The Cayman Sports Bar menu offers a diverse range of hearty New Zealand pub classics, featuring signature stone-grill steaks, gourmet burgers, and fresh seafood options like chowder. Located in Kawerau, the venue provides a family-friendly dining experience with affordable weekly specials, a dedicated kids’ menu, and a vibrant atmosphere perfect for sports fans and those exploring the Relocation & Digital Nomad Lifestyle.
When planning a visit to the Bay of Plenty, specifically the adventure hub of Kawerau, securing a reliable spot for high-quality dining is essential. The Cayman Sports Bar has established itself not just as a local watering hole, but as a culinary cornerstone for visitors exploring the region. Whether you are returning from a day of white-water rafting on the Tarawera River or hiking the local trails via Kawerau Shuttle Services for Hikers & Bikers, this establishment serves as the ultimate “Base Camp” for refueling.
What is on the Cayman Sports Bar Menu?
The Cayman Sports Bar menu is designed to cater to diverse palates, moving beyond standard tavern fare to offer a gastronomic experience that rivals metropolitan bistros. The menu is structured to support the “Kawerau Base Camp” philosophy: providing substantial, high-energy meals for those engaging in the outdoor lifestyle that the district is famous for.
At its core, the menu focuses on fresh, locally sourced New Zealand ingredients. The kitchen prides itself on consistency, ensuring that whether you visit for a quick lunch or a celebratory dinner, the quality remains top-tier. The selection is divided into several key categories: starters and light bites, gourmet burgers, main events, and their renowned stone-grill selection.
Starters and Share Plates
Dining in Kawerau often begins with a shared experience. The starter menu at Cayman Sports Bar is engineered for social dining. Popular options typically include:
- Garlic Loaf: A staple of Kiwi dining, served hot and crusty with herb butter.
- Seafood Chowder: Often cited by locals as a menu highlight, this is a creamy, rich soup packed with mussels, shrimp, and fish, served with toasted bread. It is the perfect warmer after a winter hike.
- Salt and Pepper Squid: Tender squid pieces dusted in a seasoned flour coating, fried until crisp, and served with a tartare or aioli dipping sauce.
- Loaded Wedges: A heavy hitter featuring seasoned potato wedges topped with bacon, cheese, and sour cream.
Signature Dishes and Pub Classics
While the menu is extensive, certain items have garnered a reputation as “must-try” dishes. These signature plates define the culinary identity of the Cayman Sports Bar.
The Cayman Ribs
For meat lovers, the pork ribs are a standout attraction. Slow-cooked to ensure the meat falls off the bone, these ribs are marinated in a sticky, house-made barbecue glaze that balances sweetness with a smoky tang. They are typically served with a side of coleslaw and fries, providing a textural contrast to the tender meat. The portion sizes are generous, aligning with the hearty appetites of the local forestry workers and adventure tourists.
Fish and Chips
No New Zealand menu is complete without this classic. The Cayman Sports Bar elevates the standard fish and chips by using fresh market fish, battered in a light, crispy tempura or beer batter. The dish is served with lemon wedges, tartare sauce, and a side salad, offering a taste of the nearby coast within the heart of the Bay of Plenty.
The Stonegrill Experience
One of the most unique selling points of the Cayman Sports Bar menu is the Stonegrill dining option. This interactive method of cooking allows diners to cook their steak to their exact preference right at the table.
How does Stonegrill work?
A volcanic stone, heated to 400°C, is presented at your table. High-quality cuts of meat—such as Scotch Fillet, Rump, or Sirloin—are placed on the stone. Because no added oils or fats are required, the searing process traps the natural juices and nutrients inside the meat. This results in a healthier, more flavorful meal compared to traditional pan-frying.
The Stonegrill menu usually includes options such as:
- 250g Scotch Fillet: Renowned for its marbling and tenderness.
- Surf and Turf: Combining a prime steak cut with prawns or scallops for a luxurious twist.
- Lamb Rump: A nod to New Zealand’s agricultural heritage, offering a distinct and robust flavor.
Each Stonegrill meal comes with a selection of sauces (mushroom, peppercorn, or garlic butter) and your choice of sides, ensuring a customizable dining experience.
Weekly Specials and Events
Value for money is a critical component of the Cayman Sports Bar’s appeal. The establishment runs a rotating roster of weekly specials that keep locals returning and offer budget-friendly options for tourists. These specials are often tied to specific days of the week, creating a rhythm to the local social calendar.
Common Specials Include:
- Steak Nights: Usually held mid-week, offering discounted prices on premium cuts or Stonegrill meals.
- Burger and Beer Combos: A popular choice for sports viewing nights, pairing a gourmet burger with a pint of tap beer or a glass of house wine.
- Schnitzel Nights: Featuring large chicken or beef schnitzels with various toppers (Parmigiana, Hawaiian, or Mushroom sauce).
Beyond the food, the venue hosts events that complement the dining experience. Quiz nights, live local music, and major sporting event screenings (Rugby, UFC, Cricket) turn the dining room into a vibrant community hub. The presence of large-screen TVs ensures that you can enjoy your meal without missing a moment of the action.
Family Dining Suitability
A common question for visitors to Kawerau is whether the local sports bar is appropriate for children. The answer for Cayman Sports Bar is a resounding yes. The venue is designed to be inclusive, recognizing that tourism in the Bay of Plenty is largely family-driven.
The Kids’ Menu
The “Cub’s Menu” caters specifically to younger diners with smaller portions and kid-friendly favorites. Typical offerings include:
- Chicken Nuggets and Chips
- Mini Fish and Chips
- Kids’ Cheeseburgers
- Ice Cream Sundaes for dessert
The atmosphere in the early evening is relaxed and welcoming to families. High chairs are generally available, and the staff are known for their friendly, accommodating service. While it transforms into a livelier venue later at night, the dinner service hours are perfectly suited for family groups looking for a hearty meal after a day of exploring.
Kawerau Base Camp Strategy: Why Eat Here?
From a tourism perspective, the Cayman Sports Bar plays a pivotal role in the “Kawerau Base Camp” strategy. Kawerau is positioned as the gateway to outdoor adventure in the Eastern Bay of Plenty. It sits at the foot of the Legend of Mt Putauaki (Mt Edgecumbe) and is the access point for the Tarawera Falls and river.
Strategic Location for Adventurers
Visitors engaging in high-energy activities like kayaking, mountain biking, or hiking require substantial caloric intake. The Cayman Sports Bar menu is curated to meet this need. It isn’t just about fine dining; it’s about sustenance and comfort.
Connecting with Locals
Part of the “Base Camp” experience is immersing oneself in the local culture. Dining here provides tourists with an authentic slice of New Zealand life. It is where the forestry workers, the local rugby team, and the town’s residents congregate. For a tourist, this offers a genuine connection to the community that cannot be found in generic fast-food outlets.
Location and Contact Information
Finding the Cayman Sports Bar is straightforward, as it is centrally located within the Kawerau township. It is easily accessible for anyone staying in local motels or passing through on their way to Whakatāne or Rotorua.
Address:
Jellicoe Court, Kawerau 3127, New Zealand
Opening Hours:
The bar typically opens from late morning until late at night, covering lunch and dinner services seven days a week. However, hours can vary on public holidays, so checking their social media pages is recommended.
Reservations:
While walk-ins are generally welcome, booking is highly advised for Friday and Saturday nights, or when major sporting events are being broadcast. Large groups (such as trekking parties or tour groups) should definitely call ahead to secure tables.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Cayman Sports Bar offer vegetarian or gluten-free options?
Yes, the menu includes vegetarian options such as veggie burgers, salads, and pastas. Gluten-free diners can often be accommodated, particularly with the Stonegrill options (sans sauces containing gluten) and salads, but it is always best to inform the staff of allergies upon arrival.
Is the Cayman Sports Bar menu available for takeaway?
Yes, most items on the menu, including burgers, fish and chips, and pizzas, are available for takeaway. This is a popular option for locals and visitors staying in self-catering accommodation.
What beers are on tap at Cayman Sports Bar?
The bar features a robust selection of New Zealand mainstream beers (such as Speights, Tui, and Export) alongside a rotating selection of craft beers and ciders to suit different tastes.
Do they show all major sporting events?
As a dedicated sports bar, they subscribe to major sports channels including Sky Sport. If there is a specific game you wish to watch, staff are usually happy to change a channel on one of the many screens if possible.
Is there parking available near the restaurant?
Yes, there is ample free parking available in the Jellicoe Court area surrounding the bar, making it convenient for those driving motorhomes or towing trailers.
What is the price range for a main meal?
The Cayman Sports Bar is known for reasonable pricing. Main meals generally range from $25 to $40 NZD, with Stonegrill items being at the higher end and burgers/pub classics at the lower end.
