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Reviews for Lone Star Cafe

by Sack
16th May 2013

Was excited to try the new Lone Star Cafe and so went there with a reasonably large group (10 people) for a work dinner. When we showed up, we were told to have a drink and wait for a table which would be 10 minutes. To my somewhat surprise a table actually opened up in that time. We shared some starters which were nothing special but the mains were quite nice and very big. Seemed to be some confusion in the kitchen and as but one of the starters arrived then 15mins later it arrived. Staff were fairly attentive but not the best service ever. Also quite pricey, but you get a lot of food.

by Luke G.
15th May 2013

I’ve never really been a fan of the lone star but a friend’s birthday ensured that I would be going to check out the new one. Overall, I was impressed.
Once everyone had shown up they were very prompt at getting the orders off us, and the food came out remarkably quickly, though perhaps a bit too staggered so that if you wanted to wait for everyone to get theirs before you started, your dinner would bit closer to warm than hot. However, in saying that, the food was delicious, I particularly enjoyed the cajun chicken, and the bit of the steak I tried from a friend also tasted delicious.
For me the two main problems with the lone star are the cost and noise. I mean the helping sizes are decent sized but still, for 27.50, it’s a lot of money when you can go to an indian restaurant and be full to bursting for around $20-22. The noise however is ridiculous. Because of the big open spaces and the amount of people who fit into their big rooms, you can barely hear the person beside you let alone the person across the table. It’s fine, just don’t go if you are trying to have a lot of conversation, or have a hearing aid…
I would potentially go again, like I said, the food was fairly good, but I wouldn’t rave about the place

by Minshym C.
21st April 2013

Overall the food was good, and wait staff were friendly. Just disappointed on our booking for 20 seating plan, as we had been given options and table/seating arrangements to select in our advanced booking – but upon arrival all had changed and been moved to a different area, instead of the selected square tables to be arranged to together to accommodate us, small circular tables were provided, resulting in an uncomfortable and awkward seating.

Finally the awkwardness of been told someone from our group who had left early – had skipped their bill has led to embarrassment for the accused also, and to led to “waste of time” for the person who had covered the bill and the accused to return the following day to remedy the false accusation!!! Not good – Lone Star sort your billing system!

by Mark F.
14th April 2013

We tried the new one last week as a treat for my visiting daughter.
One of the worst dining experiences in Dunedin.
Shoved into a table getting knocked whilst eating.
Tables passed over our heads whilst eating!
Waiting for cutler with food served made our food just warm as it was only just warm when served.
Smaller portions now so all in all a really bad experience and will not be going back.

by Valda G.
7th March 2013

8 of us went for a 6th birthday. We were jammed in and people had to squeeze past us. Kids couldn’t get to the kids area as group table blocked it off. Kids meals came out 1/2 hour before ours with no cutlery. We has to ask someone after 5 min to get some. Our meals were lovely, however kids found their desert very small now compared with the Sundee they used to get. When I went to pay I was given wrong docket when I got correct one it had a mistake on it.
Overall I would never go back as I could not even hear the person next to me talk let alone the waiter. So so noisy unbelievable.

by Jenny
4th March 2013

It was a very hot night, and only one ceiling fan working…just getting menus was a long process, and meal although served speedily was dry and cooked to death – chicken was crackling! Be prepared to roast in summer, and be deafened with noise – not a pleasant experience.

by Danielle J.
18th February 2013

Been here quite a few times in the last year – service is always good, though don’t always expect a seat if you haven’t got preferential seating (they don’t take bookings) as it is always busy. Massive meals for a reasonable price and can easily cater to those who are gluten-free (among other allergies). Can’t fault it!

by lmk
12th May 2012

We used to dine at Lone Star often as it is such a fab family restaurant. As usual the floor manager is great, and the rest of the waitresses friendly and we love the busy, noisy, bustling ambiance.

I was a little disappointed with the quality of the meals the last time we visited. My Dixie chicken was tasteless, the steak was tough and the lamb specials were on the small side.

Please Lone Star lift your game because there are so many choices in Dunedin offering the same sort of fare.

by ian l.
28th April 2012

OK I’m a big fan of Loney but tonight abit disappointed great service floor manager bloody good at his job….
but food abit average seafood chowder wasn’t chowder it was more like seafood and stock . but ribs were good as gold that’s my whinge lol

by Kev M.
25th October 2011

Cant see what all the fuss is about. Great place for kids. The portions are generous, but its just piles of coleslaw and deepfried potatos thou so should be cheaper than it is.Meat is always nice but overall a bit pricey. Girls are always friendly thou.

by Natasha S.
14th July 2011

I’ve been to this Lone Star a few times and have always found it to lack something that others have around the country.
The food is good, but the problem lies is the layout of the restaurant and the staff. The maitre d id very loud when unnecessary, rude, and perhaps slightly uninterested in customer service. The waitresses were all over the place (maybe new, unsure), and without defined breaks in the layout, didn’t know what were their tables. Hence we were left unattended for long periods despite being in a small space within view of the counter.

by Sheetal
26th March 2011

I and my husband went twice to lonestar this month and food as incredibly good for both the visits. The quantity is excellent and food was awesome. I ordered Rock the boat which was amazing and my husband ordered Shank Williams which was OK. The staff is very friendly
and helpful. Even the restaurent was so busy they came several time asking if everything was alright. Ambience in the restaurant is good. Definitely will visit again.

by Jenny
20th March 2011

We always go to the Lone Star if we eat out. It can be very noisy and busy, but that says to us that it’s a popular place with the locals who know. The kids menu is really good – just the right amount of food for kids and a free ice cream pud (for our teenager we order some extra fries and he’s happy too). The quantities for adults are excellent and we’ve never had a bad meal. The best thing about the place is the staff who are incredibly friendly and helpful – my soup arrived a bit luke warm and they whisked it away and brought it back piping hot with no fuss at all.
You can’t actually book, but if you phone ahead you get priority seating. We did this last Saturday when it was heaving and got seated in about half an hour.
They could maybe do with changing the menu a bit as I think it’s been the same for the 2 years we’ve been going. This place is so good we took some foodie friends there who were over from the UK – bit of a worry as they are very fussy about their food and spend way more than us eating out – but they loved it and had a wonderful meal.

by John R.
12th March 2011

An always packed and noisy restaurant. Says a lot when every time you go it’s like this. Romantic evening out – not really. Great waiters knowledgeable friendly and trying to on sell. Food has always been outstanding.Excellent portions. And fairly priced. You will never go away with an empty stomach. I can never fit in dessert.

by steve
21st April 2009

myself and kids had a wonderful meal and good time with good food and great service.thanks to all at the lone star for a great dining experince.

by Ograto
21st March 2009

Have eaten here a fair bit, disappointed that they have removed their creole menu as I always ate from that! Have had a couple of disappointing meals since the head chef moved to Nelson. Quantity over quality is not always a good thing and I think this is pretty expensive overall. Staff always tryng to please though.

by Vicky B.
12th March 2009

Could not get better service and food ANYWHERE in Dunedin. Just can’t help back go back, every time. Awesome tasty food, huge portion, you get more for your buck. The service. Have been to many many restaurants and you will not find better service anywhere. Fab fab service the best ever, and keep us going back. Such friendly staff and waiters, and that door man is awesome. Will be back again for sure, actually probably tomorrow night lol lol we have been debating where to go again, and once again just can’t say no to Lonestar.

by Jason
25th February 2009

This lone star is amazing!, I have dinned at many other lone stars around NZ and this is by far the best!, my girl friend and I enjoyed it so much we went again the following night ,I give all the credit to the staff they were amazing how efficient they were. I’m looking forward to the next time I’m in Dunedin to go back.

by Tallulah
19th December 2008

We eat here all the time, the food is always really good and consistent. Garlic bread is the best we’ve had and the extra spread is good too. Huge meals, well worth the price you pay! Staff are excellent, good fast service.

by Dot
22nd November 2008

I agree it’s noisy, but the food is great and the staff are exceptional. Great service too.The kids love it as well.

by Bren
22nd August 2008

Great food, large portions. A nice place to dine, but just a tad noisy, this can be expected as its always busy. Bookings are highly recommended as walking in off the street, you will be waiting for a table to become spare. You will not leave hungry after dining here.

by Bex
21st July 2008

I eat here about 3-4 times a year, and every time its amazing. The staff are very friendly, you get your food fast and the portions are huge. I highly recommend the honky tonk chicken. The best restaurant I’ve ever eaten it

by andrew
14th December 2007

Great food and atmosphere. Big portions. Great place to go.

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