Locals Cafe — Restaurant in North Island

Disappointed today , it seemed a popular spot , but I watched the barista serve all the takeaway drinks that were after us before we got ours 22mins wait , the hot chocolate was so milky no flavour we didn’t drink it .. then the food a bacon butty and crisscross chips took over 40mins to get to us we asked more than once where our drinks and food were to be ignored by staff , watched the cook in the kitchen he was soooooo slow and not very busy , over 40mins wait for our food I was about to ask for a refund but my granddaughter was starving so choose to wait it out .: I was charged $2 xtra for a tiny ramekin of aioli , it was very runny and not nice the menu stated melted cheese on my chips ( it was cold grated cheese ) , I was Denied a smaller portion of fries ( burger side of fries )as I did not need a small size which would feed 2 people , i had a 4 year old with me! So we didn’t order fries No one smiles behind the counter . Iv worked hospitality so I felt a little let down . The cafe itself is beautiful warm and inviting but not a place I would choose to return after...

I am a regular at the cafe popping in for a take away coffee several times a week. I was surprised today to be told I was going to be charged an additional 50c for a takeaway cup, apparently to encourage people to bring their own cups. I was pointed to a hand written sign on the cash register. I asked when this came into effect and was told last Thursday. I said it would have been nice to have a grace period ie tell me we are increasing the cost for takeaway cups you next coffee will incur this surcharge or even better a sign to inform people that effective from a particular date you will be charged. While waiting for my $7.65 coffee I looked at the sign again and it continued on to say if I bring my own cup I would receive a 40c discount. So does this mean the coffee price has increased by 10c or is it the combined 50c plus 40c = 90c of the regular coffee price, assuming I bring my own cup? The staff told me they had no idea. Ive always loved the coffee but I’m afraid I won’t be paying that price for a coffee, so you have lost a...

I was very impressed with the overall experience at Locals. My food was beautifully presented, cooked perfectly and tasted incredible. The staff were under a lot of pressure as the place was nearly full, but they didn’t panic once, the service was fast and friendly. We weren’t able to finish our meals as they were so plentiful, so I asked for two takeaway containers. The cardboard takeaway containers were given with a smile and no extra charge was made. I didn’t see any unhappy customers in the time I was there. Such a nice buzz about the place. The only thing I can fault was our iced chocolate and iced coffees coming out in plastic takeaway cups, it would have been nice to have them in a glass cup, and also better for the environment. However with being so popular and busy I can understand that making them in plastic cups may contribute to keeping wait times down as there would be less dishes. I was very happy with the short wait for our meals. I will be back, with more...