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New Zealander Restaurant & Pub - CLOSED
Categories: Nightlife Bars Pubs Restaurants Pubs, Restaurants [Edit]
1400 Webster St(between Central Ave & Taylor Ave)
Alameda, CA 94501
(510) 769-8555
- Attire:
- Casual
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Music:
- Live
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
160 reviews for New Zealander Restaurant & Pub
Review Highlights
"My friend got the minted lamb, and a dessert."
(in 10 reviews)
"...the Pies, the 3am White Lady Special, lamb lamb lamb, and..."
(in 16 reviews)
"If you seriously want the best fish and chips."
(in 16 reviews)
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160 reviews in English
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Review from Kathleen W.
Albany, CA
10/4/2010 1 Check-in Here
Unassuming on the outside ... a gem on the inside.
Read the menu for a history of the building and the bar (the mirror, the bar counter, the stained glass etc).
$10 for a pie and pint. Makes me wish I still drank beer.
Service was wonderful. She was busy ... but zoomed around and took care of everyone without appearing frazzled. We really appreciated a sampling of the cream of celery soup (which was delicious!).
The meat pies (I had the chicken & mushroom and Fred had the spinach and feta) were both tasty. The chicken and mushroom was more saucy. Fred thought the quantity of food was perfect - he was happily content after the meal ... this means that I probably ate too much. -
Review from Lily Ann B.
Manhattan, NY
Updated - 1/4/2011 2 photos
This is CLOSED. I passed by last night to see some guys hauling heavy crap into a huge truck.
All the alcohol behind the counter was gone.
I passed by three guys in their 20s who were across the street and pointing and laughing. One said to his friend, "The lady who bought the place from Clive didn't have her money together. They asked my ass back and I said no."
RIP. It was good while it lasted. Twice.2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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2/1/2010
WTF gives, man?! Did Clive skip town? There was a sign on the door saying they'd be closed for… Read more »
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Review from Jose O.
Alameda, CA
A classy atmosphere surrounds New Zealander, as if James Cook never left the island (NZ not Alameda). New Zealander is a tastefully decorated tavern with a yummy menu. Apparently New Zealander received the memo, brown is the new black. A dark brown scheme dominates the décor with sprinkles of beautiful Polynesian art. The mask and paintings aren't over kill and fit the theme very well.
New Zealander's menu turned out to be a pleasant surprise. Giant burgers with eggs immediately caught my eye (other options are available). An egg on a burger might sound odd but it's a good combination, like pineapple and ham (an odd couple). Vegetarians don't have many options but a veggie burger is available. The Veggie burger is bland and a lot could be done to spruce-it-up, but as always, it is better than nothing.
New Zealander offers a unique array of beers. The dark beast they call "Old Rasputin Imperial Stout" is delicious, comparable to Guinness beer but with more nitrogen (heavy stuff). Lightweights not looking for a new patch of chest hair should opt for the Delirium Tremens Belgium Ale. The Ale's range of flavor is very entertaining and demands a unique cup. The pink elephant will walk you though the flavors found in the ale.
I enjoyed New Zealander and plan to return.
Note: The Kiwi is the most ancient bird found in New Zealand. It has been around for over 60 million years and is unique to New Zealand (the country not the pub). -
Review from Tessa B.
8/4/2010
The service here is some of the worst I've had in a while. After the first time when a server spilled ice water all over my boyfriend's lap and barely apologized nor thought to compensate any drinks or food, we still decided to give it another chance. The second chance was no better (well, aside from the absence of ice cold water), after being told they are out of some drink ingredients I asked which specifically, to which our server responded simply with "Things.". I gave up and ordered a margarita, which was $9, compared to the $5 they cost everywhere else on this street. We got charged wrong, coughed on, and so forth.
I give it two stars rather than one because the food is not awful, and I think the staff are likely just young and inexperienced rather than intentionally obtuse. -
Review from Kristal M.
Alameda, CA
Updated - 5/23/2010
Apparently someone from the restaurant did not like my review and sent me a nasty note through Yelps messaging system.
Sorry, the food just wasn't to my liking.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/22/2010
This place just reopened AGAIN. Great decor, lovely building and attentive staff.
Food was oh so… Read more »
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Review from Drew G.
Alameda, CA
7/11/2010
I used to eat at the New Zealander once or twice a month as I live right down the street. I've always enjoyed the food, the relaxed atmosphere and the friendly staff. It was a place that I would frequently take friends and family visiting from out of town and was always well received.
Earlier this year it closed it's doors for a remodel/management change. I decided to try it out again recently and was sorry that I did. While the furniture and decor seem to have gotten a tasteful upgrade, the food seems to have gotten worse.
My guest and I both ordered the $10 burger with New Zealand cheddar done medium, and a side of the roasted red potatoes. Upon requesting a bottle of Watties tomato sauce for the roasted reds, I was informed that they were currently out of it. How can this happen at a place which specializes in NZ pub fare? In all of the years that I've come here in the past, I've never once been told that they were out of Watties.
The real problem however was with the burgers. Instead of having a nice layer of melted cheddar on top, both of them had what looked like a "grilled" piece of cheese. Call me crazy, but a hard crunchy charred piece of what was once cheese on a burger is not appetizing. Also, both burgers came out well done, not medium as we requested.
When we brought this to our server's attention we were told that the "chef was new" and no offer was made to make the situation right. Mind you there were only three other tables in the entire restaurant with people eating, so it wasn't as if the kitchen was busy. I guess new chef=a $10 completely dry hockey puck burger.
Since the burger situation wasn't rectified, and nary a sincere apology made, we fully expected one of the burgers to be comped on the bill. Much to our surprise, both were present so I ended up paying $20 for two bone dry burgers. I won't be returning, ever. -
Review from Ed V.
I wanted to grab a beer and some grub. However, I didn't want to drive and since The New Zealander Pub has reopened last April since being closed for about five months (new owner/ same chef)
I decided to give this place a try...
Staff and bartender appeared to be friendly, I asked them if they could change the channel to the San Jose Sharks game since they were about to advance to the NHL Western Conference title game and they obliged.
The building is situated in the corner of Webster st. and Central avenue and is a unique institution that was has been here since 1883.
"For over one hundred years, Croll's Bar was a popular drinking establishment for sailors, longshoremen, and fishermen residing in Alameda. Many sailors, soldiers, and marines had their last drinks there before shipping out to foreign ports or combat zones of the Spanish-American War, WWI, WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. The bar's close proximity to the Alameda Naval Air Station made it a first stop for many of the military returning from those historic events."
It has a beautiful bar, raised ceilings and large windows, the New Zealander offers an attractive and spacious setting with that historical feel.
I Had the Lamb mint pie ($6.95) which goes with a side salad and soup for an additional $2. The ground Lamb was organic and delicious and the flavor wasn't overpowering.
Beer pints are $5, they have a happy hour from 4-6 p.m. However I am not sure of the prices at this times.
I heard the chef does a good job on the New Zealand burgers and fish too - I might try that next timeListed in: Dive bars / Pubs, Alameda Restaurants
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Review from Gwen H.
Alameda, CA
Updated - 4/16/2010
Camille and I stopped in the other night -- yes, the New Zealander has reopened. Same chef, different owner, later hours, expanded menu. The prices are a bit higher but whatever -- the pub pie cost $6.95 with a side of soup or salad for $2 when I moved to Alameda almost four years ago and the price hadn't changed in all that time, stuff ain't getting any cheaper and folks gotta make some money. They still have the pies and the 3AM burger, plus at least twice as many offerings as they had before.
A lot of the extraneous furniture has been removed, so it's nice and open and looks twice as big. The staff are exceptionally friendly. They're still unpacking but had a decent, small selection of drinks AND they are going to be open later -- no more rolling up the sidewalk at 9 p.m. on weekends!
Very happy to have them back.Listed in: I #!$#$ Love Alameda
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/8/2007
I don't eat beef but I do eat the steak & cheese pie, as often as I can. Mmmm, steakandcheesepie....… Read more »
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Review from dreamer k.
Oakland, CA
7/27/2010
I actually liked this place a lot prior to the new ownership. My family and I gave this place a lot of business, due to the convenient location and bar. Also the fries and the meat pub pies (lamb curry, etc) were yummy. One thing that would bring back a star or three?
* Dimmer lighting, at least by the bar area; after a long day, you don't want to go to a bar with super bright lighting. It's just hard on the eyes! The new ownership made it much brighter...no good. Please change this! -
Review from Simone L.
Alameda, CA
7/29/2010
If you seriously want the best fish and chips. . . fresh Blue Nose Grouper flown in from New Zealand and battered at order time. . . get out of SF and Oaktown . . .come into Alameda.
The fish and chips were so fresh and delicious I wanted to keep this place a secret.
The restaurant is located within a cool Alameda Historic Building. . . live music too!
I am not sure if they have a full bar but they have plenty of great beers on tap. I'll be back with all my friends and often. -
Review from Michelle L.
San Francisco, CA
4/22/2010
A friend of mine from New Zealand brought me to this restaurant because he'd been to it once a couple years ago and had liked how authentic it was. He was disappointed in this new and "improved" version of the restaurant. Not one New Zealand beer and the pub pies (we ordered three different ones) were horrid.
Yes, it's a very pretty bar, and the people are nice, thus the three stars instead of two or one... but really, to claim it's a kiwi bar is just wrong. -
Review from Ricky S.
Oakland, CA
10/23/2010 1 Check-in Here
The food is decent, nothing spectacular. I had the chicken and mushroom pie, and was surprised at how small it was (for a guy of my size). I knew I'd be hungry so my buddy and I split a lamb burger with all the toppings. The idea was great, there was a fried egg, some beets, something that tasted like sheep cheese, a thick piece of ham - all within this burger! The thick cut fries were delicious, but me not being a huge fan of lamb, didn't fully enjoy the burger.
They have a great selection of beers on tap and a couple of TVs where you can watch the game of the moment.
The reason for the low rating is their service... it was horrible. My party of 5 was the only other table occupied at the New Zealander, yet service was painfully slow. The beer I ordered took 10 mins to come out. The extra napkin I requested never showed up b/c the server was chatting it up w/ her bartender buddy. I walked up to the bar and grabbed a handful of cocktail napkins. A few minutes latter the waitress comes w/ a stack of napkins saying she's sorry, she was taking orders... in an empty restaurant? Hmmm
The kicker was when we received our bill, there were three pints charged to us that shouldn't have been - caught by my keen-eyed friend (I would have never thought to check for stuff like that)... they fixed the check but at the end of the day, left a bad taste with the venue. Meh. -
Review from Suzanne B.
San Francisco, CA
10/29/2006
Picture of a conflicted reviewer. There she sits, perplexed and in internal conflict, wondering what to write about her experience. Let's take a look at her inner turmoil:
ME: How do I write this review? My friend recommended the place...and I didn't like it.
MYSELF: This wouldn't be a problem if you hadn't invited all our friends to join Yelp.
ME: Can we stick to the issue? I hate it when you go off on tangents.
MYSELF: Fine. So what's the problem?
ME: Well, when we went to the New Zealander that weekend the experience was...not good.
MYSELF: Oh, you mean the whole "I'm a new waiter" line? As if that somehow explains the cold food, bland spicing and leaving the wine bottle on the table - UNOPENED - for ten minutes? Yeah, I would define that as not good.
ME: Well he was new, he said. And the patio was really lovely and perfect for the kids in the group.
MYSELF: He brought out one of the plates for the kids at least ten minutes before the rest of the food was even ready, honey. How do you tell a five year old he can't have the food right in front of him? You try it.
I: And he still hadn't opened the wine bottle at that point. It was still sitting on the table.
MYSELF: That's right! We finally had to ask him if he was ever going to open it. And then he poured ALL the wine, and unevenly at that. The people at the other end had half-glasses.
ME: But he was new...
I: New doesn't explain the cold bland food, dearest. Or having to wait for all our entrees to come out. Or the...
ME: Ok, ok! Damn, I hate when you gang up on me. I'll write the review. But this is going to disappoint our friend.
MYSELF: ...(mutters) if you hadn't invited everyone we know to join...Listed in: The West Side
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Review from Cara Y.
Oakland, CA
Updated - 1/31/2009
Ok, I went again on Friday after having a borderline wet dream thinking about the burger that I had on Wednesday. I couldn't get anyone to go with me for "Shepherd's Pie Thursday," but Friday I packed in the car with several co-workers and we hit it again.
Burger was still fantastic.
Fries were not oversalted this time around.
Serving a small portion of mixed greens with the fries and burger is nice touch.
Prices are still a little steep.
Murphy's still on tap.
I am still a fan.
I'll be back to try their Shepherd's Pie!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/29/2009
From the looks of the mixed review, it seems like the New Zealander is pretty hit or miss. I had… Read more »
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Review from Martine F.
Ventura, CA
10/7/2008
I can't even really comment on the food because of the strange experience I had here one Friday afternoon for lunch...
We sat outside on their porch, looks alone this area was a little unkempt and unorganized. There were a few other full tables (one with really really loud ladies, I couldn't concentrate on my conversation because I felt like I was a part of theirs). It took a really long time for our waiter to get to us and take our order. It took even longer for our food to get to us. There really wasn't anything remarkable or note worthy about the food.... it's the service and atmosphere the totally overpowered visit.
Our waiter had a giant booger almost the entire time, I was scared it would fall into our drinks or food. GROSS.... I think one of his coworkers should have mentioned something, you couldn't miss it There were a couple of waiters and not too many customers, so our service should have been quicker and less booger-ie.
At the start of our meal, there were 3 other tables... soon there was just one other and the people took out their cellphone and get this...turned on music like it was a mini boom box... they played their music and table danced as if they were at home or alone on the patio - I was so uncomfortable... what was going on?? I was also surprised that the staff didn't' ask them to turn it down... WEIRD! -
Review from Gilberto Y.
Oakland, CA
1/1/2008
Breakfast/Brunch.
Wattie's spaghetti or baked beans on toast, sauage rolls, Weet Bix? The English palate: just another transgression visited on the world by the British Empire.
Sausage roll = unremarkable meatloaf in puff pastry.
Wattie's = Chef Boyardee... canned food... on toast.
Tomato juice = two shots in a cocktail glass for $2.
Andrew Zimmer I'm not, but I'd sure love to try Maori food. It looks like a really nice pub and a fun place to have a beer. If I make it back, I'll stick with that. -
Review from Kate L.
Oakland, CA
8/22/2010
My new favorite place on the Island!
I've been here a couple times since it reopened, and I'm in love.
Saturday nights they have live music. Plus, Delirium Tremens on tap. That alone is worth 5 stars to me, but I thought I'd wait until I tried the food to review.
Stopped in with the puppy today. The back patio is really nice, and it's great having another pet-friendly option near by. They are few and far between on this side of the island.
Look out for the margaritas! They are tasty, delicious, and potent. Way above expectations, had at least one more than I planned on. Mussels were great, and minted lamb pie also really good. There are so many good-looking options on the menu, I can't wait to try them all.
Also, reasonably priced, especially for the quality.
Service is great. Everytime I go in there I feel really welcome. People are friendly without being overwhelming, and nice and down to earth.
So happy to have a classy place within walking distance of home. -
Review from Betty H.
Updated - 3/15/2009
Mr. H and I went in for the SLICED MARINATED LEG OF LAMB SANDWICH w/ Salad Greens $ 11.25
Served with Mint Aioli, or substitute Soup $ 12.95 Yum , really good . Nice place to sit on a rainy Sunday. Yes there was music. All in all another good meal at the New Zealander. Oaklander's watch out for Alameda rules for crossing the street. I did not see the NO PED CROSSING sign right in front of my face. Certainly looked like an Okay place to cross. NOT. I crossed and all hell broke loose. I was honked at by a driver and yelled at by teen pedestrians. This old women damn near had a heart attack. God... in Oakland we can do anything:)1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/26/2009
Kick butt Burger.
Lots of cool stuff to look at while you wait for your food.
Nice shady spots to… Read more »
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Review from Andy M.
CA
3/29/2009
As a pub, the New Zealander seems like a nice place to hang out and have a beer, and I have a feeling that if I go back and enjoy it in that context I'll might bump it up a star. Because I'm currently obsessed with breakfast, this is a review more about that aspect of the New Zealander.
I love the space - really a charming and beautiful room, and I love the stained glass ceiling. Given a bit more attention to the decor, lighting, and general repair of the place, this could be transformed into a real destination gastropub and brunch place, something that the neighborhood could frankly use. At the moment, they're just going for pub not gastropub, and given the fact that the menu is limited and the food is just ho-hum they're achieving the pub goal rather well.
The eggs benedict is the bellwether of any brunch restaurant - a simple thing but very hard to do well: if they can nail the hollandaise, the place has definite potential (kind of like tamago at a sushi bar - don't trust a sushi chef who can't make good tamago). Unfortunately, while the muffin, ham, and egg were fine, they scored fairly low on the hollandaise test. The basic hollandaise sauce should have egg yolk, butter, lemon juice, salt and pepper, and you should be able to taste all of these. The hollandaise at the New Zealander tasted like egg yolk and butter, but lacked any lemon or salt or pepper so it was surprisingly flavorless and didn't add the necessary zing to make the benedict stand out.
On the plus side, the home fries were simple and very good, and the waitress we had was very nice and gets major points for noticing that the bacon she brought out was a bit overdone and offering to get some new bacon for us (and it was quite good bacon). The menu was pretty limited, I've never been to New Zealand, but, apart from the lack of black pudding, it was a typical English-style breakfast menu with 3-4 good sounding things and 3-4 things seemingly intended just to scare you, including beans and toast, some gross-sounding canned spaghetti and toast, and probably Vegemite/Marmite if you really wanted it.
I really do think that if they brought in a chef with a solid vision, and cleaned up and modernized the room just a bit, they could turn this place into something special. At the moment, it's a pretty but fairly average pub, and honestly there's really nothing wrong with that either. -
Review from Andi T.
7/27/2007
I recall this place being more pub than restaurant when I went years ago. Now it seems to be more restaurant than pub. They may just have it backwards...
To rate the NZ as a restaurant, I'd give it a "meh" at best. The food doesn't really stand out thematically or taste-wise enough for it to be one of my regular dining destinations. The pub pie had a nice crust and was flavorful, and I'm told the sandwich was just OK. Prices are high for the atmosphere and food quality.
If I were to rate the NZ as a pub-with-food, I'd say it was OK. Decent beer list, friendly atmosphere and service, and your basic pub grub. I'd say that the food was overpriced for a pub and that they should have more pub-like seating... maybe even some comfy chairs or couches -- they have the space. Oh, and have a trivia night. Then I might come here more often.Listed in: Alameda
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Review from Paul B.
San Francisco, CA
4/7/2008
I had lunch here over the weekend, and frankly, there's quite a few other restaurants that I want to check out before I'd return and give these guys another chance. While I would love to have proper English pub food so close to home, it seems that New Zealander doesn't deliver.
I tried their deep-fried calamari appetizer and a mint lamb pie. The calamari was nicely prepared, but the breading mostly overwhelmed flavor of the calamari, and the dipping sauce was mostly good for texture. The mint pie was bland in taste and texture, such that I got bored of it half-way through. And it certainly was not a filling meal. You can say, well, that's British food for you, but that's simply not the case. The Cheiftan in SF does an excellent job of serving up hearty, flavorful pub food at a decent price. My understanding is that the lamb-burger is good, however. If I should happen to come back, that's what I'm going to have to try.
In addition, I can't quite put my finger on it, but the wait staff seemed to be in something of a haze. For example, a server brought a single eggs benedict to our table of three.
Looking at the menu, and especially the prices, I get the impression that New Zealander is aiming for fine dining, so perhaps I'm going in with the wrong frame of mind. -
Review from Marjorie B.
San Francisco, CA
5/31/2008
This restaurant has pride and heart. What other restaurant would plaster a mediocre review of their restaurant from 2002 on their front door?
The menu has vegemite sandwiches! I have tried a few pub pies- favorite being the lamb curry one. It's just flaky enough and delicious enough not to eat just one or two. Their drink menu features some beer and wine native to New Zealand, which is pretty nifty.
Croll's is also a historical building! Back at the turn of the century when there was a roller coaster and amusement park right across the street at Neptune Beach, boxers like Gentleman Jim Corbett and Jack Johnson used to train here when in the bay area. They did well to preserve the original look with ornamental stained glass windows ("5c Beers, 10c Whiskey"), floor tiling and grand looking bar. New Zealand-y knicknacks and cultural artifacts adorn the walls. There's also a gigantic stained glass piece on the ceiling above the back area where occasionally they will have live performers/bands playing. -
Review from Alissa W.
Fremont, CA
9/26/2007
Racer 5 IPA on tap - oh yes!
Extensive menu that inspires ordering more than you think you can eat - yep!
Smallish portions - so you actually can eat everything that you order, Claro que si!
The shepherd's pies are small. One does not a meal make.
The french toast is delicious.
The desserts are sublime.
The back patio is lovely.
There is available reading material aplenty: for kids and adults.
The food was not "Oh, my God this is amazingly delicious," but it was good.
We'll definitely go back. Its hard to find IPA on tap in Alameda. -
Review from Rachel L.
Alameda, CA
9/24/2010 1 Check-in Here
I'm a total fan.
The pies: so different, so tasty!
The beer selection: HELLO!
The stained glass windows and history of the building: delightful!
Can't wait to go again. Next time, I'll eat at the bar though. The room seems too large for how homey I feel when I'm there. -
Review from Java G.
Alameda, CA
4/21/2009
I walked here yesterday evening, trying to escape the heat. I was foolishly hoping they had A/C (yeah, I know...good luck) or at least big ceiling fans--no such luck.
I had a refreshing Bombay gin & club soda with lemon. I always like it when I order that and don't end up with a gin & tonic with lime. That happens all too often. But the bartender got my order right, proving he was listening.
I ordered their "Basic Salad Baby Organic Mixed Greens" with the fig balsamic dressing add-on, and additional add-ons of Shredded New Zealand Cheddar + Toasted Pecans. The basic salad is only $4.95, and they charge 75 cents per add-ons, which are probably unnecessary. At any rate, the salad was delish, it was a plateful. I ate every morsel!
They had a daily special salad for Monday that also sounded good. I've never tried the pies or burgers, but after reading the reviews here, maybe next time I will! -
Review from C M.
Bay Area
1/31/2010
Just got a gift certificate to this place via http://Restaurant.com....went there twice in the last 2 weeks...both times closed, no sign, lights off....looked in the window and a guy from the business next door said "its closed for spring cleaning and not sure when they're opening". Hmmm, does "spring cleaning" = health violation?
I'm thinking they might be closed temporarily (since i noticed the restaurant website is slowly getting revamped) but at least PUT A SIGN ON THE DOOR [something] for potential customers! -
Review from Stevi C.
Seattle, WA
8/11/2008
Went here a couple of weeks ago before an A's game, and I have to say that this was a totally decent meal. I'm into the pub pies, and my husband is way into the fish and chips. The outdoor patio is nice and there is a TON of beer.
Also, Wattie's catsup! It's a spicy NZ catsup that's slightly less viscous than it's Heinzian cousin. I'm going to have to find a place to buy it now, because the husband is really into it.
Would certainly return for pub pies and beer. -
Review from ChubbyBunny I.
Oakland, CA
1/13/2007
I have a love hate thing going with the New Zealander.
The love is for the NZ, the Pies, the 3am White Lady Special, lamb lamb lamb, and that the veggies they serve with the meal are always fresh and tasty and light on the sauce. (I've had amazing potatoes there and terrible ones)
The rack of lamb is generally good - the stuffed Rib Eye can be amazing and also be nothing to write home about.
The "hate", a little strong for the real feelings I harbor, is that it just feels expensive somehow - that you're not getting a real bang for your buck.
In general, I think it's priced right for the meats they are using which are great quality, for the novelty of the food stuffs and for the probably selling more booze than food element.
Also, I love the interior. But I hate it. It's chilly or uncomfortable somehow. It looks like pub but something about perhaps the cheap wood chairs or lack of general warmth in atmosphere feels inhospitable. Maybe it's the lighting. It just doesn't feel like I want to doff a pint and watch the All Blacks and chat with my mates. It feels like I should be taking this to go or something because I will be more comfortable at home when the pie hits my tummy.
I've had generally very good service here, great bar service so no complaints from me.
Overall, it's very hit or miss for me.
However, I do recommend you try it for yourself! If you're in the neighborhood it's definitely worth a try at least for the pies!
The pies and sausage rolls are GREAT. They have a good wine and beer selection, great tea and other cocktails. Keep in mind! NZ and Aussie pies are a different animal. It's supposed to be a little mushy and there is no gravy. The crusts are supposed to be flaky but not crisp, it's a different thing than our ol' chicken pot pie.
If you're looking for solid meat and potatoes type of food this is a great way to vary your routine and try something with another country's flavors added to it. -
Review from Nish K.
San Ramon, CA
2/20/2011
THANK GOODNESS THIS PLACE CLOSED DOWN!!!!
I'd been to the New Zealander 3 times since it opened some 4-5 years ago, each time with other Kiwis, hoping for a taste of "home".... But every time I've gone, the food has been less than mediocre, and as a Kiwi, it kind of upsets me that THIS PLACE had the gall to call itself "The New Zealander" when the reality is that the food here did NOT represent NZ well.... the meat pies were poorly made, and the sausage rolls were DISGUSTING. And $10 for a pie?? Are you KIDDING me?
Glad this place isn't in operation anymore... -
Review from Lorene C.
San Francisco, CA
1/20/2011
It went out of business? It is about time. Hadia and Barrett had no idea what they were doing. I wrote an earlier honest review of the place, and received a threatening response from Barrett. The creepster has no class. I'm just happy to see some justice in the industry. Over and out.
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Review from bob n.
Alameda, CA
Updated - 7/3/2011
Looks like the latest incarnation will be "the 1400" for the address of the bar. Here's the new yelp
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
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http://www.1400barandg...
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Good Luck!3 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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5/15/2011
I've been going here for 12 years. Its had multiple versions during that time- all w pluses and… Read more »
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Review from Jessica D.
San Francisco, CA
12/10/2009
Even slathered in Wattie's and washed down with Speight's the food at The New Zealander is quite simply unremarkable. The fare is neither God awful nor heaven sent, resulting in an overall underwhelming pub experience. Despite their presumed best efforts the service was as poor as the meal.
I wanted to like this spot but the lamb loin was meager, without the flavor explosion and richness I desired. Lamb is not beef and should never ever taste like such. The five thin slices of lamb loin arrived room temperature (cold) without the blackberry demi-glaze, along with a cohort of questionably roasted slightly soggy red potatoes which tasted as though they had been lightly reheated from the day's lunch leftovers (perhaps microwaved for 35 seconds?). The final let down, the greatest disappointment, were the pub pies, which the menu touts as their specialty. -
Review from Joe C.
Buena Park, CA
3/1/2009
I stopped on Friday night with three other adults and one teen. They had a live band playing. We were seated and served within a matter of minutes. My son had suggested the place as a good place for decent bar food. He nailed it. I had the cheese plate and a lamb and mint pie. It was perfect. My teenage son tried the sausage roll. One the softball size roll appeared, he was a little taken aback. I helped him finish...
The beer was cold, the food decent, the atmosphere friendly, what more can you ask for? If I lived in the area, I would be a regular. -
Review from Silvia Z.
San Leandro, CA
4/22/2010
A friend invited me last a couple of days ago for dinner to the New Zealander. I usually don't post reviews in general (though love to read 'em), but after tasting the Ba Ba Burger, I just had to go on Yelp.
I'm a lamb lover, so I know how good lamb is supposed to taste like and man - the Ba Ba Burger was amazing! The meat was cooked medium and it was juicy and so flavorful! Just thinking about it makes me hungry again.. lol. The salad on the side had a yummy vinaigrette and the home fries were one of the best I had. I definitely will be back - Can't wait to try out the rack of lamb.
I noticed some reviewers complained about their higher prices. Well, given that a lot of the food cost went up, I think they are pretty reasonable. And it's not just the good food you pay for - a cozy atmosphere and friendly staff are just as important for a pleasant dining experience! -
Review from Becky H.
Alameda, CA
10/17/2006
The food was horrible. My potatoes were cold, unsalted and bland. That's how they tasted before they were drowning in the oil pouring out of my burger. Oh the burger... I couldn't eat more than a few bites. The bun was soaking wet (eliciting the image of Chevy Chase eating the dog pee sandwich in Vacation) and the meat resembled a dish sponge.
My sister had the veg. pie. It was cold and flavorless. I tried it and, sure enough, it tasted like chunky water.
All this being said, they finally received their liquor license so going for after work drinks on the patio seems like a pretty decent alternative to eating the... er... um... food-ish stuff they serve. -
Review from l z.
Alameda, CA
5/3/2008
Went this weekend after a baseball game for a good burger and a great burger was delivered! The burgers are Delicious. They come with fries and a salad.
Even my 6 year old finished it all.
Have tried other items on menu and all good, a little pricey for the pub atmosphere, all the desserts have been great. -
Review from Camille K.
Alameda, CA
7/8/2007
I really liked this restaurant at one time. I have since realized the food is inconsistent and the service is piss poor. There are menu items I love (3 AM White Lady Special with lamb, lamb wrapped prawns and fisherman's lunch), but not enough to keep going back.
I am surprised anyone frequents this restaurant. It closes way too early (nine PM weeknights?). The lights are too dimly lit. The mixed drinks are usually made by horribly inexperienced bus boys. The desserts are too frou frou. Whatever happened to a simple chocolate cake?
And why are tacos on the menu??? Do they serve many tacos in New Zealand? And why is pasta on the menu??? Again, do they serve much pasta in New Zealand? I come here for food from New Zealand. I have never been to New Zealand. Educate me. It's too late. I am through.
Update: I returned to The New Zealander more than one year later. The White Lady Special tasted delicious! All of the staff from 2007 are gone. The crowd has completely changed. There might be hope for this restaurant after all. -
Review from Colleen B.
Oakland, CA
8/18/2009
Although I don't frequent this spot, I have continued going here for over 4 years. Nice location, easy parking cute/historical building.
Service is always good and friendly. I absolutely LOVE their bah bah burger (lamb). They also have an unusual hamburger with roasted beets and a fried egg. Really strange combination but very good - and super messy.
If you like lamb, you'll return for their burgers. -
Review from Amy D.
San Francisco, CA
10/20/2008
I've been lucky enough to visit New Zealand twice with a third trip planned for 2009. Yes, there is such a thing as New Zealand food, in fact as the wine industry has grown so has the quality of the food and the chiefs. Having said this, the New Zealander is a pub with pub food so don't expect fine dining.
I was disappointed in this place; first of all New Zealand has great beer such as Speights and Tui, both hard to find in the States and at the New Zealander which seems to be confused between Australia and New Zealand even going so far as to have a didgeridoo on the wall. No Kiwi beers other then Steinlager.
The service was pathetic, brought the wrong food, stood over us while we ate the last of our appetizers, never brought requested mustard. The food was average, we both had pies with tough slightly over done pastry.
The overwhelming impression is this place is crying out for Ramsey's Kitchen Nightmares and is not worth the trip to Alameda. -
Review from Jenny M.
Alameda, CA
7/15/2010
First off they are not closed, they were just renovating!!!!
Oh, how I love their meat pies, let me count the ways... by themselves, with a side salad, and at home (as you can get them frozen!)... The only other thing I've tried is their burger, which was o.k. I like that they have vegemite sandwiches (my husband said it was "interesting") and australian ketchup (tasty). The staff are always friendly and the interior is quite charming.
Just a small update, went there this weekend and truly enjoyed the juicy and tart bleu cheese burger and light/not-greasy(Grouper) fish and chips, both with rosemary roasted potatoes. My husband and I were wise to pick these two dishes to share - truly yummy! They are now our favorite burger joint in Alameda!
