A lifeboat from the Rena has been turned into part of the bar at Papamoa Tavern. Photo/John Borren
The buzz
Papamoa Beach Tavern sits between Papamoa Plaza and Pak'nSave. The 36-year-old business reopened late last year after an extreme makeover, morphing from dark sports bar to bright, beachy bar/restaurant. It features a large courtyard with picnic tables, plus tree house, lifeboat washed up from the Rena, submarine, skate
ramp and restored lifeguard tower.
Drinks are served from the side of a launch (named Thirsty Work) and a caravan. Inside is the bach you wish you had, with funky floral carpet, white woodwork, an organ and hanging plants.
My family comes here not just for sustenance, but also for style ideas and a chance to gawk at artefacts reminiscent of Grandma's house.
We had booked a table and were promptly seated upstairs next to the wall with green leafy wallpaper.
On the menu
Papamoa Beach Tavern's menu is similar to its sister restaurant, Astrolabe, at downtown the Mount. You'll find snacks like beer battered fries with garlic aioli ($9); crispy salt and pepper squid ($12); crispy chicken wings ($12) and wedges with melted cheese, bacon, sweet chilli and sour cream ($15). Pizzas, including vegetarian, are on offer for $16 (gluten free bases are $3 extra). Burgers - fish, chicken and vegetarian, come with chips for $16. The 'Steak through the Heart' burger and 'Coming from a Different Angler cost $20. Fans of 'bird food' (salad) can pick at chicken, pork, Asian or vegan varieties for $18. Grommies' (kids) options are fish fingers, cheeseburger, cheesy mini dogs or ham and pineapple pizza with chips, plus small drink and icecream for $12. Fish and chips ($24) and soup of the day ($12) are served all day. If you're after a more substantial dinner, there's 'Baby got Back Ribs' ($35); chicken Parmigiana ($26), plus two other plates we'll dig into later.
I'll have
If it's Thursday, it must be salmon ($34). Or it must be salmon because - salmon. My pan-fried fillet was moist and meaty, with that satisfying oily, Omega-3 mouth feel. It lay on a bed of garlic mash potatoes glistening with citrus butter. A side salad came pre-dressed and included carrots and beetroot. I polished off the fish while it was still steaming and let my daughter eat half my mashed potatoes.
He'll have
My husband ordered the night's special, the chicken curry with rice, poppadom and mango chutney ($15, or $20 with a Mac's Gold beer). No, that wasn't my husband - it was the guy behind us. Mr Steak surprised no one by getting the 400-gram T-bone, served with fries and salad ($35). He chose the garlic butter (other choices are demi-glaze and mushrooms). Cooked medium-rare as per usual, the husband dispatched his slab like a pro. My grommies granted me a couple licks of vanilla soft serve with sprinkles. Had I not been so full, waffles (available with sinful crumbles of cookies, peanuts, caramel sauce and mounds of whipped cream), smelled delightful ($8).
To drink
Papamoa Beach Tavern has Mac's beer and cider ($8) and Panhead Pilsner plus Panhead Supercharger on tap (both $9; the latter is my favourite). Bottles include Emersons ($10), Little Creatures Pale Ale ($11) and two low alcohol beers (both $8). Big bottles of Waikato, Speight's and Lion Red are available ($10). Winos can splash out on top-end bubbles (Nicolas Feuilatte, $125) or keep it real with house wine, Kopiko Bay ($8). There are cocktails, plus non-alcoholic drinks.
Value for money
The curry special was $15 for a generous portion. Other bang-for buck opportunities happen Mondays after 4pm for $10 beer, burger and chips; $12 burger, chips and soda lunches daily from 11am-2pm; or weekdays 10am-midday features The Ultimate Tradie Brekkie for $10.
The staff
I've visited PBT around a dozen times the past couple years and servers have always been uber-friendly. Service normally entails ordering at the bar and picking up your own food, but staff may deliver meals if the restaurant's not crowded.
The verdict
Fun and tasty for the whole family. Bring the kids - and the skateboards. Save room for waffles.
the details
Papamoa Beach Tavern 20 Domain Rd, Papamoa Beach, Tauranga 3118
Hours: Monday-Friday, 10am-1am, and Saturday/Sunday, 9am-1am
Phone: 07-282 8180
