Whether you’re in the mood for a cold beer, a decadent cocktail or just a spot with good views, Auckland has great vibes and tons of options. Checking out a few bars in town is a great way to experience the city. Chat to the local bartenders, try some local spirits and enjoy the city or harbour views. Here are the top 14 Auckland Bars that you’ve got to check out!
1. The Glass Goose
The Glass Goose Bar and Eatery is a large rooftop bar at the top of a little hidden staircase. It’s a bustling space, with a lush glass house vibe and lots of garden greenery. Open for brunch, lunch and dinner, and serving up some seriously good cocktails, this is an Auckland Bar that you definitely want to visit!
2. Caretaker
Taking you to New York and back, Caretaker are crafting tantalising cocktails with an awesome amount of attention to detail. Rock up and chat with the bartender, who can suggest the perfect drink for you. An honest, good bar that won’t disappoint!
3. Bedford Soda & Liquor
Bedford Soda & Liquor is a colourful Auckland Bar in the Ponsonby area. This is a great place to socialise – meet a few friends over cocktails or commit to a bucket of Budweiser and some tasty bites. Taking inspiration from the American beverage scene and putting their own twist on it, this is a unique bar that is sure to please everyone!
4. Mo’s
Mo’s is ‘the friendliest little bar in town’. Serving up some of the best cocktails, wines and cigars and conveniently located in the city centre, it’s a unique and memorable spot in the Auckland bars scene. Mo’s is a local treasure and one of Auckland’s best-kept secrets.
5. Dr Rudi’s Rooftop Brewing Co.
Dr Rudi’s is everything you need in a rooftop bar. It’s the place to spend an afternoon with good company and great views over some cold brews. Dr Rudi’s has an onsite brewery, churning out award-winning beers. Believe it or not, they even have a few tenpin bowling lanes on site! It’s one of the great Auckland bars for functions or those lazy afternoon sessions.
6. The Lula Inn
Lula Inn is a slice of the South Pacific, with a very tropical interior and great outdoor space. Start your Sundays at The Lula Inn with their popular Bottomless Brunch! A great location, right in the viaduct and within walking distance of many more fantastic Auckland bars and eateries.
7. 46 & York
46 & York is a sophisticated and inviting Parnell Bar. This is a passionate local bar that is favoured by locals. Enjoy a taste of 46 & York with their seasonal cocktail menu and great selection of New Zealand wines. Put this on your ‘Auckland Bars’ list!
8. 1885
You can’t go wrong with a bar that’s offering live music. 1885 have live funk, jazz and soul musicians on Wednesday’s – Saturdays. Don’t forget to check out the basement bar where they distil their own spirits! This is an awesome Britomart spot and one that is very prominent in the Auckland Bars scene.
9. Sardine
Sardine is a great social spot in Auckland’s viaduct. This cocktail bar is right next to restaurant White + Wong’s so is the perfect spot for a pre or post dinner beverage. Or, if you’re loving their cocktail menu too much why not stick around and order food from White + Wong’s or Burger Boy, to be enjoyed from your seat at Sardine!
10. Holey Moley
Holey Moley is a new addition to the Auckland Bar scene. Cleverly named, Holy Moley is a cocktail bar and mini-golf venue! You can brush up on your putting skills and enjoy a cocktail or two! Bright lights, good music and outrageous mini-golf holes are what you can expect from this place.
11. The Good Luck Coconut
The Good Luck Coconut brings you Auckland’s very own tiki bar! Tropical cocktails served in cool tiki mugs – what a good vibe! Soak up the water views while you perch on the outdoor setting, cocktail in hand. Stick around for dinner. They’ve got a fantastic Pacific, Asian sharing menu.
12. Deadshot
Deadshot is an intimate Ponsonby Bar that is all about the drinks. The bartenders even offer table service so you can sit back and relax. Choose from an extensive range of carefully crafted cocktails in this moody and unique Auckland Bar.
13. Saint Alice
Don’t miss a visit to Saint Alice when you’re strolling around Auckland’s viaduct. This is a large space that gets heaps of sun, perfect for those lazy afternoons. Beer, wine, cocktails, live music and water views! They’ve got a pretty tasty menu too, consisting of lots of beautiful New Zealand seafood.
14. Coley & Punch
Coley & Punch is a whisky and cocktail bar, offering a range of quality single malts and scotches from all around the world. The hours will fly by as you settle in and explore the menu. Let the whisky connoisseur in you have a taste of the good stuff!
Cover Image Credit: Saint Alice
