I choose Northern Steamship Co. because it's just a short walk to Vector Arena, making it a great…read moreplace to meet before a show. It's also a handy meet-up point for after-work drinks or dinner before a night on the town. The bar is named after the original occupants of the building, and much care has been taken to ensure this heritage building lives up to its long history. Relax in one of the big comfy chairs or meet friends at one of the larger tables, and make sure you look up - the collection of vintage lamps that adorn the roof will make mid-century collectors (like me) seethe with jealousy. A range of Mac's beers are available on tap, and this wino enjoys sampling the Roaring Meg Riesling and Dog Point Sav. The food is pretty traditional pub fare, with the most popular dishes straight out of the deep fryer. For the conscious eater, try the "Wellbeing" platter - smoked salmon, olives, chicken wraps and fresh chutneys abound!

We popped into Northern a Steamship because I had a voucher for a free platter from the Macs bar…read moreloyalty program. The bar was busy and full and the staff were attentive and served us quickly. Had no idea what the free platter would be like but was pleasantly surprised. Delicious platter of salt and pepper squid, kumera fries, chicken nibbles and prawn twists. Was delicious, crispy and totally impressive considering it was free and I get a voucher texted to me nearly every week. If you're a regular make sure you sign up for the loyalty program.

You can't beat a little tucked away neighbourhood wine bar especially if they have good food. Lots…read moreof locals and little chance of tourists. There's a boutique cinema - Bridgeway and the Engine room just down the road. I know someone who frequents this local as its just doors from her house. The wine menu is extensive and includes Chianti's, Rioja's and Montepulciano. The waitstaff know the drinks list well enough to make recommendations. They've also made the Top 10 bars in Auckland. Ed Verner (ex-Meredith's and Sidart) has a great tapas type menu. The meatballs were average but the foie gras was delish and the Confit potatoes scrummy. Apparently the Chili beef buns were great too. Desserts were interesting - one being the Chocolate Moelleux with cigar ice cream. I'd come here any night of the week, and in Winter there is a fire with some chairs you expect in some old hip library nook. Small and excellent, I wish there was a Stafford Rd wine bar in my Suburb.

I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw Stafford Rd wine bar full at 6.30pm. This place must be a…read morefavourite place for locals. Fortunately I was able to find a seat at the little corner which was the last table. I tried waving at a waitress to order a glass of wine and when she didn't see me, a waiter on the bar kindly came out and served me which was very nice. I was too hungry to wait for my late companion, so I ordered the beer-battered fish buns ($12) first. It wasn't exactly what I had imagined as I have such high expectations for Stafford Rd Wine Bar - the food was always fabulous and out of square accompanied by flawless service. However this bun was more like a pub dish. Bun was cold and everything was just average. With a little disappointment, we ordered more hoping for something delicious. Organic pork belly ($23) was so tiny that we couldn't really share it between three of us. Quail egg and black pudding didn't have much spark to it either. Steamed pork buns ($14) were slightly better but it almost tasted like a Peking duck. We didn't give up and moved on to the dessert. Chocolate Moelleax ($14), like a chocolate fondant was quite simple with the fondant and raspberry sorbet displayed on top of cookie crumble crackles and freeze dried raspberry pieces. I have been praising this place to my friends and I was a bit shamed, especially when my previous experiences at Stafford were spectacular. We had to ask twice to be filled with water and it was hard to get attention from the waitress - what I wasn't expecting from a good start.

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.

After looking for a good cocktail all over New Zealand, we found this place…read more The staff were knowledgeable and friendly. We ordered old fashioneds (I know it's called the gin room), but we were desperate. After some horrible ones elsewhere, this one finally hit the spot. Not the absolute best I've had but one done quite well! I'm sure their gin drinks would have been amazing based on what I saw. They were also happy to recommend other cocktail bars we should try as well (a sign of a good place that's not so full of themselves to think they are the best and only one in town). I will 100% go back next time I'm in town

A wonderful bar at the first floor, at bit difficult to spot the entrance, but once you are there…read moreit's gin heaven. The selection of the gins they have here is rather impressive, including quite a lot that I already know and even more that I don't know. There is a lot of expertise here, so if in doubt, just ask. They are more than willing to help you out. In case you don't like gin, they also have cocktails based on other alcohols.

Often we think of hotels as being places for travelers when really many of our Auckland hotels…read morefeature great restaurants and bars that may get overlooked when thinking of a place to dine or drink. The Attica Bar is one such place, located on the top floor of the Mercure hotel on Customs Street, this bar is a rare gem. If you are after a really quiet place either for a date or to discuss business then this would be the place for it. The views are fantastic and this was where I spent New Years to watch the fireworks, fantastic view. The bar features comfortable upholstered chairs that are so comfortable you'll stay for a couple of drinks, that and the staff are nice and the music is tasteful. If you're after something to eat, there are tapas available and even though this is a bar they do have a coffee machine for the caffeine addicts out there. Attica Bar has a wonderful atmosphere, one you should experience if you haven't yet.

We had our pre dinner drinks there. At one point we were the only patrons in the entire bar,…read moreconsidering it's in a busy downtown hotel surprised us. The views of downtown are a real draw card, it has lots of potential to be place to be seen in. The bar was quite small, and only seemed to stock the usual beers and wine's with the odd unusual beer. If only they stocked a good selection some of the local boutique beers they could be a major draw card. The waitress on duty did not inspire us and just seemed glad for our custom. What a shame for a prime location........

What a GREAT discovery! So good, we came here on both…read moretrips/visits to Auckland. Quality/Quantity - 102 types of beers! Got a flight (okay 2 flights...) for $30 each, see picture. Urbanant Handpull - Cask Ale style, a stronger flavored beer. Eddyline - New Zealand Hefeweizen, crisp and refreshing. They also have it in an apricot wheat ale, interesting. Parrot Dog - Okay. Panhead APA - American Pale Ale, good flavors, medium to light beer. Sawmill Hefeweizen - Good and refreshing. Also the beer of the week. Many specials, see pictures. Food, full bar, and wine are also available. Atmosphere - Super convenient, to the cruise ship, dock, shopping for my wife, etc! Indoor, outdoor seating. Interesting and cool decor throughout. Got really busy as it got later. Of course I was here for a few hours while my wife shopped, lol. Events available. Open 7 days a week from 11am till 10pm or 1am. Service - Bar service. They table service, but by then, I already got my flights. Yes, that was plural. :) Price - $30AUD a flight, $19.60US + tip. Expensive, but for me it was worth it! Great way to end the day. Owner Comment - Congrats on all your success. You will be our regular go to place when visiting/docking in Auckland.

Great atmosphere, ambiance, fine food and the best brews from around New Zealand and the world.read more

Great bar and food. Place was moderately busy but easy to find a table. It was easy to order…read moredrinks and food at the bar. They had a large tap list which satisfied both my partner and I. My partner and I both had a pint, shared a beef and cheese pie, a burger, and mac and cheese. They have 3 different pies a day and sold out pretty quickly. The pie was one of the best we had, nice and flakey and very big. The burger and mac and cheese were good as well but I prefer creamier mac and cheese. However the fries were great, crispy on the outside and potatoey on the inside.

On my last day in Auckland, I looked for fun ways to spend my last few hours. While I was tired, I…read moreexplored the little bars off Queen Street. I had been to many a few years ago, but somehow Vultures' Lane was missed. I saw their fantastic tap list and said I'd stop in for just a beer and respite from the rain. I ended up trying eight thanks to a super friendly and generous bartender. This is a free house, so not tied to any particular brewery or company. They pour what they want, which includes a lot of excellent choices. What hooked me as they also have their own line of house beers (contract brewed off site due to the size constraints of the cozy pub). They have outdoor seating and a few tables and bar stools inside - it's not a large place more cozy for pairs and small groups. They also have a full food menu if you're hungry. When I explained I was on a mostly beer trip and was interested in a tasting board of their beers, he said he'd just pour them all for me and charge the regular price for many less - you can't refuse that kind of offer (8 for the price of 6). It was fun to try them all, diverse styles. Of course some were better than others, but overall they have excellent house beers if you're in the area. If you're a beer fan and in CBD seeing too many bars, it's worth your time to find this one.

Love this quiet late night winebar. Cosy, chill and with great friendly staff…read more More late night spots are what Auckland desperately needs to call itself a real city.

I had driven past The Corner Store a tonne of times and always thought it looked cute but tiny. I…read morehad NO idea there was a back bar with a roaring fire and a dimly lit outdoor courtyard. Just the other day, a friend and I were talking about the lack of cosy wine bars in Auckland. You know the kind with big, leather chairs, a roaring fire and a well-thought out wine list. Enter The Corner Store. It's more a cocktail bar than a wine bar but it ticks the roaring fire box. There's also a sneaky internal courtyard that's blissfully quiet mid-week! Hungry? Try their small but delicious tapas menu. Beautifully tender pork belly and damn near perfect fries!