The 10 Best Bars of Auckland
Auckland, the largest city of New Zealand, has a thriving nightlife culture. The city boasts of numerous bars, nightclubs, and live music venues in every corner. Its nightlife is a reflection of its multicultural community, with a mix of locals and tourists from all over the world. In this blog post, we have compiled a list of the top 10 bars in Auckland that everyone should visit, whether you are a local or a visitor.
1. The Gin Room
The Gin Room is a hidden gem located in the heart of Auckland’s CBD. The bar offers an impressive selection of over 100 gins sourced from all over the world. The ambiance is cozy and welcoming, with dim lighting and a speakeasy vibe. The bartenders are knowledgeable and can make any gin cocktail you desire. The Gin Room also offers a selection of small plates and charcuterie boards to complement your drink.
2. The Culpeper
The Culpeper in the trendy area of Princes Wharf is a waterfront bar that offers a relaxed atmosphere, delicious food, and craft beer. It is the perfect spot to enjoy a warm summer evening with friends. Try the seafood platter or their famous handcrafted pizzas. The outdoor seating area offers stunning views of Waitemata Harbour that add to the overall experience of the Culpeper.
3. Caretaker
Caretaker is a stylish and luxurious cocktail bar located on Britomart’s Customs St. The bartenders are experts in their craft and make sure that each cocktail is made to perfection. The menu is extensive, and you can taste their unique combinations of spirits mixed with fresh ingredients. The Caretaker also offers a VIP room for those who want to enjoy their drink in a more exclusive setting.
4. Cassette Nine
Cassette Nine is a vibrant underground bar located on Vulcan Lane known for hosting some of the best live music and DJs in Auckland. The bar has three floors with different themes on every level. You can enjoy a drink in the cozy lounge area or dance the night away in the underground basement club. The food at Cassette Nine is also worth trying, with a range of dishes from around the world.
5. The Jefferson
The Jefferson, located in the Imperial Building, is a sophisticated bar that specializes in whiskey. The ambiance is vintage and rustic, with leather sofas, wooden fixtures, and dim lighting. The whiskey list is extensive, with options from all over the world. The bartenders are knowledgeable and can guide you through the selection of whiskeys to select your perfect drink. The Jefferson also offers an exclusive whiskey tasting room for private events.
6. SkyCity Rooftop Bar
SkyCity Rooftop Bar, located at the Sky Tower, is a bar that provides a breathtaking view of the city. The bar offers an extensive wine list, cocktails, and small plates. The rooftop bar can get crowded, so make sure to reserve a seat early to enjoy the full experience of the bar. The SkyCity Rooftop Bar is an excellent spot to watch the sunset or relax after a day of exploring the city.
7. Everybody’s
Everybody’s, located in the Imperial Building, is a bar that offers a mix of vintage and modern design. The venue is spacious, with high ceilings, chandeliers, and beautiful decor. The bartenders serve a range of cocktails and craft beers that can elevate your experience. The food at Everybody’s is also worth trying, with a range of dishes that cater to all tastes.
8. Fukuko
Fukuko is a Japanese-inspired bar located on Fort Street, Auckland. The bar serves up delicious cocktails with a unique touch of Japanese ingredients. The venue is cozy and has a small outdoor space perfect for intimate nights. You can pair your drink with Japanese-style tapas that fuse traditional dishes with modern flavors.
9. Seabreeze
Seabreeze in Mission Bay, Auckland, is a beachfront bar with stunning views of Rangitoto Island. The bar offers a relaxing atmosphere, with live music and tasty cocktails. You can enjoy your drink and food while taking in the sights and sounds of the Pacific Ocean. Seabreeze is an ideal spot to spend a lazy afternoon or a romantic evening.
10. Coley & Punch
Coley & Punch is a cozy and intimate bar located inside the Hotel DeBrett. The bar has a small capacity that adds to its charm and exclusivity. The bartenders serve up unique cocktails that showcase their craft and expertise. The bar also has an excellent wine selection and a range of small plates to complement your drink.
In conclusion, Auckland has a vibrant nightlife culture that caters to all tastes. The city has a mix of vintage and modern bars that provide unique experiences. Whether you want to enjoy live music, stunning views, or craft cocktails, Auckland has a bar that can cater to your preferences. Make sure to visit the top 10 bars on this list for an unforgettable experience.
The 10 Best Bars of Auckland – Frequently Asked Questions
Are you planning to go bar hopping in Auckland but don’t know where to start? It’s easy to feel overwhelmed with the variety of choices in the city. Auckland is gifted with some of the best bars in New Zealand, from quaint little joints to swanky clubs with stunning views. To make your experience in Auckland more enjoyable, we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions about the 10 best bars of Auckland.
1. What are the best rooftop bars in Auckland?
Auckland city has the perfect climate for rooftop bars, and there are a good number of them dotted around the city. If you are looking for a classic rooftop bar experience, then you should check out the following:
a. Dr Rudi’s Rooftop Brewing Co.
One of the most popular rooftop bars in downtown Auckland, their signature craft beers are a must-try. It’s a great place for drinks, food, and of course, live music. The outdoor deck provides a front row seat to the stunning Waitemata Harbor waterfront.
b. Parasol and Swing Company
Located in the trendy Wynyard Quarter, this rooftop bar has become one of Auckland’s favorites. The bar is decorated with an iconic circus feel, with parasols hanging above the bar, a swing seat, and a striking view of the harbor. If you are looking for drinks with creativity and fun, this is the spot.
c. HI-SO Rooftop Bar and Lounge
Imagine sipping cocktails while marveling at the beautiful views of the Auckland Skyline. HI-SO Rooftop Bar is located on the 15th floor of the SO/Auckland hotel with an impeccable view of the harbor. The bar is known for its luxurious feel and specializes in craft cocktails that will blow your mind away.
2. Which bar serves the best cocktails in Auckland?
Cocktails are not just a drink, but an art form, and there’s no shortage of great spots in Auckland to experience it. Here are three of the best cocktail bars in Auckland:
a. Caretaker
Located in a hidden underground location in the Britomart Precinct, Caretaker offers a unique retro atmosphere with a fabulous range of classic and contemporary cocktails. The bartenders are well-known mixologists, and if you’re unsure about what drink to order, they’ll happily help you choose the perfect drink for your taste.
b. Bedford Soda & Liquor
Bedford Soda & Liquor have a relaxed atmosphere modeled on a Brooklyn-style bar in New York. They offer an extensive cocktail menu, including classics such as Bloody Marys and Mai Tais, and they are well-known for their exceptional customer service.
c. Mea Culpa
This bar is a snug space on Ponsonby Rd, with fantastic bartending talent, great food pairings, and an unpretentious atmosphere. The cocktail list changes frequently, so there’s always something new to try. You’re not only getting a great drink at Mea Culpa, but you’re also experiencing cocktails that are unpretentious with a Kiwi touch.
3. Which bar is best for craft beer in Auckland?
Auckland has a thriving craft beer scene, and it can be hard to choose between the many great breweries in the city. Here’s a rundown of a few must-visit spots:
a. Brothers Beer
Brothers Beer is a great spot for beer lovers on either side of the famous Auckland Harbor Bridge. The Great North Road location is fantastic, with a spacious beer garden that’s perfect for spending an afternoon drinking with friends. They also have a unique selection of beers brewed in-house, and the staff is knowledgeable and passionate about craft beer.
b. Sweat Shop Brew Kitchen
The Sweat Shop Brew Kitchen is located in the vibrant area of Ponsonby, and their massive homebrewing setup is the first thing that catches your eye when you enter the venue. The decor matches the industrial vibe of the building, with metal and woodwork furnishings. Their iconic beers like the ‘Sweat Amber’ are a must-try.
c. 16 Tun
16 Tun is an excellent craft beer bar in the heart of Ponsonby. They have a huge selection of beers on tap, and their menu regularly changes to feature new and exciting brews. Their food menu consists of comforting fare like burgers and pizza, which are perfect with a fresh beer.
4. What’s the best bar in downtown Auckland for live music?
If you’re looking for a lively spot with great music, Auckland has a lot of options. Here are some of the best:
a. Neck of the Woods
Neck of the Woods is Auckland’s go-to venue for live music in the central city. The atmosphere is lively, and the music genres span across the spectrum – with DJs, rappers, and bands performing regularly. The venue is perfect for a night out with friends or an intimate concert experience.
b. Whammy Bar
Whammy Bar has a relaxed setting, nestled in the inner-city suburb of Karangahape Road. They have a reputation for supporting local music talent, and they regularly feature acts spanning all genres from punk to electronic music.
c. The Wine Cellar & Whammy Bar
The Wine Cellar is the perfect musical hideaway and is hiding right next door to Whammy Bar, ready for the perfect evening out. It is famed for its intimate, low-lit atmosphere and regularly hosts local and international artists, making it an excellent place to discover new talent.
Final Thoughts
Auckland has everything you’d want for the perfect night out, from rooftop bars with amazing views to craft beer joints and live music venues. This is just a small selection of the best bars for you to experience all the city has to offer. Remember to always have fun, be responsible, and don’t be afraid to explore what the city has on offer. We hope this guide helped you plan your perfect night out in Auckland!
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