Overview
Brothers Beer has become well-known across the city and further afield for its adventurous yet accessible brews. Based out of Mount Eden, the brewery is also home to a delicious eatery. Since the first Juke Joint opened seven years ago, Brothers Beer has expanded, bringing the total of locations to four — City Works Depot, Mount Eden, Orakei — and now the latest outpost in Onehunga.
Taking over the historic Onehunga Post Office building, the latest Brothers Beers location is an enjoyable space to be in, whether you're relaxing inside or soaking up the sun in the outdoor courtyard. The decor builds on the historic nature of the building itself; the team brings its laid-back ethos with retro couches, natural wooden tables and leaners, while the old vault is being used as a 'Beer Safe' to house kegs.
The menu has been designed to share and, like the Mount Eden version, features a range of Southern American-style barbecue. For the sake of research, owner Anthony Brown and chef Sarah Simpson travelled to the United States to try the famous low 'n' slow style of cooking, bringing back the best with them. After adding some local flair, the menu was pulled together. It features 14-hour beef brisket, kawakawa-rubbed lamb, New York-style pastrami, smoked fried chicken and ground pork sausage, which can all served naked or in-between Wild Wheat sourdough as a sandwich. All come paired with a range of mouthwatering sauces. The only downside here is that things can get a little messy.
The mains are perfectly paired with sides such as burnt-end pinto beans, collard greens and tater tot poutine. Juke Joint has ensured its menu caters to all diets with gluten-free dishes and vegetarian options such as the smoked tofu and pulled jackfruit. For those who prefer not to share, Juke Joint offer sandwiches which can be purchased with a drink as part of the $20 lunch special.
Behind the bar, there are 18 taps which pour session-able lagers and hoppier seasonal beers from Brothers Beer, plus drops from sister brand Piha Beer and a rotating selection of guest brews. If you'd prefer a non-alcoholic option, there's delicious kombucha on offer from Mama's Brew Shop.
Juke Joint is not a secret hideaway with an exclusive dress code and VIP list. The menu has been cleverly designed with food that complements beer extremely well and isn't readily available in Auckland. Pop into this historic building and enjoy locally made craft beer with comforting American low 'n' slow barbecue.