Took a bit of finding as it's upstairs in a nondescript office building via a staircase that feels…read morelike the emergency exit and a blank door leading to an amazing, down at heel speakeasy joint. Booths and tables scattered around the room so we planted ourselves strategically to watch the world and listen to the fabulous jazzy music which, apparently was a playlist compiled by one of the team but not to be shared with mere plebes like us. It was only 6 in the evening and still bright and this is most definitely a place that needs to be experienced after dark. A pity our time in Welly didn't allow a repeat visit. Oh yes, the cocktails were amazing so just as well we had a dinner date elsewhere or I would have been poured into the street at an ungodly hour. Would love to be back. After dark. Recommended

This is one of the neatest themed bars I've been to, and from how packed it was, it's apparent that…read moreeveryone else is in agreement. We were here on a weekend night and waiting to get into the adjacent restaurant. Hooowww convenient that right next to the tiny cramped waiting room there happens to be this awesome lounge. Well played. We were joined by mobs of other hungry waitlisters as well as many others just there and craving a little study juice. The bar is adorably designed to look like a library with the cutest nerds demonstrating their well studied mixology and putting together some elegantly designed cocktails. The theme is brought to life with walls of books cutting into the space and creating perfect little study nooks. Tables and chairs line the sides and are tucked away here and there in the rooms. The long bar was pretty packed but also had seating. Drink menus were worth a study session for sure and prices comparable to the Wellington area. With clever beverage names like Whiskey Business, The Sipster, and Netflix & Chill you're bound to find something as tantalizing as the geek with glasses mixing your drink. Whether your jam is alcohol pyrotechnics, drinking your beverage from a chemistry flask, or enjoying a saucy little shake and toss, these bartenders both brew up fantastic concoctions while putting on a show. As much of the rest of NZ is, I found their knowledge, attention to, and tolerance of gluten allergy to be far beyond anywhere in The States. I prompted the very busy geek with taped glasses about a few of the unfamiliar syrups and like any good student, what he didn't know he looked up for me before recommending a drink. If saffron and vanilla meringue, popcorn infused rum, and marshmallow and malt biscuit crumble don't sound like deliciously epicurious combinations to you, then good, stay home, and let me have the lounge to myself for a much needed libation study session.

The plain dark hot chocolate is not to be missed here. If you're feeling adventurous, by all means…read morego for the 100% thick, dark chocolate. Paulie gets the 70% and I go for the sweeter 53%. According to my "check-ins" I've been here 7 times. That is a lie. I have been here a few more than that. They also have a punch card where you get 1 free drink (or 1 free chocolate for a separate card) when you buy 5. A regular size is $5ish and large is $6. We usually go for the large (no brainer). I would highly recommend if you want something warm when the wind is blowing while walking around the CBD. You usually get a small chocolate on a toothpick. I still haven't figured out if they give the same kind of dark chocolate as your drink. I ponder on it as quick as it goes and melts in my mouth (quick). My favourite part is the bottom of the container. Very thick and creamy! I would be sipping it to no end until all I'm getting is air.

Yes, this is the best cup of hot chocolate I've ever had!…read more They ask if you'd like it in white, milk, 50%, or 70% dark. Then you can mix in another flavor (Cinnamon, Coffee, ect.). It then comes with a square of chocolate on top to either mix or enjoy. Yes, this is chocolate perfection. Their truffles are also fairly priced and delicious. The most memorable is the balsamic vinigarette.

I gave it a 4 star. I would definitely come back. My husband and I ordered #2 and #12 with white…read morechocolate latte. Boy it was on point!

Average coffee, excellent bakery but noisy cleaner. Everytime I'm about to enjoy my order, there is…read morethis loud chairing moving noise made by the cleaner which spoils my comfort. The shop itself is nice though, ver spacious but faces direct competition from Plum cafe across the street.

Newly opened with friendly staff. Warm and cozy on a windy day, this cafe serves beautiful coffee…read moreand mouth watering pastries. Well worth a visit

It's very good! You can choose different flavours toppings. So I definitely recommend it if you…read morehaven't been there.

really good yoghurt, with a wide range of toppings available. it's a tad pricey but it's nice every…read moreonce in awhile.

I came here once when it was Espressoholic but it was a cold dark pit of a place. Since the…read morerebranding the name is now Samick cafe and bar. It is light but moody, really spacious as you know from previous reviews I hate bumping elbows with strangers while I'm eating my food. Eggs Benedict 10/10 yum! They buttered the muffins underneath which was a nice touch. And generous on the bacon which is a really nice change for Wellington. $18 Coffee great 8/10 personally was way to hot for me at the start and took ages to drink. $5.50 Sooo many options for food and drinks I wonder what they do with all the leftovers the cabinet food looks really yum and good pricing too. They have a liquor license too so you can have a cheeky drink. Service was great the wait staff were very pleasant, friendly and looked really happy to be there. Overall I'm really impressed. I'll be honest I was on my way to a different cafe that I love when I saw this place didn't have a lot of people in it. If you're reading this go support them they're doing great.

You cannot simply walk by Espressoholic and it not catch your attention. The cafe is split half…read morewith a dark side and light side for seating. The tiled floor makes this cafe loud and catchy. They have breakfast served all day with changing daily specials. The prices aren't too shabby either. Where they need improvement here is service. I ordered the Mexican bean slice from the pre-made window and it came out straight out from the oven. Soon after, the gingerbread latte came out (Very good -better than what Starbucks tries to sell.) In fact, I was able to finish my meal while we were still waiting for the corn fritters. So we sat and waited. It took forever. What finally came out was a big portion. The corn fritters are like savory pancakes. Served with four corn fritters and a side salad, it's a filling choice. The side order of fries/chips were enough to fill four people, it's a huge bowl. So make your choice. Eat something average from the window. Or wait forever for a big portion.