Restaurant
Smash Palace
172 High Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
Find Smash Palace
172 High Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
Directions ↗*Opening hours may differ during holidays.
Book NowAbout Smash Palace
Built around a converted bus bar and shipping containers, this open-air Christchurch institution runs on cold craft beers, gas fires, and pure Kiwi ingenuity. Afternoon catch-ups drift past umbrella tables and outdoor heaters into dusk sessions scored by live vinyl DJs. Order a fresh Bodgie beer, split a basket of crisp fries, and settle into a booth with a house burger or spiced tofu as the courtyard fills up. On Thursdays, motorbikes pack the curb outside for the weekly community night, while winter patrons wrap in supplied blankets beside roaring burners without breaking the rhythm.
- Bus Bar & Patio: Outdoor beer garden built around shipping containers and an authentic converted bus bar, equipped with blankets, umbrellas, and roaring gas heaters.
- Vinyl DJs & Bike Nights: Spins eclectic weekend vinyl sets and hosts a dedicated weekly Thursday bike gathering that draws local riders into the courtyard.
- Burgers & Bodgie Beer: Serves dependable comfort food, from loaded burgers and crunchy fries to standout seasoned tofu paired with local craft brews.
What's On at Smash Palace
Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.
Why Visit Smash Palace
Why patrons choose this central Christchurch bus bar for open-air drinks, comfort food, and community culture.
Open-Air Bus & Container Setting
Smash Palace pairs an open-air beer garden layout with shelter options like shipping containers, table umbrellas, gas fires, and cozy blankets for crisp weather.
Was raining today, but they have blankets, which made it super cozy.
Kylie Tipene Lively Music & Courtyard Energy
A vibrant courtyard space creates an energetic gathering spot for sunny days, complete with weekend vinyl DJs and dance vibes.
What a gem! Great music, dancing, two wonderful DJs , mixing all sorts of music
Di Price Weekly Thursday Bike Nights
The bar hosts a regular Thursday Bike Night where motorcyclists and regulars assemble in central Christchurch to chat and share a cold drink.
Thursday evenings are Bike night and a lot of different bikes usually turn up and have a chat & cold one
Brendon Green Authentic Local Community Hub
Retaining grassroots charm, the venue serves as a cultural hub for music lovers and locals looking for a relaxed, less mainstream central city vibe.
The cultural authenticity that High street had can best be described as Christchurch’s camp fire for the live music, cafe and party tribe.
JP Grinter Welcoming & Unpretentious Hospitality
Patrons receive reliable, warm service from friendly staff who keep the environment casual, comfortable, and unhurried.
Smash Palace is the most welcoming, chilled and engaging atmosphere I can think of.
Harvey Tyler Grassroots Christchurch Character
Visitors feel an authentic connection to Christchurch's post-quake resilience and resourceful Kiwi spirit rather than a sterile commercial venue.
Its a nice distillation of the city's post quake spirit and kiwi ingenuity.
George Anderson
Most popular items
Customer favorites enjoyed outdoors from the bus bar
Hawaiian chicken burger
The burgers are super good too, hawaiian chicken burger definitely recommended.
Jess Mx Blue cheese burger
Delicious Blue cheese burger.
Kylie Tipene Fries
Best fries I’ve ever had.
Craig Burton Bodgie beer golden ale
solid burgers, Bodgie beer golden ale, and big smiles.
Dan Adams
Before you head over
Practical guidance on seating, subculture events, and open-air elements
Arrive Early for Heated Seating
The open-air yard can pack out quickly during peak evenings, making open tables tricky to find. If you want a comfortable spot near the gas fires, arrive slightly earlier in the evening.
Expect a Bustling Scene on Bike Nights
Thursday evenings feature dedicated bike gatherings with motorcycles rolling in, transforming the courtyard into an active, social hub that differs from a quiet pint.
Dress for the Open Air
The bus bar is situated in an open courtyard; staff provide umbrellas, gas heaters, and cozy blankets when rain or cooler weather rolls into central Christchurch.
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