New

Bangkok 2026 Street Food Guide is live — read the full guide

Food Place Passport

The Old Parakao Store Cafe/Bar in Parakao

Discover The Old Parakao Store Cafe/Bar at 2712 Mangakahia Road. Check menu, hours, reviews, and enjoy cozy dining with great coffee, beer & live music.

4.6 312 reviews Restaurant American · Southern

2712 Mangakahia Road, Parakao 0172, New Zealand

FoodPlacee Passport New Zealand · Parakao · 60316
Verified

The Old Parakao Store Cafe/Bar

Parakao, New Zealand

Corn Fritters Gluten Free Salad Chicken Panini Parakao Junior Burger and Fries with Cheese
Rating★ 4.6 / 5
CategoryRestaurant
Today Closed

Overview

About This Food Place

The Old Parakao Store Cafe/Bar is a charming restaurant nestled in the heart of Parakao, New Zealand, offering a unique blend of historic atmosphere and casual dining. This café-bar hybrid welcomes guests with a cozy fireplace, eclectic memorabilia, and a trendy vibe that makes every visit memorable. Known for its inviting ambiance and authentic local character, it provides great coffee, a curated beer selection, and an engaging environment with live music on certain nights.

Located at 2712 Mangakahia Road, the restaurant boasts a diverse menu that caters to lunch and dinner gatherings as well as solo dining experiences. Guests can enjoy a variety of offerings such as freshly brewed coffee, hard liquor, wine, and quick bites in a setting that supports outdoor seating, onsite dining, and takeout options, while also supporting accessibility for all visitors.

Gallery

Photos from The Old Parakao Store Cafe/Bar

Real shots of the food, atmosphere, and signature dishes at this location.

View all photos

Local favorites

Why People Come Here

This unique cafe and bar blends historic charm with a cozy atmosphere, making it a favorite spot for locals and tourists alike.

Cozy Fireplace

Gather around the warm fireplace, perfect for relaxing in a casual and inviting environment.

Great Coffee & Tea Selection

Enjoy expertly brewed coffee and a diverse range of teas to suit every taste.

Outstanding Beer Selection

Sample a variety of beers and alcoholic beverages from the well-stocked onsite bar.

Live Music

Experience monthly jam sessions and live performances that add to the vibrant atmosphere.

Family-Friendly & Group Dining

A welcoming place for families, groups, and solo diners, with a kids' menu and high chairs available.

Historic & Trendy Vibe

The café’s walls showcase local memorabilia, blending vintage charm with a trendy setting.

Accessible & Convenient Parking

Offers free parking options and full wheelchair accessibility including restrooms and seating.

Quick Bite or Leisurely Meal

Perfect for a quick snack or a relaxed lunch or dinner with typical visit durations from 10 minutes to 2 hours.

Experience

When & How to Enjoy This Place

Experience a warm, friendly dining scene that combines great food, drinks, and community spirit in Parakao’s historic setting.

Bringing together rich local history with quality cuisine, The Old Parakao Store Cafe/Bar invites visitors to relax by the fireplace, enjoy live music, or explore an impressive beer and coffee selection while savoring delicious dishes in a welcoming atmosphere. — FoodPlacee editorial note

Family-Friendly Meals

Perfect for families with children, featuring a kids’ menu, high chairs, and a casual environment where everyone can enjoy brunch, lunch, or dinner comfortably.

Live Music Evenings

Visit on band nights to soak up the lively atmosphere and enjoy a great meal alongside local live performances that add to the venue’s unique charm.

Solo Dining & Quick Bites

Ideal for solo guests seeking a relaxed break with quality coffee, quick bites, and a cozy corner to enjoy some downtime amidst an eclectic décor.

Takeout Convenience

Busy visitors can take advantage of efficient takeout service, getting delicious meals like burgers or fresh salads to enjoy on the go without sacrificing quality.

Reservation-Friendly Dinners

Reservations are welcomed, making it easy to plan group dinners in a trendy yet cozy space known for quality steaks, burgers, and local specialties.

Best for

Lunch Dinner Solo Dining Family-friendly Great Coffee Takeout Live Music Free Parking

Guest sentiment

What People Feel

A snapshot of what local diners frequently mention about this location.

SL
shayne lipsham 1 month ago

"Have been pass here a number of times but was the 1st time I stopped there on the 5.12.20. Awesome store with many memorabilia, antics, a blast from the past, fantastic service, great menu a very pleasant time to be had here."

S
Scotty 1 month ago

"You got to visit if you happen to pass by this place. A nice collection of both antique and vintage Kiwiana and automotive related items adorn the walls and its got a really unique vibe to it. The place seems to be a family run setup but everyone there are real down to earth genuine and friendly folk who were helpful in offering me advice. They also have an automotive garage repair and servicing place out back of the store where they restore old cars aswell. It's like a mix of a museum, store, Cafe and garage. I had a big breakfast there and it was an awesome feed. They also sell scooped ice cream in a cone, thickshakes, range of drinks alcoholic and non."

CS
Caleb Symon 1 month ago

"When first walking in the doors I felt welcomed and was greeted with short chit-chat and banter. I was warned of a long wait on lunch service and I greatly appreciated the warning, I could easily fill the time reading in the open garden bar/garage sale/ swap meet area, you will understand the vibe if you ever stop in. Steak cooked exactly how I wanted (raw) and well priced."

TW
Terence Ward 2 month ago

"Glad we decided to go here, character overload, not busy. Will try to come back.on band night"

AC
Alan Courtenay 2 month ago

"The old Parakao store, cafe and bar is something worth visiting. Heaps of local history being the old garage with plenty of memorabilia to view. Great bar and food choices and very friendly staff. A destination for many enthusiasts. If you are lucky there may even be a band playing. If you are in this neck of the woods you must stop and take it all in."

LP
Lucas Possamai 2 month ago

"Amazing place! Lots of antique items, good food and cozy fireplace. My friends and I rode from Auckland on a sunny day and it was totally worth it."

CD
Clyde Devlin 3 month ago

"This place is amazing. The food is exceptional. Staff are great and the place has many trinkets to keep you entertained. Highly recommend."

SB
Susan Bussell 4 month ago

"Best burger ever!!! Welcoming. Dog friendly to well behaved dogs and a real authentic atmosphere. Very rare. Great place. We will be back for jam session last Sunday of month from 3pm. Thank you!"

Visit info

When to Visit

Weekly hours below — always confirm with the business before holidays or special events.

Today Closed
Weekly hours
Monday Closed
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday Closed
Thursday 11:00 AM - 08:00 PM
Friday 11:00 AM - 08:00 PM
Saturday 11:00 AM - 08:00 PM
Sunday 11:00 AM - 08:00 PM
Hours may change. Please confirm with the business before visiting.

Best time to visit

Plan visits between Thursday and Sunday afternoons or evenings to enjoy full dining options and live music nights.

Thursday to Sunday: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM Ideal for lunch and dinner with family or solo dining Typical visit duration: 10 minutes to 2 hours Book ahead as reservations are accepted and waits may occur at peak times

On the map

Where This Food Place Lives

Find your way to The Old Parakao Store Cafe/Bar in Parakao .

Address 2712 Mangakahia Road, Parakao 0172, New Zealand
Phone +64 9 433 1889
Area Parakao
Call Address copied ✓

Questions answered

Food Place Questions

Find answers to common questions about The Old Parakao Store Cafe/Bar, including its menu, services, and atmosphere.

The cafe/bar is open from Thursday to Sunday, 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM. It is closed Monday through Wednesday. Hours may change, so it's best to check before visiting.

Yes, outdoor seating and takeout services are available. Dine-in is also offered, but delivery is not available.

The venue provides a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, restroom, and seating, ensuring convenience for all guests.

The menu includes salads, deep-fried items, burgers, steaks, and extras like creamy mushrooms and sour cream. Drinks include coffee, tea, beer, wine, and hard liquor. Popular dishes include corn fritters and the Parakao Junior Burger.

Reservations are accepted, making it easier to plan a visit, especially during busy times or special events.

Credit and debit cards are accepted for payment, providing convenient options for guests.

Yes, it is family-friendly, with a kids' menu and high chairs available. The atmosphere suits families, groups, and tourists alike.

The venue boasts a cozy, casual, and historic atmosphere with highlights like a fireplace, live music, and a great selection of beer and coffee.

For owners

Own or manage this food place?

Update this page with accurate hours, menu details, photos, and business notes — and reach food lovers searching for places like yours on FoodPlacee.

Menus, prices, hours, services, and availability may change. Please contact the food place directly before visiting or ordering.