Frederics Restaurant and Bar (New Plymouth Central, New Zealand)

Frederics Restaurant and Bar in New Plymouth offers dog-friendly dining, tasty burgers, tacos, and a relaxed atmosphere. Perfect for casual meals.  Burgers, tacos, and dog-friendly vibes at Frederics Restaurant and Bar in New Plymouth! A perfect pit stop after a long drive, with generous portions and a relaxed atmosphere. Don’t miss their crispy chicken tacos and Freddies cheeseburger! #DogFriendly #NewPlymouthEats #BurgersAndTacos #CasualDining

After a long five-hour drive from Auckland, my wife, our daughter, our fur baby Coco, and I arrived in New Plymouth hungry and ready for a good meal. We stumbled upon Frederics Restaurant and Bar, a lively spot in the heart of New Plymouth that not only welcomed us but also our dog. With its alfresco dining option and dog-friendly policy, Frederics turned out to be the perfect pit stop before heading to our friends’ place. Here’s how our experience went.

The Ambiance

Frederics Restaurant and Bar has a funky, laid-back vibe that immediately puts you at ease. The venue offers both indoor and outdoor seating, with the alfresco area being perfect for diners with pets. The atmosphere is relaxed, and the staff are friendly and attentive. Despite arriving past the dinner rush hour, the place still had a warm, welcoming energy. The tick-box ordering system at the table added a fun touch to the dining experience.

The Food

The menu at Frederics is diverse, offering everything from burgers and tacos to nachos and ribs. Here’s what we ordered:

Crispy Chicken Tacos (NZ$18.90): These were a hit. The chicken was juicy and perfectly crispy, complemented by slaw, dill-pickled cucumber, and coriander. Each bite was a delightful mix of textures and flavours.

Crispy Battered Fish Tacos (NZ$18.90): Another winner. The fish was generously portioned, with a light, crispy batter. The spicy green salsa and jalapeno cream added a nice kick without overpowering the dish.

Freddies Cheeseburger (NZ$24.90): This burger was a standout. The beef patty was juicy and well-seasoned, topped with cheddar, bacon, ketchup, dill pickles, mustard, and aioli. Served with hand-cut chips, it was a satisfying meal. I would have loved to try the Stout Burger, but they had run out of buns—something to look forward to next time.

Fred’s Nachos (NZ$21.90): While not extraordinary, these nachos were solid. Topped with chilli beef, smoked beans, jalapenos, American cheese sauce, sour cream, and guacamole, they were a comforting, shareable dish.

Pork Riblets (NZ$20.50): This was my replacement for the unavailable burger. Unfortunately, the ribs were a letdown. They were dry and tough in some parts, likely due to being braised and then fried. While the BBQ sauce was tasty, it couldn’t salvage the texture.

Hand-Cut Chips with Gravy & Aioli (NZ$8.90): We ordered an extra side of chips to tide us over while waiting for the main dishes. The chips were crispy and well-seasoned, but the price felt steep for what you get.

The Service

The staff at Frederics were exceptional. They were friendly, efficient, and went out of their way to make us feel welcome. They even brought a water bowl for Coco, which was a thoughtful touch. The food came out quickly, and the overall service added to the positive experience.

The Verdict

Frederics Restaurant and Bar is a great spot for a casual, dog-friendly meal in New Plymouth. While some dishes, like the ribs, fell short, others, like the tacos and burger, were excellent. The portions are generous, and the atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming. However, the prices are on the higher side, similar to what you’d find in Auckland CBD bars. If you’re passing through New Plymouth and looking for a place that caters to both humans and pets, Frederics is worth a visit.

Frederics Restaurant and Bar
Address: 34 Egmont Street, New Plymouth Central, New Plymouth 4310, New Zealand
Phone: +646 759 1227
Website: https://www.frederics.co.nz/