The Post Office Cafe and Bar

On the corner of Blyth Street in Clyde, The Post Office Cafe and Bar is a beloved local gem with a rich past and warm, welcoming spirit. Housed in a quintessentially Central Otago schist stone building, complete with its original post-office red arched windows, this characterful spot served as the town’s post office until the 1990s. Today, it retains many nods to its past with vintage mail paraphernalia, historic charm, and a sense of genuine Central Otago hospitality.

Locally owned by Jackie and John, The Post Office strikes a perfect balance between laid-back and lively. Whether you're a local regular or a visitor passing through on a roadie or bike adventure, there's always a place for you here. It’s family-friendly too, with plenty of space for little ones to roam and a menu that caters to younger tastes as much as grown-up appetites.

Mornings at The Post Office begin with excellent coffee and baked goods, don’t miss the iconic cheese scones or Southland cheese rolls. A solid breakfast menu runs until noon, offering crowd-pleasers like pancakes, bacon and eggs, and the Postie Brekkie. Come lunch and dinnertime, there’s an extensive selection of popular classics and fun modern dishes, with something for every palate and dietary requirement. As to be expected from a region spoiled with top winemakers and brewers, the drinks list showcases the best of Central Otago wines as well as craft beers from Wanaka Beerworks, B.Effect, Crimson Badger, and more. The bartenders know how to mix up a very chic concoction, so make sure you take a peek at the cocktail list.

In winter, The Post Office is the kind of place you’ll want to hunker down in. The roaring fireplace sets the scene, with cosy booths inviting you to slide in and stay a while. It’s the perfect backdrop for a bowl of rich seafood chowder, a glossy lamb shank on creamy mash, or another hearty number best enjoyed with a local pinot in hand. When the weather warms, the action spills into the garden, where picnic tables are scattered amongst blooming roses and fragrant lavender. Whatever the season, this is a place to stay a while.