The Elephant Wrestler

Just HORRIFIED buy the way one of the staff members came at my partner and I, when we where finishing our dinner at 8.55pm to tell us that we are going to have to leave at 9 pm because my partner was wearing FLIP-​FLOPS. We called the manager over for an explanation and were told in fact we could stay until 10 pm and finish our meal and the reasoning was that it’s a dress code issue not even a safety issue and it is only issued at men as «woman choose flip flops to go with their outfits»! Other than that being right out sexist what shoes should my partner have chosen to wear with his T-​Shirt and Levi shorts… Leather dancing boots perhaps? And just so those who don’t know the setting of the place it’s an indoor and outdoor bar that sells burgers and pizzas and is set 200 meters from the beach. Not exactly a ‘fine dining’ establishment. I get that dress code rule for the people coming in to party or have a drink past that time but I do not agree as a paying customer in the restaurant since 7 pm that some one comes and tell us that we are going to have to leave and change our shoes. My partner and I have eaten in literally thousands of restaurants around the world and never struck such an embarrassing display.

The Elephant Wrestler was the last location on our list of places to try for potential Quiz Nights. I don’t think we’ll go back based on my experience last night. The service overall was below average.
When we called up to place a booking we specified that we needed chairs with backs, as one of our team members has a back problem (i.e. no bar stools). However, when we arrived, we found that we had been reserved for a table with bar stools instead. We politely asked the waitress to double check our reservation and she advised that «Well, it’s not in the book»… In the end, we were seated where we needed to be but were made to feel like we were an inconvenience.
A few of us were unhappy with the food that we received:
— The grilled chicken burger which tasted like it had been cooked twice, grilled and then reheated for the burger as parts of the chicken were rubbery. Also, while the waitstaff were eager to clear our table, there was an instance when they took away parts of the meal that were still being nibbled.
— The open steak sandwich which was poor quality, very gristly and included too much mustard seed. We mentioned this to one of the waitstaff, and a manager came over to discuss it. They mentioned that there was nothing they could really do and offered a complementary drink.
— The pork belly was well cooked but rather bland.
— The scotch steak was well cooked but over seasoned with too much salt.
— The pricing of the meals was a bit high. We would have thought that simple sides such as salads would have been included with the meal, rather than purchasing these items separately.
Some good points:
— The quiz master was great. He was entertaining, good rapport and good pace.
— The golden syrup steamed pudding was delicious A+
— The cheesecake jar was tasty and would order again.

False advertising. Website says «burger and pint $ 20 all day Saturday». Walked in to order and they said it ends at 6:00.
I don’t know what part of that would have ever been guessed from «all day Saturday,» but needless to say, I did not take them up on their shrugged off offer to simply buy them both at full price.

Pretty nice menu and the patio was sublime. Drinks were nice. One of our clan had a ‘boysenberry’ cider. It was yummy. Different and devine. Steak special and hand formed burgers topped with soft Gouda cheese … OMG! Would be five stars except we all ordered more beers and they never showed up. So we left and its four stars. We’ll probably try the EW again tho.

Good atmosphere for after work drinks and some good pub food — but watch the cost (for pub food it is a bit pricey and it’s no better). The food was nice but some of this mains were $ 30+. Great garden bar though and good for watching the all blacks on a Saturday night.

Kind of disappointed of this place, asked for medium rare, then my meat is basically raw, I don’t think that I need to say anything more
I didn’t finish it

Awesome place for a casual drink and some food or a nice night out on a Friday night. They seem to be able to cater for everyone in one location which is such a benefit when you’ve got picky friends! Friday night is always good fun as they have a DJ or live music cranking which really adds to the atmosphere. Drink and food prices are about average for Auckland. They have all the usual beers on tap (local/​international). Worth a visit if you’re in Takapuna!

I’m just going to put it out there, I think The Elephant Wrestler may just be the best place to watch sport in Auckland. It has ample seating both inside and out, two MASSIVE big screens, passionate fans and numerous beers on tap. Ideal.
We came here for the first time to watch game 1 of the State of Origin and I was suprized by how packed it was on a Wednesday night, especially considering the game didn’t kick of til 10pm on a school night. Fortunately, we arrived a bit before kick off and were able to snag one of the big tables near the front in prime viewing position.
Even though NSW won, we thought the atmosphere was great and after reading the other reviews we definitely want to come back to try the food. If only they played NBA games on the big screen as well…

The Elephant Wrestler is just up the road from me and is a great ‘local.’ The premise has actually been through a few transformations over the last 10 years, but The Elephant Wrestler is definitely my favourite, and it seems it will be sticking around for a long time yet.
Walk in and you’re confronted with a high-​ceilinged bar/​restaurant with the traditional wooden furniture meets funky bright additions. The bar is really well-​equipped with daily cocktail specials, and the bar staff know what they’re doing. The coolest thing about The Elephant Wrestler is the courtyard area. With lots of greenery and out door heaters, there is always a good vibe from day to night.
Food is really yum, with particularly delicious small plates.
Come for lunch and don’t be surprised if you don’t leave till dark.

Both times my partner and I have been to the elephant wrestler we have left not disappointed as such but expecting a little more. We had been sent there on recommendations from friends on our first trip. And while I can easily say our alcoholic beverages enjoyed in the sun out in the outdoor area were of excellent quality, the food and service was not so much. I had the seafood pasta which was fine but nothing I would rave about or order again and my partner had the fish and chips, the batter on the chips according to him tasted like doughnut batter, sweet and in complete contrast to the rest of the meal.
Our waitress was once again fine, did her job but we didn’t get a smile out of her all evening. Our second experience here was pretty much exactly the same, so maybe judging by the rest of the reviews we just caught them on two bad days but I only have one thing to say: underwhelming.

The beautiful people of Auckland are spoilt for choice, sundowners in Parnell, drinks in Ponsonby or a quick one in Herne Bay. Now it looks like they’ve migrated across the bridge and they’re happy to show their faces at Takapuna’s hottest destination… The Elephant Wrestler.
Your beer will be poured perfectly, your snacks will be delicious and the eye candy will be filling. Every time I visit, I’m impressed with the talent we’ve got on the ‘Shore, even the waitresses are prettier than the last winner of NZ Hottest Model. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not here to ogle, I just like to rest my eyes on something easy while I drink my beer.

The Elephant Wrestler has become a haunt of mine since our dragonboat association started using it for afterparties at regionals, making it a priimo location, nice and close to Lake Pupuke.
Not a popular observation, I know, but as a smoker the fact that they have an area to llight up inside the venue, rather than having to be cast out onto the street, is actually a very cool point.
The food is also something to make a journey for, the slider platters being a favourite of mine. Nothing makes you feel more like a glutton having three of your own little burgers to munch!

The Elephant Wrestler = sliiiiiiiders. Yes those delicious little mini burgers. So tiny, so cute and oh so tasty. They even have a sliders special; 2 chicken and 2 beef for just $ 12. If sliders aren’t your thing there is large ‘bit of everything’ menu, with loads of variety. The pizzas are good, and the salads are large and interesting. The Elephant Wrestler is a big place; part sit down restaurant, part sports bar. This means that although it would be perfect for date night, don’t expect too much conversation after 8pm, or if there’s a game on. A fun place to go with friends, it has a cool interior and vibrant ambiance. If you are settling in for the night perhaps just have a couple of drinks before you go… they are a little pricey at $ 15 for cider, $ 12 glass of wine

I recently had my first experience at The Elephant Wrestler and I’m already looking forward to my next visit. I loved the décor of this place; floral paintings, bottled lights above the bar and it’s prominent theme of pink elephants and wrestling garments proved for great aesthetics and a wonderful local feel.
With an extensive menu including classic burgers, steak grills and gourmet pizzas, there really is something for everyone. Their lamb and quinoa kebabs and green peppercorn & mozzarella mash were standouts. For dessert, try the mango kulfi– its a deliciously sweet and well-​executed take on traditional Indian ice cream.
The service was outstanding– the waitresses and bartenders we encountered were exceptional and made our Sunday night dinner even more enjoyable.
The Elephant Wrestler has everything you could possibly think of, and then some. An Auckland must!