Never let anyone tell you otherwise, the Chur boasts one of the greatest bar scenes in Aotearoa.
And with a revamped city centre that's as easy to walk, cycle or scooter as it is to drive, there's simply no excuse not to get out on the toon and pop your head into a few of these fine establishments, well, for a few.
From bars out of buses to dimly lit speakeasies, art deco homages to local craft breweries. Keep reading and you'll discover a pint-sized pub plucked straight from Dublin, a repurposed tailor's, a repurposed Post-Office, and even a repurposed Church. Frankly, Ōtautahi's nightlife is anything but dull.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic date night spot or a place to dance the night away, these are the best bars in Christchurch right now.
Moon Under Water
Somerfield Street
Image credit: Moon Under Water | Instagram
As George Orwell famously said in his famous 1943 essay, "If you are asked why you favour a particular public-house, it would seem natural to put the beer first, but the thing that most appeals to me about the Moon Under Water is what people call its ‘atmosphere’."
Although he was talking about his own metaphorical ideal of the perfect pub, rather than one that actually did exist, Christchurch's very own Moon Under Water pretty much meets his standards of perfection. And, having been crowned Avenues Magazine's Best Bar for 2025, it seems the critics agree.
Publican Matt Kamstra has curated something that's pretty hard to beat. A decadent selection of drops and tipples—including 18 Craft Beer Taps and over 70 Gins—a seasonal menu that features gourmet pizzas and classic burgers, and a reputation as one of the city's top dog-friendly hot-spots—and, most importantly, an atmosphere that makes you feel like a regular from the moment you walk in the door.
Austin Club
Cashel Street
Image credit: Austin Club | Instagram
Down an alley, down some stairs, and down in a basement is the shadowy, chic and only accessible in true speakeasy style, Austin Club. A starlet of the prospering late-night scene in Christchurch, and a nod to mid-century nightlife, the intimate venue is described as "a hideaway for Cantabrians" and is another marvellous machination of the Inkster Company (see The Chruch & Paddy McNaughton's below).
They had a vision to transform a disused underground station into a stylish cocktail bar where pleasure and entertainment thrive, and oh, how they have succeeded.
Pro tip: Check out The Laugh Cellar Comedy Show on Thursdays— arguably Christchurch's best-kept comedy secret. It's an NYC comedy-cellar-styled hour of side-splitting stuff, fueled by 10% off all drinks for the duration of the show.
Two Thumb Brew Bar
Manchester Street
Image credit: Two Thumb Brew Bar | Instagram
Ask around for a good place to enjoy exquisite local craft beer with a decent atmosphere, and chances are the name Two Thumb will pop up. World famous on Manchester Street and a standout in the craft brewery scene, Two Thumb Brew Bar Manchester (they operate another great establishment on Colombo Street) is a slice of rustic, old-school beer-drinking paradise right in the heart of the city.
In what feels a bit like your mate's Dad's garage, if your mate's Dad was a thousand times cooler and liked way better beer, Two Thumb's flagship location has that laid-back industrial vibe going that just makes you feel like settling in for a session. With a standout selection of handcrafted brews—core and seasonal craft beer made from locally sourced malts and New Zealand hops—live music every Friday and Sunday, and a weekly quiz on a Wednesday, Two Thumb Manchester is a proper spot loved by locals, visitors, casuals and connoisseurs alike.
Vesuvio
Papanui Road
Image credit: Vesuvio | Instagram
Wine. Jazz. Tapas. The three ingredients to a life well lived and the three pillars of Vesuvio—a Mediterranean daydream existing for our utmost pleasure on Papanui Road. Forgot your Euro summer, in fact, cancel ya damn flights. This renowned local gem has been doing its delicious thang for years—not withstanding its various iterations, of course.
A big old courtyard—or as the more cultured among us call it, a piazza, serves as the venue's beating heart. So whether you're parking up for after work wines—check out the dedicated wine bar—planning a romantic rendezvous, or perhaps, out of pure selfish pleasure, want to sit and exist by yourself, melting away in the library upstairs, or listening to one of the many showcases of live music, Vesuvio works its magic for many such occasions, all year round. Oh, and don't sleep on the incredible selection of tapas dining.
The Craft Embassy
Oxford Terrace
Image credit: The Craft Embassy | Instagram
If you're in the city centre one afternoon and want a classy, yet comfortable spot to sit back and sip, then look no further than Craft Embassy, an award-winning bar and restaurant upstairs at The Terrace, which overlooks The Avon River.
Take your pick between the outdoor deck area, where you can contemplate Garden City's glory, or the suave indoor seating if you prefer a bit of privacy—with its elevator access and seamless semi-hidden entranceway, the Embassy makes for a pretty sweet spot to take a date. You can then select from thirty taps of constantly changing, independent, New Zealand craft beer or an expansive wine list of domestic and international vintages.
As the afternoon fades into the night and you start to feel a bit peckish, open up their bountiful menu of freshly made cuisine. The charcuterie platter is a showstopper, but it's pretty damn hard to look past a smoked beef short rib with barbecue sauce, fries and slaw.
Suitable for small parties, large groups and available for events, The Craft Embassy nails that balance between comfort, style and satisfaction.
Pomeroy's Old Brewery Inn
Kilmore Street
Image credit: Pomeroy's Old Brewery Inn | Instagram
Sometimes the only place you want to go is a good old-fashioned pub. They're a dying breed in some parts, but with a city steeped in history and used to a chilly winter, the art of the old pub is still alive and well here in Christchurch. So, I present to you: Pomeroy's Old Brewery Inn, with its arched entranceways, red brick walls, coffered ceilings, indoor fireplace and hardwood finishings and furnishings throughout.
Family-owned and operated, Pomeroy's has been filling the stomachs and wetting the lips of Christchurch patrons since the turn of the millennium. Yep, they've been pouring a decent pint for two decades and present a no-nonsense menu of well-executed pub cuisine. But that's not to say they don't know where the modern palette has ventured to, no siree.
On tap, you can order anything from the likes of a limencello spritz to a mango, jalapeno & salsa sour, cask handpull, stout, hazy and everything in between. For sustenance, take your pick from freshly made small plates, an extensive selection of burgers, or something more serious like a 350g Ribeye with truffle parmesan fries, seasonal vegetables and café de Paris butter. Bosh.
Coaster's Tavern
Daniels Road
Image credit: Coaster's Tavern | Instagram
It would be plain wrong to detail an entire list of NZ bars without including something that was a bona fide Kiwi offering. Coaster's Tavern is just that, presenting as "a modern replica of a true West Coaster's Bar", where you can sit back and relax, knowing the beer will be cold and the grub exceptional.
Priding itself on a warm, inviting atmosphere, they open every day from 10am-late, host steak night on Mondays, chase the Ace on Tuesdays and Saturdays, burger night on Thursdays and a classic Sunday carvery. With the odd quiz night, live music, all big games broadcast live, and even karaoke to boot, if you really wanted, you could spend your whole week within the rustic walls of the tavern—all you have to decide is what to have for dinner each night...
Pork belly, lamb shank, stuffed chicken breast. All generously served. All delicious. And to drink? The classics, of course.
Cellar Door
Hereford Street
Image credit: Cellar Door | Instagram
After a quick stop into the more tavernous of realms, we're now back on the route of sleek settings, speakeasies and mystery basements. Or, in this case, a Cellar Door.
Nestled within the historic Christchurch Arts Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora, this award-winning wine bar boasts a selection of local and international wines, the quality of which is only rivalled by their all-day menu. Think Kalamata olive hummus with lemon and almond on seed wafers to start; pan-seared line-caught market fish fillet for a main, and poached rhubarb mousse, coconut cream, peach meringue and almond to finish.
If you're only after a nibble, ask to have one of their selection of cheeses paired with a tipple. Can't decide on what to drink? A curated wine tasting will surely solve your indecisiveness. Or, perhaps, choose from their ever-changing selection of local craft beer, gins, aperitifs, digestifs, whisky, and low-and-no-alcohol options.
O.G.B.
Cathedral Square
Image credit: O.G.B. | Instagram
Ahhhh yes, good ol' O.G.B. Does the O stand for 'Oh, where would we be without you?' Just maybe, because this classy establishment is the definition of an 'institution'.
Housed inside one of Christchurch’s most iconic heritage buildings—the Old Government House (hence the name)—this speakeasy-style bar overlooks Cathedral Square with a charming outdoor courtyard, good old-fashioned table service (flat caps and suspenders galore) and live music.
Inspired by the "ease and flow" of Europe's famous haunts and watering holes, inside, you’ll find an intimate, well-stocked bar with more than forty cocktails, an extensive local wine list and several beers on tap. Open most arvos, then well into the evening, O.G.B. is a good shout for the majority of affairs—liquid lunch, cocktail party, knock off pint or Saturday night out.
And if you end up having a few too many and need a place to stay, O.G.B. (the building) is also home to the Heritage Christchurch—perfect for a central city staycation. P.S. They even serve Dog Beer, just in case your best mate is keen on a few wet ones as well.
Pink Lady Rooftop
Manchester Street
Image credit: Pink Lady Rooftop | Instagram
What's a bar list without a rooftop option? There's simply no better place to get a night started, and Pink Lady Rooftop has got to be Christchurch’s best.
Open-air yet intimate, our fair Lady oozes chic, beachy vibes that will make you feel like you’re on holiday in the Hamptons. Nested nicely on top of the heritage-listed former Canterbury Terminating Building Society, there's nothing quite like sunset drinks with a sweeping view.
Take your eyes away from the view for a moment to browse the cocktail menu, and you’ll find exciting signatures (peep the perhaps eponymous 'The Pink Lady') and perfected classics alike, all expertly crafted and ice-cold. Speaking of ice-cold craft: beers are on tap, and the wine list reaches throughout NZ and way beyond.
If you get peckish, "European fusion meets Miami rooftop" sounds like the tastiest theme for a menu to ever exist. How about a pumpkin & ricotta caramelle pasta followed by sticky date focaccia with caramelised fig ice cream?
Civil & Naval
Lyttelton
Image credit: Civil & Naval | Instagram
On Lyttelton's main drag, you’ll find Civil & Naval, a little tapas bar with a big heart, squeezed into what was formerly a historic tailor. Look out for the original facade and the few seats outside a large window, which peers out onto London Street, although it's a wee place, its charm is unmissable.
Grab a seat outside on the brick courtyard or cosy up for drinks by the log fire. The open kitchen serves up unique interpretations of classic tapas and larger sharing plates with European influences. Each dish pairs wonderfully with a strong, carefully curated spirit and wine list focusing on both small-scale local and international growers and distillers.
The casual yet elegantly designed space reflects the hip sensibilities of the surrounding area while continuing to pay tribute to Lyttelton’s past. Twelve years now quenching the community's thirst and keeping them sustained, make sure you keep an eye out for one of their many recurring events—Jazz & Funk nights, Ramen-fueled quiz nights, and Taco Tuesdays—just to name a few.
Gin Gin
New Regent Street
Image credit: Gin Gin | Instagram
Gin lovers, rejoice! Christchurch is home to garden oasis, Gin Gin, serving up botanical delights in large chalices, as well as their famous Teapot Cocktails.
The colourful hideaway is one of the funkiest spots to cure a bad case of thirstiness—with its pink walls, velvet ottomans and assortment of pots and hanging baskets filled with plants and edibles (many used in the creative gin concoctions). Sit back and relax in one of the comfy nooks or park up outside to enjoy some live music.
On the menu? A huge range of gin that’s been sourced from distilleries both near and far—from Christchurch to England and Japan—plus tapas, small plates, pizzetas, skewers and other delicious seasonal selections. Whether you've just caught a show at Isaac Theatre Royal or are bar hopping down vibrant New Regent Street, Gin Gin is a certified spot.
The Last Word
New Regent Street
Image credit: The Last Word
Another pick of the bunch buzzing on New Regent Street is The Last Word—your go-to for a whiskey-powered night.
Enthusiasts might recognise the name from the famous Detroit Athletic Club cocktail, originating prior to the American prohibition. This intimate whiskey bar pays homage to the era of Art Deco with its classy lounge ambience and iconic typography.
The Last Word's menu is curated with equal reverence to the beautiful and fine, with an expertly curated collection of whiskies from all over the world (rumour has it, there are over 600 bottles on the shelf), so if that gets you excited, grab a fellow connoisseur and book yourselves in for a private tasting. Of course, they also boast a heavenly cocktail selection that'll win your heart, alongside a pick of craft beer and boutique wines. Between the atmosphere and abundance of delicious drinks, you’re in for a 10/10 evening worthy of a Flapper.
Smash Palace
High Street
Image credit: Smash Palace
No list of the best bars in Christchurch is complete without Smash Palace.
One of the city’s most beloved bars that came into being in 2012 after Goodbye Blue Monday fell victim to the 2011 Christchurch earthquakes and, as such, is an emblem of the rebuild, Smash Palace has found permanent digs on High Street. The original bus converted into a bar is still very much present, but it now sits alongside a beautiful brick building and beer garden.
The interior is a cosy place to spend a few hours, but the outdoor seating is where Smash really shines. During the winter months, order a mulled wine or cider and grab a seat near the heaters. In summer, however... well, prepare for a doozie.
They take their burgers pretty seriously here, with all ingredients made from scratch on-site; they boast some of the best fried chicken around and their dumplings and chips with aioli can both be considered second to none.
The Church Pub
Worcester Street
Image credit: The Church Pub | Instagram
Ever enjoyed a few cold ones in a church? Except for communion, if you can consider that a cold one, I doubt many of us have. That's why The Church Pub, cornering Worcester and Manchester Street, is such an icon of the 03 scene.
Built way back in 1875, and another jewel within the treasure trove that is the city's assortment of Gothic architectural gems, the former Trinity Congregational Church would've been condemned to history if it weren't for hospitality juggernauts Inskter Company. They came to save the day, transforming the stunning space into one of the City's most popular venues.
Bask in reverent awe of the preserved stained glass or beneath the mammoth organ, sit up on the mezzanine so you can drink closer to the Almighty, or congregate around the outdoor seating which wraps the south and east side of the building—it doesn't really matter, at The Church, you're bound to have a good time.
With more live music than your dancing shoes can handle, a hearty selection of tap brews and wood-fired pizza cooked to perfection within a brick oven inside the old church itself, it's no surprise that The Church serves as a cornerstone of Christchurch nightlife. And how's this? A half-roast chicken with chips and gravy for $20 on a Sunday. Fancy a Guinness? All that's separating you from neighbouring alehouse Paddy McNaughton's is a door.
Paddy McNaughton’s
Manchester Street
Image credit: Paddy McNaughton's | Instagram
Speaking of: you will simply not come across a more proficient time machine than the Irish alehouse, Paddy Macnaughton's.
Legend has it, Patrick Norton was shipped from Ireland to the antipodes after being convicted of theft and forged a new life through sailing, whaling and trading, before finally reaching Old Christchurch. Many years later, thanks to a surviving account of an interaction between Patrick and the building's historic owner, and a good sense of humour belonging to the modern-day proprietor, the pub is named in Norton's honour.
Creaking wooden floors and walls, whale bones hanging above the barstaff and wood chips lining the skirting, Paddy's is the type of place you can visit a hundred times over and still spot a new piece of history amongst the many paintings, portraits and artefacts that you had never seen before. And speaking of 100 visits—their Guinness board is waiting for your name.
Along with a selection of other Irish drops, some good whiskey, proper old pub grub—Bangers & Mash and Irish Stew on a Tuesday—the pub also offers free bacon butties and live music every Friday night before an infamous game of 'Chase the Ace'.
If you don't walk into Paddy McNughton's and immediately fall in love, then may the spirit of Mr Norton himself save your soul.
Sumner Post Office
Nayland Street
Image credit: Sumner Post Office | Instagram
Every good beach town needs a local. And it just so happens that Shining Peak Brewing wholeheartedly agree. They've lovingly restored the old Sumner Post Office into a Christchurch favourite for delicious eating and a few drinks by the sea.
Their gorgeous menu of freshly made seasonal plates is tough to choose from. But it'd be hard to venture over all that way and look past one of their wood-fired pizzas. You can feel good washing it down, too. 5% of the venue’s beer revenues are donated to local organisations with a cause.
Dux Central
Poplar Street
Image credit: Dux Central | Instagram
A brewbar laden with over 220 craft beers. A gin bar drenched in green known as 'The Emerald Room'. A 1920s speakeasy cocktail lounge and a separate, dedicated event space. Somehow, you will find all of this at just the one venue. Introducing Dux Central, the Swiss Army Knife of Christchurch's bar scene.
Established in 2015 and dedicated to Dux De Lux, an icon of NZ hospitality and live music that we lost to the 2011 Christchurch earthquake, Dux Central is a bona fide classic for Cantabrians. In addition to an expansively delicious menu, they offer a dedicated weekend lunch food and beverage package for $65 a head, Taco Tuesdays, Burger & Beer Wednesdays, Hazy Fridays, Pizza Sundays and a whole lot more you'll have to find out for yourself.
This is, of course, all in addition to regular live music Thursday to Sunday, a happy hour every day from 4-6pm, a famous pub quiz night every Tuesday and a Pizza, Pups & Pints special on the last Sunday of every month.
Simply put, if you need an excuse to get around a table for a few drinks with friends, make sure you give Uncle Dux a call.
Cassels Brewing Co.
Garlands Road
Image credit: Cassels Brewing Co. | Instagram
Last but most certainly not least on this list is a heavy-hitter of the woodfire pizza x beer combo. A combo we have all come to know and love, and a combo that Cassels Brewing Co. has knocked out of the park.
Nestled nicely at the front of the charming Tannery boutique shopping precinct in Woolston, the brewing company is known as much for its famous aforementioned pizzas as it is for its array of award-winning craft beers brewed on-site—peep their legendary Milk Stout.
Beyond the woodfire crusts and hoppy deliciousness, Cassels offers drool-worthy small and large plates. Their corn beef perogies served with secret burger sauce, quesadillas stuffed with beef brisket braised in Cassels Hazy Pale Ale, and classic chicken parmigiana are all worth every human on earth trying at least once.
Need a plan for the day after the night before? Here are 50 of the best things to do in Christchurch.
Main image credit: Doğu Tuncer.