photos by Kittyhawk, Little Creatures

27 of the Best Auckland Bar Venues

by Avya Trotter-Hlavac | 01 May 2023

Auckland is a vibrant city with endless bars and breweries to hit after work or host your next birthday party. Whether you're seeking a rooftop bar with stunning views, a local brewery for a craft beer or a cocktail bar for that espresso martini you've been craving - our curated list of bar venues in Auckland is sure to have something for you.

Saint Alice 

Level 1/204 Quay Street, Auckland CBD

Saint Alice is a vibrant bar and eatery on Auckland's iconic Viaduct.

The ever-evolving menu showcases fresh kaimoana and sharing dishes, while the drinks list includes signature cocktails, tap beers and the finest local and international wines.

Whether you're looking for a place for after-work drinks or something more formal - Saint Alice is an upbeat waterfront venue that does hospitality like no other. 

 

Good George, Mission Bay

71 Tamaki Drive, Mission Bay

Home of the famous Good George beers, ciders, gins and an impressive dining menu -  Good George knows how to host a good time.

Whether you're popping in for an after-work bevvy or looking for a relaxed event space - Good George Mission Bay is a beautiful and relaxed bar overlooking the water and Pohutukawa-lined beach.

 

Little Creatures

3 Boundary Road, Hobsonville

Little Creatures is a retired aeroplane Hangar turned event venue and brewery. This Catalina Bay space includes various eateries and drinkeries within it - including Kittyhawk.

Comfortably hosting up to 60 or so guests, Kittyhawk is an intimate space serving delicious cocktails and the best hospitality in town.

 

The Fox


85/87 Customs Street West, Auckland CBD

A London-style pub in the heart of Auckland, The Fox is the place for enjoying delicious beverages in a homely and warm environment.

To quench your thirst, their extensive beverage menu includes gin trees, speciality cocktails, Anglocentric ales, and premium pub staples.

Though the main venue is primarily dedicated to casual celebrations, guests can book The Churchill Room for private events with up to 75 guests.

 

The Cellar Bar

204 Quay Street, Auckland CBD

Your new favourite downtown bar, The Cellar Bar is a classy venue dedicated to private events.

The space hosts 100 guests cocktail-style, with various lounging and seating options. 

The venue staff are incredibly accommodating - offering event catering, AV facilities, live entertainment recommendations and more.

 

Mr. Murdoch's

Level 1/16 Fort Street, Auckland CBD

An inner-city oasis, Mr. Murdoch's is a sunny beer garden on a Fort Street rooftop.

With two exclusive event spaces and no hire fee, Mr. Murdoch's operates on a minimum-spend basis - hosting celebrations, corporate functions, product launches and more.

Renowned for its open air-feeling, city views and excellent hospitality - Mr. Murdoch's offers all the ingredients for an epic event.

 

East St Hall

5 East Street, Auckland CBD

East St Hall resides within a mid-century modernist building just off Karangahape Road, Auckland.

A hub for the community, East St Hall serves as a place to celebrate food, art, culture, and music.

From afternoons in the sunny courtyard to dinner parties in the canteen and raging club nights, East St Hall is a vibrant bar venue in the heart of the city.

 

Wynyard Pavilion


17 Jellicoe Street, Auckland CBD

Not only a wonderful spot for a post-work cocktail, Wynyard Pavilion functions as an event space for up to 600 guests.

Built in the 1930s, this heritage space has been restored by award-winning designers in recent years.

Perched on the water's edge, enjoy seaside views, impeccable service, delicious beverages and a refreshing menu.

 

Fantail & Turtle


Smales Farm, Takapuna

Located in the heart of Takapuna, Fantail & Turtle is the best place to soak in the afternoon sun.

Boasting an on-site microbrewery, 15 taps of local craft beers, fine wines, gins and bespoke cocktails - your thirst is sure to be quenched. 

With extensive gardens, all-weather options and private/semi-private spaces, Fantail & Turtle can host up to 600 guests across the entire venue.

Winner - Outstanding Local, Lewisham Awards 2023

 

Barcita


155 Karangahape Road, Auckland CBD

Tucked just behind Karangahape Road, Barcita is an intimate Auckland bar venue for celebrations and events.

Perfect for a small-scale, tailored evening, Barcita offers bespoke bottomless drinks packages, cocktails on arrival, nightcaps, entertainment options and an on-site pastry chef.

With a team of talented staff and a host of package options, Barcita is an ideal Auckland bar venue for a cosy event. 

 

Le Zeppa

33 Drake Street, Freemans Bay

La Zeppa is a premium rooftop venue within Victoria Park Market, just a minute off the Motorway.

Set in a converted warehouse space, the Restaurant features beautifully restored brick, soft lighting and an open wood fire.

Outside, the Rooftop area offers city views, a range of lounging options and a private bar for exclusive hire.

 

Freeman & Grey

43 Ponsonby Road, Grey Lynn

A warm and welcoming space in the heart of Ponsonby, Freeman & Grey is a two-storey venue made for celebrating.

Upstairs, you'll find an event space with its own bar and west-facing balcony capturing the most stunning sunsets, while downstairs offers indoor-to-outdoor flow onto Ponsonby Road.

 

Baxter's

78 Federal Street, Auckland CBD

An exclusive inner-city venue with no hire fee and low minimum spends? You've hit the jackpot with Baxter's.

Tucked away from the city noise, Baxter's is a private bar and courtyard with brag-worthy catering, hospitality and ambience.

With a range of sharing platters and grazing options, Baxter's allows you to curate your own menu.

 

Side Door


48 Custom Street East, Auckland CBD

If you're after a bit of exclusivity, Side Door is the bar venue for you.

Located in the heart of the city, this Auckland venue is actually a members-only bar, part of the much-loved Saturdays.

This private space hosts up to 70 guests in a sleek, refined area that exudes modern charm - ideal for more intimate cocktail affairs and celebrations.

 

Thursday Bar


224 Symonds Street, Newton

Step into exclusivity with Thursday Bar, a contemporary members-only bar that doubles as a stunning venue.

Located in the heart of the city on Symonds Street, this Auckland bar venue is part of the ever-creative Crave Global.

Hosting up to 50 guests, Thursday Bar invites you to indulge in this luxurious, underground space. 

 

The Grange

Cnr The Boulevard and Smales Farm Ave, Takapuna 

A stylish bar and bistro in the heart of Takapuna, The Grange is committed to extraordinary events.

With 8 event spaces across the venue, The Grange is loved for its versatility, incredible hospitality and mouth-watering menu.

Complete with audiovisual supplies, bespoke catering options and event assistance - The Grange is fully equipped to host celebrations, private dinners, meetings and more.

 

Bellini Bar, 

Hilton


147 Quay Street, Auckland CBD,

Watch the setting sun and the ships cruising in as you sip on cocktails at Hilton's beautiful cocktail bar, Bellini. 

Floor-to-ceiling windows showcase the incredible location, while the expert mixologists present a curated cocktail list and private mixology classes.

With hundreds of raving reviews, this seaside venue sets the bar very high. 

 

Viaduct Yacht Club


48 Market Place, Auckland CBD

Viaduct Yacht Club is a modern bar venue overlooking the boats of the Viaduct Marina, Auckland.

The venue is large enough to hold a crowd of up to 240 guests, yet with the bar dividing the room into distinct areas - it's easy to create intimate spaces. 

Viaduct Yacht Club serves as a wonderfully modular canvas that can be transformed for a range of distinguished events.

 

Everybody's


7 Fort Lane, Auckland CBD, Auckland

Everybody's Bar & Eatery is a stylish inner-city venue with daily happy hours and regular live music.

The stunning interior design will give your event the wow factor that every event planner dreams of.

Tucked away in the beautiful Imperial Building, Everybody's consists of multiple unique event spaces - hosting 120 to 350 guests.

 

Tommy's Champagne Parlour,

Seafarers


114 Quay Street, Auckland CBD

Special occasions call for a visit to Tommy's Champagne Parlour, a hidden gem overlooking Auckland Harbour and Britomart.

With over 30 varieties of champagne on offer, it's the perfect space for a celebratory glass of bubbles.

This intimate parlour is a sophisticated space to host events, from cocktail nights to private parties.

 

My Bar


12 Durham Street East, Auckland CBD

At My Bar, you get the best of both worlds - the elegance of a contemporary cocktail lounge, yet the warmth of your friendly neighbourhood pub. 

The outdoor seating, intimate bar and secretive location offer an atmosphere similar to that of the lane bars in Melbourne, Amsterdam, and Prague.

The kind and knowledgeable staff will guide you through their extensive range of boutique New Zealand beers, wines and cocktails.

Boasting no venue hire fee, My Bar is available for events with up to 60 guests. 

 

The Conservatory


E1/17 Jellicoe Street, Auckland CBD

Located in Wynyard Quarter, The Conservatory Restaurant and Bar is a sun-soaked bar with various event spaces. 

THE SPACES

- The Courtyard boasts retractable walls and fitted electric heaters with flexible furniture arrangements.

- The Side is strung along the edge of the bar, facing the sea and filled with plants.

- The Front is closest to the wharf, with large tables and an unmatched view that soaks up the sun.

- The Inside is the cosiest option, featuring a wood-burning fireplace and Chesterfield couches.

 

Empire Tavern


137 Victoria Street West, Auckland CBD

An impressive example of Victorian architecture, The Empire is an elegant garden bar venue in the city's heart.

With a large garden courtyard, rooftop bar and cafe area - The Empire offers spaces to suit daytime meetings, birthday bashes and cocktail events.

Built in 1970 and refurbished in recent years, The Empire is a landmark on Victoria Street West and presents a venue suitable for groups of 20 to 400 guests.

 

The Glass Goose


78 Federal Street, Auckland CBD

Designed in the style of a garden glasshouse, The Glass Goose is a contemporary space for eating, drinking and mingling.

Available for partial or exclusive hire, The Glass Goose hosts up to 320 guests across the restaurant and deck areas.

Set the scene for your event with sharing and grazing platters, complemented by the extensive beverage menu.

This luscious garden bar offers front-row views of the Skytower and first-class hospitality for celebrations, corporate functions, product launches and everything in between.

 

HeadQuarters Viaduct


103 Customs Street West, Auckland CBD

HeadQuarters Viaduct is a premium restaurant and bar venue perched on Auckland's waterfront.

Known for its vibrant music scene, bustling atmosphere and consistency across the board - HeadQuarters Viaduct is proud to be an industry leader in Auckland's hospitality scene.

Whether you're booking for a party of 15 or 300, HeadQuarters Viaduct has a selection of spaces and areas to make your own.

 

Roxy


7 Fort Lane, Auckland CBD

If you're after something a little different and a little daring, try Roxy.

Once home to Auckland's first movie theatre, Roxy is now a bustling nightclub venue and available for exclusive hire.

Nestled down the CBD's iconic Fort Lane - Roxy offers a rooftop deck, mezzanine and a spacious dance floor.

 

The Brit


122 Quay Street, Auckland CBD,

Set alongside the waterfront, The Brit is the social anchor of Britomart.

Praised for their warm service, extensive drinks list, regular specials and beautiful location - The Brit hits the mark in every way.

Bookable for groups of 20 to 300 guests, The Brit boasts outdoor tables to soak in the sun, pool tables, screens to watch the game, AV capabilities and a variety of seating and lounge areas.