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Reviews for BUCKLANDS espresso lounge

by Leonie O.
25th May 2013

I chose Bucklands as the venue to spend my 50th at with 14 friends. The owner was very accommodating seating us all together, and rang to check numbers the day before. We ordered a plate of tapas per person, and another 3 or 4 for the table. No one held back, and there was plenty to feed us all – everything was delicious. We had someone in our party who is gluten free, and this was catered to without any fuss or cross contamination whatsoever. Well done. So great to have an upbeat local dining option that delivers quality food but the bill at the end won’t break the bank.

by Barbara M.
19th May 2013

We dined here on Friday evening–our second evening experience–we have been here many times during the day. What an asset to the neighbourhood–wonderful buzzy European-type atmosphere, friendly, efficient staff and the wonderful tapas menu. The squid was to die for–the best we’ve had–and we are squid fanatics! Three dishes to share plus divine crumble each was just the right amount for us. The cost of $59 for both of us included a glass of wine each making it a very reasonably priced Friday night meal. Bookings suggested as this little treasure is becoming very well-known!

by Margaret P.
13th May 2013

After having been on a long walk we stopped for coffee. The jug beside the water glasses was empty so I asked for it to be filled. I felt that I had asked for something bad- there was no smile or cheery greeting.

My husband stood at the counter and waited to be served while he felt there was an argument going on and one of the attendants walked out in disgust. After ordering coffee we sat down to wait, and wait, and wait…..After a very long time our coffee was served, one at a time(not together). The coffee was only lukewarm, not hot.

Needless to say we will not be back! Do the owners or workers at this cafe really want to succeed or not? It didn’t look like it!

by Matthew W.
29th April 2013

I took a friend who has recently been in a car accident for lunch and the staff were friendly and helpful. The manager in particular came out on several occasions to chat. I had the homemade baked beans which were lovely and the coffee was great. The only disappointment is the lack of anchovies in the Caesar salad but I guess some people will see that as a positive.

by Dawn V.
20th April 2013

Met a friend for brunch today & have to say I was very impressed with the cafe. Clean & tidy with great Tony Ogle artwork on the walls. Lovely location just back from the beach. I had the spicy baked beans with bacon, mushroom & chorizo – best baked beans ever!! Great coffee – nice & hot. Definitely be back to try more on the menu…

by Lainey
5th April 2013

Had an awesome meal here with my mother and siblings. We shared several plates of delicious tapas morsels… the beer-battered fries with aioli were particularly yummy. Attentive service and very tasty

by Terri C.
27th March 2013

Made the trip out to Bucklands Beach with a group of colleagues from various parts of Auckland city and it was well worth it! What a gorgeous part of town, and the cafe really reflects the area with it’s beach/surfing decor and friendly, laid back staff. The coffee was amazing – and each cup was decorated with a different picture in the froth, obviously an artist who knows how to make great coffee!! Food great, prices great, and service excellent despite it being a very busy lunchtime crowd. There were 10 of us and we all got our meals at the same time – which sadly doesn’t happen very often these days at other places I’ve been to as part of a large group. Can really recommend it.

by Gaye B.
3rd March 2013

I have read some of the other reviews and a few had my experience “the rude man behind the counter!” I had the very same experience. I don’t know his name but I will describe him, balding head, moustache and so rude and grumpy and he made lousy coffee which went in the bin opposite. What a shame, it was out first visit and we changed our minds to having a table and asked for our coffees to put in take-away cups. That seemed to do it, too much trouble, muttering under his breath, a horrid experience.

Comment from Stephen C. of BUCKLANDS espresso lounge 4/03/2013    Hide »

This is of great concern to hear of your bad experience. We most…    More »

This is of great concern to hear of your bad experience. We most certainly would have prepared another coffee exactly the way you like it had you let us know at the time. In fact it would still be our pleasure to do this and invite you back to enjoy a true BUCKLANDS experience. When we pride ourselves on being a place where locals frequent,who return as regulars – we do not like to have unhappy customers who do not wish to do the same. We know that coffee like wine, is a personal thing, let us get it right for you. (uncertain as to who served you as no one fits your description, however I will look into it) Thank you for your feedback. Steve

by Sarah-Jane L.
12th January 2013

Had a scone there which was nice, served by a really nice young lady, but chap behind the counter (maybe the owner?) was really rude and was just standing there texting and playing on his phone while I was being served, a bit unprofessional but oh well at least my scone was alright eh…

by Michelle w.
10th January 2013

First time visit today! Fab coffee, fab prawn cocktail, smoothie however very average. Will definitely be back. Staff were friendly and helpful.

by Sarah D.
31st October 2012

Called in to Bucklands Espresso on weekend. Was surprised that it wasn’t busier, but maybe given the sunny weather people were elsewhere. Had a coffee which was good. My serving of slice tasted ok. Liked the interior of the cafe, clean and tidy and was able to get a seat outside. However the chap who served me behind the counter was a bit short, not the friendly type of person you would like to be greeted by. Maybe it was just a bad day. Would probably go back again.

by Rodney H.
27th October 2012

Called in for coffee after reading mostly good reviews on this website. It was after the lunch time rush on Saturday afternoon and only a handful of customers were there so I had a good choice of tables both inside and outside. I sat outside and was rewarded by the arrival of a Tui bird in the shrubs of the garden area by the main doors.

The location of this place so close to Bucklands beach is great. There was a reasonable selection of food and the croissant I had for late lunch was good. My cappuccino was excellent. Staff were very welcoming and friendly so I will most certainly go back and soon.

by Brent S.
15th October 2012

Made it back to Auckland for work and staying out in Bucklands Beach again. Had Breakfast on Saturday morning to kick start my weekend. Counter staff where more than welcoming (like being back in ChCh). Received my first coffee which was perfect, just what I needed. Not long after a plate of their baked beans arrived, yum, very tasty and filled me up. Took a Salmon Bagel (for later) and coffee to go. I was happy with the price.
Very pleasant place to eat and grab the best coffee in town.
Staff were all present and chatted when they had the chance, so maybe some of the other reviewers received the busy/rush experience which can happen time to time. I would recommend going back see if you get a better experience (don’t judge after one time, I have a 3 strikes and you’re out rule)
I’ll be back for sure, probably in Nov. Have the coffee ready!!

by Shannon D.
13th October 2012

Nice food but nothing special, can get at any cafe. The prices are steep for what you’re getting. Coffee is lovely but again very expensive. Staff a little rude probably because busy. Said thanks just got a rude look as he continued speaking to someone else. Not overly friendly, too busy talking to people they know rather than making new customers happy. Wouldn’t go back again much friendlier, cheaper cafes in Howick with cheaper prices.

Comment from Stephen C. of BUCKLANDS espresso lounge 13/10/2012    Hide »

Dear Shannon It concerns us greatly that you left our Cafe…    More »

Dear Shannon

It concerns us greatly that you left our Cafe today disappointed and feel deeply concerned about your experience. I would like to address your concerns – Our coffee is Supreme Coffee (a superior coffee) and made by a specialist barista. Our coffee ranges from $3.50 to $4.80 depending of the coffee you desire and the strength and style.

It is a shame that you felt the food was nothing special – what exactly did you order and if you could kindly explain what was not right with your meal and whether you had ordered from the cabinet or the menu. It is very important for us to get this feed back as quality and satisfaction are important to us and we pride ourselves on offering a variety of meals for a long lunch or a quick snack on the run.

Today was an extremely busy day especially given the stormy weather everyone was seated inside. It was a shame you weren’t there to enjoy the wonderful weather and environment yesterday as it was beautiful outside and certainly more peaceful. Even in a rush, when under pressure it is never the intent to come across rude – we ensure our staff are aware that even when busy it is important to provide a friendly service – we select our staff for these attributes.

We are a young Cafe (less than a year), privately owned and operated. This cafe, to us, is not a business we are absent from, it’s a way of life that connects us to people by sharing our passion for fabulous food. We have established ourselves proudly offering a friendly environment of top quality food, exceptional coffee and a great atmosphere in keeping with our beach environment – all elements previously missing from this area. The food we present is not cheap and nor is the quality of the ingredients we use. All food is made on site by professionals not brought in pre-prepared (aside from our Pandoro bread) and if we do not have anything available to meet your taste we will happily prepare something at your request. Our servings from the cabinet are served with a complimentary side of salad and our sweet offerings with cream or yoghurt at no extra charge.

Our Chefs are very experienced and our Barista’s are specialists and passionate about their craft – together our Baristas have 30 years between them and our chefs in excess of 30 years also.

We do our utmost to get it right and to send everyone away happy and satisfied but sadly on this occasion we did not meet your expectations and for us that is hugely disappointing and does matter. We would be more than happy to discuss this with you in person. We are constantly looking at improving everything we do for continuous, consistent customer service and your feed back is valuable – THANK YOU!
Please feel free to call me at the cafe directly, should I not be there ask for my mobile number.

Sincere apologies
Kitty

by Peter S.
11th March 2012

Good location, friendly staffs and good coffee and food. The island guy makes good coffee as he always from other place he use to work, like La Cigale market in Parnell. Keep making good coffee for us lol.

by Lisa C.
11th March 2012

First visit, Saturday morning, the food and coffee were great, and the serving staff friendly and efficient. I put the rudeness of the chap behind the till down to stress as the place was pumping. Second visit the following day, coffee was great, the takeaway bagels not so, but that could be a personal choice. However, again the chap behind the till was rude, unwelcoming and we experienced nothing like the warm and welcoming reception the reviewers from the NZ Herald did.

by John
12th February 2012

Great breakfast. Real bacon (not the cheap stuff that a lot of places serve), free range eggs and nice selection of teas if you are not a coffee drinker. Good value also. Recommended.

by Louise B.
8th January 2012

A great drop-in spot at Bucklands Beach for a fabulous coffee, an inviting bite to eat, a welcome to our poochy friends with special doggy bickies. Loving what the owners Steve and Kitty have created…Keep up the awesomely good work Tamara and all the staff!

by Brent S.
5th January 2012

Finally made it to Bucklands Espresso Lounge today after hearing great reviews from friends.

The place is clean and crisp, the food well priced and tasty and the staff despite the rush of customers really helpful.

A big thumbs up from us we will be back for sure.

by Wilson
19th December 2011

Coffee totally rates here, food is good too AND easy parking

by Jason E.
27th October 2011

Best Coffee in Auckland. Super friendly staff. An awesome place to hang out.

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