Bars & Pubs

Water Boy brings the sun and fun all day with big beach energy, waves of chill surf club culture, and a coastal pub menu that’s got something for everyone. 

The Springs Tavern is Auckland’s newest neighbourhood pub; a laid-back, family-friendly (and yes, dog-friendly) spot made for after-work drinks, weekend catch-ups and everything in between. 

It’s a Tuesday night in Auckland city but you’d easily mistake it for the weekend at Sumi. The new izakaya spot by owner-chef Jason Lee (Wakuwaku, Katsu Katsu, Tsuru Tsuru) in City Works Depot is humming.

Head to Lola Rouge for pan-Asian eats whipped up with the utmost finesse. 

Tyler St Sport is the cracking new venue from Foley Hospitality aka the group behind several other top Auckland establishments including Soul Bar & Bistro, Andiamo, and Somm Wine Bar & Bistro. Solid credentials, to say the least.

It seems like 269 Parnell was under construction for millennia, so much so that we’d long stopped expecting anything to materialise behind it. 

If fine wine luxury's a bit of you (it is), you'll want to head to The College Hill Wine Room by David Nash, glass-first. 

St Marg's has emerged from the ashes of the ol’ Thirsty Dog, complete with lush olive-green banquette seating lining sun-facing windows, pops of indoor greenery, organic cotton and rice paper lamp shades. 

Tucked away in the bustling heart of Greenlane, surrounded by a sea of office buildings, lies Turtle: Pizza and Pints—a hidden gem that might just be missed if one isn’t in the know. 

There’s now one more reason to head to Auckland’s City Works Depot and that’s the addition of Norma Taps, located just a mere 20-second stroll from the legendary Best Ugly Bagels, this dapper new spot has quickly become a local favorite.

It’s impossible to miss the giant neon-lit tiger as you wander up Durham Street West. The glowing cat signals a departure from your daily—cross the threshold and you’ll find yourself in Hazy Tiger, a trippy wonderland of Korean eats and sip-worthy libations. 

Sarah Macdonald has a grounding energy about her. Astonishing given she’s the co-founder of not one but three eateries—an impressive feat in any climate but especially so in the current economy. 

Rising from the proverbial ashes of the old Conch digs, Nami Record Bar might just be your next favourite hangout. It’s certainly one of ours. 

When *everyone* gets a rooftop spot with stunning harbour views, you know you’re in for a treat. Queens Rooftop, the 360-degree, sky-high wrap-around bar atop the Deloitte building and Commercial Bay is Auckland’s newest grand dame. 

Vibrant cocktails meet contemporary dining at Ember restaurant and The Aviary cocktail bar.

Otherworldly cocktails and noodle dishes come together at The Nightcar, Auckland’s newest hidden bar and restaurant.

The wonderful world of Japanese-Italian cuisine has just landed in Ponsonby. The name ‘Itameshi’ is the Japanese word for Italian food and, in essence, that’s exactly what’s being served. While you could call it ‘fusion’, a word that’s become a catch-all phrase for culinary eclecticism (which there’s nothing wrong with, by the way), we hesitate to do so—as Itameshi’s menu, created by 30-year-old chef Roy Yu, is elevated in a way we’ve never seen before. 

Community is queen when it comes to places we love to hang out but it’s not a vibe that’s exactly easy to pull off. You will, however, find it by the gallon (or should we say pint) at Side Hustle, the newest addition to Morningside Precinct. 

Bringing Spanish sensibilities to the (very chic) table, Bonita is the answer to the prayers we didn’t even know existed. 

The team behind Deadshot and Caretaker have just unveiled their latest creation, and this one comes with a hidden karaoke room and prosecco on tap. 

An epic new leafy oasis by the legends behind Lucky 8 and Mr Hao has just opened in the heart of Auckland and it will legit blow your mind.

Tucked away off Papakura’s Broadway strip is a foodie’s heaven that goes by the name of Broadway Food Company. Boasting six glorious cuisines and counting, it gives us endless options by Auckland’s best independent street foodies. From hand-crafted smash burgers, wood-fired Turkish pides/pizzas, and seriously tasty fried chicken, to finger-licking good slow-cooked BBQ, Indian street food, charcoal kebabs,  plus the Beer Spot (next door)—this place has something for everyone.

What if we told you the city's first urban cellar door and wine bar has just opened in an epic location on Auckland's waterfront? Named Somm (after the French term sommelier, meaning 'wine steward'), this chic new wine bar and bistro can be found in the former Crab Shack site on Princes Wharf and trust us when we say, it's even more of a good time than it sounds.

Tucked away on O’Connell Street lies Panacea—the latest addition to Auckland’s hidden bar scene and a new, true contender for date night. 

Searching for a space to host your next event? Or simply need to wind down to some groovy tunes towards the end of a long work week? Well boy do we have news for you...

The *most chic* cinema experience has set up shop in Ponsonby Central: Silky Otter along with its incredible SO Lounge. Not just any flicks and snacks situation, you’ll start with a concierge greeting (skipping any pesky lines) and be led straight to your own spot at the sleek SO Lounge restaurant and bar area to while, if you so please, pre-film.

Paying homage to Japanese izakaya bars, Bar Yoku offers sanctuary at the end of a busy work day. Named after the term shinrin-yoku, meaning "taking in the forest atmosphere", this urban bar invites you to retreat into its dim settings or internal garden and soak in its exotic environment while still being inside The Welder, at the heart of Christchurch.

Mr. Brightside invites you to come out of your cage and look on the bright side of life at their rooftop bar. Located at the heart of the city in Oxford Terrace, this penthouse-style bar is perched on top of the iconic Public Trust Building. With panoramic 360 views of the city, your troubles melt away as you gaze out at Port Hills, the Avon River, Cathedral Square and at the snowcapped mountains in the distance. The bar is covered with a retractable roof, making it the perfect spot to catch some rays while enjoying some tipple in the warmer months.

With "Oceanic eats. Drink. Party." as its slogan, you can bet that Lulu Bar is the place to go in Te Aro for a fun time. With nods to the flavours and traditional techniques from Hawaii to Aotearoa, your tastebuds will be swept across the pacific with a menu that draws inspiration from the islands.

If you love to wine and dine with a view then listen up, we’ve found a stunning spot for you to hit up this summer that will transport you to the heart of the Amalfi Coast. 

Summer is looking up thanks to the revelation that one of our fave spots for a feed and a couple of brewskies has landed on the glorious, black-sand shores of Piha. We're talking about Brothers Beer & Juke Joint BBQ Piha, whose latest site (their seventh!) opened at the end of October, smack bang in the middle of South Beach.

If sensually-lit bars with plush sofas, an effortlessly cool vibe, good tunes and absolutely epic libations are your jam (and they are) then you’ll need to add this new hidden spot to your Ponsonby Road hit list immediately.  

Danny Doolans has a sleek new younger brother bar joining the Viaduct Harbour hotspot: The Cellar Bar. He’s dark, he’s cosy, he’s a little bit cheeky, and he’s officially open. Come Friday and Saturday nights, nip out from the usually crowded line we’ve all been privy to at Danny Doolans, and down into this hidden cellar for some good times—and a selfie at one of their many note-worthy mirror walls—instead.

Indian cocktail bar and tandoor eatery, KOL, has been holding its own as one of the leading restaurants in Auckland since it was ushered into existence by hospitality power couple Sid and Chand Sahrawat back in 2022. So when the pair announced KOL's closure in early 2025, I was gobsmacked. 

Few things in life bring us more joy than cosying up with a glass of wine, and one of our fave spots to indulge in this simple pleasure is Est. 1901—a cool but not-so-new kid on the Ponsonby block.

There are very few places in Auckland that provide you with the perfect spot to hide away from the world—all while looking down on it, drink in hand and dinner popped before you. 

It's time to level up your bar game Auckland, and we have just the place. Bar Albert's the name, and aside from being the city's newest rooftop bar, it's also the country's highest—sitting a staggering 38 floors above street level, atop the gorgeous voco Auckland City Centre hotel. Yes, if sipping tipples while taking in sky-high views is up your alley (hell yeah it is!), then Bar Albert is about to become your new fave drinking destination.

Bringing a slice of the best hotel bars in the world to Tāmaki Makaurau, Sunset is now open atop Sudima Hotel on Nelson Street.

Very few things rival the wholesome feeling that comes with stumbling upon a wine bar. The intrigue of wall-to-floor bottles, hiding from the world in a cosy nook, discovering drops by the glass. The possibilities are endless—and that’s before you so much as glance over the bites menu or later prance out the door, with a new favourite bottle under your arm. 

Just when you thought there was no way you could love Karangahape Road's lush Spanish/Latin American inspired eatery and wine bar Candela more than you do already, they go and open macking new bar and balcony Barcita. Follow the bar to the back of the restaurant and you'll find this cute-as-a-button space awaiting you with open arms. With a separate bar and tapas menu, nab yourself a pozzie in the open air with views of the Sky Tower. If you fancy the space all to yourself—we don't blame you—you can also hire it for your exclusive use and private events seven days a week. Schmick.

What do you get when you breathe new life into an old classic? A fancy AF bar and bistro with which we're completely and utterly obsessed, that's what. We're talking about the space previously held by The Dominion (an Auckland icon and particular fave with sporting crowds thanks to its proximity to Eden Park), which has recently received a luxurious facelift, and a new name to boot—The Bridgman.

As far as sports bars go, Schapiro's is knocking it outta the park—and then some. Yup, this exciting new venture at 224 Symonds Street (previously home to Save Ferris) is scoring big points with team Urban List and here's why. Number one, it's the latest baby from Otis Schapiro, aka one-third of the trio behind hugely popular Grey Lynn osteria and wine bar, Lilian (and from whom, of course, Schapiro's takes its name).

There's a new bar in town from the folks behind Viaduct fave, Parasol & Swing. Taking up residence on the spot that was formerly Little Easy, The Broken Lantern is slinging craft beers, organic and natural wines, insane cocktails and a next-level food menu (if you've dined at Parasol & Swing, you'll know just how incredible their grub is).

In the spot that formerly housed Bonita, The Tinted Rose's excellent cocktail and tapas game has been strong since its inception in 2019. By day the space opens out into a well-lit haven with bright windows looking onto Summer Street and an enviable sun trap of a garden in the back. By night, let the cosy vibes of a late-night drinking den envelop you as you sip on masterful cocktail creations and their back garden transforms under a canopy of sparkling lights.

Once tucked away in St Kevin's Arcade, Japanese late-night fave Acho's has a new spot front and centre on Karangahape Road and to say it's cool would be an understatement.

Some of the city's fave street food vendors have come together as one big happy (and incredibly tasty) family to form Titirangi's new Street Feast food hall. This epic spot on the ground floor of The Rise development is already making a name for itself as a one-stop shop for all things delicious. This is because Street Feast is far from your average food hall, with seven legendary eateries to choose from (meaning a return trip, if not several, is all but guaranteed). Smash back seriously stacked burgs from Jo Bro's (the wagyu number will change your life)—fill your face with tacos from their sister offering, Loco Bro's—chow down on a slice or 10 of woodfired goodness from Stumpy's Pizza (and be sure to check out their insane oven)—tuck into empanadas and gluten-free goodness from Mar & Tierra—feast on fried chicken from SaPa Kitchen (bought to us by the team behind much-loved food truck, NomNom)—then finish things off with something sweet from Wen & Yen's dessert bar, where their signature doughnuts sit alongside barista coffee and handcrafted gelato from Little 'Lato.

Get a lesson in London pub culture over at Viaduct newbie, The Fox. Decked out with quirky English-inspired interiors (check out Queen Lizzy with her tattoos and neon crown!), this is one cool spot and in fact a much more upmarket version of the London pubs you may have experienced on your travels.

Hibiscus Coast dwellers and city-siders with a soft spot for a food-focused day trip, this one’s for you. There’s a new opening in town in Whangaparāoa and that’s the Parāoa Brewing Co. Ideal for all things eating, drinking, socialising, boogying and being merry, this spot on the skirts of Coast Plaza has a little something for everyone.

Meet Bar Magda—a speakeasy-style bar and bistro that is guaranteed to steal your heart, captivate your taste buds and tantalize your palate with its delicious selection of snazzy tipples and tasty bites.

Editor’s Note: This venue is permanently closed

Parade has a new haunt and we’re totally in love. Just a stone’s throw from their O.G. home on Ponsonby Road, this new chapter of Parade—now with a levelled up garden fit-out and a liquor licence—is where you’ll want to be. 

MOGLY Bar & Eatery is one heck of a spot. Located on the fringe of the new Ormiston Town Centre, the fit-out is nothing short of incredible (there's a gigantic selfie birdcage and even a private karaoke room) but that's not all—they also offer a killer food and drinks menu.

Editor’s Note: This venue is permanently closed

Serving up all the tastiest bits of Kiwi culture is Our Land Is Alive—a stunning new bar located at the entrance to Auckland's prestigious Cordis hotel. Sit back and relax within the beautiful NZ-like surrounds (including a cloud-covered ceiling and reclaimed kauri bar), while you graze away on locally-inspired nibbles and tipples.

If you’re looking to elevate your next day or night out in the City of Sails, look no further than the stunning Rooftop At QT. Perched six storeys above the Viaduct, this expansive new space will have you living out your boujee dreams in style. 

We all need a good local bar, right? Well, residents of Mount Albert listen up! If you haven't set foot into The Albert Cafe & Bar yet, then now's the time to explore your new local. 

Editor’s Note: This venue is permanently closed

Meet Beau—a neighbourhood wine bar that is guaranteed to steal your heart, captivate your tastebuds and tantalize your palate with its delicious selection of food and wine. 

Raise your glass to Rosanna's Garden Bar—Kingsland's cool new Bali-inspired drinking spot. Hidden down a short driveway just off the main shopping strip, this is definitely one of those blink-and-you'll-miss-it situations (pro tip: don't blink).

Level Up Your G&T In One 'Gram-Worthy Hit

Seaside bars (actually, bars in general) don't get much better than this. Now focused on large group bookings, corporate meetings and private events. Nestled close to Auckland's stunning Viaduct Harbour, VYC combines sophisticated, Hamptons-style vibes with a carefully-curated drinks list and mouthwatering, South American-inspired cuisine. 

Hidden behind a secret door lies the coolest little speakeasy on K road, Sly. Pull up a pew and order some delicious top shelf cocktails at great prices and loaded hot dogs of every description. With its prohibition-style New Orleans vibes you'll settle in for a a night of the delightfully unexpected.

Found on Ponsonby Road, Clipper is a friendly neighbourhood bar serving some of the best cocktails in town. Amongst soft pink hues, greenery and neon lights the space serves as an escape from the mundane to the fantastic through a well-crafted cocktail list and delectable small plates.  Unforgettable and utterly delicious, a must-try is the award-winning Pan Am cocktail. 

Something good is brewing down at Wynyard Quarter, and we think you're going to like it. Good George, the award-winning Hamiton brewery with a knack for crafting amazing beers and ciders, has opened the doors to its eleventh and arguably most epic outpost yet in an enviable position on the edge of North Wharf.

Dirty Laundry is an eclectic bar and eatery serving up nothing but good times on Quay Street. Situated Downtown, the bar is the latest watering hole from Good Group—the team behind White + Wongs and Botswana Butchery—and it’s turning heads for all the right reasons.

Boutique brews, bites and an onsite barber—Sweat Shop Brew Kitchen has you covered for all your foodie and furry needs. 

A hotspot on the Auckland waterfront, The Brit is in a league of its own. A unique gastro-pub, you’ll find it on the fringe of Britomart. The menu from executive chef Gareth Stewart has a focus on classics done right. The smashed wagyu burger, and stone baked ’foot-long’ pizzas are not ones to miss. Catching up over a cocktail, feasting on moreish bites or watching the latest game, you won’t regret paying a visit to The Brit.

Fed up of your usual haunts? Keen to try something different of an evening? For those occasions when you demand something a little extra from your night out why not pop into Greenlane's best kept secret. The Alex, nestled right next to the race track at Alexandra Park will give you a straight up hearty feed whilst giving you a birds eye view on all the action on the track. You might even be tempted to lay a bet or two but don't forget to quit while you're ahead.

The Culprit boys are at it again, this time opening an elegant little bar directly across the road from their Wyndham Street flagship.

In the heart of the CBD you’ll find The Churchill, New Zealand’s highest rooftop bar. Found atop the Four Points by Sheraton hotel, the inner-city gem exudes elegance and superb quality rivalled only by some of the world's best. The expertly crafted fit out is home to a jaw-dropping range of 170 international gins, with a little something for everyone. Indulge on 55 day aged beef tataki, duck pastrami and cumin roasted cauliflower from the food menu. Brought to us by executive chef Glen Rockhouse, it has been tailored to compliment and elevate the bar's extensive selection.

Situated just off Ponsonby Road and brewing only from organic leaves from teas from trusted sources around the world, believe us when we say these kombuchas taste absolutely pure and fresh. With regular blends on tap including Indian Assam Tea, Gunpowder green tea and (our fave) Kenyan purple tea you can grab a glass of your choice or go for a flight and sample all 4, including the guest brew for just $7. Bring your booch bottle back clean and ready for refilling and get your next bottle for $10.

We’re calling it, a cold beer at the beach is the perfect pairing. Find this knockout combo at Mission Bay's newest rooftop bar, Good George Craft House.

There’s a little something for everyone at Fitzroy Lounge Bar. Found on Mackelvie Street, the small and eclectic space is not one to miss. Featuring murals, bold prints and some of the best vibes in town this versatile spot has it all. Whether you’re in for an epic oozing toastie, or gin sour, which features gin, Aperol, dry vermouth, pomegranate and mint. You won’t regret paying Fitzroy Lounge Bar a visit.

It’s all fun and games when it comes to Dice & Fork. The city's first board game bar and eatery is found at Victoria Park Market.

Soaking up sunny rays and epic views of the Viaduct, Saint Alice is in a league of its own. A unique cross between a bar and eatery, you’ll find the hot spot next to brother bar Dr Rudis. The menu from head chef Maia Atvars has a focus on seafood and is designed to introduce new flavours to diners in a relaxed setting. The fried oyster mcmuffins, and salmon tartare from the raw bar are not ones to miss. Catching up over a cold one, feasting on moreish bites or celebrating a special occasion, you won’t regret paying a visit to Saint Alice. 

Editor’s Note: This venue is permanently closed

Fancy a fun yet relaxed evening with friends? Sammy’s Lounge, located in Auckland's SKYCITY, has got you covered with soul music, retro vibes and a well-stocked liquor cabinet. If you're in a jazz club mood, get ready to travel to Greenwich Village in the 60s for an evening out with a twist.

You can’t go wrong with a classic, and the new-look Vivace on Fort Street is a certified Auckland staple.

Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Ponsonby Road, Hoppers Garden Bar is an inner city wonderland. The fit-out features greenery sprawled throughout the make-shift street spoilt with portraits of fictional characters leading you to the grand bar. With craft beers on tap and some of the best cocktail offerings in town, Hoppers is a must-stop on a night out. From mind-blowing shared plates and regular live music, this is an Insta-worthy hub of creativity that you need to visit. 

Kingsland Cellar Door is an absolute dream for all the beer lovers out there. With 12 taps of beer that are always changing, liter cans filled and sealed on site or the option to BYO vessel, it's the go-to for the beer drinkers of Auckland. As this is a cellar door, serving sizes come no larger than a taster but they also provide some tasty bites to compliment your bevvy! 

With more than 40 beers on tap, The Beer Spot is a utopia for the beer lovers in Auckland. But don't let the big "beer" banner fool you into thinking that's the only thing they on offer. Wines and spirits are taken just as seriously at this joint and they don't fall short when it comes to food either. The Beer Spot is constantly hosting the best food trucks around Auckland to serve their customers with tasty eats which go down a treat with one of their endless variety of brews. 

Editor’s Note: This venue is permanently closed

Only the best pubs stand the test of time and The Birdcage Tavern is one of these gems. Celebrating 127 years of history (hello!), the Auckland icon knows a thing or two about hosting a good time. Partying here is a rite of passage!

Tucked away down Federal Street, you’ll stumble upon 1947 Eatery. The bar-slash-eatery serves modern Indian cuisine alongside innovative cocktails. Yep, you can have a martini with your curry!

Deadshot is a hidden gem that will make your cocktails dreams come true. Featuring a dark, intimate and moody atmosphere you'll find yourself marvelling at the fit-out alone. Doing things a little differently, Deadshot features table service where the expert team of bartenders come to you, with a mesmerising range of 1000 recipes, you can count on every sip to be a good one. So sit back, relax and enjoy cocktail classics tailored just for you while you soak in the good vibes. 

Tucked away on Fort Lane, Sapphire Night Club is sporting a fresh face—something you probably won’t be sporting after a night of fun here.

From spritzers to craft beers and everything in between, Cupid Bar puts the f-unky in dr-inky. This now cosy bar was once a 1930's cinema. The interior holds a strong art deco influence while the menu takes an alternative twist on classic beverages. Think plum wine spritz, flowerchild gin fizz cocktails and tap beers on repeat. Feeling peckish? Grab a bowl of buttermilk fried chicken or a tasty snack of cheese-stuffed jalapenos.

Let’s be honest, there’s no place we’d rather be this summer than sitting outside, soaking up some sweet vitamin D while sipping on refreshing bevvies. Double points if mouth-watering eats are involved. And triple points if you’re just around the corner from the beach!

Stunning harbour views? Check! Smoking cocktails? Check! High tea with whisky? Check! Yep, there’s a lot to love about Bellini.

Parasol & Swing is hands-down one of the best bars in town, combining mind-blowing cocktails with an enviable, rooftop position in Auckland's Viaduct.

Let’s be honest, sometimes we just can’t go past a goode (pun intended), honest pub. We’re talking hearty, wholesome meals, refreshing bevvies and a lively, welcoming atmosphere. What’s not to love about that?!

There’s no need to fork out on a plane ticket to the islands—a Pacific getaway is closer than you think! We’re talkin’ exotic cocktails and mouth-watering fare (with an abundance of seafood, of course) while you sit back, relax and overlook the rolling ocean.