Lone Star Cafe & Bar Taupo

Lonestars aren’t usually known for having spectacular views alongside it - more so for their ribs. But Taupo’s Lonestar is special - it’s right on the lakefront of the North Island’s largest crater lake (well there’s a matter of a road separating the two, but still). Lonestar’s awesome signature cocktails on the top or bottom deck make for a sweet sunset-drink-view combination. It’s a must for anyone visiting Taupo.

I love Lone Star Cafe and Bar in Taupo and love that it’s opening early for the RWC games this year. With not many bars with big TV screens to choose from in Taupo, Lone Star is one of the favourites with locals today. It’s wise to book a table in advance to ensure the best seat in house while the ABs take each test to victory.

Lone Star Taupo has become renowned amongst locals for its generous portions, value for money, and all round good food. Their lassoo of hog will literally leave you feeling like you’re about to pop - bit it is so worth it for a good Friday night dinner night out with friends or your partner: 450 grams of rolled pork loin with a prune, carrot & seeded mustard stuffing, made even more perfect with oven-roasted with crackling & apple & ginger sauce. It doesn’t stop there! It also comes with buffalo chips and slaw.

I can’t stop raving AND writing about this one. Taupo’s Lone Star Cafe & Bar has the goods - especially for winter. I think their Shank Williams is the absolute bomb - tender lamb shanks slow braised in a rich mushroom stock, onion, tomato, red wine and some fresh herbs, served with creamy mash and Lone Star’s signature slaw.

I can’t ever go into Lone Star Taupo without snapping an Insta-pic of their divine cakes…and cocktails. And I’m the sort of person who ALWAYS uses up all my phone plan data. So I try to soak up as much free data as possible when I’m out and about. Thank goodness Lone Star satisfies on that front as well.

This is my parent’s favorite restaurant stop when they visit Taupo. Located right on the lakefront, and serving up consistently good food. Dad’s favourite dish? A dozen redneck ribs - porky pig’s ribs blanched in honey & spices, blasted in the Lone Star fire, piled high then topped with hoisin, orange & sesame seed sauce. Great service too and a very lively atmosphere.

Yum desserts that satisfy the sweet tooth perfectly. It’s hard to pick which dessert is my favourite there because they’re all so satisfying. Whether it’s the creme brulee, Jack Daniels chocolate fudge pudding, Longhorn cheesecake, pavlova, banoffie pie or ice-cream sundae, you’re guaranteed to love it. Pair it up with a dessert wine, and you’re all set for a night of food bliss.

Three words: Feel Good Fillet. If you’re a beef-eater, then that’s the one that will satisfy. Served with a smooth bed of creamy mash potato, green beans and jus of your choice, your belly will start the night happy.Top off this dining experience with a few glasses of pinot noir. This meal will leave you wanting to order it again at your next visit.

Three words: Feel Good fillet. The most scrumptious, juicy beef fillet you can feast upon. If you’re a beef-eater, than you’ve got to try this one. Served on a yummy bed of mash and green peas, and any sauce of your choice, the Feel Good Fillet won’t disappoint. Finish it off with a few glassed of pinot noir and you’ve got yourself a perfect beef winter warmer.