You will get scammed!…read more I ordered an absinthe on the rocks, and was told it was $10. I paid and received a clear drink that was clearly vodka. I explained that I wanted absinthe. I apologized and prepared to pay the difference. She said it would be $13, and when I went to pay the difference she said no $13 more because she already made the other drink. I didn't know it was my job to police what she was pouring when I was very sober and clearly stated my order. I was solo and only needed one drink. She didn't even apologize. Great atmosphere, but I won't be back.

If work takes me into the upper Queen St/ K road area, The Eagle Bar has everything I need to…read moreunwind at 6 pm. It's a quirky little bar that flaunts cringe worthy 90's hits out into K rd with reckless disdain. If you don't tap your feet to the music all the way to the bar, you're sure to catch yourself mumbling the chorus of the song. Cheap beer, cozy seats, music video clips to cringe and reminisce and friendly staff. While the bar only offers hot nuts to nibble on, the staff happily offered to collect hot chips from a near-by store if I needed. Eagle Bar caters to groups and, while I have seen fun dress-up parties and stag nights here, you can still converse without shouting (until it gets a bit later in the evening). There is even a piano and a Mona Lisa that adds to this distinctive bar without feeling forced and tacky.

Several months before we started our cruise, we had already arranged to spend a few days in…read moreAuckland after disembarkation. I knew the location of our post-cruise hotel and looked up several nearby eateries and convenience stores in the CBD. I was fortunate to find Odettes Eatery, among other restaurants and businesses, across the street from our hotel at the City Works Depot. We had an early breakfast on board before disembarking. Still, when I mentioned eating lunch across the street at Odettes Eatery to my sisters and husband, they heartily agreed to the restaurant's Mediterranean and North African menu. It was peak lunch hour, but we managed to walk in, where we were welcomed and seated by a cheery hostess. Within a few minutes, our friendly and happy server, Jacob, came by to introduce himself, suggest thirst-quenching beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), and describe menu items we weren't sure about, given the menu's limited descriptions. It took us a few minutes to decide on our meals while Jacob piqued our interest with his suggestion of their thirst-quenching Honey and Ginger Lemonade, along with glasses of iced water, giving us a little more time to decide. FOOD: -Flatbread Lunch Special (Gurnard with Romesco): two large strips of golden-fried panko-coated cod-like textured topped a wood-fired flatbread slathered with smoky, nutty, and slightly spicy Romesco sauce. The crisp, fried, panko-coated fish was complemented by lightly dressed, fresh, shredded cabbage and herbs. I asked Jacob to identify the type of fish used in this dish, as my family and I thought it might have been cod or monkfish, but Jacob said it was locally caught gurnard fish. My older sister practically single-handedly devoured this lunch special, but I was happy to have tasted a bit of the crisp fried panko-coated fish. NZ$29/NZ$39 incl beverage -Seared Snapper, Greens, Wild Rice, and Soy Green Goddess: The grilled pieces of fish were "buttery" moist, delicately sweet, and their firm white flesh flaked well. The mild-tasting fish was enhanced by a squeeze of freshly grilled lemon and lightly dressed greens. I preferred the grilled preparation to the deep-fried gurnard. NZ$46 -Chips: My husband and eldest sister zeroed in on the chips, AKA thick-cut, deep-fried potatoes, after reading their accompaniments of berbère, honey mustard, and curry leaves. Although I shared my seared snapper with them, I barely got two pieces of the crispy, on the outside and soft, fluffy, interior, deep-fried chips before my husband and eldest sister stuffed themselves. NZ$16 -Chargrilled Chicken Skewers: The three skewers of chargrilled, juicy, and tender chicken had been seasoned with paprika and turmeric. The chicken skewers were accompanied by toum, a Lebanese garlic sauce, and a few guindillas (Basque Spanish pickled chili peppers). My husband and eldest sister shared the chicken skewers and chips as their meals, exclaiming they'd return for more during our additional 3-day post-cruise stay. NZ$45 -Green Salad: This simple family-sized green salad of green leaf lettuce leaves, radicchio, and sliced cucumbers and radishes was lightly dressed with a semi-sweet, floral, and rich-tasting muscat vinegar and olive oil. This green salad was refreshing, healthy-tasting, and very shareable. NZ$16 Everything about Odettes Eatery from its flavors, food presentation, excellent and friendly service, comfortable ambiance, and value, to me, warrants a 5-star rating from me. They were so good that we returned for lunch with our New Zealand friends.

We just arrived into town and needed a quick bite for late breakfast…read more We were so happy to find Odettes because the food was fantastic. The flavors were outstanding and food presentation was unique. Staff were friendly and service was spot on. The outdoor seating was lovely. We noticed the indoor environment was beautiful as well. Definitely great place for food and coffee!

A fun experience! You order from the bar and sit at a table. When they opened at 11:30am we ordered…read morefish sandwiches and they said they didn't get their delivery yet, so they walked down to the fish market and bought the fish for our sandwiches! We didn't realize they would be tried, but the pieces were huge and tasty!

Hands down, 16Tun is one of the best beers in Auckland. Located in the new Wynyard area (similar to…read moreKaka'ako in Honolulu), it's filled with apartment buildings, offices, restaurants, bars, and great food. 16Tun is just a block from the waterfront and easy to get to driving or walk around the quay. The bar looks welcoming and cozy from the outside with soft lighting, wood features, big picnic style tables, and exposed metal. Inside is also well planned with tables of various sizes, bar seating, and an open kitchen. On my last visit I got to come here twice and had excellent service with bartender/manager Nick. Cheers to owner Ewen as well, great to meet the team! On my first visit on a sleepy weekday afternoon, I got a flight (choose 8 beers) and a few singles. They have a great selection that focuses on independent New Zealand breweries. They even have nitro and cask hand pull selections, plus a great selection of cans and bottles either to-go or if there's something you really want to enjoy there. Clean restrooms are at the back. On my first visit I had a hearty lunch of fish and chips, which went great with the beer. Light and heavy at the same time. The kitchen was closed on my second visit, but if that happens while you're here there are tons of other great options nearby for food. On the weekend, this place gets busy, loud, and happy. Both experiences were worth the trip. For people that haven't visited lately, it's new ownership and staff so it's worth your time to try it again. If you're a fan of beer, this is a must-stop in Auckland.

A great breakfast place ... open air, but sheltered , and dog friendly. The staff was friendly and…read moreattentive, but knew when to keep their distance. As breakfast place, this restaurant is top drawer. We had avocado toast with a poached egg, and eggs Benedict. Both were delicious and well prepared. We had a cappuccino and Earl Grey tea, both just as they should be. The next time I'm in Auckland, I'm going back.

Stopped in as tourists, spent nearly $175 on food and drinks for two. Staff were friendly, drinks…read moresolid, food just okay (Korean chicken was mostly breading and served room temp). Then, a group of guys came in, dapped up the bouncer, and we were suddenly asked to leave our table mid-drink so they could sit down! There was no explanation, no alternative seating. I watched the bouncer get thanked for "clearing us out." Our server admitted a different area had been held for them, so it made no sense. We left immediately cancelling a different drink being prepared. Felt disrespected and singled out for no reason. Totally ruined the vibe. Wouldn't return, and wouldn't recommend to anyone who expects to be treated fairly. So much for treating others the way you want to be treated. Dropping a photo of the bouncer attached for awareness. If you see him working at any establishment, consider yourself warned.

Cool atmosphere, great service, good beers. Mr brother and I both especially liked the raspberry…read morelemon cider.

One of my all time favorite Craft 'spaces' in the world, but BY Craft, it has seriously unCraft…read morelike pricing. I spent something like $4300 in hard currency on Craft when I was visiting in 2018, back when Chase - ex-Michigan - one of the penultimate Craftistas was tending the taps and a guy I ran up a $280 bar bill with one evening stopped talking to me after we split it. Hmmmm, maybe I drink too much? No, that can't be it. They have like 18 taps on with a lot a guest taps (I'm not that excited by their own efforts) and a truly righteous selection of all NZ Craft. McLeod's and Alibi Breweries at the top of form. Still, It's kinda like a Craft Disneyland with those 1980s Disney prices (remember? You want to go on every ride, but they're $148 each). My Craft Jesus rating a 'and the pours are tiny too' 51 IBU

The old Tin Soldier now rehouses United Kitchen. The entrance is hidden down Anglesea Street, and…read moreone would think they are walking into the wrong entrance into the kitchen in this intimate little restaurant. It only seats about 30 and has a few cool booth seats for small groups. My group of 11 had arranged the set menu which regulars have got used to from the first owner where its $54 for 3 courses. By the time you would have read what I had to eat the menu would have changed as they specialise in what is in season. I chose the Pork cheek with seared scallops which had me worried I would be hungry even after 3 courses as it was very tiny. I definitely felt like I was having a degustation fine dining, the presentation was lovely. Then my main of Miso glazed Market fish with parsnip puree, smoked mushroom and bok choy had me excited. It was the most flavoursome dish I have had for ages and so perfectly balanced. A side of Brussel sprouts was great to sop up my puree. For dessert Yuzu curd with white chocolate sorbet and poached quince was a perfect pallet cleanser and a lovely ending. 3 courses with a side was plenty big enough for me - a female. Maybe a little small for my male friend with a healthy appetite. The wine menu was a little limiting; I loved the little wine bar with sink used as a champagne wine bucket. The only downside was the noise from the adjoining bar 151 when the band started up. I'd go again to see what delectable treats were next in store though.

I tend to steer away from using the word "hidden gem" for restaurants because it's used so loosely…read more But I can't help but believe United Kitchen is one to put down on your foodie bucket list if you haven't heard about it already. Finding the door to United Kitchen can be a little adventure on its own. As long as you're alert that it's a bit of an Alice in Wonderland trip, you'll notice the hanging sign on the door from Anglesea Street in Ponsonby. We pushed the door boldly only to stumble back a little as it leads straight into the United Kitchen kitchen. It's a little strange, it'll make you feel a little taken back, but you'll soon be reassured by the nearest chef. As a small restaurant, it's highly advisable to book. It seemed quiet at our dinner friendly time of 6:30pm but within half an hour, the house was filled up. Not to worry about having tables so close that you feel like you have to flash a friendly smile at your neighbours. The tables are angled and spaced out enough so you can have intimate or inappropriate conversations without sideway looks from your friendly neighbours. United Kitchen is famous for the fixed $55 three course menu that lets you pick any of the entrees, mains and desserts for the flat rate. It's a step up from $45 when it first opened but still worth it for the calibre of food. The menu changes regularly to accomodate for the locally sourced and seasonal food ingredients. Wild mushroom gnocchi with hazelnut with swiss chard was my choice of entree. A great call if you love mushrooms like me. Eat it slowly and savour the dish with just enough on it to satisfy the hunger, but make you wish that you could re-order the gnocchi as your full main. While on a different day I would have opted for the beetroot risotto, I couldn't resist the sound of the braised beef cheek with smoked potato puree, pickled red cabbage, brocollini and almond. Ahh, the touch of a beautiful cooked beef cheek that falls apart delicately in the mouth. The sauce was a little enthusiastic and the pickled red cabbage made my tastebuds zoom in the other direction but that was somewhat offset by the potato puree. Otherwise water glasses were promptly refilled. For dessert I had the yuzu curd with white chocolate sorbet and poached quince. I also had a generous spoonful of the bitter chocolate mousse with citrus salad, yoghurt foam and hazelnut crumble. The chocolate wins without a doubt. It wasn't too rich like most chocolate desserts. I wished there was an extra dollop of the dark chocolate mousse though, it was that good. Thumbs up for United Kitchen. The food is quality and thoughtful. Being a step away from the central Ponsonby buzz, it's perfect if you want a more private dinner before drinks with friends.

Classy bar with classy drinks. When you walk into The Jefferson, you're immediately transported…read moreback to a different era. The bar is beautiful with some of the friendliest bartenders. We got two of their great drinks and they were both great. They've got a huge selection of whiskeys and gins. Great place for drinks!

Great whishys, good food(a bit spicy) nice music, very quiet…read more The attention is perfect. It has a really nice bar. The bbq ribs and coleslaw were delicious.

Orphan's Kitchen was really good and a great way to see Ponsonby during our time in Auckland…read more Thanks to our friend, Mark, that recommended that place to us. There were interesting options on the menu that I've never tried before. I ordered fried eggs with kumara tortilla, sauerkraut and chili. My husband ordered soft boiled eggs with meyer lemon, anchovies and a side of hash browns. He was equally pleased. The service was prompt. I highly recommend making an advanced booking if you can. Even though we booked in advance, the restaurant was already full with a Saturday 8:30am resy. The ambiance was also very cozy. There was a back patio and upstairs that were closed off, I believe due to the rain but I could only imagine how much more enjoyable it would be on a sunny day. Thankful for our friend's recommendation. Must stop in for brekkie or lunch when in Ponsenby.

A tiny little spot for breakfast or coffee, serving delightful toasts topped with everything from…read moresautéed mixed greens (my fav) to bolognese to peanut butters and jams. The coffees are top notch, but note there is whole milk or non-dairy options (but no trim milk). Ambiance is casual and mostly high top seating.