Lone Star is an established family favourite in Rotorua - but don't be fooled into thinking this is just a family restaurant.
Serving the city for more than a decade, the Rotorua branch is one of the popular chain of restaurants. It has a vibrant atmosphere and a fun feeling.
It's a great, kid-friendly option. But you won't just find families there. The lively atmosphere is great for everything from date nights to work parties. Although it's part of a national chain, all the food is made from scratch by onsite chefs.
Popularly known for big meals, Lone Star has started expanding the menu to include some lighter options for those who want something smaller. Many of the popular meals also come in a smaller size now, which is a great move for those with smaller appetites.
The food is consistently good - you know you can rely on it. The menu includes many favourites and there's also a revolving specials menu that reflects seasonal produce.
The meals, which are very generously-sized (read: massive), can now be ordered in a smaller option for those wanting to make sure they've got room for dessert. It's good Kiwi cuisine with a wide menu to provide options for everyone.
For entrees we tucked into a guacamole. A fabulous light option.
We also tucked into the special of the day - Stand by your Lamb - which was a sensationally well cooked lamb rump with seasonal asparagus, topped with olives, sun-dried tomatoes and a hollandaise sauce.
It was easily the pick of the night.
The Comanche Chicken Salad was very generous, with plenty of chicken.
We had the Milky Bar Pud for dessert, a suitably sweet white chocolate and buttermilk pudding which was perfect for us to share.
The service is impeccable. We can't fault anything about the evening. The waiters clearly knew what they were selling, were able to offer advice on choices and were very friendly. It felt like we were being served by old pals.
The drinks are a wide variety of wines by the glass and bottle, tap and bottled beers as well as their "legendary Lone Star cocktails".
Plus the usual variety of non-alcoholic options.
The prices are very reasonable for the amount you get. Most are in the $20-$30 range, with a few pricier items.
Overall we are impressed. This is a restaurant that caters for all sorts.
It'd definitely rate as a place to take the kids for a family meal, but we won't make the mistake of reserving it just for those occasions.
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