Jolene

About Jolene

Jolene brings a bold blend of classic American country spirit and modern Auckland energy to Ponsonby Road. What started out as a spirited summer pop-up quickly captured the city's attention, leading to a permanent home where good food, cold drinks, and live country music come together under one roof.

Inside, the venue channels a warm, unapologetic honky-tonk atmosphere outfitted with country hospitality and western flair. Guests gather over a menu of hearty American comfort food, signature cocktails, and craft beers, while live acts and country bands set the tone from late afternoon into the evening.

Jolene: Ponsonby Road’s Slice of Nashville Country Spirit

Jolene was never originally designed to stay put. What began as a high-energy summer pop-up in Auckland quickly turned into a neighbourhood sensation when crowds kept packing through the doors. Drawn to the easygoing hospitality, foot-stomping country music, and generous southern-style cooking, locals made it clear that this concept needed a permanent home. Today, that permanent home sits right in the centre of Ponsonby Road, bringing an authentic slice of Nashville spirit straight to inner-city Auckland.

Taking its name and attitude from the iconic Dolly Parton song, Jolene embodies a persona that is warm, wild, and completely unapologetic. The interior captures classic country saloon energy with modern flair, offering a welcoming haven where guests can kick back, share plates, and enjoy ice-cold drinks from the bar.

Country Favourites and Southern Comfort

The kitchen at Jolene leans into classic country and western comfort food, featuring bold flavours built around flame grilling and hearty sauces. Sharing is at the core of the dining experience. Guests often start with plates of crispy Barrelhouse Wings—tossed in house sauces like Jolene bourbon BBQ, flaming buffalo, or maple sage butter—alongside fried pickle chips and crumbed Rodeo Jalapeño Poppers.

For larger appetites, the mains showcase serious cuts of meat. The Farmers Cut Rump Steak delivers 500 grams of grass-fed beef topped with marrow and smoked herb cowboy butter, served with skin-on steak fries. Other standout plates include the slow-cooked Bourbon BBQ Ribs, flame-finished half chicken with chimichurri, and the foot-long Chilli Cheese Dog piled high with chorizo and beef chilli, pickle relish, and crisp bacon bits. Lighter and plant-friendly options also share the menu, including flame-charred cabbage steak and build-your-own fish or fried artichoke tacos.

Live Tunes, Drinks, and the Evening Shift

Jolene is as much about the soundtrack as it is about the kitchen. The venue regularly hosts live entertainment, ranging from touring country rock bands like The Renegades to weekly pub quizzes and cowboy karaoke nights. Behind the bar, staff pour fresh pints on tap, authentic margaritas, and signature cocktails designed to pair effortlessly with the rich flavours coming off the grill.

During the afternoon and early evening, Jolene functions as an all-ages gathering space where families and diners can relax over lunch or dinner. As the clock strikes 9:00 PM, the space transitions into an R18 venue where the volume turns up, the two-stepping begins, and the honky-tonk atmosphere runs late into the night.

Signature items

• Barrelhouse Wings
• Farmers Cut Rump Steak
• Bourbon BBQ Ribs
• Chilli Cheese Dog
• Dallas Burger
• Gran's Chilly & Chorizo Nachos

Menu

Meat

• Farmers Cut Rump Steak — 500g grass-fed rump steak served with marrow & smoked herb cowboy butter and steak cut fries.
• Flame Grilled Half Chicken — Free-range NZ chicken prepared with house seasoning and chimichurri.
• Bourbon BBQ Ribs — Slow-cooked ribs, flame finished and coated in Jolene's bourbon BBQ glaze.

Fried

• Fried Artichoke — Crispy fried artichoke served with Jolene's pink sauce.
• Texan Tenders — Crispy fried chicken tenders served with Jolene's pink sauce.
• Barrelhouse Wings — Crispy fried chicken wings with choice of Jolene bourbon BBQ, maple sage butter, flaming buffalo, Jolene pink sauce, or cheddar cheese sauce.
• China Town Steak Fries — Steak cut fries tossed with skin on, chilli, peppers, and secret seasoning.
• Fried Pickle Chips — Crispy fried pickle chips served with Jolene's pink sauce.
• Rodeo Jalapeños Poppers — Crumbed jalapeño poppers with a triple blend cheese filling.

Salad

• Caesar's Salad — Cos lettuce, parmesan, croutons, anchovies, soft boiled egg, crispy capers, and classic dressing.
• Flame-Grilled Cabbage Steak — Braised cabbage flame charred and finished with Jolene's pink sauce and house seasoning.

Sides

• Slaw — Freshly prepared house slaw.
• Mash & Sausage Gravy — Creamy mashed potatoes topped with savoury sausage gravy.
• Chorizo & Beef Chilli — Rich, slow-simmered house chorizo and beef chilli.
• Nacho Chips & Salsa — Crisp nacho chips served with house salsa.
• Green Salad — Fresh mixed salad greens.
• Steak Fries — Thick-cut classic steak fries.
• Curly Fries — Golden seasoned curly fries.

Nachos

• Gran's Chilly & Chorizo Nachos — Nacho chips piled with American cheddar, chorizo and beef chilli, salsa, sour cream, and guacamole.

Burgers & Hot Dogs

• Dallas Burger — Grilled chicken breast or flame-grilled beef with American cheese, ketchup, pickles, grilled onions, and bacon jam.
• Texas Trio Sliders — Sliders with diced onion, jalapeño, American cheese, bud mayo, and Jolene's bourbon BBQ, with choice of BBQ pork, chicken tender, or flame grilled beef.
• Chilli Cheese Dog — Foot-long frank loaded with chorizo and beef chilli, pickle relish, cheddar, and crispy bacon bits.

Tacos & Quesadillas

• Fish Tacos - Build Your Own — Craft-battered market fish or fried artichoke served with 4 warm grilled tortillas, pickled slaw, cilantro, salad greens, chipotle tartare, guacamole, and sour cream.
• Cheese & Garlic Quesadilla — Crisp-grilled flour tortilla stuffed with melted cheddar blend and garlic butter, served with guacamole, salsa, and sour cream swirl.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to make a booking, or do you take walk-ins?

Table bookings are accepted online or by phone up until 7:00 PM. After 7:00 PM, seating is walk-in only.

What kind of cuisine does Jolene serve?

The menu focuses on old-school American country and western favourites, including ribs, steaks, wings, burgers, tacos, and southern-style fried snacks.

Are children welcome at Jolene?

Yes, guests of all ages and children are welcome from opening until 9:00 PM. After 9:00 PM, the venue becomes strictly R18 and valid photo ID is required.

Is Jolene pet friendly?

Pets are welcome in the outdoor dining area. It is recommended to leave furry friends at home later in the evening when live music and crowds pick up.

Where can I park near the venue?

On-street parking is available directly on Ponsonby Road as well as throughout surrounding residential side streets.

Can I bring my own food or drinks?

No external food or beverages are permitted, as Jolene provides a comprehensive food and drinks menu.

Does Jolene host private functions or group events?

Yes, the venue caters for private gatherings, including birthday parties, corporate events, and bachelor or bachelorette parties.

Tips

• {"body":"Reserve a table in advance if arriving before 7:00 PM; after that hour, entry and seating are walk-in only.","title":"Book before 7pm"}
• {"body":"Check the events schedule for country rock bands, Thursday trivia, and weekend late-night music.","title":"Catch the Live Music"}
• {"body":"If bringing a dog, grab a table in the outdoor area earlier in the day before evening crowds arrive.","title":"Patio Seating for Dogs"}

Good to know

• {"family":"All ages welcome until 9pm; strictly R18 with ID required afterwards.","dietary":"Gluten-free tortilla options available for tacos; vegetarian artichoke options available.","parking":"On-street parking available out front on Ponsonby Road and surrounding side streets."}