Smiths Craft Beer House

Cool craft beer pub. Great range on tap. 24 atm. Casual feel and friendly staff. Surprisingly great food. Everyone raves about a Ferg burger, not had one yet but it’d have to be majorly impressive to be better than the beef short rib burger I had. Wow. Making an edit. Now been to Ferg they are bloody good burgers but Smith’s are better and you can drink good beer while you wait.

Been here a couple of times now to try out some of their craft beer. They have a huge selection of beers and ciders that are really delicious. The interior of the bar is very relaxed whilst still being clean and inviting. What will keep me coming back for more is that you can get a taster box of 6 small glasses so you can make sure you try as much as possible

The poutine might be bet than Canada. Go on and hate me for that, but then go try it. Prove me wrong. Great beer selection with some specials at $12NZD (30-5-2025) Great staff.

We modified the Smith's burger and they prepared it correctly. The poutine fries were great, the burger was just okay. The bartender/server was accommodating, gave great drink recommendations. We all enjoyed the pretzel as well.

Smith's Craft Beer House: My Take on the Brews, Bites, and Views I recently checked out Smith's Craft Beer House, and I came away with a pretty positive impression. For anyone who appreciates a good pint, their beer selection was fantastic. They had a really interesting variety on tap, and I definitely found a few new favorites to try. They also offer spirits for non-beer drinkers. The staff were also a real highlight. Everyone I interacted with was friendly and welcoming, which always makes for a more enjoyable experience. When it came to the food, there were some definite winners. That pretzel with the mustard cheese sauce was seriously good – I could have easily devoured another one! The fries were also spot on, crispy and well-seasoned. The chicken bites were just okay, though. They weren't bad, but they weren't anything particularly memorable either. One of the things I really liked was the second floor. It offered a great spot to sit and watch the world go by below. It was perfect for people-watching while I enjoyed my beer and snacks. Overall, I'd say Smith's Craft Beer House is a solid spot. They've got a great beer selection and friendly service, and that pretzel is a must-order and the upstairs view added a nice touch. I'd definitely go back for the beer and the atmosphere.

Kia Ora Well this was a great wee find. We were just about to head off to the lake front for a cheeky beer and meal when my mate noticed Smiths - I thought the stairs were just for the gym but thankfully he doesnt listen to me and once we got in, Smiths ended up being a great hangout! It has a very cool vibe and a brilliant selection of Crafty beers - myself - I just wanted a clean. crisp lager and their was dang good too! Service: First barman was brilliant, friendly and helpful - the 2nd - well, (probably) he should get out of the service industry as it seemed providing service to the punters was a chore. But, overall, getting our beers served didnt take long and the meals came out pretty quickly too - and for both of us they were pretty good. Smiths has a great vibe (and I love that old, wooden, rustic theme). Surprsingly it wasnt that busy for a Friday night - but enough peeps to add some atmosphere. Definitely worth a visit - especially if you love ya craft beers! Zippy Spam included: Alas, I couldn't take me little mate to NZ but I'll pop him in because I can 😜

I had the pleasure of visiting your craft beer bar recently, and I just wanted to take a moment to share how amazing Jack was during my experience. From the moment I walked in, it was clear that Jack takes immense pride in his work and in ensuring every guest has an incredible time. Not only was Jack a stellar host, but he was constantly on the move—whether it was serving customers, engaging with patrons, or even climbing up a ladder to clean and dust during those slower moments. It’s rare to see someone so dedicated to their craft and to making sure everything runs smoothly, no matter the pace of the evening. His diligence and attention to detail really set the tone for a fun, laid-back experience. He brought such an upbeat energy to the bar, balancing efficiency with a genuine, fun-loving attitude that made the entire visit memorable. I could tell Jack was the type of person who genuinely cares about both his job and the guests he serves, and that kind of work ethic and personality is truly hard to come by. I wanted to make sure his hard work didn’t go unnoticed—Jack is a true asset to your team, and I look forward to coming back soon, knowing I’ll be in great hands with him again!

Staff were super welcoming and helpful. Great range of beers. Burger was solid too.

I recently had the short rib burger which I did not like at all. Dry meat and very little that was moist enough to eat. A day latter and the Smith Burger is everything I'm looking for, It was a perfect medium rare, I didn't ask for - but nonetheless so good, a great combination of sauces and garnishes made this one of the super burgers I've eaten. So delicious and satisfying. Moist, flavorful, and just so damn good - it's everything thing the Fergburger wasn't. I tried the fried cauliflower as well -wonderful-be brave and get the hot. A fantastic beer selection as well.

If in Queenstown, stop. Beverages, food and ambiance. Can't beat the service, selection and vibe.

If you're looking for a great selection of beer in Queentown, this is the best bar for it. Situated along the main drive, it's on the second story with its own staircase. The bar is kept dark with lots of wood. Tables are available for small and large parties, with plenty of stools at the bar. They have a food menu as well. Seating looks over the colorful street below. The draught beer menu is posted on the wall as well as printed copies. They have many selections; if you're so inclined, get a flight so you can try a bunch of different beers. They focus mainly on New Zealand breweries, which was wonderful. The low rating is for the service; it's not good. Being a tourist town, you'd think the bartenders would be used to people not living there. The place was not busy on the night I was there, and it was near impossible to get a bartender to say more than a grunt. No chance in asking about the beer. I had planned on staying a while, but after my first flight, I left to explore elsewhere.

The holy grail of beer! Whether you like IPA, Stouts, Pils, Cider, Sour, etc., they have it all and plenty of each! The tap list is so unreal! The beers are all so delicious! It was a very causal place and the large windows make it nice to people watch. My husband and I ordered the crab cakes and the pretzel with beer cheese and mustard. I know I sound silly, but best pretzel ever! It was amazing and the mustard beer cheese was to die for (and I don't like mustard). The staff was super friendly! We loved this place! If you're a craft beer connoisseur, you must stop in!

This place is great for drinking, but not so much for eating. Smith's is located in an upstairs space in central Queenstown, with a nice view out over the main drag (Shotover) and a peekaboo view of the mountains in the background. Smith's has a nice sheltered outdoor seating area as well. (Still too cold in the winter months, but it would be amazing once it gets warmer out.) Decor is kind of lumberjack-meets-university-bar, which I love. Their craft beer list is extensive, obviously, with lots of awesome options for all types of beer lovers. The service is friendly and knowledgeable, and the vibe is laid back and pleasant. It's one of the few places in Queenstown that doesn't feel touristy, even though it *is* touristy. But when you're here, you feel more like a local and less like a tourist -- probably because the atmosphere is way more rough-and-tumble than sleek and trendy. Really a great place to enjoy a relaxed beer or cider while gazing out the wide windows at the view. But let's talk about the food. The food here is quite heavy and greasy, and not really in an enjoyable way. We came for dinner (and drinks) and we all left feeling kind of gross, like our red blood cells were suspended in oil -- the oil that our meals seemed to be drenched in. And we are no health nuts -- we usually like our dose of grease. I for one was excited to try my meal, called "Jen's Vegan Burger" on the menu, made out of beetroot and sweet potato (called "kumera" in New Zealand). While it tasted nice, it was just too greasy. The fries that accompanied all our meals were also too greasy, and over-seasoned as heck. I don't think I've ever had so much pepper in my life. So, 3/5 for food and 5/5 for drinks, averaging out to 4/5. I hate being critical of any place that puts a vegan burger on their menu, especially a mildly grungy place like this that no doubt attracts a lot of devoted meat-lovers, but the food was just too oily and heavy (even for pub food) to rate it any higher. Come for the drinking atmosphere, not the food -- unless super-greasy is your thing.

Awesome beers, they give you options to try which I don't know anything about beer. But I love beer!

First night out exploring Queenstown and because of the many recommendations of people we ate, and drank, at Smith's Craft Beer House. The amber ale was excellent, smooth and flavorful. The short rib po boy rocked. A must stop for good food, drink, and an awesome playlist

4 stars and a good value!! Queenstown is radically expensive and has plenty of dining mediocrity, so Smith's was a great find. Not overly expensive, excellent food that is above the usual bar fare, a truly inspired selection on tap, a little gritty and bohemian, but with great service and a friendly bunch. I'd go back in a red-hot second!!!

We came to Smith's for some drinks, but stayed for some food. So glad we did! Everything was delicious and the view of the mountains was nicm!! The wings were possibly the best I've had. We ordered loaded fries (I don't eat pork, but they were a decent amount and I was told were good), jerked chicken po boy (that was mine and it was delicious - the bread alone was great!), pulled pork burger (also great!). Too much food for three of us, but we took the leftovers back to our house rental for tomorrow. I got a Zeffer Apple Crumble Cider and it tasted just like apple pie. Yum! Good beer selection, good view and we were told by the bartender, better burgers than Fergburger ;-) I definitely recommend you eat here and get a beer (or cider)..or two!

Came in here during a rainy day in Queenstown to grab some beers and relax. What a great selection of beers and such a nice, relaxing atmosphere with friendly service. We weren't very hungry and not planning on eating but they had a great selection of food so we ordered loaded fries to nibble on. We were pleasantly surprised how big the portion was and shared as a family of 4 while my husband and I finished our beers. Would return if we ever came back to Queenstown and grab a full meal with our beers next time. Definitely a great place for beer lovers who want to try something they haven't had before and a perfect place for a rainy day or after an action-filled day to unwind.

Ordered the Jerked Chicken Po Boy, so delicious. Ingredients we're fresh. As for beer, I ordered the 8 Wired Flat White Nitro. As a nitro stout lover, I was impressed with this brew. Loved how chill this place was, came on a Sunday during the early afternoon. Beautiful views of the mountains. Friendly staff.

This seems to be the place in QT where they have the best range of crafts beer on tap. 18 different kinds. They also have a couple of nice ones on bottle. NZ brewers such as Parrot dog, Garage project and more. Nice furnishing and decor. The staff seemed bored though. You can sit outside too, we sat inside and we saw the sky turn pink over the city as the troubadour played a bit too loudly a couple of tables away from us.

We stopped in multiple times during our time in Queenstown. Great beer and a wonderful staff. In a unique location that has games, views, and an overall awesome vibe. Would definitely recommend!

I was looking for something special to write about for my 100th review of the year, and I couldn't have picked a better place. I love beer, especially good craft beer. The struggle I had in New Zealand was that most of the craft beer scene is like 10 years behind the states. They also do this thing were a brewery will "sponsor" a bar, but that means they can only serve their beer. Smiths does a great job showcasing the "hidden" craft beer scene of New Zealand. There were beers of almost every style you could want and lots of out of the box choices. I was in beer heaven. Their beer list was even better than some places back in the US. The servers were also incredibly knowledgable. My husband gave them sort of a flavor profile he wanted and they directed him to some great choices. We were both very impressed with the service. Beyond good beer this place served amazing food. Their Po'Boys were delicious! I've been to New Orleans (home of the Po'Boy) and these easily stood their ground against the best New Orleans has to offer. My personal favorite was the Hopped Pork. Tons of flavor, good spice, and held up against even the biggest of beers. Honestly, I think I could have lived here. To me if you are a food or beer lover this is a must visit place in Queenstown. 100/100

This place has an AWESOME beer selection! Furthermore, the bartenders are very casual and know their stuff. They were happy to let us try things and gave good suggestions. Good food menu as well and pretty decent tasting. Great atmosphere and perched up with a view over the line at Fergs :-)

Nice, quiet place upstairs, to grab some beers and food. There's a small seating area outdoors with a view of central Queenstown and a good amount of seating indoors. Came here one night to try out some of their craft beer and grab a small bite to eat. We shared the chicken wings which were very tasty and quite a large portion, definitely something to share. They had a great variety of beers to try and the server was very knowledgeable-- Service was great, very attentive and friendly. Definitely worth it to stop by for at least a beer.

Excellent beer, great variety-- for Queenstown, at least. Servers were very knowledgeable, there's a second room with a pool table and an outside patio, ample seating, and just keep in mind-- this is Queenstown. The selection isn't going to match other areas, but given the limitations, it's worth a visit.

Not a fan of hoppy beers, but the service was amazing and they helped me grab a glass of something tasty! Also, the pretzel is a must. It's incredible.

We were a group of 5 highly impressed by our meals. The guys had a 6 flight tasting paddle they enjoyed, girls their own individual drinks but the food...what a surprise! Me personally, I didn't expect much but was greatly surprised. 2 of us had the pulled pork Po bun and a different one-I forget, bf had the venison pie and another had the beef ribs. Yum! And the staff were great and friendly too!

Fantastic spot for North Americans looking for a craft beer house that feels like home. Super friendly staff as well. Hope to see this place start a trend of good craft beer spots in the city. Will definitely be back next time.

Excellent selection of craft beers from New Zealand. They even do sample trays if you can't make up your mind. Full menu of well prepared pub food. Worth a visit.

I feel like I'm Norm and this is my Cheers. (Or maybe Cliff... Definitely not Frasier).

Amaze balls! The food was tip top! had the chicken burger. me stinks it's better than Ferg burger! da fries were phenomenal as was the short rib - the shortest! so good!

Good beer selection and friendly staff. Patio was also a good place to relax and drink. Maybe it was because it was the end of the night but the food was meh. Fish and chips were undercooked and burger over cooked. Not the best bang for the buck food-wise. I'd go back again but just for drinks.

Traveling from New York, great craft beer place. Bartender gave us great suggestions on some New Zealand beers. Definitely get tasting a flight series. Sandwiches are awesome - especially pulled pork po'boy. On the beer front - Really enjoyed Luna lizard, Moa, and Cassels and sons pale ale. Great low key vibe, huge windows with cool view of queenstown street/mountains.

Quality beer with friendly, knowledgeable bar tenders. I enjoyed the hef and ipl. Unexpectedly good.

Awesome new place! We came here with a group of friends and got a window table with a great view. We'd definitely come back for both the food and the beer.

Looking for a friendly place for lunch, We stumbled on this place quite by accident. One look inside and we knew we were on the right track. A number of tables clearly occupied by locals, always a good sign. We were immediately impressed with the extensive selection of craft beers, the best we saw anywhere in New Zealand. If you want an education in beer, sample a few before you decide. The food was great. We ordered the award winning short rib burger, the classic burger, the sliders and even a roasted vegetable salad. All were excellent! If you're looking for a great casual meal with a tasty brew or two and you don't want to stand in line, this is your place.

Great atmosphere! Great people working! Great beer! The only downside is that we didn't find it sooner and wasted our time last night else where

Traveled the world and this is one of the best pizzas we've had! Great selection of New Zealand craft beers. Friendly service with a great atmosphere. My favourite place in Queenstown!