We came here after our tour at Hobbinton, which capped off the perfect LOTR themed morning. The…read moreambiance included Lord of the Rings memorabilia and the pizzas on the menu were named in honor of the trilogy. The service was great and our waiter asked for our names so she could address us personally. Food came out quick and hot. Portions are big enough to share so everyone can try each dish.

We arrived in Matamata to meet the bus for our tour of Hobbiton, but we had about an hour to kill…read morebefore the meeting time (and it was raining!) . Luckily, The Redboubt was open and was a nice warm place to kill an hour, have amazing snacks, and a few drinks. The Redoubt is located right at the I-SITE where you meet the bus, so you definitely can't miss it. It's decorated in all Lord of the Rings decor, down to the Hobbit hole style doorways/windows, getting you totally ready to get immersed in the journey you're about to take. We ordered a few beers to start and they arrived cold and crisp - definitely refreshing for a fun day in Hobbiton! Food-wise, we ordered the 3 Slider Selection, and picked the chicken, cranberry, burry, and brie sliders. They were super tasty and actually pretty large for "sliders" - and it even came with a small side of fries. We also shared the Redoubt's Famous Seafood Chowder, and it was super warming and hearty, but not too filling as it's seafood and not a heavier meaty base. With the delish food, awesome ambiance, and plentiful drinks - I definitely recommend stopping here if you're in Matamata for a Lord of the Rings tour, or for any other reason!

I was a bit suspicious because of the name. Federal? I eventually realized that is the name of the…read morestreet they are located on. It was open at the time I was in the area and it did look inviting. I perused the menu and decided to give it a try. Walking in I saw the old-fashioned furnishings, metal chairs, display cases, wall shelves, big bar in the middle all in a long and narrow room. Yessss, this looks lie something out of the 50s and I like it. After a long hard look at the menu I opted for the Salami platter... Strangely enough there wasn't salami, but more like a smoked ham, prosciutto like meat. It tasted great, so what's in a name. Delicious heirloom tomatoes, capers, salami impersonator, cream cheese, capers, pickles and your choice of bread. I had chosen crumpets and regretted that . Not because they weren't delicious, because they were so yummy, but they were also so buttery that I couldn't get the cream cheese to stick and everything I tried to put on the crumpet just slid right off them. I got the bottomless cup of coffee and I must say, this is really good coffee and the refills kept coming also. I love the atmosphere in here and there are so many great choices on the menu. If I ever come back tot Auckland, I will definitely stop by this place again.

Busy place with a lot of indoor seating and limited outdoor tables. Service was good, never had to…read morewait. It's a popular place and they were crowded but we didn't have to wait for a table. There was plenty of food for each order. My wife had a street dog and fries and I had a Ruben. They were pretty decent. I wasn't as happy with the fries. They were like the bottom of a pile and mostly little pieces with very few full length slices. Prices were extremely reasonable. I would definitely eat there again.

I've lived in Hamilton and haven't had too much occasion to go bar hopping, as a 30-something with…read moretwo small kids. However, a few Fridays ago, my husband and I were out "late" with a friend and this was one of the places we landed. I really love the decor! It's modern and inviting, dark enough for some ambiance and to flatter everyone. I think I may have come in here once a long while ago, saw the price of the cocktails and decided I would never come back. But, I'm glad I did. Now that I'm kind of over the sticker-shock prices of drinking in New Zealand, I realize that this place is indeed pricey, but mostly worth it. It's also entirely possible that the prices of the drinks keeps a certain subset of young party-goers out, which at my present stage of life, I'm completely OK with. I had a "passionfruit cheesecake" drink. We were sitting near the bar and I had fun watching the bartender construct this little gem, which was complete with a "crumb" bottom. It was awesome. I'm not sure it was quite $17-awesome, but I'm just trying to focus in on my enjoyment of the evening and block out the price of the drinks. My husband had chilled amaretto. He was happy with it (not that it takes still to make it). Our friend had the "Winnie the Pooh," and really enjoyed it. This is definitely a good stop on Victoria Street for good atmosphere, good drinks. It's probably too expensive to be most people's "regular bar," but it's perfect for an occasional splurge on a night out.

This place is pretentious. I came here wth my best friend before a concert, and when she ordered​…read moreher drink the bartender she'd her if she was sure she wanted it as it was 'pretty expensive' (it was $15). She got a bit confused and then asked if he had any good cocktails he could make, and his response was 'not tonight, we're busy'. As she then thought about what she wanted, I ordered 2 fingers of bourbon, to which he responded "are you sure?". When I said I was, he poured a shot, then again asked if I 'Really wanted more'. When I replied yes, I know what two fingers is, his response was "its pretty expensive, are you sure?". This bartender was both offensive, and arrogant. He purely judged us based on our appearance, and then repeatedly implyed we could not afford normal drink prices. Will not ever come again, this bartender should be fired for losing (well paying) customers.

Need some refueling after a long day at Hobbiton? Well, check this place out. It's got a little…read morebit of everything, except salads! I simply ordered a two meat combo dinner for $16.50 NZD, and was pretty much satisfied. Being famished after visiting the Waitomo Caves and Hobbiton, I needed some meat! The manager welcomed us and served up some thick slices of roasted pork, with the appropriate salty crispy pig skin, and lamb. It sat on top of potatoes, pumpkin, and peas. Applesauce and a lemon glaze gravy on the side. Maybe it was a "so hungry, it tastes so damn good" feeling, but it wasn't. The meat was well roasted, some fatty, and tender. Probably seasoned only with salt, which was good enough to me. Items on the menu: ~ Roast Dinner Plates (beef, pork, chicken, lamb, or vegetarian). ~ Southern Fried Chicken Combos. Though I've seen better looking chicken elsewhere. ~ Rolls served up banh mi style, or meat in a regular sandwich. ~ Burgers with your choice of meat. ~ Fish and chips, hot dogs. ~ Milkshakes and cheese cake. Inside dining: ~ Nothing special, just a few tables. Normally, I'd give a place like this a three star rating, but with the little choices you have in the area I'm generously giving a fourth star. And with seeing people coming and going, it appears to be a hit with the locals.

Very boring. Pork crackle soggy, not enough apple sauce Lamb…read moreroll, dry, needed more gravy. Disappointing

We stopped here for a late lunch. With time zones all messed up on our first day here, we wanted to…read moresplit something and keep it light. We chose the Caesar salad with chicken. It came with a hard boiled egg, bacon, grilled chicken, Romain lettuce, garlic bread and a yummy dressing. It was so good and really hit the spot for healthy and hearty. When we arrived, we were handed 2 menus and instructed to sit anywhere we chose. Lots of seating, both in and outdoor. The outdoor patio had a cover which helped those patrons as it was drizzling on and off most of the day. I had a nice sauv Blanc. We got a pitcher of water. Everything was well done and absolutely delicious. Plus, we got to watch some Sunday night American football as we had lunch.

Great lunch burger and beer special. Location was perfect to enjoy a delicious burger, fries, and…read morebeer.

Very good restaurant with friendly servers. They have daily specials in addition to their extensive…read moreregular menu. They serve New Zealand lamb, beef, pork, and chicken. They also have an extensive alcohol selection though we didn't try any during our visit. There is a large interior space as well as an equally large outdoor patio. They have outdoor string lights that help set the pleasant ambiance. A mixture of high and regular tables line the space. We ordered a Lamb Shank, Pork Ribs, and a Custom Grill with 2 portions of beef and 2 portions of lamb. All food came out in about 15-20 minutes, which was a bit long but we had ordered close to their closing time. I appreciated that they didn't complain, but were smiling and happy. Never once did we feel like we were being rushed out. Everything we ordered was delicious and tender. The chips (fries) that came with some of our dishes were crispy and fresh. The salad that came with my custom grill was perfectly tossed together. The prices are a bit on the higher side, but the quality cannot be beat and the service was 5/5. We'd be happy to return here if we're ever back in the area!

Well, restaurant on this food row. It may be a brewery but unfortunately I couldn't drink…read moreconsidering all these winding roads all around. Food good. Most steaks are brought cold and you sear them on a hot stone. We had no time for such play. Steak was good. Great music and music videos up on the monitors. All the songs are my type if I may say so. Staff professional.

Very interested to try this establishment for a while now…read moreAnd was disappointed in the fried chicken it was full of very hot liquid when you bite into it and the crunchy batter has no flavor, I will give them top marks for the wrap it was very enjoyable good crispy chicken and salad in a fresh toasted tortilla. Fries average and served cold. Not in a hurry to come back

I had ti be convinced to come here beacuse, well, it's in Henderson and I am a inner suburbs kind…read moreof girl when it comes to junk food. Since I was in that neck of the woods for other reasons I allowed my rubber arm to be twisted. It is fried chicken after all, no waffles which gives it a black mark right off the bat. The 2 piece pack with the mysterious "honey roll" which makes no sense in any context, amazingly good chips and a potato and gravy. - the P & G had not nearly enough gravy and my companion felt the same. Now, to the chicken. I had one "original" recipe and I must say it is good, and the chicken itself is plump, moist and edible (unlike some, looking at you, KFC) and one the special-of-the-moment Garlic and herb crust which was nice but overpowering by the end. Would not get again as I liked the original. They are clean, quick and tasty and offer unusual specials like oreo biscuits (biscuits in the american sense) so I would come here if in the area and hope they expand city-ish soon!

Stopped in for lunch. Interior and exterior seating available. Assorted menu of hamburgers, hot…read moredogs, chicken wings and fries. Milkshakes too. Our group enjoyed wings, fries and hamburgers. Would recommend.

Texan Dawg is nice, but a bit small for $11. Was expecting something a bit bigger to be honest…read more Luau Burger and Deluxe Cheeseburger looked good... Tasted good apparently, but at $18 and $14 I'd shoot off to another food joint down here and get your moneys worth. And $7.50 for a Shake... Worth a stop to check it out, but for the price any return visits would be kept at a minimum. Friendly staff and management, definitely can't fault them on that. Tidy, clean, and a relaxing place, but yeah, the cost, I can't get past it. If they were a bit more reasonable they'd find they would pack the place out. Mission Bay rent though eh. Cha ching.

Has a new name now. The furnace. The food was delicious. Especially loved the steaks, fish of the…read moreday, steak salad and chicken. Calamari was a little too spicy

This restaurant changed its name to Furnace Steakhouse and moved a few spaces away to 150 Victoria…read more We were seated outside on their patio on a busy Saturday night. Courtney was a great server and so was the hostess. We ordered their garden salad and onion rings for starters then chicken saltimbocca and roasted lamb for entrees. The chicken was wrapped in prosciutto with sage, white wine, mozzarella, potato purée and greens. The lamb was served with a tomato and couscous ragout, whipped feta, greens and lemon aioli. Everything was delicious. Parking was extremely difficult to find. Hopefully our car won't be towed because we parked in an iffy space. .