Reviews of Pauly's Diner. (Restaurant) in Taupō (Waikato).

Name: Pauly's Diner
Address: 3 Pāora Hapi Street, Taupō 3330, New Zealand, Taupō, Waikato
Telephone: +64 7 378 4315
Price range: €€
Rating: 4.6

Pauly's Diner

1642 Reviews

388 Comments

Restaurant

Takeout Restaurant

3 Pāora Hapi Street, Taupō 3330, New Zealand

View all the reviews

Description Map Open Hours Reviews Contact Photos

Description

Information of Pauly's Diner, Restaurant in Taupō (Waikato)

Here you can see the location, open hours, popular times, contact, photos and real reviews done by the users.

This place has good reviews, this means that they treat their customers well and you’ll feel great with their services, recommended 100%!

Map

Open hours of Pauly's Diner

Monday

11 a.m.–8:30 p.m.

Tuesday

11 a.m.–8:30 p.m.

Wednesday

11 a.m.–8:30 p.m.

Thursday

11 a.m.–8:30 p.m.

Friday

11 a.m.–8:30 p.m.

Saturday

11 a.m.–8:30 p.m.

Sunday

11 a.m.–8:30 p.m.

Popular times

Monday

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Tuesday

11
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Wednesday

11
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Thursday

11
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Friday

11
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Saturday

11
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Sunday

11
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Reviews of Pauly's Diner

D. T.

Solid burgers, super tasty. Wait times can get quite long, so be prepared for that just in case. It's definitely worth the wait though! Favourite order is the chilli beef burger - great balance of spice, sweetness, and acidity to balance out the fattiness of the beef burger.

Seriously good chicken burger. Probably the best one I've ever had! It has been months since I went to Taupo, but still, no burger has compared in taste and flavour.

P. L.

Great burger and a rival of Burger fuel for size and flavor. Definitely worth going back again. I got the double cheese and bacon burger with chips. It was epic.

M. D.

I was passing through Taupo and checked out Google Maps for recommendations and this place came up. I'm glad it did. The food is better than the big chains, and I watched them make the patties from fresh ground beef. There are a decent number of milkshakes available (I had the chocolate mint, which was great). The servings are definitely big - it's probably best to share the fries. Staff were friendly, which is a big plus for me. Will look for Pauly's Diner if I'm back in Taupo in the future!

S. G.

After reading some reviews that this place is not as good since changing hands we were a bit unsure about going but no complaints here. We were really impressed with both a beef and chicken burger. Great size, flavourful, well cooked and comparable price to something like burger fuel. Chips were well seasoned and crunchy. Clear wait time given, and food ready by that time. 🤩

R. M.

Quick friendly service. The fried chicken was boneless, crispy and amazing! An absolute highlight. The chips were great with plenty of seasoning. The loaded fries were good and the burgers were delicious. The BBQ bacon burger could have done with a bit more BBQ sauce to reach perfection

S. K.

Cracking kai! Chicken burger was incredibly crunchy and delicious and that mustard/pickle/relish on the cheeseburger was 💣 (recommend double meat). Loaded fries were great but my eyes definitely bigger than my stomach. The crew were friendly and kindly put up with our feral 3yo. Do stop if you're in Taupō. Ngā mihi!

Pumping little burger (and fried chicken) joint. We made a large takeaway order and it was ready alot faster than I thought it would be considering they were super busy. Cheeseburger was epic. The kids meals are massive! Cheers guys - we'll definitely stop in again next time we're in Taupo.

Food was nice, no seating in restaurant so more of a takeaway than a diner. Stopped off on the way through because we saw it on the entertainment card. However after ordering was told that the new owner was not taking the entertainment card discount because he didn't agree with it. So take note if you are expecting to use the entertainment card then this is not the place for you

c. t.

Best chicken I've had in a very long time. The chocolate milkshake was amazing too 😍 10/10 would recommend to anyone in taupo. Will definitely be stopping by again on my way back down.

Absolutely cranking today, a bit of a wait (40min) which was made known in advance so no drama. Well worth it, burgers were phenomenal, hot, tasty, juicy with a generous side of creamy potato and gravy and well seasoned crinkle cut chips. A revisit for sure. Cheers guys!

Great staffs serving great food. We had the Cheeseburger and BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger with Kumara fries. Both seemed like they were freshly made and taste really great. Would definitely recommend others to try this place.

We were super keen to try Pauly's after seeing it on a Tik Tok review. Honest opinion it wasn't as good as I thought it would be taste wise it was very bland. The chicken box and burger chicken is moist and crispy, just the flavour, truly just wanted to put some extra seasoning on it everything just tasted as one flavour. A bit gutted about that. Milk shakes are yum. The portion sizes are good, a little greasy but I feel like that to be expected from diner food. It cost nearly $80 for 2 people. They also use environmentally friendly packaging which is so good to see. Am I glad I tried it? Yes... Would I go there again? No.

S. I.

Absolutely amazing fried chicken and fries! They serve large portions and it’s worth every penny. Definitely also recommend the vanilla shake it’s was so creamy and delicious just like drinking Ice cream. We will definitely be back even if it take us 3 hours to drive there

I have been to this place many times and my all time favourite is fried chicken burger. Taste of their burger has been consistent and so good. If you live in taupo or come to Taupo and have not been to this place then you must. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

D. C.

The presentation of the burgers were absolutely spot on. Nice fresh ingredients, yummy delicious meat patties and real chicken meat. The S&P salad was totally different but also delicious. Nice funky little burger joint with a upbeat atmosphere, good music, tidy appearance, cleanliness was current as to the customer flow. Good work guys. Definitely be back on our next visit

Awesome dinner stop while travelling through Taupō. Cheese burgers loved by both the kids and adults. Ready just 10 min after I rang too. Thanks guys!

S. M.

Really enjoyed the burgers at Pauly's Diner. Very unsuspecting from the outside, but the service was very friendly and the food was amazing. So glad we decided to come here for lunch. Great value at $17 for a burger, fries and drink. Tomato Sauce, Siracha and extra seasoning on the outdoor tables was a nice touch.

T. K.

Absolutely delicious! Chicken crispy and tender, cheese burger like ive never tasted before, worth every cent! Service was amazing and loved the vibe

M. A.

One of the best burgers I had in NZ. In my opinion, it beats burger fuel for taste and food quality. Staff are friendly and their suggestions are awesome. I ordered double cheese burger and blue cheese with hot sauce and it was so so delicious. I wish there is a branch in Hamilton.

Honey chicken was amazing Chilli cheese burger was perfect Choco milk shake is probably the best I've ever had Highly recommended definitely a good place to stop if your after a good feed

F. M.

Omg... This burger... Heaven... Everything you could want from a burger. Juicy patty, crispy bun, that sauce, that cheese and Hot dang... Those kumara fries 😍 perfection. Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside. I got the cheeseburger with a gluten free bun and it was soft and wonderful, not the dry choking to which we have become accustomed. And the staff were great too! Limited seating though. Definitely order to takeaway.

A. K.

Always stop at this place whilst we are in Taupo. Younger kids may like to have burgers without pickles. A great amount of finely chopped pickles are delicious for adults though 😀

K. H.

Pauly's in Taupo was SOLID, such a great burger experience. Enjoyed the BBQ Cheeseburger! Just a really delicious burger! The chicken burger was okay, I definitely enjoyed the cheeseburger a lot more.

L. N.

Best chicken I've ever had. Went two days in a row when I was in Taupo for 2021 Reunion for their Honey Butter Chicken. Came on here now to see if it's open on our way back to Napier from Whitianga but I'm gutted it isn't open untill Wednesday- wanted to try a burger. Cool staff and dope food, definitely deserved this novel, just dug up this photo from my visit even. 😎😂

M. M.

Seriously was impressed with the fried chicken and burgers. When we came back for our holiday I was also blown away by the milkshakes also. This has become my new favourite every time I pass through Taupō. Thanks!

A good burger can be found here. It definitely hit the spot after spending a day kayaking on Lake Taupo. Please note that they don’t have a bathroom on premises if I recall correctly because they are strictly a take-out place. They do have some picnics outside that you can sit at to enjoy your food. We also ended up order the honey butter southern fried chicken along with a double cheese burger. Go gluttony! It was very crispy and crunchy on the outside with moist tender chicken inside. Finger licking good! The food did come flying out but they do make things fresh to order. We really liked this place to refuel and reenergize after a day out ton the water. Would recommend for anyone in the area.

K. K.

This is place of burger and chips. But they did not sell fish and chips. They sell best burger in the city. There main entrance is not wheelchair friendly. Parking also not wheelchair friendly. They got inside and outside sitting arrangement. They got hips of car parking in front of there shop. There are pretty busy in dinner time. But if you want to good burger you have to wait. But sometimes waiting also sweet.

M. M.

Pretty good but overpriced. Beautiful buns, but the sauces made the burger a bit of a soggy mess. Kinda bland, flavourless. Super nice guys running the place, and I hate to say it, but I'd much rather have a burgerfuel burger.

C. G.

Amazing food!! Almost missed out during a quick trip to Taupo. Great friendly service too! Top 3 burger place

m. p.

Could be the best burger I've tasted. Fried chicken was amazing and so we're the loaded fries,,,,but that burger!!!!!!

G. F.

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 mean burger.

k. c.

Amazing taste and value. Chicken and loaded fries tasted great, and there's condiments such as sriracha available. Would definitely come back next time I'm in Taupo

Tried the honey fried chicken, very nice. Great to see the portion of chicken was more than the chips. Most eateries drown your meal with chips. Nice work Pauly"s 👏

s. s.

Best burgers and fried chicken in taupo by far...sooooooo good

M. R.

I probably already left a review in the past, but feel the need to reiterate after having visited Pauly's yesterday after being deprived for 9 months. The CHILLI BURGER is CONSISTENTLY delicious and is the only thing I crave when I have the opportunity to pass through Taupo. The fusion of the jalapeno relish, smashed burger patty (nice and crispy around the edges), and shiny burger bun that just holds it all together makes this my favorite spot in all of NZ.

Nice tasty burgers , with well cooked kumara fries , both satisfying . Maybe a little pricey ,but thats normal for Taupo .

S. H.

Oh my! Fried chicken burger - sublime and the honey mustard chicken burger- heaven. Do what I did, ask them to throw some bacon in with the fried chicken burger 🍔 mmmm so good! 10/10 guys, you nailed it, totally satisfied.

Such a great burger! 2 days in Taupo, 2 burgers. Extremelly tasty and delicious. Had the chilli one, spicy and hot, and the special one which was amazing! These guys are doing a great cooking work, and they have nothing to envy to the popular FergBurgers, which I think they are known as best in NZ...Which I doubt!!

K. C.

Burger was real yummy 😋 very classic cheese burger. Chicken was very delicious too. Really love it.

T. S.

If you like good burgers and fried chicken, you will like Pauly's! Stopped in here while visiting Taupo. Two of us had a beef burger each and shared some Honey Butter Fried Chicken. The burger was the best I've had in a long time. A single was enough to fill me and the bun was amazing. I did think it was strange that you pay extra for salad in a burger, but it is definitely not needed as the burger itself is delicious and filling. The fried chicken was amazing - seems that Pauly's uses boneless thigh pieces as the it was very moist and delicious. I will definitely be back next time I am in Taupo. Only thing I thought was strange was that (according to the blackboard) chicken burgers are not served during summer? Tip: I would recommend going with the intention to takeaway. There are 2 - 3 tables outside and limited inside seating. It could be challenging to find a seat during peak hours.

G. U.

Best cheeseburger I have had. Ever! Hands down! They were super busy when I was there, and their popularity is testament to how good the burgers are! The layer of chopped gherkins is a winner!

Great food. Friendly service. Chicken is juicy and delicious, burgers are so filling, spicy mayo has a lil kick. Staff check in on you, felt very warm and welcoming, nice touch. Worth a check in for sure..

G. R.

Really good burgers. The flavor of the meat, cheese and bun is delicious, I really like the charcoaled flavors and this burger delivers. The Kumara fries are good but the regular fries (frozen) can be better, and could have the same quality as the rest of the food. Chicken burger is also very good, with juicy and tender meat. Looking forward to try other things in the menu.

R. B.

The best burgers in Taupo baby! As a Doctor in Burgernomics, it is of my professional opinion that this place is, as we say in the profession; the sh*t. Patties are made in-house with love, and they’re fresh like a prince in an American sitcom from the 90s. Loaded Fries were so good my taste buds sung songs of praise like old ladies in a church service at a Sunday mass Customer service; friendly, and above all; honest. Dudes were getting slammed when my partner and I came in, said it would be a 30-35min wait, and it was! We swing by 30min later to pick up our order and they’d literally just finished bagging it. It’s trivial to some but I love a counter guy who knows what’s up. You folk get this highest of fives, the maddest of props and the most shaka’s of brahs! 🤙🏻 - my return business is guaranteed next time we’re in the area.

J. F.

The place to go in Taupo if you want a decent burger. In fact was the best burger I had whilst in NZ. My lady had the chicken burger which looked pretty amazing. But the double cheeseburger was awesome. Sweet potato fries were delicious too. The dudes behind the counter were helpful too. Well deserved of its good reviews.

k. b.

Food was great. Burger was awesome with a crispy bun. Fish Sandwich (made with local fish Tarakihi) was amazing. Loaded fries just put it over the top. Gonna head back for the Fried Mac n cheese and a Fried Chicken Sandwich. Although may have to do a bacon burger with a fried egg next! No WiFi, no bathrooms, no credit card and no alcohol. But the burgers make up for it.

S. L.

Burgers & fried chicken After reading the reviews we stopped in for lunch and we weren't disappointed! We had a deli burger, coleslaw and fried chicken with blue cheese and hot sauce. it was all totally delicious. The deli burger had an interesting twist with pastrami and caramelized onion and the fried chicken was amazing - crisp and not oily!! The service was super friendly too - no wonder this is a popular spot!

J. H.

I had the cheeseburger combo from Pauly's Diner and the portion size is stellar for the amount you pay for it (it's not at all expensive and very well priced in my opinion). The chips were done to perfection with really tasty seasoning as well. The pattie is super delicious, but all other components of the burger make this a meal worth purchasing. The chilly cheese burger, which my friends purchased, was thoroughly enjoyed by all. Fair warning, there is some kick to the heat of the chilly cheese burger! Their kumara chips are also delicious and super crispy! Would definitely recommend this diner for anyone wanting a wholesome and yummy burger.

Just had Paulys burgers for the first time. Whole family agree best burgers we have ever had! Staff super lovely, great spot! Big thanks

R. B.

One of the best fried chicken sandwiches I’ve ever had. My brother had a burger and said it was also amazing. Staff was super friendly as well. Great place to go for a quick bite.

S. A.

This place will just make you sad you never went earlier. The staff are top notch and the food will leave you traveling the astral planes of your mind. It's that good. Stop wasting time and order everything on the menu.

YUM! We had the cheese burger, bacon burger and loaded fries. Epic burger buns, patties, sauces and milkshakes are next level delicious

N. S.

Probably one of the best burger joints I’ve tried. Food was amazing. Had the BBC and a choc mint shake. The burger was juicy, full of flavour and super satisfying. The shake was thick and tasty. The customer service was great. The staff were friendly and chill. Would definitely recommend grabbing a bite to eat here!!

Their burger is Amazing. Try chilli one, for me it was the best in NZ

J. H.

Got their special of the day. 10/10 would recommend to anyone wanting a tasty burger!! Service was quick and staff were super friendly. Be careful though, they don't take credit or foreign cards. Only local cash.

Awesome feed pumped out quickly by the hard-working brothers on a busy Friday night. Burgers were delicious, and the fried chicken was mean!! Easy top 3 takeaways we've have in Aotearoa. Good tunes, and friendly staff. Do yourself a favour, give Ronald McDonald and his mates a miss, go see the boys at Paulys.

t. y.

Awesome burgers and milkshakes. The staff are terrific very friendly and patient. Massive tick from me. I can’t wait to go back.

R. C.

Great food, especially the fried chicken & Kumara fries. Sauces in the burger are super tasty and bun nice and soft.

P. V.

Yum yum yum! Great burgers. We also got a serving of fried chicken which was not really needed because burgers were plenty big enough. But we had to try the chicken too and it was worth it! The shakes are great too, super thick, like a dessert in itself.

S. H.

Very tasty! Loved the chicken and the bun on the burger. Would have loved the patty to have been a bit juicer.

N. T.

Maybe the best burger I’ve eaten so far ! Burger patty cooked to perfection,condiments amazing. The service was very friendly and attentive. Great job guys

M. S.

The picture does not do it justice. Dripping with flavour, everyone working there is really friendly and happy. Relaxed place, awesome food. Gotta try the burgers and the chicken. It's all golden.

Decent burger and shake. No toilet is a downside for those travelling though so probably won't stop again.

So glad we popped in here. Burgers are delicious and the guys are super friendly. Will be back for sure!

Awesome feed! Amazing service, good greasy burger that will be hard to forget

H. T.

The burger is so tender and easy to eat. We ordered the cheese and chilly cheese burger. Both tasted great.

A. C.

What a BURGER! I definitely recommend getting the salad added to it unless you are just keen for a hearty beefy treat. Either way, you won't be disappointed! The crew at Pauly's are also very kind and inviting, encouraging you to come back again and again! The milkshakes are other worldy and worth travelling to get more. Can't praise the team or burgers enough, really excellent!

K. M.

Don’t be fooled into thinking this is a normal diner. The chicken and burgers here are absolutely outstanding. Tender and full of flavour. They do a few things and they do them extremely well.

Z. T.

Good food, Value for money, would definitely recommend Chilli Cheese Burger & standard basket with add on hot shaker.

Had a long wait, the food was amazing though. Definitely rate the milkshakes!

c. k.

Great burger and friendly staff. Strongly recommend.

C. B.

My family and I went here after seeing the online reviews about Pauly's. The food was amazing. The staff are very friendly as well. Awesome place, I will be going back.

Very nice food and a great relaxed atmosphere. No toilets, No plates or cutlery. This chicken burger became abit of a mess and hard to eat by hand.

Absolutely brilliant burgers. New go to eatery in Taupo. Loved my Chilli cheese burger.

k. k.

This place is a must try! We ended up going here three times in our four day stay in tapou. I wish we had this place in the states! I would make it a regular place to visit if we did. Everything we tried was really good! The guys running/own the joint are awesome and give out good recommendations.

D. W.

Fantastic food. I had the chicken burger combo with sweet potato fries and was amazing. No toilets at this place so makes it difficult with kids.

L. T.

If you visit Taupo, you need to visit Pauly's. We had the chicken burger and Vege burger and the combination of flavours on both worked really well. These are some seriously fantastic burgers! We also had the loaded sweet potato fries AND milkshakes😳 (..because we did the Tongariro Crossing hike and wanted calories). The loaded fries are also a must-have.

A. G.

Burgers r great! Love the fried golden bread. Lunch(any burger+fries+can/water) for only 14, which is absolutely good value.

Great food. Great price. Very friendly staff, I'll definitely be back. And will send others your way for sure!

A. V.

These are the guys who give kiwis a good name - down to earth, friendly, local, delicious. A proper kiwi joint we started to miss these days. Definitely drop in if in or passing by Taupo!

We stopped by Pauly's diner on Sunday afternoon and got a double cheeseburger, chicken burger and fries. Excellent food! The man who served us was upbeat and friendly and we didn't wait long for our order. We will definitely return.

So good! Best chicken burger I ever had in my entire life. Amazing service. He came out with our food in the rain! Thanks a lot, will definitely be coming back

Best burgers I've ever had so good would 110% smash again

Exceptionally great burgers with that luxury home-made feeling, great taste, great service and proper milkshakes.

T. R.

10/10 chicken burger. Highly recommend. A must stop for burger lovers when in Taupo

The only bad thing about Pauly's is that I can only get it when I'm passing through Taupo. This place is number one on my burger list

M. Q.

The service was so friendly and the food was awesome! So happy we came and tried it out. We're from out of town, but we will definitely be back for more next time we're in Taupo c:

J. T.

The best fried chicken me and my family have ever tasted! We ordered the honey butter fried chicken and the BBC burger, Cheeseburger and the special White lady burger which was a chicken burger. Going from the reviews the beef burgers where the best but I'd definitely go for the chicken burger that was delicious, followed by the cheeseburger (really tasty, great cheeseburger) and closely followed by the bbq bacon cheeseburger. But out of everything I'd get the fried chicken! We tried to come here the next day before we left Taupo but unfortunately they weren't open that day (holidays) This place will be our first stop next time we come to Taupo. Oh and a great bunch of blokes, very friendly.

S. T.

These guys know how to make burgers. I was recommended chilli cheese burger, it is quite spicy, but very nice, def worth a try!! Will def want to come back again!

Great burgers worth trying it friendly staff too😊

J. B.

Dropped into Pauly’s for a post-race snack after competing in the Taupō half ironman triathlon. Little did I know I was in for one of the tastiest burgers of my life! Coupled with 5 star customer service, I would now argue that you haven’t done Taupō until you’ve done Pauly’s 👌🏼

the absolute best fried chicken I have ever had in my life and the burger was out of this world.. 10/10 amazing flavours and generous with the cheese which is important. In Love!

T. C.

Visited after seeing the ad. on t.v. well worth the visit, tasty burgers with friendly Kiwi service, you can't ask for more than that. Give them a try.

C. K.

Totally Love this amazing place! Pauly’s special burger and sweet potato chips are the best things i’ve had in New Zealand! Gonna miss this place a lot <3 <3

H. J.

Chicken burger special plus sweet potato fries, so good and good service.

G. L.

Had the deep fried portobello mushroom burger. Best vege burger I've had in ages!!! The burnt butter mayo was incredible. The mushroom so crispy. Was just passing through taupo but I hope they add it to their regular menu. Owner / server was lovely too.

Food = incredible. Vibe = unmatched. Even on a busy Saturday night our food was good with pride and every bite was delicious. The music and vibe of the staff working was awesome and overall a great time. 10/10.

B. H.

After having their chilli cheeseburger, I was immediately overcome with sadness that I would not return to Taupo to have another. This little diner exceeds expectations in every way.

M. S. J.

Amazing chips and great burgers. The secret sauce is great. Defo get the cheese and gravy chips.

My partner and I both agree hands down the best burger of our lives! Next time we come we will be trying the chicken! (With the burgers). Customer service spot on. Cheers

Love their fried chicken! And goes well with Kumara fries as a side 🤤

E. L.

Highly recommended, simple and so good flavours and caramelisation! Better than many of the good places in Sydney. 👍🏻👍🏻

Really are the best burgers in taupo if not the waikato...

Best burger and chicken ever. Nice thick milkshakes.

Chicken burger was ah-may-ZING the watermelon hot sauce 😋 👌 Too much pickle on the beef burger but the pattie and the buns were so good! Deffo will have again next time in town. Shout out the the staff who were happy and chatty and so helpful! What a great spot!

Burgers are amazing, but my favourite is the honey butter fried chicken. Melt in your mouth goodness. Awesome service and didnt have to wait long for our food.

Nice burgers and chips. Young staff working hard. Gotta ho there!!

V. E.

It's aint often I leave a review but when I do.. it's because it's bloody well deserved! Hands down the filthiest, most delicious burgers ever! #drool - do not hesitate to get your gob around one of these😎

Arguably the best burger I’ve ever had in New Zealand. Highly recommend this joint if you’re ever in Taupo. Cheers to the boys for the excellent service as well!

Best Gluten free Cheese burger with no cheese in Taupo. Wish they had some more healthy low sugar drink options too. Also, this place says it’s a diner but it’s not. It’s a burger bar with not much seating so best for take always.

This place is actually GOATed. The service was on point, friendly cheery staff that makes you feel welcome instantly, and the burgers were on another level, uncomparable to any other burger joint. The milkshakes were also on point! This place is worth every penny. Definetly have to check this place out on the way through Taupo. Enjoy that box boys!!

J. P.

No other burgers compare. The only reason I look forward to driving through Taupō. I’m just glad this place isn’t in my hometown or I would be 160kg and dead by 30.

G. L.

Best burger, fried chicken and sweet potatoes chip tasted in NZ so far. How nice if can have this in my country!

Best Kumara fries ever Great burgers cooked by top team

K. T.

Great place to go in Taupo for a decent burger. Amazing burgers, staff were nice as well

Great taste！ A little bit longer to wait. All good for a try！

Came to dine with 12 people at 8pm and the owners handled it like champions. Pauly's diner is a small establishment near Countdown Taupo. I ordered the Chilli Cheese Burger and it was excellent. What I ordered was a balanced blend of burger gluttony and burger's at its finest. The spice from the Jalapeño's paired excellently with the mayonnaise, the burger was made smash style and so the crispy edges that contrast with the tender centre was done right. The bun was buttered a tad bit too much for my liking, but that's something that can always be changed on my second round of this place. I will definitely be coming here again, it is superb! Kumara fries were seasoned and crisp, amazing!

Pretty fantastic burger, at a very reasonable price. Food was in generous portions, but not too over the top where it would be wasted. I'd totally recommend coming back here again!

S. W.

Drove from Auckland for this amazing food and it didn't disappoint! Chicken burger is amazing! Over ordered by adding in the loaded fries and couldn't get through many. Caramel shake is the best milkshake that ive ever had. Super friendly team. Thank you

B. J.

Best burgers in town, loaded fries were great too

Everything is delish. Recommend the sweet and sour chicken burger(in store special). Double cheese was lit. Pattie cooked perfectly. Honey butter chicken is bomb. Defs be coming back when I'm back in taupo.

Omg if you love fried chicken and a mean burger then Pauly's diner has you sorted we don't live in taupo but travel through alot an everytime we hit the road we can't wait to get Pauly's it's soooo good blue cheese hot sauce on fried chicken is a go to and of course the honey mustard chicken burger I'm getting hungry just thinking about it. It's consistently the best food everytime no matter how busy and all the guys in there are so lovely an welcoming thank you million times over customers for life

If you’re going to Taupo you must visit Pauly’s. Best fried chicken and burgers we have had in a long time. Great for non-meat eaters too. And the chocolate shake was the best we have ever had. 10/10 service and food.

Excellent burger, loaded fries were amazing as well

Exceptional mouth watering, suculant juicy chicken burgers. (they also do beef) So good they are hard to resist, got introduce to this place by a friend and I highly recommend the burgers and the fries. This place is so on its like falling in love with someone and you want them around all the time. That's me anyway. I need you in Dargaville lol. But your 6 hours apart from me my friend, Taupo you lucky specimens how close to what I would say the best burgers in your area and definitely my number 1 of my top 10 now! Send me chicken burgers. 🤤🤤🤤

H. C.

Good burger and good drink.we will comeback next time.

L. B.

Looking for something quick and we found Paulys diner just off the roundabout.. Magical burgers and sweet pot fries! Chilled staff and good tunes to munch to..

Amazing. A MUST stop when in Taupo. Great customer service ( even with tattoos 🤣 ) and the food is next level. Only issue I had was deciding on what to order.. because it's all so good. Fried chicken... wow! Get after it.

This Place is Dangerous, Firstly best group of Guys, warm and very welcoming. Second best burger I have had in Taupo. Thank you... :)

f. b.

Great burger spot! Went here because of the reviews and definitely lived up to the ratings. I'd recommend the beef over the chicken. But both very juicy. Is unlicensed and the chips are basic but the they do what they set out to do well and thats a quality burger!

Went recently based on the great reviews and was not disappointed. Amazing service and good. Having travelled the world, these are some of the best burgers I’ve had. Will be back again! Thanks team

a. f.

Undeniably great food! We had a fantastic hamburger special with sweet potato fries and nothing but good things to say there. Service speed was acceptable. I didn't rate five stars because the lack of credit card payment option and no bathroom were a bit off, especially considering the higher price point of the food. We didn't really buy into "it's take out only so that's why we don't offer a bathroom" when there is ample seating and the restaurant is clearly offering sit down service. To be fair, the payment and bathroom policy were well published, I just don't agree with the lack of service in this respect based on the price.

K. P.

The burger and fries were pretty good. Get the lunch combo!

They weren't lying, 100% best burgers in Taupō!

Must try burger whilst in Taupo. Food is super yum. Price is reasonable and the servings are massive🔥 Bonus: the staff were friendly!

a. j. a.

The best burger I have tasted so far in NZ. I’ve ordered chilly cheese burger it was so tasty and juicy. If you are up to spicy stuff then this burger is highly recommended. The sweet potato fries was awesome as well.

These guys care about the food they make. Fantastic burgers and fries. The sweet potato fries were excellent. Everything made fresh and delicious. Fare price for the quality of food and the service was welcoming. Fair warning - no toilet and no credit cards, but come for the food.

B. H.

Had the fried chicken with blue cheese and hot sauce. Best fried chicken! Tender and succulent. Friendly service and good portion size. Have to try a burger next time

Food was sooo good, the service was exceptional and really nice diner

J. L.

Definitely some of the best burgers we've had in all NZ! We had the cheese and chili cheese burger. Perfectly cooked and great flavor. Also had the deep fried Mac n cheese, fantastic flavor and not too greasy. Finished with loaded potato fries. Would definitely go to again!

B. U.

Came by with a friend who recommended the burgers and the fried chicken. This meant I had to try both. Both were amazing. The burger had delicious flavour and the buns were toasted just right so you get the texture. The fried chicken was crispy morsels of deliciousness. I just had the standard one but they also had blue cheese or honey butter flavours on offer. They had quite a few options for food which isn't limited to burgers and chicken. They also had shakes which looked really nice. Place is quite small but we managed to squeeze 8 people on two tables. Really friendly service so would be keen to stop by when in the area.

Awesome fast and friendly service. The food is pretty nice as well

In my opinion the best burgers in Taupo! The guys there are real friendly. Bloody amazing customer service. Every experience I've had has been great!

Amazing burgers!! Friendly staff and affordable. Dont procrastinate go get some!

Top shelf fried chicken made by a Solid crew of hardworking blokes. The burgers are bloody decent too! Highly recommend the blue cheese fried chicken. The Mac and cheese bites are awesome and the shakes are super thick and cold. Will continue to come here whenever we pay a visit to Taupo. Cheers fellas!

Iconic place. Conveniently located at the North West end of the CBD. Plenty of level, easy access carparking adjacent to, and within a minutes walk, of the dinner/restaurant/takeout. Public toilets within 100m. The extensive menu caters to a myriad of local, regional and visitor personal tastes - hot, cold or chilled. Each member of 'our dining party' were suitably impressed with the size of potions and the incredible taste experience - even that which has a simple label like cheessey cheese burger.

Good place to have burger for hang out with friends

S. C.

Great tasting food, we stopped here on our way through Taupo and were impressed with the burgers. Will becoming back next time we're in Taupo.

Jackfruit burger tonight was SO YUM. Really friendly guys, laid back place, outdoor seating. Love it, would totally recommend after the drive from Wellington.

Service was great and the food wasn't just slapped together. Spices and flavours added and the buns were very soft. Best burger I've had in a while

A. E.

Awesome beef and chicken burgers! Possibly the best burgers in the whole of NZ!

R. B.

The burgers are great! Highly recommend! To my American friends travelling Kiwiland - Watch out for the ketchup they put on the tables (tomato sauce? weirdos), it has a very unusual seasoning that may throw you off.

Hands down the best fried chicken burger of my life. Great value, nice staff and unbelievably tasty food.

H. W.

Move over Colonel Sanders, the Southern Fried Chicken here is amazeballs. Best we've ever had. The vegetarian burger was amazingly gourmet tasty. Best coleslaw we've had. Lots of different ways with fries, loaded etc. We got standard ones and they were nice and crunchy. This will be our go-to place when we need a quick meal on the way through Taupo.

A. L.

we tried the southern fried chicken burger for $12, and it is very special and delicious. highly recommended !!!!

T. A.

Loved the pulled jackfruit burger, the honey mustard chicken burger however was extremely oily, even the lettuce was drenched in oil which was dripping from the chicken. The fries were nice, wouldve rated it higher if the oil was drained a bit from the fried chicken before putting it on the burger.

Service was pretty quick anf friendly although they were busy. The veggie burger was amazing - so many textures and flavours that all worked together. The family has the beef burgers and loved them too. Great affordable dinner for 4.

Great burgers and will be back again for sure

Nice friendly and helpful people + good food. My new favourite cafe.

What an awesome find for us visiting Taupo! We had the double cheese burger, chicken (southern fried chicken) burger, loaded fries and our little girl had the nuggets meal of course. Everyone was beyond happy. Burgers and fries were awe inspiringly epic from the first taste. My only comment on the chicken burger, although it was amazing and the best one I've probably ever had.. There was just a spot or two where it tasted charred, and like flavour was missing. But that was solved by just eating through it. Other than that it would have been out of this world perfect! I would still have it again and recommend! I'm thankful that I found you guys on google maps!

seriously the best burger and fries I've ever had ohmagawd

Definitely a must try! Been wondering what this little shop was about and had to try them and it was the best decision ever! Best burger and chicken! Fresh and delicious!

Amazing burgers.

Went here twice while studying in New Zealand, and if there is one thing I could take with me to Norway it would be these amazing burgers. A lot tastier than Ferg Burger in my opinion.

Great place to go for a delicious burger, fries aren't half bad either especially the kumara fries. Try and bag an outside table though or go for takeaway, when I was there the music was overbearingly loud.

J. G.

This was quite the treat. I got a little excited and ordered more food than we could handle. We got the fried chicken burger, chilli cheese burger, loaded fries and a spearmint chocolate milkshake. I was curious about the spearmint chocolate, but I probably wouldn't get that again. I would just stick to a normal chocolate milkshake. The burgers were unreal. The buns were amazing. And don't even get me started on the friend chicken. I'm craving one right now as I type this.

Definitely the Best burger place in Taupo!

My partner and I were surprised with this place, cool vibe, pretty tasty burgers specially the Chichen one, excellent customer service, good music, all the good things about a great place are here. Definitely we are gonna come back.

Im not one to write reviews but I Messaged them on the ask us option on Google and they responded within 15minutes. Arrived only to see this double decker egg burger they just packed up to which I said loudly to the staff "I have to have that" Haha. Incredible service, amazing food the guy even checked to see how we were going with this almost unbeatable burger. Deffs coming back and trying the other burger on the menu. An easy 5 star.

What a fantastic place to eat. The food is both delicious and unique, this is a place worth eating at. Their fried chicken is crispy and deliciously spiced, and their burgers are a beautiful combination of flavours and textures. You will not be disappointed. Great friendly service.

Paulys is always delicious. All locals love them, and know to call ahead as there can be a long wait at times. The wait is always worth it as are the milkshakes. Thank you Paulys for feeding my super bowl!

Paulys is legit. They serve some of the best burgers I’ve had in New Zealand, the loaded fries are amazing and the team always provides top notch service with a smile. Definitely a must for anyone visiting Taupo.

They suggest me the chilli cheese. One of the Best Burger i have ever eat !

Woooooow!!!! I'm from Auckland and read the reviews before coming here...exceeded my expectations, but at the same time I really wanted a charry, saucy burger and that's exactly what I got! The guys were super friendly and accommodating, and honestly I cannot get over how good the food was. We got the double cheeseburger, fries and the vanilla thick shake and I was so happy. I wish this place was in Auckland so bad, but when I come back to Taupo I'll be here for my first meal after the long drive, and my last to see us off back to Auckland. Perfection

Love the Southern fried chicken....crazy hot sauce....loved it....

Omg best burger I've had in NZ by far! Was absolutely delicious, that pickle relish is to die for!!! Readonably priced, food came out quick and piping hot. Guys that run the place are also super nice. This is a must of you are in Taupo and fancy some filthy grub .... 10/10, 5 stars, incredible!

Great burgers, friendly staff, clean only complaint was we asked for no seasoning on chips as our son is gluten free and they arrived with seasoning on them

I. B.

Friendly service and good hearty burgers. We got the chicken burger which was cooked to perfection and the chilli burger (very mild chilli). I thought the flavours were great but blended too well into each other so they were a bit lost. The buns were nice but the extra glaze on top made them a little too sweet for our liking.

A lovely and small place mostly designed for take aways. The burgers are really good and from my opinion the best you can get in Taupo. Be aware that they do not accept international credit cards such as Visa or Master Card. So bring some cash with you. If you go for a combo deal you get the most out of your money. Definitely recommend this place.

MMMAAATTEEE!!! Dont look any further, dont think about it, just do it. Awesome food, great burger bar, top friendly blokes running the joint. Hands down best bbq cheese burger I've had, honey butter chicken was sweet and juicy and nice crispy fries well seasoned, just 10/5 stars. Will be back again . .. . And again.. . . And again lol

Everything was delicious and our entire group of ten were rapt with the food. Highly recommend the Jackfruit and chilli cheese burgers. The shakes were a standout, so thick and creamy we couldn’t finish them.

Their burgers and chicken use to be amazing. Over a year ago now! But now they are too pricy and lost their flavour. Also they are often sold out or closed when suppose to be open. Still a good stop if you are in the area

Guys were friendly and interested even through Level 2 restrictions. We had the vegetarian specials of jackfruit burger & deep fried cauliflower, as well as fried chicken and nuggets combos for the hubby & kids. Plenty of great stuff on the menu for everyone. We were told the order would be 25mins but it was ready in less than 20mins and even hand delivered to the car. The vege specials were 👌🏼👌🏼👌🏼and the fried chicken was delish. 100% would bring the troops to eat here again. Cheers guys!

Great burgers and great staff. Not the cheapest feed but one of the tastiest. If I could only get burgers from one place for the rest of my life it would be Pauly's. If you have tender or bland taste buds do not go there. Always full of flavor and the guys are always smiling. Keep up the good work.

M. K.

Best chicken burger I ever had! Meat was tender and crispy and the sauce was just delicious! I didn't manage to take a picture though - it disappeared too quickly from my plate :( Soo nice! Also staff is super friendly :)

It is so hard to find somewhere really good to eat these days, somewhere with great food and great prices. Pauly’s does not disappoint. My wife and I tried Pauly’s for the first time tonight and it was amazing. Awesome food, awesome staff. We both had the chicken burger and we also tried the loaded fries and the shakes (strawberry and banana) and they were so good! We will definitely be back here every chance we get. Keen to try more of the menu. Anyone reading this review, GO TO PAULY’S!!!!! You won’t be disappointed.

A big 5 stars for Pauly's Diner best burger and loaded fries I have had loved it.

Best burgers I've ever had no contest. 💯 If you're local give it a try, if you're traveling worth making a pitstop for these boys.

An excellent and interesting menu. The burgers, fries and service were outstanding.

J. J.

Cute and comfy little restaurant with very friendly staff. The burger and fries were very filling and I enjoyed my meal. Prices were rather reasonable and it was worth every cent. Would recommend if you are in the area. Indoor and outdoor seating available.

Epic feed here, BBC and Chicken sandwich were amazing but the fried chicken basket with honey butter was incredible! Recommend 🤤

Typical kiwi lads! 👍🏻 friendly and inviting customer service (even ran out food out to the car) the burgers are to die for! I’ve never had anything like it! 🤤 Never fail to visit Paulys when in and passing through Taupo. Highly recommend!!!!!

Great service, fresh ingredients, juciy patties . However, BBQ burger was too salty, mustard mayo chicken burger was lake of some taste, sweet potato chips was perfect. I was a bit disappointed overall.

C. Z.

Just tried the loaded fries here with gravy, cheese, bacon and onions and it was amazing! I loved how the flavors combined and the fries were well cooked and crunchy. We can say that you know how to make people happy with your food! Would definetly come back next time I'm in Taupo to try other items from your menu!

That was pretty sobering. We came here because of the good reviews, but all we got was a solid burger. I would to rate this place with 2.5 stars, but that's not possible. The beef and chicken was really good. But all other stuff on the burger was nothing special at all. On the chicken burger mayo dominated everything - too much of it. Fries were just frozen food. You can go there if you want to have a burger better than McD and BK, but don't be disappointed if this won't get the best burger of your life...

Great burgers! The fried chicken is a killer! Got the honey soy chicken and that was so gooood! Congrats to the owners for opening this great place in town!

We were in Taupo for 3 days, we ate out a fair bit while we were down here, but this blew us away. This was the best food we had the whole time we were in town. Full of flavor, not too greasy, just hearty burgers and awesome sides that really hit the spot.

10 outta 10. So good. Massive burgers, awesome loaded fries, and the best milkshakes. Would recommend.

Amazing food combined with amazing staff and kind service. One of my favourite places to eat on a night out

Really like the burger here. Juicy and delicious!

Great food and really friendly people. Vegitarian pulled jackfruit burger with black beans and spicy onion rings delicious! Well worth a visit not your usual mass produced burger place but homemade food.

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 cooking anyway.

Came to Taupo for a hike and found this hidden gem. Want to come to a place to give you a shock? Come here! Greatest diner yet that we have ever went to.

Called after another person recommended I had the brisket burger,looked and tasted great although seemed a little salty and a little one dimensional with brisket cheese onions bbq sauce I think it needs another maybe sweet pickle to elevate the bun made by a French bakery were a welcome change from the stodgy ones from those big chains

One of the best burgers I've ever had. Ashamed to admit it was also the first time I had to resort to using a knife and fork to eat it - couldn't pick it up! Recommended!

E. G.

Burgers are huge, chicken was nicely done. Only down side was these burger are the messiest to eat because they a dripping with too much sauce. Yum though. Friendly team that run it. Great smiles.

Great little place. Menu looked yum. My son had a cheese burger which was good. Dont take credit card and no toilets. Will go back to try some of the other burgers.

The place is a bit small (cosy would be a nice way to describing it), but the burgers were great. Juicy, hot savoury meat in a brioche bun is always a winner. Mildly disappointed they don't have more meal options (only available for the afternoon on certain days), and the Kumara fries weren't as good as Burgerfuel to me and doesn't come with alioli sauce. But a great place to get good burgers!

Amazing cheeseburger!! Really really good! But would probably only go back for them. Had the loaded fries with kimchi etc, were too busy with flavours. Kinda confusing! Also the fried chicken burger with butter, not great! Would scrap the honey butter sauce and do a chill or saracha sauce instead.

One of the best burgers I've had! Definitely will be coming back. The jalapeno sauce with the patties and bun is amazing. Friendly staff as well.

LOVED Pauly's diner..Burgers were not overly huge however they were big enough and Mr Man ordered x 2. It can get pricey with all the add on's however this is the place to be in Taupo. They also so yummy chicken if you do not feel like burgers and also note chips don't automatically come with burgers. .Nice staff and LOVED the music playing. Only x 4 tables inside and x 2 tables on the outside so be prepared to wait for people to finish eating if you would like to dine in. Parking is outside however when it gets busy as Pauly's is next to other eateries you may need to look somewhere else to park.

Great food and service. Extremely happy with everything they have to offer. Great recommendation from family and friends. Will be back :)

Slightly better than average burgers, overly salty onion rings & southern fried chicken and pretty bland deep fried mac & cheese. Would not go there again - personally think BurgerFuel tastes at least as good for less money. On positive side, the peanut butter & banana shake was great, and coleslaw was good too.

Omg yum!!! Best kumura fries ever, fab service. Icing on the cake would be a cold beer but oh well! I will be back!

Best burgers, 1 filled me up but wanted another just for the taste, definitely recommended

Simply epic. Delicious cheeseburger and fries, really friendly staff and great tunes. Thanks for the killer feed 👍🏻

the best chicken burger Ive ever had in my life :) the recipes are really special, from the bread to the salad and especially the fried chicken. everything are prefect together. the staffs are friendly too

Amazing vege burger, fantastic chippies and excellent fried chicken. Just what Taupo needs!

Haven't eaten here but definitely 5 stars for your response to some of the reviews. We will visit next time we are through. Keep is classy Pauly 's 🤣😂

Great Fried Chicken! Great Burgers! Occasionally will have a custom burger on the menu too. The chicken, yum, boneless chicken thighs, coated in a batter that is crispy and delish, server with a choice of dressings (the blue cheese and sriracha is great). You get a big basket of pieces and they are damn good. The loaded fries were pretty damn good too. It's a first come first served for the seats, no bookings are taken, you can ring your order ahead though, and everything is cooked to order.

Fantastic Burgers. The Brisket Pattie is everything I wanted, and the fried chicken burger was amazing. If your coming past Taupo, make sure you stop in here.

As a self-proclaimed burger expert, I can highly recommend Pauly's Diner. The burgers were excellent, the beef is cooked just right, a little pink, so they are juicy and tender. My son had the fried chicken with blue cheese and chili sauce & proclaimed it the best chicken he's ever had! My only problem was the burger was so good, it wasn't big enough! So if you're hungry, go for the double patty, like I did.

Pauly's is an institution, if you're passing through Taupo skip over the overpriced brunch cafes and let yourself enjoy calorie-ignoring comfort food. Staff are friendly and helpful, I love ordering whatever the staff recommend, or the special burger they have running at the time.

Super consistent an always tasty. This is the best burger joints I've been to Nz. That's not a challenge just go and enjoy. Fried chicken is a flavour experience unlike any other. If you haven't tasted paulys you can't comment on it. So go get it in you

One of the best burgers I've tried in NZ. The cheese burger I had didn't have any fancy ingredients, but the harmony of those simple ingredients were just outstanding.

Great burgers and buttermilk fried chicken, loved their loaded fries with sriracha sauce and bacon on top, really yumm food. Awesome staff very friendly and helpful, only downside is that it’s expensive, but worth the money too. Small shop with a great food and future for sure. Big menu to choose, old classic authentic diner feel and vibe too. Loved the place. Totally recommended.

Probably the best burger I’ve had. Guys were nice and super chill.

Small selection of excellent burgers, Friendly Staff. Try the Choc-Spearmint shake and meet interesting backpackers. Just don't expect plush surroundings - it is a takeaway joint after all.

Love this place!!! always stop in when coming through Taupo. Boys do a mean job every time, delicious and never disappoint. Burgers are top notch, and the specials are always next level. Chur!

Took the Bois there. Had a mean feed. Definitely would come back for a mean feed. Beautiful service

The best burger joint in the Waikato. But wait not just burgers 🤔 try th chicken

Ordered chilli cheese burger, chicken burger, Jack fruit burger, loaded fries and standard chicken. The meal was awesome and will definitely try again next time. The people's rate is trustable!

I have a real love of burgers and this place does not disappoint. Not much seating though if you want to dine in. Had the vege burger, not something I’d normally order, but it was amazing. Will definitely head back there next time I’m in town

D. M.

Incredible chicken! Blue cheese one was our favourite.

The burgers are fantastic! The staff are awesome. Great value. It's a MUST when in Taupo.

This is one of the best burgers I’ve ever had. This is on par probably even better than the famous burger place in Hamburg Germany where they invented the hamburger. I wish all burger places made it like you guys.

Ultimate feed! burgers fries and takeaway chicken all sooooo good.

Simple menu, that's the way to go! Tried the Double Chilli Cheese and the Cheese Burger and they were perfect. Caramel milkshake was a great match for the Salty fries. So glad when we stumble upon a great burger joint!

Yum!!!! Best burgers and fried chicken in town. Skip the fast food takeaway and eat here instead. We were met with a very friendly welcome and the food came out quickly.

I never had this kind of amazing burger and I tried Fergburger later in Queenstown.... no way... Pauly’s is way better than any. I miss it every time I feel hungry.

Pauly's Diner is fantastic! Everything consistently tastes so fresh & delicious, they have really put their passion & commitment into their work, everything minus the Siracha and soft drinks seems to be all home made, even their own BBQ sauce! If you feel like freshness and great taste then i recommend Pauly's before any other burger shop around!

I would happily wait half an hour to eat here, seriously Paulys does not disappoint......the specials are out the gate 🤤 the guys are super chill 👌 I love living and eating local 😍

TL;DR: This is the place you need stop at when you go through Taupo. EFTPOS only. This place takes itself seriously in the right ways. The fried chicken is obviously the highlight, and other items are similarly up to standard. I had never found Taupo's appeal as a destination until I discovered this place. Warning to parents: sit outside or get take-out. Some of the interior decor is.... difficult to explain to pre-teens.

Stopped here for a bite on our day trip to Taupo, the burgers and fried chicken and thickshakes are so delicious and fills the soul. Really recommend this place. Great staff too, very friendly!

Great fried chicken burger and chocolate milk shake

Little burger joint in the heart of Taupo with a very American feel to the menu. We have the fried chicken burger and chilli cheeseburgers and both were great. Can eat in or takeaway. Great option for a quick meal when passing through Taupo.

Paulys is an institution. Whenever we pass through Taupo, it’s the best burger joint to grab a quick bite and always fantastic food.

Best burgers in town followed by great service. Definitely drop by if you are looking for a feed!! You won't be disappointed!

Superdelicios hamburgers, (one of the best I ever had!!), and friendly staff. Big portions, so it might be enough to share the fries. Easy axcess from the street. No toilet available since it's originally a take-away, you can now find some neat seating, also outside.

The burgers here are awesome! They are a decent size and taste great. We are make sure to eat here when we're in Taupo.

My brother says eating his Pauly’s beef brisket chilly burger was one of the happiest moments of his life. Hubby agrees 😊

Wanted a quick bite after a day hiking. Had a Double Cheesburger, which was "amazing, really good", the blue cheese & hot sauce S.F.C., which was also definitely 5/5 and the Honey Butter S.F.C., which was nice to balance the hot sauce spiciness but not as good. Definetly recommendable!

Best burgers I have had since I was a kid 50 years ago quick service friendly as well if only there was one like it in Petone

Wow. Is all I can say. Friendly staff clean and busy little place. That donut burger is just awesomeness. Only downside is eyes get bigger then your stomach and you dont want to stop eating what you have ordered. If in Taupo at any point in time come here even just one time it is worth it trust me on that. But dont take a strangers word going in see for yourself. EPIC PLACE.

Good but not great. Had the vegetarian option and the special. I felt like the tofu burger had too much going on (kimchi, pickled veg, and sriracha mayo) but the deep-fried tofu was very good. Changes can't be made to menu items. Doesn't accept credit cards but there is an ATM nearby.

If you're a fan of smashed patty cheese burgers, then check this place out!! Seriously of of the best cheese burgers I've ever consumed, the patty was crunchy and caramelised on the outside and perfectly moist in the center. Thanks again boys, you guys are killing it.

To be fair this burger is done in a weirdo style The meat is a bit smashed and over cooked, not juicy They put too much sauce Less vegetables Normal buns They basically doing everything wrong based on my standards But the outcome taste amazing don't know why Super friendly staff

Really delicious. The white lady burger was wonderful. And very good customer service

Meanest burgers, cool as place, great service, finally somewhere with a good amount of spice 😜😜 Shakes are amazing too oh wow

Amazing food, best burger we have had in New Zealand, the sweet potato chips were delicious also. Staff were very friendly too, would highly recommend!

Great place to get the perfect burger or fried chicken but could work on speed of food making, but overall great place to eat.

Very good and reasonable priced burgers! Would recommend their cheeseburgers, something is delicious in their sauces. Banana milkshake taste way too sweet and artificial though.

This place is absolutely legendary!! The lads are always in a good mood and the food is outstanding!!! Best enjoyed after a good amount of exercise!!! I frequent this place after a big ride, sooo good!!! Loaded fries and deep fried Mac n cheese!!! Yussssssss!!!

Service is friendly and makes yo feel very welcome. Food legendary in Taupo for all ages. Highly recommended!

Awesome Burgers! Must check out in Taupo Saw the reviews on trip advisor and had to stop in. Quality burgers and chicken for great value. Cool atmosphere. Will come back again!

I came to town with a few friends and one of them made us all promise that we would go to Pauly's for dinner one night. I can see why he was obsessed with the place! The burgers and fried chicken were amazing. Since then I have been back a few times, slowly working my way through the menu.

We found Paulys Diner on Google and are glad we did. We were only in Taupo for the weekend and wanted something affordable and casual but still super tasty for dinner! We ordered the Standard Chicken Burger and the Sweet n Spicy Chicken Burger. Both were juicy and flavourful but the Sweet n Spicy Chicken Burger would have to be the stand out. The balance of Sweet n Spicy made for delicious meal. We will have to stop in here every time we come to Taupō.

Place is a hidden gem. One of the best burger joints in Taupo, they even have fried chicken that's way better than anything KFC could make. A must visit if you are in the area.

When they say it's the best burger in New Zealand they aren't lying! Fantastic food very reasonably priced almost worth a trip to taupo just for a burger.

Probably the best looking and best tasting feed I've had in ages. Great staff, great food and cool location. Very happy. Definitely worth the 2 hour drive from Tauranga!

Pauly’s Diner is located on Paora Hapi Street, opposite the Countdown Supermarket as you drive into Taupo from Auckland. Being located away from the tourist hub of restaurants on the waterfront, Pauly’s seems to be a secret well-kept by the Taupo locals. The Diner is quite small, however it makes up for its size with a decent selection of burgers and very friendly staff. I had the “Dirty Bird” Burger – Buttermilked Southern Fried Chicken, Honeybutter & Coleslaw. Being an American style burger, i had prepared my taste buds for a little heat, but this was not to be the case. Not that this detracted from the taste. This was a really yummy burger, the chicken was delicious! The Coleslaw had a nice point of difference from the usual fair offered here in NZ. Next time I will go for the “O.G.” – Beef Pattie, Cheese, Pickles, Mustard Mayo, Tomato Chilli Jam & Lettuce. They also have a vegetarian and gluten-free option if required.

Great fried chicken sandwich. Loved the slaw on it. I wasn't a huge fan of the burger as it had a lot of mustard on it, but it was still good.

Wow, that jackfruit burger was mint. Brioche buns are unbeatable. Thanks guys

What a good vibe there was in the place. Everyone greeted on arrival. Only three people on service but they worked well together and the food was flying out the door. Our order caesar salad and delux burger was delicious. Recommend for families looking for an inexpensive meal to help with holiday expenses

Good food. Would be happy to go again. The only reason I say 4/5 was the size of the burger. Also loved the bacon cheeseburger wontons and would recommend a side of these with any meal. Cheers guys.

Definitely great burger ! was known from the google, so here we post same thing to let others know. Worth to try if you're in town. We're quite late when there so not that busy (around 8pm), so i would like to expect more people & queuing on lunch/dinner time.

Amazing burgers, I would say top 5 burgers in the whole of NZ

Best burgers you can get! Would recommend to any burger fans! The boys are nice and fast and the place has an awesome atmosphere

Great vegi burger and amazing service! Definitely worth a visit if your going through Taupo.

Went and had dinner there last night. Awesome burgers and awesome customer service.

New Zealands best burgers, Awesome staff my favorite place to get a burger.

Amazing fried chicken - simply the best. Nothing compares

Best burgers in Taupo, quiet different style that I'm tried before but very tasty. I had better burgers in my life but still perfect :)

Excellent fried chicken and fried cauliflower (the special) with generous portions and friendly service!

Came here after reading some pretty decent reviews. My god was I blown away! Best cheeseburger ever! Please come to Auckland... Keep doing what you’re doing!

Freaking awesome for price, experience for the 1st time worth every penny we got cheese burger and my husband added bacon omg we both couldn't finish ours it's fresh and home made ,and the fried chicken oml couldn't finish that either....all I got to say for real burgers worth it..and for a bunch of blokes so pleasant and welcoming highly 😁😁😁recommend..we will be back

Went on with low expectations, but these are some of the best burgers ever. Lovely brioche buns, great patties, and lots of variety.

Really nice beef burger. Found the loaded fries and chicken burger a bit confused. Flavours didn't really work. Good to see this type of place opening in Taupō

These guys are the real deal - unadulterated succulent southern style chicken. 10/10 would recommend. Great service too.

Best customer service and even better food! A absolute must if your in town. You won't be disappointed

Amazing food, super filling

Amazing burgers and fried chicken . The guys are always so friendly and makes for an enjoyable visit

Great service, exceptional food

Delicious! Go here quite a bit for the honey butter chicken. Great staff. Always get a friendly welcome.

Fantastic burgers, loaded fries and shakes. Fast service. Perfect after a busy day!

The fried chicken is crispy and delicious. A physical manifestation of umami pleasure, fried in ichor and delivered to you by the hands of the supreme culinary artists themselves. A true taste of life's eternal prize; as mere mortals we are unworthy of its transcendent decadence. My life was without meaning, without purpose. I wondered blind through these empty halls, left to crawl alone in this ever-dark. But the radiance of Pauly's has shone through, and I have seen the light. I live and breathe so that I may taste the beauty of Pauly's food another day.

Good, friendly service, awesome food. Excellent choice if you're after a burger & chips.

Paulys has the absolute best burgers in town Nd I totally recommend eating there 👌

Southern fried chicken heaven... gorgeously seasoned boneless thighs, crisp, moist and glistening with honey butter glaze... instant whānau feels across the counter, honest aroha service.... it was recommended to us by a local friend so I felt obliged to share the love world wide... I'll be back!

The best burgers! Simply amazing. Guys are always smiling and they are really friendly. No more words. Just awesome. :)

I think these are the best burgers ive ever eaten. Highly recommended.

100% a must do when in taupo, even if passing through stop in! Amazing food and the staff are always a pleasure

Delicious burgers/sandwiches. Messy and sloppy and flavorful and hot and spicy—all the best things. The loaded fries were great too!

Best burgers, amazing fried chicken and great service! Best burgers in town!

Bloody delicious burgers and a great brunch of guys 👏 the Ferg of Taupo

Amazing food. Great value and the best fried chicken I've had in NZ! Definitely a must visit when in Taupo

Delicious food! Simple burgers made great. Nothing fancy. Really enjoyed sitting outside.

Best customer service I’ve ever seen. Food is amazing 😍. Would highly recommend!!!

Fantastic place. The staff were nice and welcoming. I had chicken burger and chicken fries. Reasonably priced. Recommended.

Amazing food, great vibes. Best sweet potato fries we've had, the burgers and fried chicken is to die for, thanks guys!

Great burgers! Love the chutneys and sauces, and the chips have an awesome seasoning. Excellent burger joint

Pablo - Spanish for Paul. Paulys - Taupo for burgers! So so so good!!!

Amazing burgers, super friendly staff, great music. My new go-to in Taupo

a little too much periperi sauce it overwhelmed the whole burger. was quick and the service was great.

Very yummy burgers and fried chicken. We also liked the smoothies. Thanks to Google review we found this place and hope others find it too!

Really delicious fried chicken and loaded fries. An excellent Veggie burger, great combinations of flavours. Highly recommend!

Our first visit to the Diner. The food was fantastic across the board and the staff were outstanding. We’ll be back soon! #getthechickenanything

Paulys Zinger special was outstanding, food is great for the price. Would definitely reccomend

Their beef burger has the most amazing relish. The meat is cooked to perfection. Better than fergburger for sure!

Great burgers, great portion, great value. Staff is nice and friendly. Cool atmosphere. Would definitely eat here again.

Delicious burgers excellent service will definitely be back

Always great to go to Pauly's, service with a smile and food to make your mouth water before you walk out the door.

Top quality beef burger. Generous fries. Rich shakes. All good.

Omg there burgers are the best.. the loaded fries are good too.. great customer service keep up the great work guys..

Best burgers I've had in a very long time.

Very yummy burgers, the loaded chips was very popular in my group.

Great burger. Secret sauce was yummy. Even ths kids loved the burger... And they're not so fond of burgers...

Amazing 😍 love this place 100% the burgers and chicken here are the best. N on top of that the customer service here is awesome. Thanks guys 😊

That fried chicken!!!! Mmmmmmmm. Thick shakes are also delicious! I’m not a huge fan of burgers generally but these were yummy for sure!

Amazing burgers. Not a vegetarian but the eggplant veg burger is finger licking goooood! Partner really enjoyed the cheeseburger as well

Pretty amazing burgers and cool music. Good value as the burgers are pretty cheap. Do note that there are no washrooms. You'll have to go around the corner for public washrooms.

The best fried chicken and burgers in Taupō. Sides are epic too! Get the loaded fries! You wont regret it

So good. Great food, great guys who run the place. 100% recommend

Great burgers, loaded chips needed a little more salt, wasn't fussed on the gravy.

Travelling throughout both islands of New Zealand, and I have to say Pauly's Diner has the best burger I have tasted in New Zealand! 100% recommend Pauly's Diner

Best burger I've had in NZ. Really friendly chilled out staff. Awesome!

Highly recommended!!!!!! If you are going to Taupo, you have to write this place right now!!! Very friendly staffs, nice burger and fried chicken❤❤

Easily best burgers in Taupo. Gotta be up there with the best in NZ. We had almost everything on the menu and it was all amazing.

Expensive but nice, have veggie options too!

Very yummy fries and very friendly staff

Best burger joint we've been to, wish they were in our home town

The best place in town for a burger👌. The blue burger is awesome but then again they are all definitely worth trying, give the shakes a try aswell.

Amazing burgers and even better shakes, highly recommend!

Best burgers and fried chicken. I have ever had I go there almost once a week

Outstanding burgers and sides in a pretty understated little joint. Up with the best anywhere. Can be a wait as it gets busy - but worth it.

Unreal cheese burger and the best banana thick shake I’ve ever had!!👍

Best fried chicken ever !! So tender inside and crunchy outside. Even after several hours the taste is still good.

Awesome burgers, really want to try some of their chicken burgers

Can’t rate this place highly enough- delicious burgers, chicken and loaded fries, and always great service

Great place!!! I hardly recommend....real tasty food,the burguers and fried chicken absolutely delicious. And even good music!!!... :)

There buttermilk fried chicken omg! wish palmy had something similar. Tempted to do a roady. It's that good!.

Amazing food and service, definitely best burger Ive ever had so far that's for sure!!!!

Awesome burger and fries chicken. Good portion size to top it up. Highly recommended in Taupo

Great quick eats! We got the loaded sweet potato fries- they were very nice. The staff was great.

Best burger ever. It's a must do Taupo stop

Great burgers and fried chicken. Staff was very nice and convivial. One notch against is that they don't take credit cards.

Paulys is the number 1 burger place in Taupo and the boys are so nice. It's my birthday and when my husband asked what I wanted for dinner, I said straight away...Paulys. And there was a nice 'Happy Birthday xo' written on the box. Pauly's it's our local.

These burgers are epic. Forget about Carl's Jr. Paulys burgers are on point 👌

Great local burger joint. Better than any chain in town

Bloody brilliant. Amazing food and friendly staff. I travel a decent way just for their burgers. Cheers!

Great burgers and awesome kuhmara fries and thick shakes!

Amazing food!! Quick service but worth the wait even if you had to wait. Would recommend trying if in Taupo.

Good chicken burger with heaps of taste, plenty of fries.

Awesome owners wicked food

Made an order large enough to feed a group of vikings 30 minutes before close, and the guys there were super chill about it. Great food, great service,

Always fresh, hot and tasty!

Best burgers, shakes and chicken around. I've had it a few times now and love it.

Cheeseburger is one of the best f**king burgers I’ve ever had, and I’ve had a lot. Great service too

Best burger in New Zealand! Had double chilli cheese and fries, absolute food porn :) Great job, guys!

Service speed was average. Food was overseasoned and cheeseburger was too salty. However, taste was still acceptable.

Great burger at a great price. Definitely worth a visit. If not time and time again

Best chicken burger ever. Would highly recommend.

Got a fried chicken burger with fried chicken on the side. The fried chicken was dank and I got it down my fat neck in no time. Will return for more fried chicken.