Ponsonby is an endless landscape of incredible bars. From hidden speakeasies, where half the fun is finding them, to bright and breezy spots with gorgeous courtyards to boot, there's no shortage of places to indulge in a cheeky tipple or two, no matter what your mood (or your poison!). So read on for the very best bars in Ponsonby.
The Best Bars In Ponsonby Right Now
ACS
Ponsonby Road
Discovering hidden bars is a fave past-time of ours, and in the spirit of goodwill, we're spilling the beans on one of Auckland's best. We're talking about ACS, a secret spot located above Ponsonby fave, The Broken Lantern and in fact, bought to us by the same crew. You'll need a password to enter these plush digs (check out their Insta for more deets), but that's a cheap price to pay for the killer cocktails, sweet beats and pool room and movie theatre that await.
Beau Wine Bar
Ponsonby Road
If you're ever in doubt about where to go for a drink in Ponsonby, get yourself over to Beau. This gorge wine bar has so much going for it, from its friendly neighbourhood vibe and considered drinks list to tasty European plates and charming courtyard.
The Tinted Rose
Ponsonby Road
More than just a cute name, The Tinted Rose is hands-down one of Ponsonby's best bars, bringing absolutely bangin' cocktails and tapas to the table, along with an enviable back garden which is cute by day, and even cuter by night. As red wine fans, we're crushing on their long list of varietals, hailing from Central Otago to Cali and everywhere in between.
Cafe 39
Ponsonby Road
This self-described New Orleans speakeasy and ode to venues past sure is a vibe. With a solid wine list, next-level cocktails and multiple spaces to enjoy them in including a lush hidden courtyard with all-day sun, along with a cosy corner inside that can be reserved especially for two—there's certainly a lot to love about Cafe 39. P.S. Be sure to order up their rather lush black forest espresso martini.
The Whiskey
Ponsonby Road
Let's get one thing straight—this beloved late-night watering hole has more than just whisky going for it (though on that note, they do have one of the biggest whisky selections in Auckland). Live music is kinda The Whiskey's thing, so if drams and jams sound like your cuppa tea, be sure to check them out.
Eat Drink Laugh
Pollen Street
This chill spot on Pollen Street comes alive on weeknights, when you'll find jugs of sangria and beaut cocktails like the Marina Mandarina, pictured, doing the rounds. Soak up your libation of choice with a sharing plate or two, which here come in the form of bao buns, meatballs, and buffalo wings—and you've got yourself one damn fine set-up. Eat Drink Laugh, we like your style.
Est. 1901
Ponsonby Road
We can't say enough about this cosy little wine bar, hidden away inside a gorge, character-filled building on Ponsonby Road. Fireplace, vintage artwork and exposed brick aside, Est. 1901 has the food and drink sussed with an impressive selection of local and international drops and snacks aplenty, including bread with vegan truffle butter, 'drunken' cheese (cheese aged in Prosecco), and pecorino fries. Sold.
The Broken Lantern
Ponsonby Road
The bar gods have smiled on Ponsonby big-time, serving up a seriously cool new spot by the name of The Broken Lantern. Actually bought to us by the team behind Viaduct fave, Parasol & Swing, expect incredible cocktails and top-notch fare with a side of Lower East Side vibes. Don't miss the cute courtyard out back.
Fitzroy Lounge Bar
Ponsonby Road
Whether you’re in for a cold one, nightcap or nibble, Fitzroy Lounge Bar has you covered. With a small but perfectly formed menu, next-level cocktails, and regular guests on the decks, this is where the cool kids hang out. Give the Fitzpresso Martini a try—a wondrous blend of vodka, butterscotch liqueur and cold brew coffee.
Annabel's Wine Bar
Ponsonby Road
Adorably chic and grown-up, Annabel's Wine Bar ticks all the boxes, with cosy tables inside dotted along a leather banquette and an impressive bar. Intimate and unpretentious with delicious snacks and a small but perfectly formed wine list. Grab a possy outside in the sun for extra boujee Friday arvo drinks vibes.
Lime Bar
Ponsonby Road
A Ponsonby Road stalwart, the small and intimate Lime Bar is a great pitstop at any time of the day or night. The experienced bar staff sure know how to whip up a good cocktail and it's a great spot to meet new people as you prop up the bar and get acquainted.
Clipper
Ponsonby Road
Cute, compact and with creative drinks for days—Clipper is always a good time. Helmed by a team of award-winning bartenders, prepare to shake up your tastebuds with otherworldly concoctions like flat white martinis, and a pina colada old fashioned. P.S. These guys also do a fabulous range of festive-themed drinks at Christmas time.
Ponsonby Social Club And Ante Social
Ponsonby Road
Ponsonby Social Club is something of an icon, famous for its epic front courtyard, live music and cosy dancefloor. The perfect venue for drinks any night of the week (and a boogie if you feel so inclined), we're particularly fond of their cocktails. The Le Corsaire, laced with spiced rum, orange, chocolate, lime, and nutmeg, deserves special mention. If you're up for a late-night speakeasy vibe, be sure to step behind the velvet curtain into Ante Social next door.
Deadshot
Ponsonby Road
No list of best Ponsonby bars would be complete of course without mentioning Deadshot. From the minds behind the infamous downtown speakeasy Caretaker, this one pairs an incredible old-school fit-out with next-to-none service (table service, to be precise) and impeccable refreshments. A must-visit.
Hoppers Garden Bar
Ponsonby Road
Hotel Ponsonby
Saint Marys Road
Hotel Ponsonby really is a gorgeous spot. Serving up a generous slice of old-school glam (with a beautiful courtyard to boot), this is one of our absolute favourite spots to enjoy a drink and a bite to eat. They've gained a bit of a rep for their next-level burgers and Sunday roasts, but we reckon their coconut margarita is where the magic's really at.
Ready for the main course? Check out Ponsonby's best restaurants.
Image credit: Deadshot, ACS, Cafe 39, Eat Drink Laugh, Fitzroy Lounge Bar, Clipper by Jaiden Bhaga, Hoppers Garden Bar.