Connect with us
If you’ve ever strolled down Jackson Street in Petone looking for food near me and spotted that warm Lone Star glow, there’s a good chance you’ve already met, or at least felt the influence of, Clare and Joe Whelan. Together, they’ve been at the helm of Lone Star Petone, a true local institution, since the day it opened back in 2008. But their Lone Star story goes back even further — and it’s one of passion, people, and plates piled high with legendary Lone Star flavours.
A Journey That Started Before Petone
Clare first joined the Lone Star family in 2006, working front of house and tackling the behind-the-scenes hustle in admin. She was the kind of host who could make a full restaurant feel like her own lounge — all smiles, all heart, and never forgetting a face. Joe was running the floor as a maitre’d at Lone Star Manchester Street in Christchurch, making sure every guest’s night was one to remember.
When the opportunity came to open a new restaurant in Lower Hutt, they knew this was their chance to bring that signature Lone Star hospitality to the Wellington region. Petone was the perfect spot — a place with its own charm, character, and a community that appreciates good food, great company, and a friendly welcome.
The Lone Star Culture – Where Art Meets Appetite
Ask Clare and Joe what makes Lone Star one of the best restaurants in Lower Hutt, and their eyes light up. Sure, the menu is stacked with favourites, the portions are generous, and the service is as warm as the garlic bread straight from the oven — but they’ll tell you there’s something else that truly sets it apart.
“The artwork,” Clare says. “It’s not just decoration. It’s our way of celebrating New Zealand heroes — from sports stars to artists — and connecting our guests with the culture and spirit of our country.”
Every Lone Star, including Petone, has its walls adorned with these bold, beautiful portraits. It’s something you just don’t see in other family restaurants in Lower Hutt. Whether you’re sipping a Steinlager at the bar or tucking into your main course in the dining room, you’re surrounded by stories and icons that remind you this is more than a meal — it’s an experience at the best restaurant Lower Hutt has to offer.
A Place for Everyone – Families, Friends, and Foodies
One of the reasons Lone Star Petone has become a favourite among locals is that it’s not just a place for a night out — it’s a place for everyone. From toddlers making their first restaurant memories to grandparents celebrating milestone birthdays, the Whelan's have made sure every guest feels right at home.
“We cater to families and all ages equally,” Joe says. “Everyone gets the same great experience, whether it’s a couple on date night, a big group of mates, or parents with kids in tow.”
That all-inclusive approach is why Lone Star Petone is considered one of the best restaurants in Lower Hutt. Add to that their Lone Star Loyal app, which gives guests exclusive offers and keeps them up to date with the latest news, and it’s clear they’ve got a recipe for keeping locals coming back time and time again.
The Whelan Way – Favourites Done Their Way
Of course, we couldn’t sit down with Clare and Joe without asking about their personal go-to meals. And true to form, they’ve each got their own Lone Star traditions.
Joe’s a Jonny Stash man through and through. “It’s a classic,” he says. “I love the creamy mushrooms, and I swap out the Buffalo Chips for creamy mashed potato — it just hits the spot.” He’s also got a pairing he never strays from: an ice-cold Steinlager Super Cold, the perfect sidekick to his main.
Clare’s plate is all about premium flavour. “I can’t go past the Stir Crazy Sirloin,” she says with a grin. Cooked rare, served with a glass of Matawhero Chardonnay, and paired not with traditional sauces, but with the famous Lone Star Dill Pickle Mustard — it’s her signature move. “It’s the tang and the steak together. Unbeatable.”
More Than Just Dinner – It’s a Night Out
Step inside Lone Star Petone and you’ll feel the difference immediately. The music’s lively, the staff are genuinely glad to see you, and the smell of sizzling steaks and freshly baked garlic bread fills the air. Whether you’re here for a pre-movie dinner, a big celebration, or just because you were searching for “food near me” and wanted something more than the ordinary, this is the kind of place where you can settle in, relax, and leave the rest to the team.
And the Whelans? They’re not the kind of owners who hide in an office. They’re out on the floor, chatting with guests, checking plates, and making sure every table has what it needs. That personal touch is part of what’s kept them at the heart of the Lower Hutt restaurant scene for over 15 years.
Why Lone Star Petone is a Local Favourite
It’s not hard to see why this place has earned a reputation as the best restaurant in Lower Hutt for so many people. The portions are generous, the menu caters to all tastes (yes, even the fussiest eaters), and the vibe is friendly and unpretentious. It’s a true family restaurant in Lower Hutt — but one that still delivers for a night out with friends or a special occasion.
Plus, the Lone Star® Loyal™ app means there’s always something extra to look forward to. From birthday surprises to exclusive deals, it’s their way of saying thanks to the guests who make it all possible.
Looking Ahead – Serving Lower Hutt for Years to Come
After more than a decade and a half in Petone, Clare and Joe have no plans of slowing down. They’re as passionate as ever about delivering that signature Lone Star experience and keeping their restaurant a cornerstone of the local dining scene.
They know their guests by name, remember their favourite drinks, and take pride in seeing families come back year after year. “It’s the people,” Clare says. “That’s what makes this worth it. Great food is important, but it’s the relationships we build that make it special.”
So, the next time you’re in Petone wondering where to find food near me that ticks every box — flavour, fun, and a true Kiwi welcome — follow the music, follow the laughter, and you’ll find Clare, Joe, and the team at Lone Star Petone ready to make your night one to remember.