The Pioneer Bar & Restaurant — Restaurant in Bay of Islands-Whangaroa Community

This used to be one of my favorite restaurants. I have enjoyed their delicious meals cooked by some of the best chefs around. (Including one from Kauri Cliffs).

Yesterday on our way back from Whangarei my boyfriend and I decided to dine at the Pioneer rather than stay and dine in Whangarei. My past experience of great food and cozy decor enticed us to wait the extra hour and half to dine on one of the "day's specials".

When we arrived the place was empty. I asked the three woman in the kitchen "Are you open?" One called back "Yes, Unfortunately." We should have left then.

I used the bathroom and my boyfriend waited at the table. He complained upon my return that the women in the kitchen were using the F.. word and swearing profusely. We waited to be served or at least given a menu to look at. Finally I walked up to the kitchen and, with the women looking on, helped myself to two menus. Then, as no one asked us if we would like a drink, I went into the bar and ordered our drinks and bought them back to the table. Still no service at the table so I walked up to the women in the kitchen and ordered "two garlic breads please - while we wait." Still no service.

Finally a girl asked us if we would like to order. Upon hearing that I ordered two garlic breads she quickly suggested that we order only one. "Unless you want to eat twelve pieces!"

The menu had lost a lot of its original items and most of the specials had been wiped off the board. We both chose a Pioneer Burger based on my past experience of tasting their delicious gourmet burgers. The chef said "Great that's easy, or some similar comment."

It was over an hour before we were approached to say that the lettuce had not be delivered and would we like more garlic bread while we are waiting for the delivery. (I should have ordered those twelve pieces) I said, "Please forget the lettuce, we are very hungry" We waited again. Finally we got our burgers.. dried, overcooked and completely disappointing. We had water glasses on the table but no water was offered during the meal. My boyfriend kindly walked up to the kitchen and asked for water for the table. A bottle was provided at his request.

We were the only patrons in the restaurant and there was only one patron in the bar area. No one from the bar asked us if we would like another drink ... it was getting from bad to worse. We could hardly hear ourselves talk over the loud conversation the three women were having in the kitchen. It seemed as though customers took second position behind their social chit chat.

My appetite was gone along with our expectations. My boyfriend paid the bill - almost $80.00 and we left.

I will never dine in this restaurant again. Either there are new owners or owners who are not managing the business well. Shame on you Pioneer Restaurant & Bar. You have lost a...

As a local I was always keen to visit this venue as there appears to be a good thrust for business on Facebook. Admittedly it was a Monday lunchtime, but that should not be an excuse for poor service. On arrival there was a staff member folding serviettes at one of the main bar tables, at first she seemed reluctant to be disturbed but eventually poured me a handle. I picked up a menu from the Bar and went to the outside area. A table of 4 were served their food and i inquired of the waiting staff should i order from you, yes that's fine, anyway I ordered the Salt and Pepper Calamari, it arrived on a wooden platter, spread across some mayo and mild chilli sauce, adjacent to the very pale battered Calamari (which defied me to believe it had been cooked) was a pile of sliced iceberg lettuce, terribly stale complete with the brown rusty colour markings throughout. I did not complain as words are cheap and as a Google reviewer this avenue will give prospective diners a greater opportunity to decide whether they will eat there or give it a miss. What disappointed me even more was the special advertised on Facebook when I returned home, none of this was mentioned by the only staff member. Or so I thought, i was left standing at he Bar for a very long time when I went up for a refill, I did get a sorry, I did not see you there, of course not when you are hiding out of sight in the office. I do hope these reviews have an impact and the owner remedies these fault's after all it is my local and i would like to attend more regularly.

I returned a 2nd time to this venue and was pleasantly surprised by the service and the wonderful Seafood Chowder, it was up there with other Seafood Chowders I have reviewed, I received a response from the owner of the Pioneer Restaurant and Bar and accept that we can all have off day's it was encouraging to have some feedback and I applaud Tyler for taking the time to respond. As you can see I have increased my Star rating and intend to become a...

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...