about it is entirely up to you. Stumbled upon this joint by accident, alleyway leading into the entrance, pretty cool decor with an open and friendly vibe. For starters we ordered the jalapeño poppers and an egg plant, haloumi... the poppers sure did pop, in a good way. For the main course I had the brisket which hands down is some of the best ever in my book and the service was fantastic, just the right amount of attention between neglect and overbearing. Definitely a spot I will return to in the future and highly recommended. read more

We came here in a group of 7 for a birthday celebration. The restaurant has a nice vibe, I wouldn't call it a typical Southern BBQ joint but hey it's in Ponsonby so what did you expect. It was nice to see that they have the smokers, since no true BBQ place can be without one. Since it was 7 of us we ordered almost every meat on the menu (except the chicken and the lamb), and several starters and sides. The jalapeno corn bread was delish, as were the tater tots - although I thing the price of $16 for 5 tots is little too high. The meat was all very good, I would say the pulled pork was the overall favorite and the pork knuckle the last favorite (but still very good). We also ordered some sides with the meat, but the meat arrived first, and we finished the meat and then waited some for the sides. What a bummer, since we didn't get to enjoy the meal as a whole. From the sides collard greens were my favorite. Over all I would say this is a great Southern BBQ restaurant in Auckland, and the men in the group absolutely loved it. I was little disappointed by the lack of mac n' cheese on the menu so I hope that by my next visit this would change. read more

Although I hate to say I don't eat red meat I still loved Miss Mooshines! You can't book with small numbers but don't fret the bar truck is parked up right next door and you can start a tab whilst you wait - easy peasy! The oysters are out of this world. I have returned twice just for them. Fried chicken is yum and the corn salsa is a great addition. All the salads are delish and the Mac and cheese balls are amazing too. Great atmosphere and the best staff! Took me back to my time in Austin. Definitely get there! read more

Food? Good. Service? Ass. Maybe that's a tad rude. The food was actually really good. But the service left a really bad taste in my mouth. Haha, see what I did there? Seriously though, I was fuming all the way home. I'm not going to go into detail at this point. I honestly would be keen to go back. There were a lot of things on the menu that I'd like to try but the snooty service (from one person in particular, I wanna say he was the manager) is a real deterrent. And it's not like we were asshole customers, we were nothing but polite and friendly. Really really unhappy with the service. Not good. What a shame. read more

Tried MM's for the first time and will definitely be back on future trips to Auckland. Starters of corn bread and cerviche (incredible) were followed by pulled pork with haloumi, sides of potato salad, hangi style sweet potatoes (called kumara in NZ) and a jug of the sangria cocktails and we left fully satisfied and it only cost around $100 for two people. We booked ahead online (easy) for a table of 9 and whilst we were a bit squashed in the corner, the service was excellent. We headed over the road afterward to Bedford Soda for a nightcap. read more

What a great NZ style American BBQ! This place is awesome. Great food, atmosphere and service.

Tasty food, portions are generous but not massive. Cocktails were a little light on the booze/moonshine side of things. Little difficult to find at first. read more

Their kumara bread was disgustingly hard and stale, portions were small, but the worst part was the deliberately misleading menu. There was no indication whatsoever on the menu about the "minimum 4 people $49 set menu meal" being $49 PER PERSON and the waitress did not once inform us of that at all. Instead, she was going on about how the food is served as a shared platter and convinced us that the set menu would be the best option for our group of 4. The set menu also includes the cheapest things like coleslaw, chips, two slices of awful kumara bread, chicken wings, sausages and small portions of meat. We paid $232 all up. What we got was definitely NOT worth $49 per person. We realised that we were deliberately being misled only at the end but paid for the food regardless. When we tried to provide feedback about the menu being misleading, the staff raised her voice at us to shame us and was being incredibly condescending as if we can't understand English just because we are Asians. The food was mediocre overall and their business practice is dishonest. My family and I had a horrible experience and we do not recommend this restaurant. read more

The mains are huge, we had the chicken stuffed with duck and the beef brisket and could have fed 3-4 people. Green beans were great and the Ethiopian stout was surprisingly nice! Very polite and friendly staff, good food and a great setting for dinner with friends or a small group read more

Another great addition to Ponsonby, very busy the night we went, staff very friendly, food great (sharing plates) wine good - although a little slow to get at times! Only grip is there was nowhere to hang coats etc when I asked and as sitting at one of the long tables with stools could not even put at back of chair - and had to deal with it on my lap - not ideal! However that is just a small thing which I am sure they can easily fix, and does not take away from the food experience! read more