Food
Serving up a variety of ‘knockout’ burgers, served roadhouse or brasserie style, Smokin Joe’s menu is themed to give a nod to famous boxers, and thankfully it all packs a delicious punch.
Settle for The Lightweight if you’re just after a nibble, or go all in and enjoy the popular Royale with Cheese or the Smokin’ Joe in a butter-toasted bun – both feature 130 grams of chargrilled beef and were flying out of the kitchen when we visited. (Note that all patties are cooked well done unless you request otherwise, so remember to mention your preference when ordering.)
The Raging Bull makes a mighty impression – it’s loaded with 180 grams of chargrilled beef, cheddar cheese, smoked brisket, roasted tomato, onion rings, jalapeños and sauce. It’s one of the best burgers you’ll ever eat. Unfortunately the skinny fries pale in comparison – thick-cut ones would be perfect for the delicious sauce that drips from this beast of a burger.
There’s a tempting option to load up your order with extra patties, sauces and fries; plus, you can upgrade your skinny fries to include truffle oil and thyme, or chilli cheese and smoked macon. Other options include the spicy Rocky Marciano topped with sriracha and jalapeños, or The Greatest of All Time, which features a 180 gram Wagyu patty, gherkins rocket, cheddar and roasted tomatoes.
Desserts change regularly – white chocolate and raspberry panna cotta are popular, or you can get your gelato fix next door at Gelato le Cremosa, with whom they share the space.
Drinks There’s no alcohol served, but the shakes are decadently delicious and the barista makes a great Truth blend flat white.
Ambience
A cosy space with indoor and outdoor seating, large scale murals of boxing greats and industrial lighting.
Service
Order at the counter and take a seat – you’ll be served at your table by friendly staff, or they’ll happily pack your order up in biodegradable packaging to enjoy at home.
Best for…
A burger with mates, lunch with the family or a bite before a night out.
(August 2019)
Eat Out critics dine unannounced and pay for their meals in full. Read our full editorial policy here.
User reviews
★★★★★
16 Reviews
Mariam B
★★★★★
Simply the best burgers i have ever tasted. Consistent, creative and very unique. Easily the best in S.A. Thoroughly enjoy their offerings
Tawanda Kubadya
★★★★★
The burgers are fresh and juicy with a unique test
Service excellent n fast
Atmosphere is tops
Tawanda Kubadya
★★★★★
The restaurant is alws very clean and atmosphere is excellent. The service they offer its more than a 10 star its qiuck ;The waiters are friendly and efficient they always smile
The food is tops tops I cant even explain it and their milkshakes its lovly delicious
Smoking joes its a place to go and enjoy your life ther
Lorraine Nyasha
★★★★★
The best burger place to be, excellent place for families, great ambience, child friendly place
Dee Pee
★★★★★
Greatest of all time. Authentic burgers with a unique taste. I enjoy the different specials on Wednesday’s
Ranveer Punchoo
★★★★★
Consistently serving the most exciting and tastiest burgers around. Service is excellent with no long waiting time. Awesome shakes and desserts on offer complete any meal. My favorite, Nacho Libré and a Vietnamese Coffee shake!!
Dilesh Devchand
★★★★★
mouth watering at every thought...a one of a kind strawberries and cream milkshake snaps up the victory, closing the deal - venue, service, meal, desert, drinks all just fit together to make a masterpiece design - an unforgettable memory can’t be doubted here.
Sfundo X
★★★★★
The standard in burgers.
Real food! Real flavor! Real Smoke! To everyone who wants some, y'all know where to come get it!
Msizi Ngubelanga
★★★★★
Truly an amazing eating establishment. The burgers are second to none and the theme and decore are original and cool. Service is quick and the waiters are friendly and efficient. I can't eat a burger from anywhere else anymore, I highly recommend that people try it. When you get there ask for the tripswitch or raging bull for beef and the nacho libre for chicken
Umar Kadwa
★★★★★
What sets Smokin Joe's aside from all the other Burger places is the quality of the patty. It can't be rivaled anywhere else. The tripswitch is my favorite ever burger and I always eat it with the cheesy fries. Love the steak too.
The only problem for me is that I have to wait until I'm in Durban to have it. Would love for them to open in Joburg.
Jenny Baard
★★★★★
The best and original tasting burgers in Durban. My favorites are the Smokin Joe, the Lightweight, and the Rocky Marciano. Chicken lovers should opt for the Nacho Libre. The truffle fries are delicious. I’ve tried most of their shakes and they are great too. The service and owenshsip are wonderful. I highly recommend this joint.
Ayesha Desai
★★★★★
I have travelled to many places and always sample burgers from all over but none can beat the Smokin Joe's burger. Delicious every time! Friendly staff , quick food and always a great meal
Muhammad Sacoor
★★★★★
Smokin Joe's is what we all imagine a burger joint should be like, but at only a fraction of the price. The theme of the place encapsulates the rivalry, but also friendship shared between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier, and that is exactly what translates onto the plate.
Really hearty burgers that wows the taste buds and focusses on perfecting the patty. Its perfectly cooked, seasoned and melts in the mouth.
The Smokin Jo is truly the best burger I've had and I doubt I'd come across any better.
Khadija Bayat
★★★★★
Smokin Joe’s has set the benchmark for burgers. The legendary patti is flavoursome and the quality of the ingredients used is evident in every single bite.This is a burger that can compare well on the international scene...they really are “smokin”
Fathima Razak
★★★★★
Since our first time at Smokin Joes, we have never been satisfied by burgers anywhere else. Prior to tasting Smokin Joes burgers we weren’t even burger lovers but that has all changed since our first Nacho Libre Experience. Their beef patties are great and the buns are always soft and fresh. I love that they serve great coffee as well. Service is always fantastic and although we live more than a 100km away, we always find a way to get to Smokin Joes.