If you’re looking for a fun place to have lunch in Queenstown, check out Balls and Bangles on Shotover Street.
Yes, they are open from 7.30 am so you can do breakfast/coffee here, but I’ve always felt like they’re a place you go for lunch. I asked a couple of friends and they said the same.
THE ATMOSPHERE AT BALLS & BANGLES
As soon as you walk into Balls & Bangles, there’s a good energy about the place. Unlike Fergburger on the next block, you won’t find crazy queues here.
I’ve visited maybe 5 times now, and there’s always people inside but it rarely feels overcrowded. Maybe it’s the way the seating is arranged and the large counter space?
There’s a menu on the front door which I like, and a few placed throughout the store on the tables. That’s handy as there’s no large menu you can look at on a wall etc.
Ordering at the counter is easy. The staff are super chill here, and are super nice, having always asked how I was when reaching the counter. The staff do know the menu, though it is pretty self explanatory, including the vegan/veggie options.
While waiting for my meal on my recent visit, the music was fun and was at a volume where you can have a conversation despite it being mixed with kitchen noises out the back.
The seating is spacious and there’s one longer table if you’re a group of 6+. There’s two tables out the front of the store, but I’m not a fan of these…it reminds me of Europe where people could pluck food off your plate if they really want. It’s a bit awkward for me.
If you’re visiting on a sunny day in Queenstown, you might prefer takeaway to eat on the waterfront. But there are worst places to eat in.
BAGELS BE DELICIOUS
The owners (I like their about us page) have been bakers for a long time before they opened Balls and Bangles in 2016. They’ve kept things on the minimal side here, serving coffee/tea, donuts, bagels, shakes, and burgels.
I like the simplicity and that let’s them keep to their philosophy:
…friendly, fast, and most importantly baking fresh everyday.”
THE MENU
There’s two pages to the menu, I like it. On page one you’ve got the shakes, donuts, and drinks…but page two is where I find myself.
This is where the bagels, and burgels (that’s what you get if a bagel and a burger have a baby). I’ve only had the falafel hot bagel sandwich so far on each visit. Next time I’ll have to get one of the vegan cheese burgels.
The falafel hot bagel sandwich is great. I always debate whether they’re good value or not, but for $12.80 it’s a good price for a Queenstown lunch, filling me up for a few hours.
The bagel is warm, and the fillings aren’t overloaded in the bagel which can be hard to do with a bagel! And it is delicious…though I do prefer the falafel at Beech Tree.
My favourite bagel flavour so far? Sea salt. There’s a bunch you can choose from.
BUT WHAT ABOUT THE DONUTS?
Unfortuantely they don’t have any vegan donuts (fingers crossed one day), so I’ve got no feedback on their taste. The presentation of them is amazing though!
I’ve grabbed a few comments that I found about Balls and Bangles from the New Zealand Travel Tips Facebook Group:
If you’re after a lunch in Queenstown that’ll fill you up, but wo’t break the bank. Give Balls and Bangles a go! And yes, they do serve the bagels up fast (I wait no longer than 10 minutes) so it’s a fast lunch option to.
Note: a second donut may fill you up 😉
You can find Balls and Bangles at 62 Shotover Street, Queenstown 9300. Phone: 03 442 7999
There socials etc:
If you’ve been to Balls and Bangles, leave a comment about your experience below.
Hey, it’s Jub here. I’m the guy behind Chur New Zealand, helping you have the best time hiking, trekking, walking…whatever you want to call it…in NZ. I’m based in Queenstown and am always out and about exploring trails, old & new. If you have any questions, reach out.