Cableways Bar & Bistro

bar & grill — Kaikorai · Dunedin

About Cableways Bar & Bistro

Cableways Bar & Bistro offers an exceptional dining experience with great food and excellent drinks, built around Dunedin's cable car history. Diners eat alongside a restored Roslyn cable car, No. 93, a genuine 1906 car that sits proudly at the entrance to Cableways after being purchased from the Dunedin City Council and faithfully restored.

Built by Dominion Breweries as a neighbourhood tavern, Cableways opened on 11 April 1986 and has been a local fixture ever since, renamed Cableways Bar Bistro and Liquorland in 2017. The venue leans into its transport history throughout, with cable car and electric tram memorabilia on display and a cable car DVD played over lunch service for those interested in early Dunedin transport.

The kitchen's fan favourites include a Wagyu smash burger, ribeye steak, the Cableways Schnitzel, a Korean chicken burger and pork belly, alongside weekly specials like Tuesday Schnitzel night and Thursday Burger & Beer night. There's also a Junior Trammies menu for younger diners.

Cableways Bar & Bistro: Dining Among Dunedin's Cable Car History

Cableways Bar & Bistro invites diners to imagine themselves transported in time, eating a succulent pork belly and sipping a glass of Pinot Noir alongside a restored Roslyn cable car, No. 93. The genuine cable car, first registered in 1906, was purchased from the Dunedin City Council in 2006 and faithfully restored to its place of pride at the entrance to Cableways.

A Neighbourhood Local Since 1986

Built by Dominion Breweries as a neighbourhood tavern, Cableways opened its doors on 11 April 1986, with local residents swarming in for opening night. The venue was renamed Cableways Bar Bistro and Liquorland in 2017, and remains a well-loved local for the Kaikorai and Maori Hill communities.

Fan Favourites on the Menu

The kitchen's Tramshed Bistro fare has built a loyal following, with fan favourites including a Wagyu smash burger, ribeye steak, the Cableways Schnitzel, a Korean chicken burger and pork belly. Regulars can also look forward to weekly specials - Tuesday Schnitzel night and Thursday Burger & Beer night - alongside a dedicated Junior Trammies menu for younger diners.

A Living Piece of Transport History

Cableways sits near the former route of the Kaikorai cable car line, which ran from 1900 to 1947, and celebrates the wider history of Dunedin's cable cars and electric trams throughout the venue. Cable car and electric tram memorabilia, including artwork by Don McAra, is on display, and a cable car DVD is played on the big screens every lunch hour for those interested in the history of Roslyn and Kaikorai transport.

Warm Hospitality for Family and Friends

Whether it's family time, a cold one with friends, or settling in for the excellent Tramshed Bistro fare, Cableways is built around warm hospitality and a great atmosphere - a genuine local in every sense.

Visiting Cableways Bar & Bistro

Cableways Bar & Bistro is located on the corner of Kaikorai Valley Road and Mellor Street, Dunedin 9010. It's open Monday to Saturday from 11am until late (no lunch service on Mondays), and Sunday from 11am to 10pm.

Signature items

  • Cableways Schnitzel
  • Wagyu Smash Burger
  • Pork Belly
  • Ribeye Steak
  • Korean Chicken Burger

Menu

Fan Favourites

  • Wagyu Smash Burger — A fan favourite on the Cableways menu
  • Ribeye Steak — A fan favourite on the Cableways menu
  • Cableways Schnitzel — The bistro's signature schnitzel
  • Korean Chicken Burger — A fan favourite on the Cableways menu
  • Pork Belly — A succulent pork belly, often paired with a glass of Pinot Noir

Weekly Specials

  • Tuesday Schnitzel Night — A weekly schnitzel special every Tuesday
  • Thursday Burger & Beer Night — A weekly burger and beer special every Thursday

Junior Trammies Menu

  • Junior Trammies Menu — A dedicated kids menu

Frequently asked questions

What are Cableways' opening hours?
11am until late Monday to Saturday (no lunch service on Mondays), and 11am to 10pm on Sundays.
What is Cableways known for?
Fan favourites like the Wagyu smash burger, ribeye steak, Cableways Schnitzel, Korean chicken burger and pork belly.
Are there weekly food specials?
Yes, Tuesday Schnitzel night and Thursday Burger & Beer night.
Is there a kids menu?
Yes, the Junior Trammies menu.
What is the story behind the cable car at Cableways?
It's No. 93, a restored original Roslyn cable car first registered in 1906, purchased from the Dunedin City Council in 2006 and restored to sit at the entrance.
Is there a Liquorland at Cableways?
Yes, Cableways Bar Bistro and Liquorland share the venue.
Can I make a reservation?
Yes, bookings can be made online through the Cableways website.

Tips

  • {"body":"The bistro's namesake schnitzel dish.","title":"Try the Cableways Schnitzel"}
  • {"body":"Tuesday Schnitzel night and Thursday Burger & Beer night are weekly specials.","title":"Visit on Tuesday or Thursday"}
  • {"body":"Ask staff to play the cable car DVD, shown on the big screens every lunch hour.","title":"Ask about the cable car history"}
  • {"body":"The Junior Trammies menu caters to younger diners.","title":"Bring the family"}

Good to know

  • {"family":"Junior Trammies kids menu available"}