About Smoke & Pickles by Changz Canteen
Smoke & Pickles by Changz Canteen was a small, casual burger restaurant and bar located at 256 Glen Eira Road in Elsternwick, Victoria . It started in December 2015 as “Changz Canteen” – a no-frills burger joint built on the founders’ in-house Changz Hot Sauce brand – and famously rebranded to “Smoke & Pickles” in October 2018 to reflect its tight concept of smoked-flavour dishes and house-made pickles . The menu combined classic American-style burgers and sides with locally inspired twists: for example, beef burgers on Japanese-style milk buns, Southern-fried chicken, house-cured pastrami with horseradish, smoked beetroot and pickled watermelon accompaniments. . All of the sauces and pickles were prepared in-house, often using local seasonal ingredients . The décor was equally distinctive: exposed brick walls, rows of hanging filament lights, and up-cycled furniture from the building’s previous tenants, along with pop-culture touches like a stencilled Star Wars mural near the entrance . Despite its popularity (it earned ratings around 4.7/5 on Google ), the venue was very compact – one review noted it as “tiny-but-mighty” – so Stephs of the dining floor remained limited .
Smoke & Pickles became a well-regarded part of the local Elsternwick dining scene. It was owned by Josh Monteiro, Tom Jacobson and James Forge, who had earlier success with Changz Hot Sauce and various food ventures . In its heyday it filled a gap between takeaway burger shops and sit-down restaurants by offering gourmet comfort food in a relaxed setting . In fact, as Broadsheet noted, demand for the founders’ hot sauce in other burger venues around Australia inspired them to open their own place . The result was a friendly neighbourhood hangout known for consistently good burgers and “smoke & pickles” sides – from pork cracklings and Padrón peppers with anchovy to Sunday-only $1 fried chicken ribs . Its communal, geeky vibe (fans mentioned a “super chill vibe” and “awesome music” in the burger bar ) made it a local favourite, even as the owners experimented with new menu ideas (weekly specials included burgers like a Chipotle Chicken or the quirky “Lasagne Burger”) . For historical completeness: Smoke & Pickles operated under that name from Oct 2018 until it permanently closed in late 2023 . Nevertheless, its legacy lives on in local hot sauce shelves and the memories of regulars.
Events and Programming
Smoke & Pickles was fundamentally a food and drink venue, not a dedicated performance space, so it did not have a formal schedule of concerts or gigs. Instead, its events were mostly food-related specials and pop-up nights. For example, the kitchen regularly rotated a “burger of the week” – adding or retiring creative new flavors beyond the main menu . The owners also occasionally hosted community-oriented promotions: one notable example was the “Naughty Nonna” lasagna-burger, created in collaboration with a local job-training initiative (FairFeed) so that more people could work delivering meals . Other special offerings included weekly themed items and one-off sides (on Sundays they sold $1 fried chicken ribs, for instance) . During the 2020-2021 pandemic lockdowns in Victoria, Smoke & Pickles, like many small eateries, shifted to take-away and delivery only, since the cramped dining room forced it to close for eat-in service under restrictions . Customers often placed orders via delivery apps or called in advance for pick-up.
In less restricted times, the venue’s atmosphere — casual tunes, communal tables and the owners’ ties to Melbourne’s indie-music scene – meant the venue occasionally hosted informal live DJ sets or acoustic jams, often spun by the owners themselves or friends. However, these were not ticketed “shows” but rather ambience-building background music or impromptu gatherings. Folks interested in anything beyond dining at Smoke & Pickles would keep an eye on its social media or local gig guides for any themed burger nights or special tastings. In practice, there were no standard “weekly events” (no weekly open-mic or live band night, for instance) – it was more of a walk-in eatery with the occasional one-off party or charity dinner announced at short notice.
Seating and Layout
The interior of Smoke & Pickles was very compact and informal. The space was essentially a single long room: the kitchen and service counter ran along one wall, while a row of small tables and bar stools filled the rest of the floor. There was also a narrow counter or bench by the front window for a few diners to perch on. In total it likely seated only a few dozen people at any one time. “Best seats” depended on your preference: patrons who like to watch the kitchen action would choose the bench seating near the cooking area, while those wanting natural light and a view of the street could grab stools by the front glass. Several small outdoor tables by the footpath also offered seating under the Oster of Glen Eira Road . In any case, it was mostly first-come, first-served; if the seats were full, guests would either grab take-away or stand by their table until it cleared.
Because the space was small, acoustics could get lively. The constant background noise of cooking and chatter meant that during rush periods it could feel loud. If you needed quiet conversation, an outside table might be marginally calmer, but it’s still a street-front sidewalk setting. There were no VIP sections, dedicated dance floor or premium elevated areas – it was a straightforward café/bar layout. From the perspective of a performance stage or DJ spot, there really wasn’t one: any occasional music or DJ equipment would have been set up along a bit of open wall space near the back. (In short, this layout was optimized for dining atmosphere rather than concert acoustics.) The venue’s owners often emphasized keeping the flow of the single dining area open, so there were no hidden nooks to avoid. However, diners often chose spots away from the kitchen if they didn’t want the sizzling-hood steam or prefer a bit more table space. Overall, legroom and general comfort were at a “night out burger bar” level – casual seating rather than cushy lounge – so roll with casual attire and expect a laid-back vibe.
Getting There and Parking
Smoke & Pickles sat on Glen Eira Road in the heart of Elsternwick’s shopping street . The exact address was 256 Glen Eira Road, Elsternwick, VIC 3185 , just a few blocks from the railway line. By car, Glen Eira Road is an inner-city arterial with busy traffic; street parking immediately in front can be very limited during peak hours. However, several options exist nearby. On-street parking is metered for a couple of hours on Glen Eira Road and cross-streets. The nearest large car park is at Elsternwick Railway Station (Paterson Street), which has about 148 spaces (free for 2 hours) , roughly a 5-minute walk away. A smaller public lot is down Oak Street at Acland Court (with more shops and 2-hour street parking) if street spots are full. For longer stays, Glen Eira City Council parking garages exist a few blocks away to the south. In short, if driving, allow extra time for parking: expect to walk 100–300 metres from the nearest available spot.
Public transport to 256 Glen Eira Road is very convenient. Tram route 67 runs along nearby Glen Huntly Road and stops at the corner of Glen Eira, linking directly to St Kilda, Chadstone and the CBD. In fact, Yarra Trams’ official route map shows that stop 44 (“Elsternwick Station & Glen Huntly Rd”) is just adjacent, with 67 operating through the day (and as a Night Network route on weekends) . Elsternwick railway station (Sandringham line) is only a short 5–7 minute walk away, making it easy for suburban commuters (the site “Glen Eira Road, Elsternwick” notes that the Sandringham line serves this stop ). Several local bus routes also run nearby: according to transit apps, routes 605 and 623 serve stops along Glen Eira Road . For taxi or rideshare drop-offs, the front door is right on Glen Eira Road – just ask the driver to pause out front. (Note: people travelling late at night can also use the 24-hour tram service – Yarra Trams lists route 67 as a “night route” through Elsternwick .)
Inside the Venue
Upon arrival, visitors would enter directly from the sidewalk into the restaurant. There was no formal cloakroom or covered entry, so any coats or bags were simply kept with your table. The décor was wooden floors and exposed brick under warm lighting. During peak times the place could bustle: customers queued at the counter to order and pick up food, or squeezed into stools. (No advance tickets or reservations were needed – it was a casual walk-in spot.) Ordering was counter-service: you’d place your order at the counter, find a seat, and have food brought out by staff. The atmosphere was lively and informal. The sound system generally played pop or rock music in the background, contributing to a cosy “burger bar” vibe . One fan’s review even mentioned “awesome music” and a “super chill vibe” during dining . Sandstone-coloured walls and dim Edison bulbs gave an overall warm, friendly mood. Weekly chalkboard specials hung near the kitchen area listing that day’s featured dish.
Staff were easygoing and friendly. Most customers paid by credit or debit card (payment by card was accepted , though in Australia it’s always wise to carry some cash just in case). There was no dedicated bag-check or metal detector – it was more relaxed than a nightclub or sports venue. As the menu shows, Smoke & Pickles held a full liquor licence: they offered a modest selection of craft beers, ciders and basic spirits. One of the owners actually experimented with homemade infused vodkas (e.g. musk or chocolate honeycomb flavours), and occasionally those appeared as special shots behind the bar . There was seating at the bar for those who just wanted to drink or watch the cook line. As a licensed venue, IDs were checked for anyone ordering alcohol (bring your driver’s licence or passport if you look under 25). For those just dining, it was entirely family-friendly and children could sit at any table – no age restrictions other than the usual rule that under-18s can’t be served drinks.
Smoke & Pickles had basic amenities one would expect. Restrooms were located at the rear of the restaurant (small but usually clean). There was no coat check, but an empty corner allowed hanging jackets if needed. The venue offered free Wi-Fi occasionally (some diners used mobile data to scroll social media while eating, but no login policy was posted). Some local guides note that the place is fully accessible at street level with no steps in the entry, thanks to its ground-floor locale. The hideaway space under the stairs or tight corners was minimal, since the layout was mostly open. If you needed to make a call or step outside, there were outdoor tables at the front, which also let customers have a cigarette – smoking was only allowed outside by law. (One tip: if you wanted a more private chat, waiting outside with your burger by the sidewalk was an option given the limited indoor seating.)
On the menu, prices were moderate. A simple single-patty cheeseburger started around $12 and the more elaborate stacked burgers ran $18–$22 (as seen on takeaway menus) . Sides like fries, pickles or poppers were in the $5–$10 range. Drinks such as beer or cider were comparable to any local pub (around $8–$10 for a pint; basic house vodka shots a few dollars). As with many Melbourne eaters, taps for water were free. For keen diners, Smoke & Pickles also sold its branded Fairly Hot Sauce (formerly Changz Hot Sauce) by the bottle; fans often took home an extra jar of the signature condiment described on the site . It’s also worth noting that almost all menu items could be customised for dietary needs: the owners gladly swapped the bun for lettuce (a low-carb “wrap” option) or offered gluten-free buns, and there were vegetarian/vegan versions of the burgers with plant patties, vegan cheese and mayo . In fact, one reviewer specifically highlights that Smoke & Pickles “clearly marked vegan items” and available vegan burgers . This openness to personalisation was a distinctive feature of the place.
Nearby Amenities
Elsternwick is a well-serviced neighbourhood for visitors. Within a few minutes’ walk of Smoke & Pickles are dozens of other shops and eateries. For pre-show dining, options abound: artisanal pizza and pasta at Motorino (just around the corner), banh mi and pho at local Vietnamese spots like Hanoi Hannah on the next block, as well as plenty of cafés and dessert bars lining Glen Huntly Road nearby. The classic Elsternwick cinema is literally a stone’s throw away (around 200 m up Gordon Street) – patrons often combine a movie with dinner here. There’s also a well-known historic fish and chip shop next door for a quick snack. For afternoon coffee, you’ll find several independent cafés on the strip (serving flat whites and brunch). A small supermarket and deli (such as the Acland Court mini-centre a block south) has groceries and beer/wine if you need supplies. Even shopping conveniences are close by: the Glen Huntly Road commercial village (two blocks east) has banks, a post office and pharmacies for any essentials. If you’re staying overnight, the nearest sizable hotels or serviced apartments are a few kilometres away toward Brighton or St Kilda; Elsternwick itself has mostly small B&Bs. Late-night travel is easy: the 24/7 tram route 67 runs on weekends, and taxis or rideshares can pick up just outside the front door at any hour. In short, arriving at Smoke & Pickles puts you in the heart of a lively dining precinct – everything from fine wines to late-night burgers is within a five-minute stroll.
What Makes This Venue Special
Smoke & Pickles stood out for its unique blend of creative cuisine, quirky charm and community ties. Architecturally, it was nothing grand – yet the casual barn-lighting and brickwork gave it an authentic, lived-in warmth. Beyond looks, it was the genius of its concept that made an impact: injecting “smoke” into Aussie burgers and pairing them with freshly prepared pickles was genuinely different in the local market . Iconic menu items became legend among regulars – for instance, the house-smoked pastrami sandwich or the weird-but-delicious pickled compressed watermelon are dishes not commonly found elsewhere in Melbourne. The owners were beloved local characters (one is a well-known musician and the others are foodpreneurs), giving the place a personal, friendly atmosphere. Entire community projects sprang from the venue; for example the “Naughty Nonna” lasagne burger was created in partnership with a local job-training charity to raise funds and provide work for disadvantaged youth . Such projects meant patrons loved not only the food, but the fact they were supporting local causes each time they dined.
On a culinary level, Smoke & Pickles helped push Melbourne’s burger culture forward. It combined standards with experiments: classic double beef cheeseburgers sat alongside a veggie burger with coconut yoghurt chili sauce . The menu even included gluten-free and vegan adaptations (lettuce wraps instead of buns, dairy-free cheese) to be inclusive. This approach earned it a loyal following across diverse eaters. Regulars often cite that Changz Canteen/Smoke & Pickles introduced them to gourmet or international flavors they wouldn’t find at fast-food chains. Its closes association with Changz Hot Sauce (reputed enough to be stocked in other burger venues) also gave it a cult status – sandwiches there packed a special heat and tang that fans could only get on-site. Restaurants critics occasionally named it among the city’s top burger spots, and customers raved about its “perfectly cooked, tender burgers” and creative sides . All of these factors made Smoke & Pickles not just another restaurant, but a destination where food creativity and local spirit came together.
Visitor Tips and Information
Smoke & Pickles was generally easygoing, but a few practical tips can help your visit. First, note that as of 2023 the restaurant is permanently closed – we mention these tips for historical interest or in case the owners revive the concept at a new address. Assuming it were open, arrive early. The place was known for lines at peak times (especially weekends around 7–8pm). To skip the queue, consider ordering ahead on delivery apps (UberEats or Menulog carried it) and picking up when ready. Walk-ins could also call in to check if a table was free. Even though ordering was at the counter, staff were friendly and could answer questions – they catered to most requests like extra sauce or allergy accommodations. Tables were tight-knit, so if you have a large group it’s best to call ahead and request multiple tables together (though private parties were rare given the space).
As for what to bring: comfortable casual attire was the norm (no dress code). Because the seating was basic, people often mentioned wearing flat shoes or sneakers rather than flimsy sandals, especially if grabbing a counter seat. If you plan to drink alcohol, carry your photo ID; this is mandatory in all licensed venues in Australia. There was no coat-check, so bulky bags were not advisable. Also, given the limited seating, it was smart not to bring non-essentials – just your wallet or small bag. (Irish coffees or outside food were not permitted, in keeping with health regs – you order what’s on the menu.)
Accessibility: The restaurant had a single step up at the entrance but was otherwise on ground level; the doorway was fairly wide. Diners in a wheelchair could fit, though one review notes it was “steeped in smoke”. The staff could help if needed (for example, serving food at table level). There was one unisex restroom at the back, but its doorway might have been narrow – families often took turns bringing young kids inside. Pregnant visitors and those with mobility issues usually seated themselves near the door or by the bar to minimize walking through the narrow aisles and to have quick exit access.
> **Common Pitfalls:** Don’t arrive expecting table service – it’s counter order, no tipping required. Also, because the restaurant got smoky from the indoor grill, you might want to dress accordingly (avoid delicate fabrics if you’re sensitive to smells). If you’re catching public transit, remember that trams in the area end service around midnight on weeknights, so plan accordingly. Finally, check the latest online listings or call to see if the business is still operating before making the trip, as ownership and hours can change on this corner of Elsternwick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Smoke & Pickles by Changz Canteen still open?
As of late 2023, Smoke & Pickles has permanently closed . The information here covers its operation up to that point, but for current status check local news or the owners’ updates.
Where was Smoke & Pickles located?
The venue was at 256 Glen Eira Road in Elsternwick, Victoria 3185 . It's on the main Glen Eira Road dining strip, about a 5-minute walk from Elsternwick train station.
How do I get to Smoke & Pickles by public transport?
Tram route 67 stops just around the corner (Elsternwick Station/Glen Huntly Rd) . The Sandringham train line’s Elsternwick station is about 300m away. Buses 605 and 623 also run nearby . On weekends the night tram service runs through Elsternwick so you can come and go late at night .
Is there parking at Smoke & Pickles?
There was no private lot. Street parking on Glen Eira Road is metered (typically 2–3 hour limit). The closest large car park is Elsternwick Station (148 spaces, free 2hr) , about 5 minutes’ walk away. A small paid lot at Acland Court Shopping Centre (nearby) and more street parking on side streets were other options.
What were the opening hours for Smoke & Pickles?
In its final year the restaurant was open from noon to late night most days (Mon–Sat roughly 12:00–9:30pm, Sun 12:00–9:00pm) . Check signage or their social media for any variations (for example, earlier closing on Mon or Tue back in 2020). It did not take late-night walk-ins (kitchen generally closed by 9:30pm on weekdays).
Did I need to book or buy a ticket in advance?
No tickets or reservations were required since it was a casual restaurant/bar. It operated on walk-in basis. For large groups (6+), calling ahead was wise to see if space could be held. All orders were pay-at-counter (credit cards accepted) , so you just showed up and queued to order.
What was the capacity and seating arrangement?
The interior was very small (likely only a few dozen seats). It featured mostly stand-alone tables and bar stools inside, plus a couple of outdoor tables on the footpath. Seating was unreserved – first-come first-served. The long bench near the counter was popular for observing the kitchen, whereas front window tables offered a street view. In practice the space was cozy and could fill up fast.
Is Smoke & Pickles wheelchair accessible?
The venue was at street level with no significant stairs at the entrance. Wheelchairs could enter through the front door (though it is worth noting the space inside was tight). According to community reports, it was generally accessible), though the single restroom might have been small. It’s always best to call ahead if you have special accessibility needs.
What kind of food and drink did Smoke & Pickles serve?
It was primarily a burger and comfort-food menu with a Southern twist: specialty burgers (beef, chicken, even a banh mi-style pork sandwich), hot dogs and sides like fries, pork cracklings, Padrón peppers with anchovy and lots of pickled vegetables . They also had house-made sauces and pickles. On the bar side, they served craft beers, cider, basic spirits and occasionally owner-created infused vodka shots . Non-drinkers and kids could enjoy everything except the alcohol. Vegan and gluten-free alternatives (like vegan patties, vegan cheese or lettuce-wrap buns) were available on request .
Did the venue have a dress code or age restrictions?
Dress code was casual – typical pub or café attire was fine. There was no formal dress requirement. As with all licensed venues, visitors had to be 18+ to purchase alcohol (with ID required). Otherwise family members of any age could dine (it was considered family-friendly for meals). There was no explicit age restriction for entry (aside from drink purchases), but note the small interior so it wasn’t a kid’s play zone.
Were outside foods or drinks allowed?
No – Smoke & Pickles was a fully licensed venue serving its own food and drink. Bringing in outside food or alcohol was not permitted. You could, however, purchase their bottled sauces to take home. The only items you could take out were food or drinks you bought from their menu, and they offered takeaway packaging if you wanted to eat elsewhere.
What should I bring or prepare for my visit?
If it were open, we’d recommend arriving hungry and prepared to relax. Bring a valid photo ID if you plan to drink. It was wise to arrive early on weekends to avoid long queues. Since seating was limited, consider taking leftovers with you or ordering takeaway if in a hurry. The kitchen did accommodate diet requests (vegan, halved burgers etc.), so mention any special dietary needs. And as always in Melbourne, check the weather – the place had outdoor seating, so rain or cold might mean less open seats. Other than that, just cash/card for payment (no cover charge) and a good appetite for smoky burgers and tangy pickles!
