- 138 Hurstmere Road
- Takapuna
- Auckland
- View map
- (09) 489 8030
- Hours
- Sunday to Wednesday: 12pm - 10:30pm
- Thursday to Saturday: 12pm - 1am
Welcome to your larger than life local, bustling in the heart of Takapuna with an outdoor courtyard to boot. Aptly named after a lively bloke who first arrived to Auckland’s North Shore in 1912, The Elephant Wrestler delivers a down to earth hospitality experience with a relaxed atmosphere, expansive selection of crafty beverages and food that’s undeniably Kiwi.
Say g'day to Steve, chief joybringer at The Elephant Wrestler.
Menu
- GETTING STARTED
- Garlic Pizza Bread
- mozzarella 12.5
- House-Made Falafel
- turmeric & tahini yoghurt, pomegranate syrup, dukkah 13.9
- Southern Fried Buttermilk Chicken
- Frank’s Hot Sauce, ranch dressing 15.5
- Salt & Pepper Squid
- romesco sauce 16.5
- Spicy Chicken Wings
- blue cheese dressing 1 doz 21.9
- -
- DRAGON BABIES
- Pan-Fried Pork & Chive Dumplings
- jeaw tamarind dressing ½ doz 13.5
- Crispy Pork Belly Bites
- ginger caramel, chilli, peanuts, kaffir lime 16.5
- Coconut Chicken
- chilli, coriander 16.5
- Korean Fried Cauliflower & Zucchini
- chilli ketchup, sesame 14.5
- Popcorn Prawns
- curry leaves, spicy mayo 16.9
- -
- SHARING BOARDS
- The Elephant
- crispy fried squid, pork belly bites, pork & chive dumplings, southern fried buttermilk chicken 48.9
- The Wrestler
- crispy fried squid, pork belly bites, pork & chive dumplings, southern fried buttermilk chicken, polenta chips, falafel bites, spicy chicken wings, garlic pizza bread 89.9
- The Ring
- ¼ roast chicken with polenta chips & thyme gravy, 500gm BBQ St Louis ribs with grilled corn cob & adobo chilli sauce, 300gm beef brisket with wholegrain mustard, 300gm harissa lamb shoulder with dukkah, turmeric & tahini yoghurt, plus any two sides 89.9
- PUB ALL STARS
- Free Range Roast Chicken
- classic OR Jamaican jerk OR peri peri, polenta chips 1/2 26.9 | 1/4 15.5
- Slow Roast Lamb Shoulder
- agria & pumpkin gratin, dukkah, turmeric & tahini yoghurt 31.5
- Pan-Fried Market Fish
- basil pesto risotto, cherry tomatoes, chilli & lime crème fraîche, pine nuts 29.9
- 200gm Grilled Beef Scotch Fillet
- agria & pumpkin gratin, charred broccolini, caramelised onion butter 32.9
- Steak, Egg n' Chips
- 250gm New York strip steak, hand-cut fries, fried egg, thyme jus 29.9
- Twice-Cooked Crispy Pork Belly
- cauliflower cashew purée, cider braised vege medley 31.5
- Fettuccini Carbonara
- chicken, bacon, mushroom, parmesan, white wine cream sauce 24.5
- 500gm BBQ St Louis Ribs
- grilled corn cob, adobo chilli sauce 28.9
- Battered Fish & Chips
- tartare sauce 22.9
- Massaman Beef Brisket Curry
- roti canai, coconut rice, sambal, peanuts 28.5
- -
- BUNS & MORE
- All served with chunky fries OR tossed salad | Gluten Free Bun ADD 4.0
- Classic Beef Burger
- mozzarella, fried egg, pickles, beetroot relish 24.5
- Southern Fried Buttermilk Chicken Burger
- BBQ sauce, chipotle maple bacon, ranch slaw 24.5
- Grilled Steak Sandwich
- tomato, cheese, onion marmalade, horseradish BBQ 24.5
- Prawn & Pork Belly Hawker Roll
- chilli, sriracha mayo 22.5
- -
- WRESTLER PIZZA
- Gluten Free Base ADD 4.0
- Margherita
- cherry tomato, parmesan, fresh basil 22.5
- Paprika Chicken & Bacon
- onion, capsicum, baby spinach, ranch dressing 23.9
- Meat Overload
- salami, pepperoni, bacon, ham, BBQ sauce 25.5
- BBQ Pulled Pork
- sweet corn, pineapple, capsicum, jalapeño, black beans, chipotle BBQ 24.5
- Beef Brisket
- broccoli, mushroom, spring onion, fried shallot, sriracha chilli mayo 26.5
- Spicy Sausage
- cream cheese, sundried tomato, olives, watercress, onion 23.9
- Gourmet Hand Pulled Pizza to Share
- any pizza hand pulled with oregano salt, chilli flakes, roast garlic oil, wild rocket & parmesan 38.5
- -
- SALADS
- 25.5 each
- Thai Beef
- cucumber, sprouts, carrots, peanuts
- Pulled Chicken Caeser
- chipotle maple bacon,poached egg, croutons, parmesan, anchovy fillet
- Roast Lamb Tabbouleh
- bulgur wheat, feta, lemon dressing, fried chickpeas
- -
- SIDES
- Chunky Fries
- 9.0
- Crumbed Onion Rings
- 7.0
- Mac & Cheese
- 9.0
- Creamy Ranch Slaw
- 7.0
- Tossed Salad
- 7.0
- Hand-Cut Fries
- 10.5
- DESSERT
- 'Burger & Chips'
- caramel chew cookies, vanilla bean ice cream, chocolate sauce, churro chips 12.9
- Peanut Butter Cheesecake
- chia seed, Oreo cookie crumb, peanut brittle 12.9
- Passionfruit & White Chocolate Cream Pot
- chocolate soil, blueberries, honeycomb 12.9
- Loaded Sundae
- vanilla bean ice cream, brownie bits, honeycomb, lady fingers, wafers, glazed cherries, whipped cream, jelly, crushed meringue, chocolate sauce, caramel, berry coulis 12.9 OR for two to share 21.9
- -
- KIDS MAINS
- Battered Mini Hot Dogs
- tomato sauce 9.5
- Mac & Cheese
- 9.5
- Buttermilk Fried Chicken
- chips 9.5
- Junior Nachos
- corn chips, cheese sauce, black beans, tomato 9.5
- Fish & Chips
- battered OR grilled, fries, ketchup, lemon 12.5
- Cheeseburger
- ketchup, mayo, fries 12.5
- BBQ St Louis Ribs
- coleslaw, fries 12.5
- Kid’s Pizza
- cheese OR pepperoni OR Hawaiian 12.5
- V - vegan | VA - vegan option available
- GETTING STARTED
- Pizza Bread
- mozzarella 12.5 VGA
- House-Made Falafel
- turmeric& tahini yoghurt, pomegranate syrup, dukkah 13.9 VGA
- Grilled Courgette & Broccolini
- za’atar, feta, pinenuts, romesco sauce 14.5 VGA
- Korean Fried Cauliflower & Zucchini
- chilli ketchup, sesame 14.5 VG
- Fried Tofu
- ginger caramel, chilli, peanut, kaffir lime 14.9 VG
- Rosemary Polenta Chips
- parmesan, adobo chilli dip 13.9 VG
- -
- SALADS
- 25.5 each
- Thai Tofu
- cucumber, sprouts, carrots, peanuts
- Grilled Courgette & Broccolini Caeser
- poached egg, croutons, parmesan
- Falafel Tabbouleh
- bulgur wheat, feta, lemon dressing, fried chickpeas VGA
- -
- PUB ALL STARS
- ALL BURGERS AVAILABLE ON GLUTEN FREE BUN ADD 4.0
- House-Made Falafel Burger
- feta, tomato salsa ,breaded onion rings, aioli 23.5
- House-Made Falafel Wrap
- beetroot relish, mozzarella, capsicum, onion, chunky fries OR salad 21.5 VGA
- Fried Tofu & Cauliflower Hawker Roll
- chilli, sriracha mayo 21.9 VGA
- Sweet Corn & Capsicum Quesadilla
- black beans, red onion, jalapeño, mozzarella, corn salsa, sour cream 21.5 VGA
- Veggie Pizza
- sweet corn, red onion, capsicum, mushroom, olives, sundried tomato, mozzarella 22.9 VGA
- Margherita Pizza
- cherry tomato, parmesan, fresh basil 22.5 VGA
- Veggie Fettuccini
- baby spinach, mushroom, onion, capsicum, white wine cream sauce 23.5
- Mushroom Risotto
- shiitake mushrooms, baby spinach, parmesan, truffle oil 24.5 VGA
- Tofu Penang Curry
- bamboo shoots, lychee, roti canai, coconut rice, sambal, peanuts 22.9 VG
- DESSERT
- 'Burger & Chips'
- caramel chew cookies, vanilla bean ice cream, chocolate sauce, churro chips 12.9
- Peanut Butter Cheesecake
- chia seed, Oreo cookie crumb, peanut brittle 12.9
- Passionfruit & White Chocolate Cream Pot
- chocolate soil, blueberries, honeycomb 12.9
- Berry Sorbet
- toasted almonds, meringue 12.9 VG
- Loaded Sundae
- vanilla bean ice cream, brownie bits, honeycomb, lady fingers, wafers, glazed cherries,whipped cream, jelly, crushed meringue, chocolate sauce, caramel, berry coulis 12.9 OR for two to share 21.9
- -
- SIDES
- Chunky Fries
- 9.0
- Crumbed Onion Rings
- 7.0
- Mac & Cheese
- 9.0
- Creamy Ranch Slaw
- 7.0
- Tossed Salad
- 7.0
- Hand-Cut Fries
- 10.5
- Available Monday - Thursday 12 - 3pm
- 15.5 each
- Nasi Lemak
- coconut rice, garlic chilli chicken wings, fried anchovies, peanuts, sambal
- Quesadilla
- beef OR pork, capsicum, onion, jalapeño, black beans, sour cream, corn salsa
- Chicken Penang Curry
- bamboo shoots, lychee, roti canai, peanuts, sambal, spring onion
- Pan-Fried Pork & Chive Dumplings
- jeaw tamarind dressing 1 doz
- Battered Fish Burger
- creamy slaw, pickles, fries
- Free Range 1/4 Roast Chicken
- classic OR Jamaican jerk OR peri-peri, polenta chips
- 17.5 each
- Classic Beef Burger
- mozzarella, fried egg, pickles, beetroot relish
- Fettuccini Carbonara
- chicken, bacon, mushroom,parmesan, white wine cream sauce
- Thai Beef Salad
- cucumber, sprouts, carrots, peanuts
- Margherita Pizza
- cherry tomato, parmesan, fresh basil (v)
- BEER & CIDER
- Tap Beer
- Heineken / Heineken Light / Tiger / Export Gold / Export 33
- MONTEITH’S - Golden Lager / Original Ale / Radler Bier / Beacon Pilsner / Pointers Pale Ale / Pheonix IPA / Patriot APA
- Craft On Tap
- Lagunitas IPA / Black Dog Dogfather APA / Tuatara Pilsner / Tuatara Hazy Pale Ale / Rotating Guest Tap
- Tap Cider
- Monteith’s Crushed Apple
- -
- Bottled Beers
- Heineken / Tiger Crystal / Sol / Monteith’s Black Beer / Monteith’s Brewer’s Series Range
- Lower Alcohol
- Heineken 0.0% / Heineken Light 2.5% / Export Citrus 0.0% / Export Citrus Lemon | Grapefruit | Lime & Ginger 2.0% / Monteith’s Lightly Crushed Apple Cider
- Other
- Rekorderlig Strawberry & Lime Cider / Monteith’s Crushed Pear Cider / Monteith’s Dark Fruit Cider / Crabbie’s Alcoholic Ginger Beer
- COCKTAILS
- Espresso Martini
- Kahlua, Absolut Vanilia Vodka, coffee, sugar 19.0
- Mojito
- Santiago de Cuba Carta Blanca Rum, lime juice, soda, CLASSIC | KIWIFRUIT | STRAWBERRY | PASSIONFRUIT | ELDERFLOWER | PEACH 17.0
- Long Island
- Cointreau, Vladivar Vodka, City of London Gin, Pepe Lopez Tequila, Santiago de Cuba Carta Blanca Rum, lemon juice, sugar 18.0
- Pineapple Margarita
- El Jimador Reposado Tequila, De Kuyper Pineapple Liqueur, lime juice, pineapple juice, chilli salt rim 17.0
- Pink Gin Fizz
- Beefeater Pink Gin, lemon juice, sugar, soda 17.0
- Passionfruit Caipiroska
- Absolut Citron Vodka, Limoncello, passionfruit syrup, lemon juice, soda 18.0
- Sour
- Whyte & Mackay Whiskey OR Galliano Amaretto, lemon juice, sugar, egg white, bitters 18.0
- Negroni
- Scapegrace Gin, Peychaud’s Aperitivo, sweet vermouth 17.0
- Mango Punch
- Santiago de Cuba Añejo Rum, De Kuyper Mango Liqueur, apple juice, lemon juice, lemonade 18.0
- Toblerone
- Kahlua, Baileys, Frangelico, De Kuyper Crème de Cacao, milk 17.0 DAIRY FREE option available ADD 1.0
- -
- COUNTERFEIT COCKTAILS
- Glass 10.0 / 1L Carafe 20.0
- The Wrestlers Mule
- ginger beer, lime, mint leaves, sugar
- Elephants Potion
- cranberry juice, pineapple juice, soda, grenadine
- Lyre's Premium 0.0% Spirit Prohibition Cocktails
- NOJITO - Lyre’s 0.0% White Cane Spirit, lime juice, sugar, soda,mint leaves 17.0 | ESPRESSO NOTINI - Lyre’s 0.0% Coffee Liqueur, macadamia syrup, coffee, sugar 19.0
- -
- NON-ALCOHOLIC
- Beer
- Heineken 0.0%, Export Citrus 0.0%
- Soft Drinks
- Coke, Diet Coke, Ginger Beer, Ginger Ale, Lemonade, Tonic | Glass 4.2 | Pint 6.5
- Schweppes Ginger Beer, Red Bull, Red Bull Sugar Free | 6.7
- Juice
- Apple, Pineapple, Orange, Cranberry, Tomato | Glass 5.0 | Pint 7.0
- Most Organic Juice
- Apple, Apple & Feijoa, Apple & Peach, Apple & Blackcurrant 6.0
- Water
- Antipodes Still/Sparkling | 500ML 6.5 | 1L 11.5
- Iced Coffee
- (Served with whipped cream) Mocha, Chocolate, Coffee 8.0
- Coffee
- Flat White, Long Black, Short Black,Cappuccino, Mochaccino, Americano, Latte, Hot Chocolate, Macchiato
- Tea
- English Breakfast / Earl Grey / Peppermint / Green
- Champagne
- Mumm Grand Cordon
- Sparkling
- Deutz Marlborough Cuvee / Jacob's Creek Reserve Sparkling Prosecco / Brancott Estate Brut Cuvee / Henkell Trocken Rosé
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Straw Island / Square Mile / Spy Valley / Awatere River / Thornbury / Peter Yealands Lighter 9.5%
- Chardonnay
- Straw Island / Montana Festival Block / Jackson Estate Shelter Belt / Anna's Way / Left Field
- Pinot Gris
- Straw Island / The Grayling / Man O' War Estate / Babydoll / Villa Maria Cellar Estate / Brancott Estate Flight Lighter 9%
- Rosé
- Straw Island / Good Company / Jacob's Creek Le Petit / Wild Grace / Villa Maria Private Bin / Stoneleigh Lighter 9.5%
- Pinot Noir
- The Grayling / Babydoll / Left Field / Rua / Wild Grace
- Shiraz / Syrah
- Jacob's Creek Shiraz / Mojo Shiraz / Greyrock Te Koru Syrah / Brookfields Back Block Syrah
- Other Reds
- Straw Island Merlot / Crossroad Milestone Merlot / Montana Festival Block Merlot Cabernet / Sileni Reserve Cabernet Franc Merlot / St Hallett Gamekeeper Reserve S.G.T
We're kicking off 2019 with the perfect excuse for a post-holiday catch up with your friends or colleagues.
Read MoreWhat’s on
Your Event
From your mate’s birthday to slick work parties and wedding receptions, there are joyful memories ready to be made right here (or forgotten, as appropriate).
The Elephant Wrestler is part of Auckland’s most joyful hospitality network, where you can be rewarded for connecting with your nearest and dearest at over 20 neighbourhood locals.
We're kicking off 2019 with the perfect excuse for a post-holiday catch up with your friends or colleagues.
Our Social Kitchen Banquet is available for a limited time, for only $30 per head your squad will have the choice of multiple different menu options. The Social Kitchen Banquet is perfect for groups of 10 or more, and your first beverage is included!
TERMS & CONDITIONS 10 guest minimum charge. Beverage valid for Monteith’s tap beer or standard glass of wine up to the value of $10. Must be booked in advance.
Monday 3 Feb, 12pm / Multiple Establishments
The Super Bowl and wings go hand-in-hand, so this year we're taking it up a notch by giving you free wings 'til the first points are scored.
Round up the crew, watch the game live on the big screens and chow down as many wings as you can before points are on the board. Pair that with a cold beer and you've got yourself the ultimate Super Bowl experience down at your local.
Available at these Joylab establishments across Auckland:
Sweat Shop Brew Kitchen, Freemans Bay
The Zookeepers Son, Royal Oak
The Elephant Wrestler, Takapuna
The Postman's Leg, Glenfield
The Flying Moa, Mt Wellington
Free wings are available from kick-off until the first points are scored in Superbowl 54.
One dozen chicken wings will be served per group at a time, and are available for dine-in only. Additional chicken wings will not be served until the previous plate is finished.
All customers must purchase a drink in order to apply for the free wings’ promotion.
Fri 14 Feb / Multiple Establishments
Introducing Auckland's favourite Valentine's Day date, now available at almost 20 establishments across the region.
Treat your lovebird to a main meal and add bottomless bubbles for just $25 pp (90 minute session). We'll keep your glasses topped up, all you have to do is sit back and enjoy. Pants are recommended.
Bookings are available all day while main meals are served. Get your booking in early to secure your seats.
Not available at Five Knots and Airport establishments.
R18 only. 90-minute package begins at confirmed booking start time regardless of late arrival by guests.
Maximum group size of 12 people. A main meal (to the value of $20 of more) must be purchased to add bottomless bubbles. Not available for pre-booked events.
The package includes De Bortoli Prosecco served alongside a range of non-alcoholic beverages, and guests will not be served more than one beverage at a time. Joylab comply with the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 and therefore enforce the responsible consumption of alcohol by all our guests. We offer non-alcoholic beverages and food at all times and will stop service immediately to any intoxicated persons. Available at all Joylab establishments excluding Five Knots and Airport establishments.
Friday 14 Feb, 7pm / The Elephant Wrestler
Ditch the swiping this Valentine's and let us do all the hard work for you in our Blind Dates Game Show!
So how does it work? Three singles looking for love (or fun) will each be asked a question by another single individual hidden behind a door. They'll be able to hear but not see them, and will then have to choose who they'd like to go on a date with. Easy!
Hosted by NZ Drag Queen Icon Miss Ribena, this is sure to be a hilarious night packed with awkward encounters, magical matches and (hopefully) no tears.
Keen to participate in the game show? Complete the form below to enter!
Just wanna come along for the party? Grab your crew and book your spot for the 7pm show below.
- - - - - - -
Settle your nerves with Bottomless Bubbles for $25pp with any main meal. For more info and full T&Cs see here.
/ The Elephant Wrestler
Our Social Kitchen Banquet is the perfect excuse to round up the crew for dinner and a catch-up. For only $30 per head everyone will have the choice of multiple different menu options, so even your fussiest friend will be stoked.
The Social Kitchen Banquet is perfect for groups of 8 or more, and your first beverage is included!
MENU OPTION 1
Hand-Pulled Pizza x 2
Hot'N'Spicy Chicken Wings blue cheese dressing x 2 500g buckets
Soft Shell Tacos chipotle pulled pork OR chilli beef, shredded lettuce, sour cream, jalapeño salsa, mozzarella x 1 per person
BBQ St. Louis Ribs hot adobo chilli dip, jalapeno hush puppies
Chicken, Corn & Capsicum Fritters x 2 servings
Beer-Battered Onion Rings
Bottomless Fries
MENU OPTION 2
Hand-Pulled Pizza x 2
Kapiti Chese And Charcuterie Board pork rillettes, duck liver parfait, dried fruits, nuts, condiments
Shrimp & Chorizo Tostadas guacamole, red radish x 1 per person
Pan-Fried Pork & Chive Dumplings
Coconut Chicken chilli, spring onion, crispy shallots, coriander x 2 servings
Salt & Pepper Squidchilli jam mayo x 2 servings
Bottomless Fries
TERMS & CONDITIONS 8 guest minimum charge. Beverage valid for Monteith’s tap beer or standard glass of wine up to the value of $10. Must be booked in advance.
Every Tuesday from 7.30pm / The Elephant Wrestler
Tuesday Trivia has ended for 2019 but will be back in the New Year on Tuesday 11 Feb!
Tuesday nights don't have to be boring. Instead of sitting on the couch wishing it was the weekend already, round up the crew for a bit of competitive fun at The Elephant Wrestler's weekly Trivia Night!
1st place - $75 voucher
2nd place - $50 voucher
3rd place - $25 voucher
PLUS spot prizes throughout the night!
Registrations are at 7pm and the quiz kicks off at 7.30pm sharp, so book your spot below and fuel up on our $17.50 meals!
Starting Thursday Feb 13 / The Elephant Wrestler
How much pizza can you devour? Find out for yourself at The Elephant Wrestler's Bottomless Pizza Night!
For just $20, you can eat as much pizza as your heart desires with a glass of beer or wine to wash it all down. You might need your stretchy pants for this one.
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90-minute package. Last booking time at 8 pm.
Bookings essential, maximum group size of 6 people.
At The Home Of UFC / The Elephant Wrestler
The UFC has it's spiritual home at The Elephant Wrestler! Featuring 2 Projector screens and 5 big screen TV's this is your home of fight sports on the North Shore. Each and every UFC Series is hosted in conjunction with a New Zealand based UFC contracted fighter, come along and rub shoulders with the next generation of UFC Gladiators.
Come and enjoy great action, awesome service, delicious food and cold beers. This is the afternoon session that you have been looking for while enjoying the UFC.
Thursday – Saturday / The Elephant Wrestler
Join us every Thursday and Friday for our live beats.
Thursday live jams – live duo’s from 9pm
Friday weekend warm up - from 4pm
Every Thursday, 8pm / The Elephant Wrestler
Forget about the dingy backroom machine karaoke, headline your own show at The Elephant Wrestler and experience what it’s like to be a rock star with your very own backing band.
Every Thursday, we're giving you the chance to live out your rock star dreams with Live Band Karaoke, playing hits from Alice Cooper to Post Malone, Diana Ross to Will Smith. Simply register at the bar when you arrive.
Beer and cocktail specials on the night.