The old Chances has been transformed into a modern pub and TAB…read more Enjoyed the Sunday Roast and a few cold ones with my good mate.

Backyard Bar is a decent spot for a few quite drinks after work, or to watch some sports…read more The accessibility, just off the motorway at Northcote, and plenty of parking make it a pretty easy place to organise drinks with friends. There is a nice outdoor seating area, but it fills up pretty quickly so it's worth trying to book for that. The menu is pretty standard pub fare - burgers, steaks, salads and pizzas and the like. It's all perfectly, eatable, but nothing amazing. The calamari was pretty good, but to be honest you can get the same thing at almost every pub in Auckland these days. In short, I wouldn't let the food put you off a visit, but if you're looking for a special dining experience, look elsewhere. The service was friendly and attentive and overall the Backyard is a pleasant and convenient local. I'll be there again, particularly once footy season kicks off.

We had a function here for my sons 1st birthday and christening on Mothers Day…read more Absolutely Amazing day food was on point and fresh and hot. The staff were absolutely amazing we had about 80-100 people that day and it was just a great amount of space. One downside were the jugs its $20 for a jug of fizzy i mean really? Surely because we had a function there it would have been less than that and Alcohol was a bit over priced but i mean apart from that it was an amazing day especially the help from Monga he was just so brilliant that day thanks guys

UPDATE TO MY RECENT UPDATE. No Really!…read more Soooo because we really, really liked the vibe here we came back. Thank goodness Imi was here and she rocked it! Just a charmer and just outstanding. Not only did she hook up our spillage friends but she made great suggestions for dinner and drink. OBTW there was live acoustic guitar (on Sunday from 3:00 pm until 7:30!) There was a couple in the patio and they brought their sweet dog. She (the dog) recognized our crowd as doggie people and she (again the dog) came over and butt snuggled with our clan while her (again the dog) mommy and dad finished their dinner. So cute and so one of the things we LOVE about Takapuna Beach! Had the fish and chips and a nice merlot ...... Yes I know. Stop it! Anyway it was great. My spillage Friend had the veggie gnocchi and it was great. She also got dessert - its the Mousse. Omg! I won't describe it the way she did but it was complimentary. ;) Looked awesome and she loved it. Other folks had the steak and chips M-O-N-E-Y! Solid evening, great food, and Imi was AWESOME. She Rocks! We'll be back! Thanks Imi! Don't tell her you know this but its short for Imogen) but nobody other than her SO calls her that. No really don't tell her!

R'Totos, you've had an excellent makeover. I almost didn't recognise you…read more Gone is the stage area where the young folk (maybe me once or twice) used to shake their thang on a Thursday night. And the sticky floor and bar area. Now the Mac's Brewbar has an elegant terrace area, and equally classy yet understated new bar with heavy wooden furniture and a neutral background. The good bits of R'Toto are still there too: the location; the high ceilings and the tasty bar menu. Definitely a winner for a casual drink.

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 little game pub by the road. Easy to walk in, sit down, just go to the counter to order something…read moresimple and fresh, it won't let you down. A couple of seats lay out at the bar counter, however, something unique come up to your mind. People have their names at the back of the chairs to mark their special seats. I have seen people saved the half of drink at the bar, this is something first come to vision. Old ladies and men rush in and out, then you will realize it is a game bar in the end. Order fish&chips, they will help you bring takeaways. Yes, why not have some chips pairing larger beer on a warm Sunday afternoon?

The Thirsty Frog is certainly not the most attractive wine bar in the world. I get where they were…read moregoing...frogs are green, it's called The Thirsty Frog but still that doesn't you have to douse the entire exterior of your bar in lime green paint. Exterior aside, I actually like The Thirsty Frog. Milford was in dire need of a wine bar and this place fits the bill. It offers great wines by the glass and there are plenty of tasty morsels to nibble on whilst you sip away. I particularly like that they have a constantly changing selection of French cheeses on offer. This place is great for after-work drinks with friends or as a pitstop on your Sunday afternoon walk with the dogs. Santé!

Based on reviews and referral by a local friend, 4 of us dined here…read more The food was very good, as was the service. However, considering the portion size, as Yvette says, we were underwhelmed. 4 stars for food. 4 stars for service.2 stars for value. Averaged out to 3 stars. See photos for food and prices (overpriced).

For me, the bar area at The Commons is an easy 4 but the restaurant a 3. The food isn't bad, it's…read morejust really fiddly fine dining - lots of foams and unusual flavour pairings - which, don't get me wrong, I can appreciate but would much rather go to the likes of Michael Meredith's or The French Cafe. Moving on, the bar... it's brilliant! Great for after-work drinks - just what Takapuna needed. Huge outdoor space that's perfect on sunny days and a reasonable sized indoor area for miserable nights. I tend to stick to beer & wine here but they do have cocktails too!

A typical local bar, with a very comfortable atmosphere. Rock up in your shorts and jandals, or…read moreyour jeans and T-shirt to have a relaxed low key drink or a couple of games of pool. The staff are friendly and the locals are plenty. There is also a gaming room if that's what you're in to. Be warned the place is very "rustic", which gives it that authentic pub feel but may not be what you are looking for in a watering hole.

If Harley Davidson and the Marlboro man were ever to enjoy a beer in New Zealand, then Mavericks in…read moreGlenfield would be their bar of choice. Situated at the top entrance of the Glenfield Mall, Mavericks is an old school tough guy bar. The kind of bar where you play pool, drink beer and waste away the morning. Okay, it is not as rough as I make it out to be, and it is quite enjoyable to visit. I often catch a few frames, an ale or two and converse with great company. The great thing about Mavericks is location, location and location, as I can walk home after a long night. Not that I do this often...

Bin Bin deluxe. Well let's not judge a book by its cover here. The name does it no justice... it…read moremakes me think I'm going to be partying in some special edition rubbish dump. But truth be told Bin Bin does deliver. I'd say it's the new go-to of Takapuna especially on a Thursday night! Live DJs mean the dance floor cranks and the crowd goes wild. The only downside, and it is a big one, is the ridiculous snaking, impenetrable line you must endure to get inside. It almost makes the visit not worth it. So quality advice for the Bin bin-ers: make sure you plan your entrance for between 9 and 10pm so you can be sure to waltz straight in!

Bin Bin was previously known as Sin Bin in my high school days. This was the go to place every…read moreThursday night in my hay day but they are still just as good to this day! I decided to check the place out last Thursday. The place itself is large and still has the sports bar feel to it (ahh, reminiscing). It was packed wall to wall with pre pubescent's that made me feel like I was baby sitting but it is still a great fun time there. Not the classiest of bars but very fun at that. I need to revisit for lunch some time as I have heard that the food is actually very nice there.

service was fast, food was great. waitresses were very friendly, especially Liga who attended to us…read morethe whole meal and made great conversation. I will definitely be coming back here again :)

the only star is for the kids play area otherwise it would…read morehave none nothing good to say about this place! cold, below average food, terrible service, slow inexperienced staff. all round was huge let down wont be back definitely wouldn't recommend

Always a favorite, we always get the beef pie. We prefer outside as there is no mobile reception…read moreinside. Appreciate the Steinlager light for a low alcohol brew. Mussels in red curry were super fresh but the curry was somewhat bland. Cheers

Very pleasant staff and good food. Has the authentic feel of an English pub lots to do in the area…read morewalking around Auckland.