Being a bit of a local icon we were keen to take extended family here for lunch. What an embarrassment! We were one of two groups in the cafe at the time. Made our orders and excitedly waited, and waited, and waited. It would have been a good 30 minute wait for 4 adult meals and 2 kids meals. One in our party asked for her salad to be prepared Gluten Free, when it arrived it had Croutons in it, we asked if the croutons were prepared from gfree bread, the response from the waitress was “oh shit that’s right”. Meanwhile everyone else finished their meals and she had to wait for another salad to be prepared. The cafe started to fill up by this stage and we were surprised at how quickly the other patrons meals had arrived. The other groups with children were offered colouring things, ours who had the longest wait were left to fidget. The food was average, service was shocking, we were made to feel like we were not welcome there. We don’t smell, look normal and were dressed tidy, next time we have vistors we’ll take them elsewhere.

One of Queenstown’s favorite cafes Joe’s Garage serves up numerous variations of bacon and eggs – normally on a bun. The menu has expanded since I last visited but I can’t seem to get past the sweetie roll (with added cheese). The coffee is excellent and the service always seems to be friendly.

One of the other great things about the place is the counter seating which is a great way to spend some time sipping back a coffee. I wonder why more New Zealand cafes don’t follow this American diner tradition?

If you are in need of a coffee fix or something to get you going in the morning definitely try out Joe’s or alternatively Vudo Cafe.