Our Story
Uncle Mike’s BBQ is steeped in the American tradition slow-smoking meat at a low temperature, using a combination of fire and smoke to coax the flavor and tenderness from select cuts of meat. This tradition began in the American West as a way of preserving otherwise tough cuts of meat, meant to help sustain cowboys on the trail. BBQ has come a long way since and evolved into an entire subculture with distinct regional styles, intense competitions, and fiercely guarded recipes and techniques.
Uncle Mike’s is proud to carry on proud passion of Kansas City-style BBQ – right here in the heart of New Zealand.
About Mike
Mike Oxley moved to New Zealand five years ago from Los Angeles, where he ran a successful Kansas City-style BBQ restaurant. He relocated to Wanaka from Wellington in November 2008 to join his sister and brother-in-law as business partners to open Uncle MIke’s. The Wanaka restaurant has now been relocated to Jackson Street in Petone, Wellington.
Mike has more than 25 years’ experience in the hospitality business. Originally from Kansas City, Missouri, Mike has had a lifelong love affair with the American style of barbecuing. Kansas City is renowned as the capital of American ‘cue, where natives are weaned on smoked pork and beef ribs, brisket and burnt ends (those crunchy bits cut from the richly marbled tip of the brisket); sliced, chopped, and pulled pork (often piled on a soft bun and topped with coleslaw, a trick imported from either South Carolina or Memphis, depending on who’s talking), smoked chicken and on our menu, smoked salmon.
“Low and slow” is the key to barbecuing American style, and Mike understands the intricate balance of sweet, spicy, and smoke that equals the magic of great barbecue. Uncle MIke’s growing fan base certainly agree!
The process
Uncle Mike’s proudly upholds the methods and traditions of one of the world’s most famous and popular styles of BBQ: Kansas City-style BBQ.
Uncle Mike’s BBQ is steeped in the American tradition of slow-smoking meat at a low temperature, using a combination of spice, fire and smoke to coax the flavour and tenderness from select cuts of meat. We complement our authentic BBQ fare with assorted grill items and fresh, house-made sides, salads and desserts.
Taste the Best
World’s Best Burger
A juicy flame-grilled beef burger cooked to order, garnished with lettuce, onion and tomato
From the Smoker
Uncle Mike’s signature dish. Roll up your sleeves and dig into the best of American smoked BBQ. Served with our famous BBQ baked pork and beans and fresh cut fries.
From the Grill
Cooked to order on a flame grill, this succulent New Zealand grass-fed beef is seasoned with our special dry rub and served with choice of fresh cut fries or cheesy mashed potatoes and a mixed green salad.
Wicked Good Wings!
Hot ‘Buffalo’ style with buttermilk ranch dipping sauce
Main Salads
Served with your choice of house-made honey mustard, balsamic vinaigrette or buttermilk ranch dressing
Contact us
Uncle Mike’s Kansas City BBQ
230 Jackson Street
Petone, Lower Hutt
Phone: 04 589 7441
Email: unclemikeskcbbq@gmail.com
Opening Hours
Tue – Fri
Lunch: 12PM – 2:30PM
Dinner: 5PM – TIll Late
Sat – Sun
12PM – TIll Late
Fully Licensed