It was out with the pompous nouvelle cuisine that was all the go in the 80s and in with the concept that dining out should be fun and value for money. The original menu was a combination of comfort food, Kiwi classics and a few Lone Star originals. Some of these dishes from that first menu are still being served today and are as popular as ever. Dishes like the Lassoo of Hog, Dixie Chicken and the iconic Redneck Ribs prove that food fads come and go but good food never goes out of fashion.
When you share a birthday with such luminaries as artist JB Priestley and writer Roald Dahl you know you're destined to be different. So it is with the Lone Star which opened its door at 26 Manchester St on September, 13th 1988 determined to create a different dining experience for the people of Christchurch.
The cowboy theme, rich in the history of frontiersmen and risk-takers, was exemplified by the walls of the Café literally dripping with western art and memorabilia. But that very theme provided the early Lone Star staff with a constant reminder of the unknown territory they were entering. For a start, many would say the Café’s location, some way from the city centre, would discourage guests. But it didn’t - perseverance paid off, and it wasn’t long before people were coming in droves to dine at the Lone Star, to enjoy cool Country music and to participate in an atmosphere that always suggested that something very special was going down. After 21 years, this is still the case – at Lone Star a fun, unpretentious night out is guaranteed.
The Lone Star is famous for providing quality with quantity, using only the best and freshest local produce. It’s not only the size of the meals that are memorable- the service too, is legendary- your meals are served with a genuine smile in generous portions.
There are now 20 Lone Star’s throughout New Zealand so there’s bound to be one near you. There were 21, but unfortunately the very first Lone Star from Manchester Street- the trailblazer, the “Mother Ship”, the icon, was decimated in the Christchurch earthquake of September 4, 2010, and has since been demolished, much to the sadness of the people from the Garden City. But the Christchurch Loney will come again, bigger and better – every cloud has a silver lining.
We invite you to visit, dine with us and enjoy the buzz of mingling with like-minded people who want to enjoy themselves. Because at the Lone Star we can truly say, “the fun never sets.”
OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU
We strive to run the best restaurant operation in New Zealand. From the moment you enter any of our Café’s and are welcomed by our friendly staff. We want you to enjoy a fantastic fun filled night with us. We will always do our very best to ensure you receive fast, efficient and friendly service, outstanding food sourced from the best and freshest ingredients, offering value for your hard earned money.
Local Cuisine
Queenstown, Central Queenstown