The Pioneer Bar Restaurant - Waipapa

Myself and two friends went there on a Friday night. Not very busy, and the atmosphere definitely felt a bit flat. Staff seemed rather un-eager to be there and did not scan the COVID passes- just sorta glanced at them. We ordered the squid starter, with the mains being the baby back BBQ ribs, scotch fillet and lamb shoulder roast. The fillet and roast were incredible. Melt-in-your-mouth tender and cooked to perfection. The ribs were alright. The ‘Korean BBQ’ flavour wasn’t quite right, but they were delicious nonetheless. The ‘sticky rice’ they were served with however… was an absolute affront to rice itself. No clue what they were trying to do there, was somehow dry and stodgy at the same time! Not to mention a strange white residue none of us could place. Certainly didn’t add anything pleasant! Might be time to change that menu item to a normal BBQ rib with potato instead of rice…! Overall though, the other meals and cocktails were good. Still, for the price the service and atmosphere could be a bit better.

Wow, such a great environment to relax, have a feed and a couple of cold ones. The bar staff are very friendly, and the service they provide is at the highest level of professionalism. The meals are generous, tasty and are priced nicely. . Always something happening here if it's karaoke on Thursday, quiz night, dj or a band, they have something rocking every week. Well done, Tyler, Annette, and the crew.

Nice bar with indoor area and garden bar area for drinks and food. A separate room for dining in with nice food. A couple of pool tables to smack the balls around with mates. It was karaoke night when I called in. Friendly staff and pretty sociable feeling

Best chicken salad ever and the smoked meat and cheesy mac meals have us drooling. Friendly staff and my favourite pinot gris. Thank you.

Had a lovely dinner with my partner for Valentines Day. The atmosphere and setting of the place is wonderful and the staff are super friendly and attentive. Food was delicious, we had the lamb shank and the Caesar salad which were both amazing, the salad had heaps of flavor and the lamb was falling off the bone. Thank you so much to the staff and chefs, we had a wonderful experience! We'll definitely be back!