Ollies Burgers & Ice Cream

The classic American style burger-joint/arcade in the 80s and 90s, where the young mingle after school for some good old fashioned burger, fries and a milkshake. This place transport you back in time to that period, and has remained this way since it first opened over 2 decades ago. Ollies Burgers & Ice Cream has been an institution in the local neigherbourhood of Onehunga, and little has changed since my parents bought me here for some ice cream after (primary) school. The decour is simple: white walls and tables, dark grey carpets and black stools, with red on the order counter-top, lampshades and the poppy-flower logo painted on the walls. After a quick glance at the menus on the wall, I walked up to the counter and was warmly greeted by the waitress. The bacon & egg burger combo sounds just right for my growling stomach (as this will be the first meal of the day since woken up 4 hours ago). As I walk to the dining area, the arcade machines located round the back caught my eye. It's been so long since I've even touched one, these days almost everyone sits behind a computer, or in front of the TV with their games console of choice, last time I inserted a coin into one was back in high school. 10 minutes later the tray with my order arrived at the table. Simple presentation for simple, uncomplicated food, fries are golden brown, seasoned well and tastes delicious. The burger doesn't blow you away, but it's got good honest hearty flavour: a beef burger pattie, bacon, fried egg, tomato slices, crisp iceberg lettuce, pickles and tomato sauce... comfort food at its best. An ice cream sundae seems to be the fitting follow up for this retro trip, and why not. 2 scoops of cookies & cream and choco-nana ice cream with rich, decadent chocolate sauce poured all over, crushed peanuts and freshly whipped cream with a cherry on top. Such over-indulgence and certainly frowned upon by all the health advocates of today... but all these brings back memories of the yesteryears when one was much younger and carefree. If you want to sample a slice of living in the 80s and 90s, or for just some good honest burger, fries and ice cream treats, come down here and treat yourself to what's on the menu.

Ollies has been a Royal Oak icon for more than 25 years (well, that's as far back as I can remember!) and I have fond memories of visiting this place as a child with my family. After a day exploring One Tree Hill, my Dad would treat my sister and I to an icecream each. I revisited this place recently, imagining it would be under new management and much had changed. On the contrary, it hasn't changed one bit! The decor is just as I remember - black and white checkered floors, large round white tables with small black stools and even the poppys that Ollies are famous for still grace their walls. It's like I've stepped back in time which is quite cool! In fact, I think the only thing that has change are a few gaming machines being updated in the arcade parlour. Yes, you heard me right. Not only is this place a burger joint and icecream bar but it also has a range of entertainment from old school shoot 'em up games and racing car driver seats to the claw-grabbing soft toy machine. Fun for the whole family! I'm sure the machines must be a pleasant distraction for kids while waiting for their orders to arrive (not that it takes long anyway). What a brilliant idea! This place is great for either dinner or dessert but we opted for both this time. Fish burger, toasted sandwich and wedges with sour cream followed by a two-scoop icecream sundae topped with whipped cream, hot chocolate fudge sauce, a sprinkling of nuts and two glazed cherries. This place is reminiscent of the American icecream bars made popular in the 50s - all was missing was a jukebox. I was especially pleased to see they still stocked my all-time fave flavour of icecream - chocolate mud. Chocolate icecream with chocolate-covered peanuts - the best! Obviously you wouldn't come here looking for a healthy fix but it's always good to treat oneself! Would definitely recommend to anyone in the area looking for a cheap and cheerful treat for the family.

 I have been coming here all my life and I venture here all the time. Wonderful service, awesome location, a true gem of Royal Oak, adore it! The hot food is so/so, only had it once or twice, but you defiantly come here for the ice cream...and to watch the cars go by around the roundabout, classic.