Pauly's Diner — Restaurant in North Island

Now heading into it’s second summer of trading, Pauly’s has become a local institution in Taupo for those desiring a real burger blowout and eschewing the typical chain eateries. It’s about as close to a gourmet burger experience as this town will get; American-style meats in delicious brioche buns, some seating inside but all the better taken away and enjoyed by the lake or in the comfort of your home.

With a need to feed I picked up their special burger of the week - Venison & Pork with watercress, plum sauce & caramelized onion. Spot-on flavors and the plum and venison was a match made in heaven. Accompanying this I said to hell with the calorie count and got sides of the deep fried mac n cheese and some loaded fries. The mac is an intimidating prospect; it comes as a solid brick that fills a whole container! But once broken open the oozing, cheesy interior speaks for itself. Good to share. The loaded fries were probably a bit salty for some people’s tastes, but if you’re going to push the boat out at least they go all the way.

These guys are very laid-back and casual. It’s not the most ‘professional’ and slick operation you’ll ever find, but they sure know how to cook a...

My two teenagers loved their burgers. Best they had eaten. Small size not a concern as they said the ingredients were filling and tasty. My son had two. I didn’t order anything as although menu offers gluten free bun, information about gluten in patties and sauces were not available. It would be great if the main ingredients don’t change that often to have the info on hand for customers to make up their own minds – if not well that’s fine. It’s something I’ve noticed a lot of places doing lately and its appreciated. However, the eye rolling and exasperated explanation about not been able to guarantee gluten free contamination was unpleasant and not the question I asked. If you didn’t have the ingredient information that was all that was needed to be said. Gluten free and diary free food questions are not something most people are trying to be a pain over. My two health conditions, one autoimmune are inflamed by gluten. Contamination is not an issue for those of us asking – ingredients are. People who have celiac disease are a different matter. I don’t know any take away food places that offer uncontaminated gluten free...

Here is the short version of the review, I hate macdonalds and I'd go there before I come here again, if I could give 0 stars I would. for those who want more detail read ahead.

So we were told 30 minute wait on order. 45 minutes waiting ensued.

They then hadn't made the shakes we ordered. 15 more minutes for 2 shakes. Then they asked if I wanted them to keep the food warm, I thought that should be a given since it was ordered as takeaway

Then got the food to the truck and my partners order was wrong.

the order corrected by unfortunately they put saucy food in a folded bowl so it leaked all over my partners shirt and pants.

Then the chicken was full of fat, the sauce was bland, and her chicken was luke warm. My burger was right but while I could see the chilli relish I couldn't taste a skerrick of chilli The burger itself was average at best.

The milk shake my partner got was banana, not lime. At least my chocolate shake was right and i will admit it was pretty tasty but that's the positive of the meal right there.

1 out of 4 things were done correctly.

needles to say, as above I would give 0...