Smitty's Sports Bar and Grill is an iconic social hub situated on Albert Street in Whitianga, just up the road from Buffalo Beach. Well-known among locals, holidaymakers, and visiting tourists, the venue pairs a friendly, laid-back coastal atmosphere with comprehensive sports bar amenities and full-service dining.
The kitchen operates all day long, serving lunch and dinner seven days a week across an indoor family restaurant and a spacious outdoor deck. The dining lineup covers everything from hearty tomahawk steaks and burgers to fresh seafood, salads, and casual bar snacks, complemented by barista-made coffee and a broad selection of beers. Food is available for both dine-in and takeaway.
Beyond dining, Smitty's is fully equipped for sports fans and leisure seekers. Guests can catch live action on multiple large-screen TVs powered by SKY Sport, place wagers at the two-terminal serviced TAB, or visit the 18-machine gaming lounge. With regular entertainment such as bingo and happy hours, Smitty's serves as a complete community and entertainment gathering spot in Mercury Bay.
Perched on Albert Street just a short stroll up from Whitianga’s scenic Buffalo Beach, Smitty’s Sports Bar and Grill holds a well-earned reputation as an iconic local institution. Serving as a central gathering point on the Coromandel Peninsula, the venue welcomes an easy-going mix of town residents, summer holidaymakers, and visiting travellers looking for quality food, cold drinks, and a place to watch big fixtures.
From the moment you step inside, Smitty’s provides an energetic yet family-friendly environment. The layout caters to multiple moods and occasions, whether you are stopping by for a quiet lunch, gathering the family for dinner, or settling in with friends to catch sporting tournaments broadcast across the big screens.
A hallmark of Smitty’s is its commitment to continuous service: whenever the doors are open, the kitchen is running. Dining is available seven days a week across both lunch and dinner sittings. Guests can choose between comfortable seating in the indoor family restaurant or dining al fresco on the expansive outdoor deck, making the most of Whitianga's sunny coastal climate.
The kitchen produces a versatile menu anchored by hearty grill dishes and fresh staples. Prominently featured are substantial tomahawk steaks, crafted to satisfy serious meat lovers, alongside crowd-pleasing steak sandwiches lauded for their rich seasoning and juiciness. Handcrafted burgers, fresh seafood selections, crisp salads, and an accessible bar snack menu ensure that diverse palates and group sizes are well accommodated. For patrons on the go or heading back to holiday accommodations, the entire food selection is also available for takeaway.
Smitty's is purpose-built for entertainment enthusiasts. Sports fans benefit from comprehensive SKY TV coverage, showcasing live athletic events and major tournaments on large screens situated throughout the venue so you never miss a play.
Wagering and gaming facilities are thoroughly integrated into the venue. Smitty's features a fully serviced TAB operation supported by two dedicated terminals for racing and sports betting. Adjacent to the main areas is an 18-machine gaming lounge providing additional leisure options in a comfortable, self-contained setting.
Beyond the daily fixtures, Smitty’s maintains an active entertainment calendar. Regular promotions, happy hours, bingo nights, and special events provide an engaging social rhythm throughout the week, while free Wi-Fi and freshly prepared barista coffee round out the day-to-day comforts.
What sets Smitty’s apart is its balance between an action-packed sports hub and an accommodating community eatery. With welcoming staff, an extensive beverage selection, and spaces suitable for both lively game nights and relaxed family dinners, it remains a pillar of Whitianga hospitality.