Best Bars in Auckland
Picture this. An out-of-town friend is coming to Auckland for one night only. You want to show them a real good time – something typically “Auckland”. Maybe it's a waterfront pub with sun-catching tables, a cosy cocktail lounge where you lose track of time, or a rooftop bar where you can see the whole city stretching around you. New Zealand's largest city has all this and much more. Let's hope your friend doesn't have an early flight.
Bar
Deadshot
Is it 6pm or 2am? Enter this dark and cosy bar to lose track of time and enjoy some of Auckland’s finest cocktails.
Bar
Acho's
Find a substantial selection of Japanese whisky, sake and beer, plus snacky dishes such as gyoza and bao buns at this late-night Karangahape Road bar.
Bar
Bar Martin
A village gem in Mount Albert, this neighbourhood favourite has a sun-trapping courtyard and a tasty snack menu, plus an off-licence for takeaway booze.
Bar
Annabel’s
This neighbourhood wine bar does double duty as a daytime coffee and sandwich spot, with excellent small plates and an interesting wine selection at night.
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Bar Celeste
Inspired by the vibrant and jolly neo-bistros of Paris, this date-ready wine bar is worth visiting for the food alone. Its seasonal shared plates are simple yet full-flavoured – think whole flounder with brown butter and sourdough with anchovies and burrata.
Bar
Madame George
Enjoy punchy Peruvian flavours at this fun and lively bar and restaurant. It serves great cocktails and the food is a drawcard all of its own.
Bar
Hotel Ponsonby
Come for the sun-trapping courtyard and polished yet comfortable pub vibes. Stay for the excellent food.
Bar
Freida Margolis
This unpretentious neighbourhood bar is charming and relaxed, a welcoming go-to for a lowkey drink.
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Little Culprit
Culprit’s jazzy little brother across the street is just as sophisticated but comes in a smaller package. Graze on local seafood or late-night fries in the moody lounge, or linger in the grand dispensary and watch the bartender stir your miso Old Fashioned.
Bar
Caretaker
Marked by a nondescript door in an Auckland CBD laneway, this downstairs cocktail lounge is known for its for excellent, custom-mixed drinks, live music and relaxed, cosy vibe.
Bar
East St Hall
This multifaceted bar, restaurant, club and events space will just as happily host you for a dance as it will a chill drink and pizza.
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The Parasol & Swing Company
Fancy a cocktail with a view? Find the best of both at this waterfront bar.
Bar
Candela
Find Spanish sharing plates and topnotch cocktails at this Karangahape Road mainstay with a lively yet intimate atmosphere.
Bar
No. 7
This relaxed, pared-back venue on Pitt Street is a good stop-off point for a weekday coffee or a drink on the weekend.
Bar
Palmer
Head to the curved outdoor terrace for a drink and bite surrounded by downtown Auckland’s skyscrapers, or slide into a comfortable rounded booth at this Acme & Co-designed bar and restaurant.
Bar
Barcita
This tucked-away backbar is accessed through Karangahape Road’s Candela, with a sheltered balcony that’s great for both late-night cocktails and weekend events.
Bar
Sunset
There's arguably no better city than Auckland to have a drink a few floors up. Surrounded by all that sparkling blue harbour, there are plenty of stunning water views – as anyone visiting rooftop bar Sunset will see.
Bar
The Broken Lantern
At this textural, elevated Ponsonby tavern, the focus is on high-quality bespoke cocktails, organic wine and craft beer. Order from an indulgent bar menu and soak up some sun in the hidden rear courtyard.
Bar
Whammy Bar
It’s dark, grungy and intimate. Welcome to Whammy, the best dive bar Auckland.
Bar
Bar Magda
Head downstairs through a nondescript door and be enveloped in the warm reddish glow of this underground bar and restaurant, which has a Filipino-inspired menu and inventive cocktails.
Restaurant
Apero Food & Wine
This cosy, brick-walled 40-seater is known for its fuss-free yet flavourful French-influenced sharing plates and excellent wine list.
Bar
Satya Chai Lounge
Indian street food and craft beer are an excellent combination, as proven by this cocooning and characterful Karangahape Road bar.
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Galbraith's Alehouse
This cosy, classic pub has an on-site brewery and a sun-catching beer garden out the back.
Bar
Swashbucklers
The pirate-themed bar with one of the best waterfront views in town; pull up to Swashies on a sunny day and you’ll see why it’s such a favourite.
Bar
Panacea
It's all about service – and excellent, experimental drinks – at this incognito O’Connell Street cocktail lounge. The team's creations will have you reconsidering the term "batch made".
