Serial Griller New Plymouth: Menu, Reviews & In-N-Out

If you’ve ever craved a proper smash burger in New Plymouth, you’ve probably heard the name Serial Griller. This local favourite has carved out a loyal following with its juicy beef patties, and it’s also sparked curiosity about how it stacks up against the legendary In-N-Out.

Tripadvisor rating: 4.6/5 ·
Number of reviews: 65 ·
Location: 186 Devon Street East, New Plymouth ·
Open hours: Saturday–Sunday 10am–12pm, 7 days at The 19th ·
Delivery partners: Uber Eats, Delivereasy ·
Phone: 0212119737

Here are the essential facts about Serial Griller for a first visit.

What is the famous burger in New Zealand?

The classic Kiwi burger: beetroot, egg, and prime beef

The Kiwi burger is a national icon. It typically includes a beef patty, beetroot, a fried egg, lettuce, tomato, cheese, and often a slice of pineapple. The combination might sound unusual to outsiders, but it’s a beloved staple, as documented by Wikipedia (Kiwi burger entry). The beetroot adds sweetness and moisture, while the egg gives it a rich, runny finish.

Famous burger chains and local legends in New Zealand

• Fergburger in Queenstown is arguably the most famous burger joint in the country, drawing long queues daily.
• Burger Fuel is a nationwide chain known for gourmet options.
• Serial Griller in New Plymouth has become a local legend, particularly among residents and visitors to the Taranaki region.

Serial Griller’s place in the burger scene

Serial Griller fits squarely into the Kiwi burger tradition but with a smash-burger twist. Located at 186 Devon Street East, it serves up burgers that are “tasty, juicy, or delicious” according to multiple Tripadvisor reviewers. It’s a small operation that has earned a loyal following, ranking #5 of 35 quick bites in New Plymouth on Tripadvisor.

The implication: New Plymouth’s burger lovers have a strong homegrown option that competes with national icons in quality, if not in fame.

Is there an In-N-Out in New Zealand?

The one-day In-N-Out pop-up in Auckland

In 2023, In-N-Out Burger held a one-day pop-up event in Auckland as part of a promotional tour. According to ABC7 (news coverage of In-N-Out events), the pop-up drew huge crowds. However, it was a one-off – no permanent location was established.

Why In-N-Out hasn’t expanded to New Zealand

In-N-Out remains a US-based chain with limited international expansion. The company has stated that it prioritises quality control and supply chain consistency, which makes overseas franchising difficult. No official plans for a New Zealand outpost have been announced.

How Serial Griller compares to In-N-Out’s style

Both serve smash-style burgers – thin patties cooked on a flat-top griddle. But Serial Griller adds Kiwi touches like beetroot and egg, while In-N-Out sticks to a classic American formula. Price-wise, In-N-Out is generally cheaper in the US (a Double-Double is around $4-5 USD), while Serial Griller’s burgers are priced in the NZ $10-15 range, making it more of a premium local option.

The trade-off: You get a local smash burger with Kiwi character, but you pay a bit more than you would for In-N-Out stateside.

Where is the best burger place in New Zealand?

Top-rated burger joints across New Zealand

• Fergburger (Queenstown) – iconic, often voted best
• Burger Burger (Auckland) – gourmet approach
• Serial Griller (New Plymouth) – top-rated local smash burger
• ReBurger (multiple locations) – known for creative combos

“Best” is subjective, but Tripadvisor rankings give a clear snapshot. Serial Griller holds a 4.6/5 rating from 65 reviews, placing it #5 of 35 quick bites in New Plymouth, according to Tripadvisor.

Serial Griller’s rating and reviews on Tripadvisor

Reviewers consistently praise the friendly service and clean premises. One reviewer noted that the “burger-and-fries combo is considered good value” while another said the burgers are “on the pricey side” but still tasty (Tripadvisor).

What makes a burger place ‘best’ – criteria and opinions

Criteria include taste, value, service, atmosphere, and consistency. Serial Griller scores well on taste and service, but some diners note that online orders can require extra wait time. The MapQuest listing also shows a 4.5 rating, corroborating the positive sentiment.

The pattern: Serial Griller earns its place among the best in New Plymouth by delivering consistent quality, even if it’s not the cheapest option.

What is the most expensive burger in New Zealand?

The priciest burgers on the menu at Serial Griller

Exact prices are not published in a single source, but Uber Eats lists the menu with prices in the $10-15 range. The most expensive item is likely a double smash burger with all the fixings, around $15-16 NZD.

How expensive are burgers in New Zealand compared to In-N-Out?

In-N-Out’s Double-Double costs about $7-8 NZD equivalent in the US. Serial Griller’s comparable burger is about double that. The difference reflects local ingredient costs, labour, and the premium for a gourmet experience. According to Dinefind, Serial Griller is marked with a $$ price band, meaning moderate spend.

Where to find the most expensive burgers in New Zealand

Upscale steakhouses and specialty burger bars in Auckland and Wellington can charge $25-30 for a premium burger with wagyu or truffle toppings. Serial Griller stays in the mid-range, focusing on value for money.

The catch: Serial Griller isn’t cheap, but it’s also not the priciest – you’re paying for local quality, not imported hype.

Where is the biggest In-N-Out in the world?

The massive 2-story In-N-Out on the Vegas Strip

The largest In-N-Out is a two-story location on the Las Vegas Strip, opened in 2021. ABC7 (news coverage) reported that it features a balcony, a double drive-thru, and seating for 200 people. It’s a destination for burger fans visiting Vegas.

How this location compares to other In-N-Out outlets

Most In-N-Out locations are single-story with a drive-thru. The Vegas Strip outlet is an anomaly, built to handle the massive tourist foot traffic. It doesn’t offer a different menu but is a spectacle of scale.

What this means for burger fans in New Zealand

Unless you’re flying to Vegas, you won’t be visiting that In-N-Out. The closest you can get to a smash burger in New Plymouth is Serial Griller. It’s a different experience, but it fills the craving with local ingredients and Kiwi hospitality.

Why this matters: The biggest In-N-Out is a tourist attraction, but Serial Griller is a practical, everyday option for New Plymouth locals.

Comparing Serial Griller and In-N-Out across three key dimensions: style, price, and availability.

Serial Griller’s key specs drawn from multiple sources.

Timeline

• 2023 – In-N-Out holds a one-day pop-up in Auckland (ABC7).
• Ongoing – Serial Griller operates at 186 Devon Street East, New Plymouth (Tripadvisor).

“The burgers are tasty and juicy, and the service was friendly.”

— Tripadvisor reviewer (Tripadvisor)

“A bit on the pricey side, but still a delicious burger.”

— Tripadvisor reviewer (Tripadvisor)

“The fries were crispy and the combo was good value for money.”

— Tripadvisor reviewer (Tripadvisor)

“New Plymouth’s favourite smash burger crew has set up shop at The 19th.”

— The 19th Golf Sim & Bar (official site)

For New Plymouth residents and visitors craving a smash burger, the choice is clear: Serial Griller delivers a local, Kiwi-flavoured alternative to the global In-N-Out phenomenon. It’s not the cheapest, but it’s consistent, well-reviewed, and backed by a community that values quality. If you’re after a true taste of Taranaki, skip the pop-up hype and head to 186 Devon Street East.

Frequently asked questions