Chapel Bar & Bistro – Where Good Times Begin
A long-standing favourite on Ponsonby Road, Chapel Bar & Bistro delivers a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere perfect for a night out or a casual catch-up. Located on the corner of Ponsonby Road and Anglesea Street, it's known for its lively crowd, great drinks, and the iconic view of the Sky Tower. Whether you're stopping by for a post-work drink, a Sunday session with live music, or a big night out on the weekend, Chapel always brings the energy. Expect a fun mix of locals and visitors, laid-back vibes, and a packed dance floor on Friday and Saturday nights. With cocktails, beer, wine, and spirits flowing – it’s the perfect spot to start or end your night in Ponsonby.
Insider tip: Arrive early on weekends; it fills fast after 9pm.
Broken Lantern – Artfully Crafted Drinks, Deliciously Shared Plates
Located in the heart of Ponsonby Road, Broken Lantern is a vibrant and stylish spot. Designed for sharing, the menu ranges from crowd-pleasing smashed burgers and pizzas to innovative seasonal dishes and creative bar snacks – all served in an atmosphere that’s both welcoming and distinctly cool. The drinks are just as thoughtfully curated, with bespoke cocktails from top-tier bartenders, a strong emphasis on gin and whisky, and an impressive selection of craft beers and natural wines. Each season brings new flavours across both food and drinks menus, accompanied by commissioned artwork from local Kiwi artists – making every visit to Broken Lantern a fresh and flavourful experience.
Good to know: Great for groups; book booths for celebrations.
Revelry – Where East Meets West in Style
Revelry, on Ponsonby Road, is a bohemian-chic hideaway blending Eastern charm with Western flair. Known for specialty cocktails, craft beers, a worldly wine list, and rare global spirits, every drink is a discovery. The menu, inspired by old trade routes, offers sharing plates and global bar snacks. Open daily from afternoon till late, with brunch Thursday-Sunday, Revelry provides a lively, intimate spot for casual drinks or late-night gatherings.
Best for: Cocktail dates & Thursday–Sunday brunch meets.
The Portland Public House – Where Good Times Meet Great Tunes
The Portland Public House in Kingsland is a lively local spot offering daily live music, great food, and craft drinks. It combines a house party atmosphere with a comfortable neighbourhood pub feel. Enjoy classic Western dishes and artisan beverages, including rotating taps and specialty cocktails, in a warm, eclectic setting. It's an experience for music and memories.
Insider tip: Check the gig list—great local bands roll through.
Gypsy Tea Room – Grey Lynn’s Cult-Favourite Local
The Gypsy Tea Room, a West Lynn icon, offers a laid-back, welcoming atmosphere nightly. Enjoy after-work drinks or relaxed evenings with friends. Inside, find a cosy lounge, air con, and outdoor heaters. Their curated drinks list features wines, local beers, and Teapot Cocktails, complemented by tasty bar snacks. It's quirky, classic, and always fun.
Good to know: Perfect pre- or post-dinner stop on Richmond Rd.
Auckland Cocktail Syndicate – Sip Creatively
Step into a sleek, intimate setting where expert mixologists shake up some of Auckland’s best cocktails. The Auckland Cocktail Syndicate is a hidden gem for those who appreciate craft and creativity in every glass. Whether you’re craving a classic or keen to try something new, the bar’s unique energy makes it easy to stay for just one more. Expect stylish décor, thoughtful service, and drinks that are anything but ordinary.
Best for: Small groups and spirits nerds.
Freida Margolis – Where Good Music Meets Great Drinks
Tucked into the heart of West Lynn in a building that once housed a butcher shop, Freida Margolis is a much-loved corner bar known for its laid-back charm and loyal local following. Unpretentious and full of character, it serves an excellent selection of wines, craft beers, and classic cocktails—all best enjoyed to the backdrop of spinning vinyl or live music. The space has a cosy, vintage vibe and regularly attracts jazz musicians and piano players who make good use of the upright piano. Whether you're there for the sounds, the sips, or the sense of community, Freida Margolis delivers a casual and soulful spot to unwind.
Insider tip: Nab the window perches for live-tune evenings.
John Barleycorn’s Taphouse – Rooftop Pints & Good Times in Newmarket
Perched on top of Westfield Newmarket, John Barleycorn’s Taphouse brings a classic pub feel to a modern rooftop setting. With a rotating lineup of craft beers, hearty pub fare, and big screens for sports lovers, it’s a go-to destination for after-work drinks, family meals, or laid-back weekend sessions. Whether you're watching the game, tasting a flight, or simply enjoying the fresh air on the terrace, John Barleycorn’s serves up flavour and fun in equal measure. With a friendly vibe and great food to match, it’s become a standout on Newmarket’s social scene.
Good to know: Kid-friendly earlier; book big games.
Garage Project Kingsland – Craft Beer Meets Community
Garage Project’s Kingsland taproom and cellar door is a sleek, welcoming space to explore their ever-evolving beer range—plus hard seltzers, alcoholic lemonade, and natural wines. With twelve taps and takeaway options, it's perfect for casual tastings or picking up something new. Whether you’re stopping in for a pint or booking a celebration, Garage Project Kingsland is a bold and buzzing craft beer hub in the heart of Auckland.
Insider tip: Growler fills rotate—ask what’s pouring.
The Wine Bar – Wine, Theatre & Timeless Pairings
The Wine Bar is a refined yet relaxed spot where wine takes centre stage. With one of New Zealand’s most extensive bottle lists and a global selection of wines by the glass, it’s a haven for both casual sippers and serious connoisseurs. Expect classic cocktails and thoughtful service in a setting that feels part theatre, part wine salon. The food is designed to match the wines beautifully—think steak tartare made tableside, oysters, cheese service, and generous terrines.
Best for: Sophisticated evenings and oenophile outings.
The Beer Spot – 40 Taps, Endless Flavour
With 40 rotating taps of fresh, local brews, The Beer Spot is your go-to “tappy place.” Whether you’re sampling a tasting paddle or settling in with a pint, there’s always something new to discover. Their taps change regularly, showcasing the best from independent Kiwi breweries—so no two visits are ever the same. You can even take the experience home with a 1L takeaway “Roadie.” While beer is the star of the show, The Beer Spot also pours cider, wine, spirits, and non-alcoholic options, all served alongside an ever-changing lineup of local food trucks. Friendly, fun, and proudly unpretentious, it’s a welcoming space for beer lovers and newbies alike.
Good to know: Each location has different food trucks and tap lists
