Disappointing Experience: Aren't speakeasies supposed to be hidden or require a secret code? This was just like any regular bar --just located on a lower level. Nothing unique or intriguing about it. Very underwhelming and disappointing. read more

We saw Caretaker had made the world's best bars list, so we had to check it out when we visited Auckland. Caretaker is a bar where they don't give you a cocktail list. They ask you what type of cocktail you would like (liquors, flavors, etc.) and use that information to craft a cocktail for you. Because of this, there can be a huge variability in the quality of the drinks you get. When you get a good server, the drinks will be incredible. Our second visit there, we got someone on her first day, and the drink we ordered wasn't great so we left after one drink. Another complaint is that it does take them a while to get drinks out. All of that said, I'm still giving this place 4 stars, because when it's good, it's really good and I think it's spot on the best bars list is mostly deserved. I don't remember the qualities that I gave to get the following drinks, but on my first trip I ended up getting the Gordon's Breakfast and the New Mexico and both of them were amazing. read more

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Such a cool speakeasy in Auckland CBD! It was relatively easy to find, just had to go down a flight of stairs. It was dimly lit with live music--the best part was that the bartender was part of the band! Midway through the song, he stopped making a drink to crush a saxophone solo with the band. I didn't know whether to be more impressed by that or the drink he made me. He asked a few questions to determine a customized drink for me and he nailed it. Loved it here read more

An incredibly memorable experience! We stumbled into the bar after noticing a nondescript sign in the alley and when we opened the door, we were transported back to the Prohibition era 1920s. We were immediately seated with some waters. The lovely waitress came by and explained the bar's concept. There's no drink menu as the drinks are customly made just for you. She was really attentive as we explained are usual go to drinks! We got two rounds and they were incredible! For about $20NZD per drink, it's an absolute steal for the tasty cocktail and wonderful time. read more

Caretaker - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Auckland, AUK

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This bar is a lot of fun! There's no bar menu, you just describe the kind of drink you're feeling like and your server will craft a cocktail just for you. In order to get it right, a server has to be great and pay attention to what you want. If you don't like your drink that's ok, they'll try again to make you the perfect drink but so far each time I've been they've gotten it right every time. It has dim moody lighting so it's also a cool space for a date or just an easygoing night out in town. It is a popular spot so during the weekend you may need to be put on a waiting list or book ahead of time. read more

This bar is an institution for Auckland and should be visited. It's swanky and fun. Service can be a bit slow but the cocktails are amazing. There isn't a menu, they ask u what your in the mood for, as far as liquor choice and then ask question and tailor the cocktail for you. read more

I have found my new favorite place!! The jazz band on Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays is excellent. Caretaker has such a small (in a good way), cozy, private, classy vibe. With no menu, the servers ask you questions about your preferences and bring you a drink that's perfectly to your tastes. 10/10 would recommend read more

Caretaker - Drinks - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Auckland, AUK

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Ever on the hunt for a good cocktail, we were directed here to find an excellent old fashioned. Being from Chicago in the states, the expectations for an amazing cocktail are very high. This place did not disappoint, it amazed. You'll find this place in the basement of another club/bar, and I didn't think we would find much until we saw the entrance, which immediately screamed...."not what you were expecting, right?" This is a place where you go in with some knowledge of what kind of drink you like because there's generally no menu. They ask what kind of cocktail you like and what kind of taste you like to have in it. For me, it was an old fashioned, with rye, on the dry side with a couple of cherries. For my friend it was bourbon, on the sweeter side. The bartender, Lisa (sp?), did not hesitate, and proceeded to whip up 2 cocktails (among the other 5 she was working on simultaneously) lickety split. The old fashioned was up there with some of the best I've had and watching the bartender work was a thing of cocktail-making-efficiency, the likes of which I don't think I'll ever see again. Over 15 mins we watched her make dozens of cocktails (stirring, tasting, retasting...to get it just right), 5 different ones at a time with care taken to taste and get every one SPOT on. 40 drinks mixed later, she asks what we want. I say exact same thing and she doesn't blink an eye and reproduces another amazing old fashioned. If you've read this far, you should be intrigued enough. Just go here already. You will NOT be disappointed. read more

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We frequented this underground speak-easy 3 times. Great vibe. However, very inconsistent experience each time we visited. 1st visit was quite good, very good service and craft cocktails. Each had 2 drinks which were well crafted. All good. 2nd visit ( on a Monday), not so good. Seemed short staffed (only 1 bartender). We waited a very long time to order a 2nd drink, only to be told a long wait as staff at not shown up. We decided to leave. Our 3rd trip (on a Thursday), plenty of staff & 3 bartenders. Drinks were not good. Had to send one back and did not finish our 2nd drinks as they were not well crafted. At these prices we would expect a much more consistent product.experience. read more

Amazing bar in downtown! We wandered in not really knowing what to expect other than it was the #2 bar showing up on Trip Advisor for Auckland. The waitress explained that they are a craft/mixologist type bar. She listened to everything we each said we preferred in our drinks and persuaded me to go for a liquor I don't typically drink. My drink was fabulous and I loved that they used local honey in it! My boyfriend said his drinks were great, too! Waitresses that we had were phenomenal and very personable! The band that was playing (Voxlova) was great and I wish we had gotten there sooner to hear them longer. Highly recommend to anyone in Auckland! read more

Went for drinks before dinner. Was what an American might describe as a southern style speak easy. Drinks were tasty, staff was superb! Would definitely come again and recommend to people visiting. read more

Caretaker - The Professor - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Auckland, AUK

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Yes, a 1920s New York themed cocktail bar. A prohibition type haunt that could please the pickiest of your friends. Go in a small group 2, 3 or 4. If you go any larger you won't get a table easily and it's honestly not as enjoyable. This is the secret to going here. There is no menu and you simply describe what you like in a cocktail and they make it. My husband got a hot whisky in a teacup which he was horrified about but it was absolutely amazing, had a bit of butter in it, and was a great end to our night. You can get a cheese platter alongside your beverages and they often have jazz there. read more

Great cocktails, great service. Our bartender was spot on with his recommendation and concoction.

While searching for a non-college bar to have a drink, we ran across this place. It is special. Go there. Learn. They will talk to you about what types of drinks you enjoy, then they will craft something uniquely delicious for you that is unlike anything you have ever tasted. Just say thank you. Possibly the best bar in the world. No food here, this bar is for imbibing. read more

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I was traveling to Auckland, NZ and didn't know much about where to go for good bar or cocktails and stuff. Fortunately, one local recommended me to this place and she told me I wouldn't be disappointed at all. She was right. First of all staffs are very friendly and welcoming which made me feel pretty comfortable being there by myself. Cocktails were custom and didn't disappoint me for a bit. I drank til I was pretty drunk, lol, which I haven't done it in a while. The atmosphere is nostalgic 1920s-1930s? theme with speak easy vibe but very friendly environment. I would definitely come back here if I go to Auckland again. Everyone visiting Auckland should check this place out. read more

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At a fine restaurant you have a culinary experience, think of this but with cocktails when you go to Caretaker. I have traveled all over the world and have never experienced mixologists like I did tonight at Caretaker. The bar's late prohibition, basement ambiance just adds to the complexity of the cocktails that are being served. This is a must stop for anyone visiting Auckland looking to grab a drink with good company. read more

Caretaker - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Auckland, AUK

We like the vibe as described by others, but it turns out the front staff vets customers based on age. We watched them let in several parties in their 20s and 30s, while they put the rest of us on a "wait list." And to be clear, the "wait list" is a permanent sentence -- once on it, you won't be getting in. read more

I was recently taken here on our usual Tuesday date night. I had never been here before, but had heard great things! My partner knows I'm a massive fan of the prohibition era (Mainly because of Boardwalk Empire!) Definitely this crowd knows how to make cocktails. Although no set menu, they'll ask you what flavors you like and make it accordingly. My concern was "what if I don't like it?" ... well guess what! You can ask for it to be replaced if you don't like it. My favorite part of this place was the fact it was underground with minimal advertising or signage. Definitely a place you must go in Auckland! read more

Fantastic place!!! We had 1 whole day in country, and hit the great craft cocktail joints, including Parasol & Swing and Headquarters. But this place takes the cake - no cocktail menu, just an informed conversation with a professional mixologist to deliver a drink that exceeds every expectation. Well worth the flight from Los Angeles... read more