When it comes to finding somewhere decent to drink, we Aucklanders have it pretty damn good. From sunny rooftop terraces to moody basement lounges and everything in between, there's something to suit absolutely every taste—and we haven't even started on the actual drinks yet!
We've rounded up the best of the best, with oldies, newbies and everything in between. No matter the specifics, all of these places have one thing in common: they're a damn fine spot to sink a drink. So cue the good libations—because in no particular order—here are Auckland's 50 best bars.
1. EST. 1901 | An excellently curated wine list, superb cocktails and divine bar snacks served up in vintage Ponsonby Road surroundings. This friends, is what you call a triple threat.
2. Apéro | Fine wine in a cosy, French-style setting? Oui, merci.
3. Confidential | Tucked away on Vulcan Lane, this cosy wine bar is serving up delicious food and drink with a side of discretion.
4. Atelier | This extremely good-looking Karangahape Road spot slings some of the best cocktails in town, the goblet-sized French Love (pictured above) gets our vote every time.
5. The Bramble | This Onehunga icon serves particularly spiffy cocktails that have been known to include everything from raisin-infused rum and crushed Oreos to salted caramel vodka and miniature pavs.
6. Bar Céleste | A place to dine, drink AND dance, Bar Céleste is the life of the Karangahape Rd party.
7. Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq | The only time drinking and driving is acceptable (we're talking about their bumper cars, silly). P.S. The cocktails are legit ridiculous.
8. Beau | With an epic drinks list and sharing plates to boot, we wish all neighbourhood wine bars were as good as this.
9. ELMO'S | Their wine selection is great and all, but how about that cocktail served in a president's head?
10. Bozo | A hidden bar on Karangahape Road that specialises in gin and craft beer? You know this one's gonna tick all the boxes for that rando night out, and then some.
11. Annabel's | We can't decide what we like more—their on-point selection of vino, or their fancypants snacks.
12. Candela | Not many Karangahape Road spots have two bars on offer, the main bar in front and the cute balcony bar Barcita out back with views of the Sky Tower.
13. Queenies Caffé & Wine Bar | Ivy-draped doors usher you into a Euro-style trattoria that's open until 10pm Weds-Sat, that’s best enjoyed with a spritz in hand.
14. Caretaker | Some of the best bevvies of your life await at this top-secret spot (if you can find it, that is) and its sister speakeasy, Deadshot.
15. Clipper | Forget flat whites, these guys do flat white MARTINIS. The novelty factor reaches an all-time high at Christmas (mince pie old-fashioned, anyone?).
16. Brewport | This hidden spot is making a name for itself as Ponsonby's only micro-brewery and beer garden, and we're huge fans.
17. KOL | This tastebud-tingling Indian cocktail bar and tandoor eatery is a masterpiece, with cutting-edge cocktails, a dedicated gin menu, an extensive wine list and boujee snacks.
18. Bar Albert | If you want to feel like you’re part of an exclusive club, this sky-high cocktail and whisky bar is a total vibe.
19. Bivacco | If you’re after a thirst-quenching tipple straight from the Italian gods, this is the place.
20. Everybody's | We'll take an espresso martini on the mezzanine, thanks.
21. Fitzroy Lounge Bar | This small eclectic bar slings guaranteed good vibes and even better drinks.
22. ACS | Short for Auckland Cocktail Syndicate, this bar slings sassy libations that are an absolute treat, provided you’ve got the password to get in.
23. Vic Road Wine Bar & Cellar | Chic and cosy, you’ll want to curl up here with a bottle of vino and stay for hours.
24. Thursday Bar | The mysterious invite-only bar that's only open Thursdays, where phone use is banned and unexpected things happen. Psst, you can score your own invite here.
25. Bar Magda | Follow the neon lights downstairs to the best damn cocktails in town where they're always creating something new.
26. Hoppers Garden Bar | For hidden garden vibes, table service and next-level bar snacks.
27. Housebar | Hotel bars are always a vibe and this one comes with some serious art deco style.
28. Captain's Bar | Warm the cockles with a glass of rum beside their roaring fireplace (or a cocktail on the terrace, if the weather's behaving).
29. Little Creatures | 100% worth the road trip (because where else can you drink beer in a reclaimed air force hangar?).
30. Little Culprit | An elegant inner-city escape with impeccable food and booze—and a super cool downstairs drinking den.
31. Northern Line Bar & Social | Great eats and honest drinks in an electric atmosphere.
32. Cupid Bar | Stop by this cosy Point Chev neighbourhood bar for great drinks, atmosphere and cult-status jalapeno poppers.
33. Taylors on Hurstmere | With cocktails like the baileys-spiked Taylor-Tini and the blood orange-infused, Kraken-spiced Sucker Punch, you know this bar’s a good time.
34. GGx | Sensational drinks in a refreshingly relaxed setting. Always say a hell yes to the curry fries.
35. Schapiro's | A step above your average sports bar, this spot has all of the class with the eats to match.
36. Saint Alice | A beer on the terrace is hard to beat (especially when accompanied by their game-changing oyster mcmuffins).
37. Rosanna's Garden Bar | The closest thing to a night out drinking in Bali (just look for the pink flamingo).
38. 605 Morningside Drinkery | With a door emblazoned with the words ‘People Drink Here’ you know you’re in the right place. Pair your tipple of the moment with your choice of wings or potatoes then toast to the good life.
39. Sawmill Brewery | Wash away the long drive with a cold craftie and some excellent pub grub.
40. Pineapple on Parnell | With its prohibition vibe and piano tunes, this rum bar's a fine find. And just FYI, your sober driver is going to LOVE their mocktails.
41. Fantail & Turtle | This legendary Smales Farm watering hole slings good times, even better drinks, next-level bites and even has an onsite microbrewery.
42. Sly | Hard to find, yes, but that's part of what makes a speakeasy so fun, right? This spot oozes a classy sophistication where you can happily lose a few hours in the company of a good drink.
43. Verona | One of the oldest and best bars on Karangahape Road.
44. The Broken Lantern | No matter your tipple of choice, sink a cold one in lavish surrounds oozing Lower East Side Vibes or take it out back to the sun-drenched garden out back.
45. Mo’s | Practically an institution, Mo’s was vibin’ before vibes were a thing. Swing by for great cocktails, beer and wine, and stellar hospitality.
46. The Churchill | Did somebody say 170 gins? Oh wait, we did.
47. The Bridgman | This new kid on the block's cocktails will knock your socks off, add a side of elevated pub grub and you've got a match made in heaven.
48. The Parasol & Swing Company | A front-runner for the best cocktail bar in Auckland (their Banana-Miso Sour is nothing short of magical). Plus, the food is on par with any top restaurant.
49. Wynyard Pavillion | Dreamy drinks at the water's edge (we recommend the sparkling sangria).
50. Red Bar | Something spectacular this way comes… in the form of a killer cocktail. Come thirsty.
Fancy a spot of dessert? Seek out the sweet stuff at one of Auckland's best places for dessert.
Image credit: Est.1901 by Eric Jang, Atelier by Wono Kim, Queenies by Anna Cassandra Goh, ACS, Little Culprit by Wono Kim, GGx by Paul Menezes Creative, Sly by Wono Kim, The Parasol & Swing Company.