When it comes to finding somewhere decent to drink, we Aucklanders have it pretty damn good. From sunny rooftop terraces to moody basement lounges and everything in between, there's something to suit absolutely every taste—and we haven't even started on the actual drinks yet!
Here I've rounded up the best of the best, with oldies, newbies and everything in between. No matter the specifics, all of these places have one thing in common: they're a damn fine spot to sink a drink. So cue the good libations—because in no particular order—here are the best bars in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland.
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Jump to:
- Best Bars By Area
- Auckland’s Most Iconic Bars
- Best Cocktail Bars
- Auckland’s Hidden Gems
- Rooftop And Waterfront Bars
- Best Bars For Craft Beer Lovers
- Auckland’s Best Wine Bars
- Best Bars For Live Music And Other Shenanigans
Best Bars By Area
Panacea
23 O'Connell Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland
Image credit: Panacea / Instagram
Panacea is in fact best-bar-in-Auckland material, pouring incredible, Wonka-esque cocktails and other tipples from its hidden spot in Auckland CBD (I'm not kidding when I say the team uses actual science equipment to create their drinks). Read more about Panacea's unique cocktail-making process, here.
Fantail & Turtle
Inside Goodside, The Avenue, Smales Farm, Takapuna, Auckland
Image credit: Fantail & Turtle / Instagram
legendary Smales Farm watering hole has all the hallmarks of one of Auckland's best bars on the North Shore, dishing up next-level eats and drinks, and good vibes aplenty. They also have an onsite microbrewery and their very own garden, which they utilise in making their many glorious G&Ts.
Hallertau Clevedon
26 Clevedon-Kawakawa Road, Clevedon, Auckland
Image credit: Hallertau Clevedon / Instagram
How do you like the sound of a day in the countryside, sipping on ice cold pints or even better, a beer tasting platter? Enter , the South-East Auckland brewery also boasting a lush tropical biergarten and toasty wood-fired pizzas.
Fabric
8 Boundary Road, Hobsonville, Auckland
Image credit: Fabric / Instagram
Sip on berry sours, appletinis and passionfruit margs at , a cafe and bistro that also doubles as one of West Auckland's best bars and just so happens to be located right on the water at Hobsonville Point. Don't forget to give their bottomless brunch a whirl (check out more of Auckland's best bottomless brunches, here).
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Auckland's Most Iconic Bars
SOUL Bar & Bistro
Corner Of Lower Hobson Street & Customs Street West, Auckland CBD, Auckland
Image credit: SOUL Bar & Bistro / Instagram
I once came here with a friend and smashed $200 on cocktails (not a flex, she had a voucher). These were arguably the best cocktails of my life, which explains why this iconic spot has been here, in its prime waterfront position, for more than 20 years. Don't be surprised if you see some famous faces amongst your fellow drinkers.
The Churchill
Inside Four Points By Sheraton Auckland, 396 Queen Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland
Image credit: The Churchill / Instagram
The Churchill is the absolute embodiment of what it means to be iconic. Located 20 floors up on the rooftop of the Four Points by Sheraton Auckland, it brings together a grand fit-out and even grander views (plus more than 160 styles of gin). Some might argue that being named after Sir Winston Churchill is also kinda iconic.
SkyBar
Sky Tower Level 50/78 Victoria Street West, Auckland CBD, Auckland
Image credit: SkyBar / Instagram
Because any bar located 182 metres up our city's most famous landmark is, by default, iconic. However one has so much more than just location going for it, with lush Moët & Chandon-laced cocktails and exquisite treats from SkyCity's patisserie, SUCRÉ, to froth over.
Best Cocktail Bars
Parasol & Swing
7/204 Quay Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland
Image credit: Parasol & Swing | Alice RichThe Broken Lantern
198 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland
Image credit: The Broken Lantern / Instagram
Whether it's a killer cocktail or something else you're after, this one from the masterminds behind Parasol & Swing and ACS doesn't miss. Sink your drink in a choice of settings, from lavish interiors oozing Lower East Side vibes to a sun-drenched garden out back. They also do top-tier pizzas, burgers, and other bites.
Bar Magda
25B Cross Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland
Image credit: Bar Magda / Instagram
Follow the neon lights downstairs to the best damn cocktails in town, from the suitably crimson Devil's Medicine, through to the less ominious, but no less delicious Golden Eagle. My personal go-to is anything from their Something Sour Menu, however the team here are constantly cooking up new creations to compete with my old faves. Auckland bars don't come better than this.
Atelier
292 Karangahape Road, Auckland CBD, Auckland
Image credit: Atelier / Instagram Pineapple On Parnell
207 Parnell Road, Parnell, Auckland
Image credit: Pineapple On Parnell / Instagram
With its prohibition vibe and piano tunes, Pineapple On Parnell is a fine find indeed. Snuggle up on their heavily cushioned booth at the back, cocktail in hand, and wile away a few hours while pretending you don't live in the year 2025 (bliss). P.S. Your sober driver is going to love their mocktails.
Auckland's Hidden Gems
Caretaker
Downstairs, 40 Customs Street, Britomart Place, Auckland
Image credit: Caretaker / Instagram
Caretaker is a literal hidden gem. Some of the best bevvies of your life await at this cosy cellar tucked away beneath Britomart, along with at its sister speakeasy, Deadshot. Defintiely one to impress your out-of-town friends, or a hot date (speaking of which, here are some other great date night ideas).
Isle On Snickel
2 Fort Lane, Auckland CBD, Auckland
Image credit: Isle On Snickel | Supplied
Three of Waiheke's booziest exports (Tantalus Estate, Alibi Brewing Co., and Waiheke Distilling Co) have come together on this project, tucked away down Snickel Lane. Think of it like a little slice of Waiheke paradise, right in the middle of the CBD (and minus the ferry fare).
ACS
198 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland
Image credit: ACS / Instagram
When it comes to hidden bars, Auckland has some truly excellent spots. ACS or Auckland Cocktail Syndicate, for example, which slings sassy libations and cheeky decor, provided you’ve got the password to get in. Once that's sorted, pick your poison then try your hand at some arcade games or perhaps a round of pool.
Little Culprit
151 Wyndham Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland
Image credit: Little Culprit / Instagram
I have a soft spot for Little Culprit, which is one of the first bars I ever reviewed. This inner-city escape offers impeccable food and booze (hardly surprising, given it's the baby brother to top Auckland restaurant, Culprit), plus a super cool downstairs drinking den which looks like something right out of a spy movie. Hands down one of the best bars in Auckland CBD.
Sly
354a Karangahape Road, Auckland CBD, Auckland
Image credit: Sly / Wono Kim
Sly might be hard to find, but that's precisely the point of a speakeasy, isn't it? And trust me, the reward is worth it (that being a bar oozing classy sophistication where you can happily lose a few hours in the company of a good drink).
Tempero
352 Karangahape Road, Auckland CBD, Auckland
Image credit: Tempero / Instagram
This Pan-latin bar and bistro isn't exactly hidden, but it is one that seems to have escaped my attention for a time. If that also sounds like you, best acquaint yourself with one of their meticulously prepared chilli margs, horchata rums, or pisco sours and a whole haul of delish dishes to match, stat (they don't have a tonne of rave reviews and a flawless 5.0 rating on Google for nothing).
Rooftop And Waterfront Bars
Queens Rooftop
Level 21/1 Queen Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland
Image credit: Queens Rooftop / Instagram
The hype surrounding Queens Rooftop is real. Situated 21 storeys up with wrap-around views of the Waitematā and a gorgeous food and booze offering to boot, this is hands-down one of the best bars in Auckland. Don't forget to also check out their onsite wine shop, located on the ground floor. Check out all the other rooftop bars Auckland has to offer here.
Bar Albert
13 Wyndham Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland
Image credit: Bar Albert / Instagram
If you wanna feel like you’re part of an exclusive club, this lofty spot (actually the country's highest rooftop bar) is a total vibe. Think art-deco-inspired furnishings, an open-air deck, and a private function room hidden behind a bookshelf; with a cocktail game as strong as they come.
Rooftop At QT
Inside QT Auckland, 4 Viaduct Harbour Avenue, Westhaven, Auckland
Image credit: QT Auckland / Instagram
One of the city's best rooftop bars can be found sitting pretty above the QT Auckland hotel. Here you'll enjoy top-tier and at wonderfully flamboyant service, with punchy cocktails (including espresso martinis on tap), snacks from their incredible onsite restaurant Esther, and of course, beaut views.
Saint Alice
Level 1/204 Quay Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland
Image credit: Saint Alice / Instagram
A beer on the terrace at Saint Alice is hard to beat (especially when accompanied by their game-changing oyster mcmuffins), however they also have a super tight cocktail line-up. Keep an eye out for their whimsical (and boozy) high teas aka just reason why this is one of the best Viaduct bars Auckland has to offer.
Captain's Bar
Inside Park Hyatt Auckland, 99 Halsey Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland
Image credit: Park Hyatt Auckland / Instagram
Head along to , one of Auckland's best waterfront bars, and warm the cockles with a glass of rum beside their roaring fireplace (or a cocktail on the terrace, if the weather's behaving). They do an exceptional espresso martini here which, of course, is laced with Kraken spiced rum.
Bivacco
115 Customs Street West, Auckland CBD, Auckland
Image credit: Bivacco / Instagram
If you’re after a thirst-quenching tipple straight from the Italian gods, Bivacco is the place. Being in the centre of the Viaduct, it also has some rather divine views (get it?) and food fit for a bacchanal feast. Auckland waterfront bars don't come better than this.
Best Bars For Craft Beer Lovers
Norma Taps
Inside City Woks Depot, 90 Wellesley Street West, Auckland CBD, Auckland
Image credit: Norma Taps | Supplied
There are many reasons to froth over this one, beginning with their incredible selection of craft beer. However they also have lush tapped cocktails, pizza straight outta your dreams, and a sleek little fit-out to enjoy it all in, complete with a dog-friendly policy. Take a look at some of Auckland's other top craft beer bars here.
Urbanaut Brewery And Tap Room
597 New North Road, Kingsland, Auckland
Image credit: Urbanaut Brewery And Tap Room / Kathryn Steane For fans of craft beer bars, Auckland brewery/tap room should be top of your list. You'll be seated right inside the brewery itself, and enjoy fresh and innovative cold ones crafted by a dedicated team of beer enthuisasts. Plus, the legendary smashburgers from Burgernaut (their onsite burger kitchen) are ideal for pairing with your fave pint.
16 Tun
10/26 Jellicoe Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland
Image credit: 16 Tun / Website
No joke, there's probably 16 tonne of beer hiding away here (well, 80 different crafties on tap). Tun actually refers to an insulated brewing vessel used in the mashing and lautering stages of beer making, the art of which you'll get to enjoy first-hand here in this cool, industrial like free house (which is again, dog-friendly).
Auckland's Best Wine Bars
Bon Pinard
134A Hinemoa Street, Birkenhead, Auckland
Image credit: Bon Pinard / Supplied
Beau Wine Bar
265 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland
Image credit: Beau Wine Bar / Instagram
If, like me, you love your wine bars, Auckland fave Beau is hard to beat with its friendly neighbourhood vibe and considered drinks list, plus tasty European plates and charming courtyard. I wish all neighbourhood wine bars were as good as this.
EST. 1901
224 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland
Image credit: EST. 1901 / Kathryn Steane
Delivering an excellently curated wine list, superb cocktails and divine bar snacks served up in vintage Ponsonby Road surroundings, EST. 1901 is what you call a triple threat (that, and one of the best wine bars in Auckland). Pull up an armchair beside the fireplace for peak cosiness, or check out their cute room out back if you want a little privacy.
Queenies Caffé & Wine Bar
24 Spring Street, Freemans Bay, Auckland
Image credit: Queenies Caffé & Wine Bar / Instagram
Ivy-draped doors usher you into this gorgeous Euro-style trattoria that's open until 10pm Weds-Sat, and best enjoyed with a spritz in hand. Wine bars in Auckland don't come better (and more aesthetic) than this.
Apéro
280 Karangahape Road, Auckland CBD, Auckland
Image credit: Apéro / Instagram
Relive your time flitting about Europe with the lauded Apéro, where fine wine collides with a cosy, French-style setting (exposed brick will forever have my heart!) and fabulous food. I believe the words you're looking for are oui, merci.
Vic Road Wine Bar & Cellar
53/55 Victoria Road, Devonport, Auckland
Image credit: Vic Road Wine Bar & Cellar / Instagram
I'm a sucker for a hidden courtyard. which is just one many things this charming spot has going for it. A sort of bar/eatery/bottle shop hybrid, you're just as welcome to wile away a few hours over a glass of vino and some snacks, as you are to grab a bottle of something cheeky to enjoy at home.
Best Bars For Live Music And Other Shenanigans
Thursday Bar
224 Symonds Street, Newton, Auckland
Image credit: Thursday Bar / Instagram
Allow me to introduce you to the mysterious that's only open Thursdays, where phone use is banned and unexpected things happen aka Auckland nightlife at its finest. Psst, you can score your own invite .
Schapiro's Sports Bar
224 Symonds Street, Eden Terrace, Auckland
Image credit: Schapiro's Sports Bar / Instagram
If it's shenanigans of the sporty kind you're after, look no further than Schapiro's. Bought to us by Otis Schapiro of Lilian fame, it's a leap and a bound above your average sports bar with a classy fit-out and food/drink to match. Peep more of Auckland's best sports bars, here.
Nami Record Bar
115A Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland
Image credit: Nami Record Bar / Instagram
This Ponsonby hangout slings sick beats, beaut drinks and sensational Korean eats. Sip on orange wine and fork your way through tteokbokki beneath the sparkle of a mirror ball, all to a cranking vinyl soundtrack (aka all the ingredients to a good night out). No surprise that they also have DJs regularly in attendance here.
Looking for more? Check out:
- What's On In Auckland This Week, This Month, And This Year
- Epic Things To Do In Auckland This Weekend
- 50 Things To Do With Friends In Auckland For The Ultimate Mate Date
Main image credit: Parasol & Swing / Facebook
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