Even though I am “semi-retired” at the moment, I can’t help but explore the culinary destinations of Queenstown. For a touristy city, there’s some pretty darn good food! Of course, there are also some mainstream (i.e., boring) restaurant choices with mediocre food, but I ain’t eatin’ there. With some insider tips from the Kiwi, I’m skipping the places that aren’t worth my time and exploring the ones worth keeping on my short list.
I remember eating at Joe’s Garage the first time I visited Queenstown, in 2009. I’m pretty sure we came for breakfast, but I know that we had really good food. So, when I checked the menu this time around and found some gluten-free items listed, I knew I had to try again! Say hello to one of my favorite meals: it was a chicken sandwich with bacon and caramelized onions, served with a side of grainy mustard aioli. It was waaaaaaay too messy to pick up and eat with my hands, as a proper sandwich should, but it was fantastic. I’ll definitely be back to Joe’s, before it’s too cold to sit outside.
I joke around about the color of my soul (something very dark), and I’ve been called evil more than a few times in my life (which, frankly, I take as a compliment). So it seemed appropriate to try Devil Burger here in QT, which is located in an alley that you may not notice. They, too, have a gluten-free bun for their meaty patties, and I am particularly glad that I over-ordered this time. The burger was juicy, the chips (fries, for you Americans) were crispy on the outside but soft on the inside, and the garlic aioli stayed with me for 2 days. It was a seriously tasty meal!
I’ll have to make those trips up Queenstown Hill more often, if I’m going to eat like this. QT has some serious eats!