Day in and day out, Auckland’s worker bees get up, dress up and show up to their jobs and work their guts out before going home, only to begin again the next day. We get it. But here’s our advice: sometimes it’s a good idea to loosen that constricting tie, kick off those heels and take that Visa out for a spin. Guess what? You might actually enjoy yourself. All work and no play makes a very dull Andy.
And, as Thursday's the new Friday, it's the perfect day to bunk off work early, round up your pals or workmates and head to one of Auckland best bars for an after work drink (or two).
Gypsy Tea Room
Grey Lynn
Nestled in the hub of Grey Lynn, Gypsy Tea Room is the perfect spot to relax and unwind with an alcoholic bevvy from their carefully curated list. The tasty bar snack menu will tide you over until dinner time.
The Grove
Auckland CBD
While it’s well known as one of Auckland’s best restaurants, The Grove is also great for an after work drink. With outdoor seating available, staff who treat you like royalty and a sleek design, it’s a classy choice.
Bellota
Auckland CBD
Situated on Federal St, Bellota has little alcoves to nestle in privacy with your chosen drinking buddy or, you can sit along the long tables for a more social experience. The menu is varied and delicious and you’ll be tempted to stay long into the night. You’ve been warned.
Citizen Park
Kingsland
Head to vibrant Kingsland to Citizen Park for a fun way to end your work day. The beer garden is sprinkled with lights, the drinks are just what you’re looking for and it has a great vibe to boot.
Good George North Wharf
Wynyard Quarter
Situated right on the corner of Wynyard Quarter, Good George is a great spot for those after work drinks. Marvel at their impressive tank system behind the bar and discover beers and ciders flavours you didn't even know existed.
Everybody’s
Auckland CBD
Whether it’s a shared outdoor table with benches, more intimate smaller tables on high stools or booths for a more serious sit down, Everybody’s is a great place to ease into the darker hours.
Ponsonby Social Club
Ponsonby
With an impressive bar stacked to the gills to cater to any thirst you might have, Ponsonby Road's staple for good times the PSC is always a good option for an after work meet up. As day turns to night consider dipping into the atmospheric Ante Social annex next door for cool speakeasy vibes.
The Jefferson
Auckland CBD
Hidden beneath Fort Lane, this underground bar is perfect for that after work wind down. The Jefferson is dark, discreet and keeps its cool vibes deep into the night.
offers more than 500 varieties of whiskey and bourbon as well as butWhiskey. Situated in (you guess it) a lane, Vikki's is the place to be when the clock hits five and the fun begins.
Sweat Shop Brew
Freeman’s Bay
There’s a little bit of everything at Sweat Shop Brew Kitchen—outdoor seating, as well as a spacious bar and tables if you’d rather sit down and eat. There’s a brewery on site, as well as a barber if you want to go home looking more spiffing than when you left.
The Empire
Auckland CBD
An Auckland institution, The Empire buzzes in the hours after work. It hosts gigs, quiz nights and even open mike evenings and there’s plenty of beer, wine and cocktails to keep you hydrated.
Revelry
Ponsonby
East meets West in this chic Ponsonby bar. Get merry-making with one of Revelry’s specialty cocktails or craft beers, or sample the wine from their international list.
46 & York
Parnell
A Parnell fave, 46 & York have been doing their thing since 1929, so you know you’re onto a good thing. Enjoy the sophistication as you chill out with one of their imported tap and craft beers, ciders or seasonal cocktails.
Mo’s Bar
Auckland CBD
One of the friendliest little bars in town, Mo’s Bar is a small venue that is easily one of Auckland’s best kept secrets. This is the place to totally chill after work with a drink in hand.
La Zeppa
Freeman’s Bay
Sitting pretty above Victoria Park Market, La Zeppa is a popular spot to head when the working hours are over. There’s plenty of outdoor seating with lovely views over our fair city as well as a tasty bar menu to enjoy.
Bedford Soda & Liquor
Ponsonby and Takapuna
What better way to celebrate the end of the day than with a signature cocktail from the guys at Bedford Soda & Liquor? There’s always an energetic vibe and the staff know their stuff. Chances are, you won’t want to leave.
Wynyard Pavilion
Wynyard Quarter
Sitting where Jack Tar used to be down on Wynyard Quarter, Wynyard Pavilion has loads of seats under nautical blue and white sun umbrellas overlooking the harbour or, head inside for a rustic feel.
16 Tun
Wynyard Quarter
A little more intimate and also on Wynyard Quarter, 16 Tun is one of Auckland’s best free houses. These people are super-passionate about the drinks they serve and have more than 80 different craft beers available.
The Glass Goose
Auckland CBD
Another venue in Federal St that’s worth heading to when you’ve clocked off for the day is The Glass Goose. Sit indoors if you’re planning on staying for a meal, or enjoy their expansive outdoor deck right under the Sky Tower that always has the vibes going on.
The Lumsden Freehouse
Newmarket
Board games, popcorn and beer, beer, beer, makes The Lumsden Freehouse a fab spot to unwind. There are 120 craft beers and a seriously impressive bourbon selection and a laidback vibe that will have you forgetting about all those work woes in no time.
Pocket Bar
Grey Lynn
This neighbourhood bar situated in Grey Lynn serves up an excellent range of both food and bevvies. With a glass roof that gives it an almost greenhouse vibe, Pocket Bar is will quickly become a fave.
Coco’s Cantina
K' Road
There’s such an awesome atmosphere at Coco’s Cantina that chances are, you won’t want to go home for many, many hours. With its rustic vibe and friendly Italian style, work will seem a distant memory in no time.
Hotel Debrett Housebar
Auckland CBD
Another Auckland institution, Hotel Debrett Housebar is an intimate bar, removed from the bustle of the streets. This is the place where legendary stories are made. Cheers.
Parasol and Swing
Viaduct
Parasol and Swing are all about celebrating the history of drinking establishments, combining age old techniques with modern innovations and a whole lot of good times. Rooftop, great views, delicious drinks and amazing service. Get there.
Seven
Britomart
If you’re looking to end your day on a high, look no further than Seven—Auckland’s hottest rooftop bar. It has unrivalled views of Auckland, top notch cocktails and delicious pan-Asian food menu created by one of Auckland’s best chefs—Ebisu’s Fred Wong. This is the perfect combo.
The Chamberlain
Britomart
The Chamberlain—A perfect fusion between the traditional pubs of old England, US, and Australia. Rowdy and welcoming, it offers 14 incredible tap beers and mind-blowing snacks like deep fried pies. Do you really need more convincing?
Talulah
Britomart
What you need after a long day of work is a place to relax and escape reality—in come Talulah. Perched up above Chamberlain, Talulah is everything you could want in a tropical themed bar. Think 1950s LA tiki bars, paper umbrellas, fake palm trees and above all, chill island vibes. This is post-work paradise.
Looking for more after work drink spots? Here are The Best Happy Hours In Auckland.
Image credit: Hotel DeBrett