The Bearded Weasel

With the bustling restaurant culture of Hamilton on the rise, The Bearded Weasel brought to you by the creators of Mr Pickles is the fun, cheeky younger sibling serving up fried chicken to the masses.

Only seating 20 people, this if-you-don’t-know-its-there-you-might-miss it restaurant is a gold mine hidden away from the hustle and bustle on Victoria Street. With bar leaners outside, leafy greenery, fairy lights, and a large neon open sign, the instagrammable interior will have you jonesing to stop by on a Friday night for a few cheeky drinks and some good food.

Perch yourself on the outdoor bar stools with a gorgeous view of the Waikato River, or chat with the friendly staff about all the delectable goodies to choose from inside with some solid tunes playing in the background.

The Bearded Weasel is all about the experience. The vibe is an expression of whoever is working on that particular day and the chef cooks whatever unusual and exciting new dish comes to mind, playing around with flavours and exploring possibilities every week.

While the menu at The Bearded Weasel is ever changing, the team’s commitment to serving top quality grub from local suppliers, a knack for exploring exotic food combinations, and creating a space for people to try something new and exciting, remains consistent.  

Standouts dishes are their fried chicken—where it all started—and the cauliflower with Tamarind, Sesame, Coriander, and Lime sauce is a must-try for not just vegans and vegetarians.

This restaurant and its staff are passionate about food, hospitality, and supporting locals, making it a hotspot for those wanting to immerse themselves in Hamilton's food culture. As the owner mentioned first—the world would be a pretty boring place if everywhere was just McDonald’s and Kfry.