Escape Bar — Restaurant in Waiheke

Me and my girlfriend came here on Christmas day. 15% surcharge but I've been told that's normal around here. However what felt really scammy to be is that I could not order drinks alone but only with food. Okay, I tried to order beer battered fries and they said that snacks are not enough and we should go for full meals instead. After bargaining with what I assume to be the owner or the manager they "allowed" me to order beef nachos (24 dollars of nachos ladies and gentlemen). The drinks themeselves were quite watered down and the food very mediocre. I am not giving 1 star because of the stunning terrace with (almost) unobstructed view on Oneroa beach and the fact that you could smoke outside. Two drinks and a beef nachos: 74 dollars!

Go visit the bar next door instead (the Local); they also have GF option which this one obviously...

You enter into a dingy dirty reception / bar area and receive average service and loud muaic. If you order juice it will be poured from a warm tetra pac on the bench with a bit of ice $12 ( Hmmm), the downstairs area has a million dollar view distorted by dead palm tree branches and ivy over growing the palm, with dirty seat covers of age with many broken. No one comes down and serves you, you go upstairs yourself, order a pizza that has been reheated from a supermarket package with extra sauce put on, and as you leave mind your step as there are. A couple of trip hazards. All in all I say, pull your socks up boys everything about your establishment...

On behalf of 6 girls who came to this bar after a very bad experience at another location, it was the absolute best! The atmosphere, views and service were absolutely amazing. The manager (i'm sorry we did not get your name) was exceptional and she made us feel so welcome!! Thank you so very much for welcoming us with smiles, good vibes and for letting us choose some songs to play which made our experience 10x better. We came in feeling so disappointed after the last place but we left feeling so happy! If we are ever in Waiheke again, we will definitely make sure to come back. Highly recommend...