If there's one thing Wellington does best, it's the bars and nightlife. With an exuberant number of rooftop bars, comedy clubs and wine lounges - windy Wellington is renowned for its stylish bar scene. Specialising in delicious cocktails, fresh brews and fine wines - these bars and drinkerys make for excellent event venues. Whether you're planning a cocktail event, birthday celebration or after-work drinks for the team - you're sure to find the perfect nook for you. So without further ado, here is our list of the best bar venues in Wellington to get you started on your merry way. If you're after our complete guide to Wellington venues, you can find that here.

Foxglove Bar

33 Queens Wharf, Wellington Central

Foxglove is an elegant bar venue and home to one of the finest whisky collections in Wellington. Set in a heritage building on Queens Wharf, Foxglove combines old-world charm with a touch of modernity. With three event spaces, Foxglove is perfect for events both casual and formal. 

The Realm

7 Moxham Avenue, Hataitai

The Realm Bar & Bistro has been the heart and hub of the Hataitai community for decades. With a roaring fireplace during winter and a sun-soaked deck to be enjoyed in the summer, The Realm offers a welcoming atmosphere all year round. Whether you’re looking to book the mezzanine, restaurant floor or the entire venue, The Realm is Hataitai’s favourite venue for celebrations and functions.

Jack Hackett's

Dixon Street, Te Aro

Every city needs their token Irish bar, and Jack Hackett's is Wellington's. With a charming atmosphere and welcoming staff, Jack Hacketts can cater to both cocktail-style and seated functions. With a range of catering packages on offer, you're sure to find one to suit your event. 

Four Kings

7/11 Dixon Street, Te Aro

Four Kings is an award-winning eatery, brewhouse and sports bar located in the heart of Wellington CBD. Dedicated to excellent guest experiences and quality dining - Four Kings offers bespoke catering and beverage packages to suit a range of budgets. Celebrate like a king for your next celebration or function at Four Kings, Wellington. 

The Tote

74 Ararino Street, Trentham, Upper Hutt

A bistro and bar in the heart of Trentham, you’re spoilt for choice at The Tote! Event spaces include; two Garden Bars, a Sports Lounge, a Craft Bar and the largest space - Tote Bar. With a dedicated functions team and a flexible catering menu, you’re all set for a successful event. 

Cambridge Hotel

28 Cambridge Terrace, Te Aro

The Cambridge Hotel is a Wellington landmark and bustling event venue. Design your own catering menu with options ranging from grazing stations, platters and canapés to BBQ, buffet and more. All Bistro bookings are also free of charge!

Dirty Little Secret

54 Taranaki Street, Te Aro

Wellington’s first rooftop container bar, Dirty Little Secret is the most cutting-edge venue to hit Wellington. Inspired by the laneway bars of Melbourne, Dirty Little Secret is a chic hideaway perfect for celebrations, birthdays and corporate events. 

The Library

1/53 Courtenay Place, Te Aro

The Library is an intimate lounge bar serving some of the best cocktails in town. Filled to the brim with bookshelves, The Library features a plush and cosy interior. Regular hosts of live music and performances, creativity is at the heart of The Library. With three event spaces and no venue hire fee, events are always a hit at The Library.

The Arborist

166 Willis Street, Te Aro

Known as one of Wellington's best spots, The Arborist Rooftop Bar is the perfect escape from the city noise. Sheltered from that pesky Wellington wind, you'll find The Arborist Rooftop Bar 7 stories high. Frozen cocktails and spritzers are their speciality, and their happy hour deals are well worth snapping up! 

St John's Bar & Eatery

5 Cable Street, Te Aro

You'll find St John's Bar & Eatery inside a lovely art deco building on Wellington's waterfront. With over a thousand raving reviews, it's renowned for its epic views, great menu and delicious drinks. Looking to book a bar event? St John's Bar & Eatery is available for partial or complete venue hire!

Choice Bros

62 Ghuznee Street, Wellington

For those seeking a good ol' brewery, look no further than Choice Bros. With an open layout - guests can sip on a cold brew whilst watching the experts producing the beer! It's a full sensory experience, and the venue is dog friendly!

Concrete Bar

Level 1 Cable Car Lane, Lambton Quay

Welcome to your new favourite watering hole, Concrete Bar. A hidden gem in Wellington City, Concrete is always bustling with activity. With a daily happy hour, regular live music and events - it's a vibrant venue that ticks all the boxes. Their spaces can host 20 to 150 guests, whether for after-work drinks or a cocktail function.

The Cavern Club

22 Allen Street, Te Aro

Inspired by the 70s, The Cavern Club is a nod to songs of a bygone era. With their ridiculously cheap happy hour deals and regular live shows, The Cavern Club is the place to go for a good old-fashioned boogie. Perfect for laidback events, The Cavern Club is one of Wellington's most happening bars.

Southern Cross Garden Bar

39 Abel Smith Street, Te Aro,

Southern Cross Garden Bar is a Wellington bar venue with over a century of history within its walls. Deeply rooted in the community, Southern Cross Garden Bar hosts regular quiz nights, live gigs, art classes and more. With four event spaces, including a covered outdoor area, The Cross can host 25 to 100 guests for any one event.

Poquito Café & Bar

11 Tory Street, Te Aro

Located near the waterfront and Te Papa National Museum, Poquito is a gorgeous space for your Wellington event. Regularly hosting meetings, birthday parties, cocktail evenings and live shows, Poquito is a family-owned venue with a warm atmosphere. During the day, Poquito functions as a café with delicious eats and at night, it's a tapas and cocktail bar to unwind as you enjoy the live music.