Went for lunch. We had some buffalo wings and burnt end quesadillas for starters, then everyone ordered burgers for mains.
The wings and quesadillas were spot on and extremely tasty. The burgers were a little disappointing. The burger patty itself was delicious and cooked just right. However, the bun was a little too large and bready, and only comes with two very fine slivers of tomato. Use a slightly softer, less chewy bun, a nice thick slice of tomato and I think you’ll have a winner on your hands! Handcut chips are incredible.

Man, don’t listen to the 1-star reviews because they obviously wouldn’t know good ‘que or service if they got hit in the eye with it.

I never thought I’d get down-home Kansas City style BBQ in New Zealand of all places. Smoked, tender, juicy, fall-off-the-bone meat, with a killer sticky, tangy sauce that will make you want to gnaw your fingers off. The bullet is in the smoke, though. Holy crap, that’s one helluva smoker they must have in the kitchen because you can taste the applewood right down to the bone.

I was gnawing on that bone, I ain’t gonna lie. The BBQ is brutally good.

It’s that good folks.

I’m a blue-blooded American girl who loves her Southern BBQ. I prefer Louisiana versus Texas (wet vs. dry), but I think Uncle Mike may have converted me into a Kansas City fanatic.

The portions are all-American, so the half rack was more than enough for little ol’ me. My Kiwi partner chowed on some brisket bits drenched in sauce in a soft roll that was also damn good.

Decent prices for the quality and portion size.

Very nice and earnest service from the super-smiley server and his side-kick. We never felt underserved.

p.s. We tried the buffalo wings and they were also authentic Buffalo, NY style wings. Spicy, tangy, with a refreshing dill-ranch dip on the side. I wish they had some celery sticks instead of a green salad on the side because that would have been even better and more NY…dipping is key!

Back again for a third time! (its addictive!)
And I have to say, the service (although a bit confused the first time I went, this is to be expected with new restuarants) has Now surpassed kiwi service by all standards. Bringing kids food first, asking if we’d like drink refills, asking how the food is after a few bites but waiting patiently if they see you have just taken a bite and your mouth is full hahaha.
This is the kind of service common in North America where waiters work for tips which is RARELY seen in NZ hence the quality of service in NZ is seriously lacking. Well done Uncle Mike’s for raising the bar of good service here in NZ.
Oh yeah… the food was delicious

My partner and I dined at Uncle Mike’s recently and I’d have to say, it was amazing!!! And I’m a vegetarian! The service, food and atmosphere was great. Awesome to see a new restaurant doing so well.
My partner had the rack of spare ribs which he was dubious about in the beginning… but after one bite, he was sold. He couldn’t finish the lot, but took the left overs home in a doggy bag. My mushroom vege option was also really good… and I ate it all!
Totally recommend this restaurant to anyone who likes American style BBQ. You just can’t get it anywhere else in NZ as authentic as this.
They’ll even show you the smoker in the kitchen if you ask nicely.

I went last night with a group of friends and was really dissapointed along with disgusted. The service was slow and not very helpfull. The slightly over weight waiter was literally dripping with sweat of his nose and forhead, really bad taste for a waiter thats for sure!!!! The Food was mediocre but nothing to rave about. Over all the experience was not something I would entertain again in the future, and would consider dinning elsewhere from now on….

My wife and I went to this restaurant for lunch. She had the the Obama burger and I had the BBQ pork spare ribs (half size – but still HUGE).

Both were excellent meals, as good as you get in the USA. Actually the ribs are exactly like you get in the USA. This is the only place I’ve been to in NZ where they’re like that. In most places you get a few loose ribs with a tiny little bit of meat on some of them if you’re lucky. Not here. A real rack of ribs covered in meat and at the super price of just $20. This included chips and BBQ baked beans. The burger was $16 and just as good a buy.

Service was very good in general and very friendly. Could have asked us if we wanted more drinks though.

All in all this was one of the best value meals we’ve had in a very long time and with quality to match.

Will be going back very soon.

This Ameri/Kiwi family have had dinner at uncle Mike’s twice now in the last month. The first time my husband and I went and we both enjoyed our meals. My husband loved the pork chops and I enjoyed my real American hot wings. I have to say I was most excited about the real ice tea! The second time we went was for my Birthday. The service and food was excellent and we had a party of 40. We have received rave reviews from our friends who all said the food was great and the price was right. They enjoyed the duck, hot wings, salmon, steak and of course the ribs! The kids loved the huge ice cream sandwiches! The staff did an excellent job of handling the large group and were especially good with the two tables of kids. If you want real American BBQ this is the place to go. Kiwi’s need to know that the American version of baked beans is different and is a staple at most of our BBQs, not something we eat for breakfast! If you have an open mind and keen to try something new you will love Uncle Mike’s. Keep up the great work Mike and we hope you are around for a long time!!

We went to uncle mike’s last night. food is way better than another restaurant we tried one night before.My ribeye was nicely undercooked, that’s the only small thing. Service from Chloe was 5 stars,excellent. We will be back very shortly.

I had never tried American BBQ and after seeing it in many American zombie movies I just had to try it!!!
The interior of this restaurant is what you would expect, the wooden floors are loud and the toilets are not fab but the pictures on the walls and orange feature wall bring it in nicely.
Luckily I asked the waitress if the portions were American sized or New Zealand American size! I had the half slab of pork ribs they were amazing very large for the $20 and a good way to get a memory of good American BBQ my partner had the worlds best burger which he rated 3.5/5 if the burger bun had been better quality it would have been a 4 the flavor was good and meal size satisfying. We were to full to fit a dessert, the waitresses were friendly and quick!
one thing i’d like to try are the plantain chips with BBQ cranberry sauce i’ll save that for my next visit!