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

Lets be honest, Winners Bar is not a thriving nightlife hotspot. The main attraction for the…read morepunters seems to be the back pokies room, with a constant stream of punters coming in and out the last time I was there. This is a shame in my opinion, as the bar has two big screen televisions playing live sky sport, as well as a karaoke screen on which they often play (quite hillarious) nineties/early 2000's videos. They also offer pool and darts, and have a jenga set behind the counter. The decor is the highlight of Winner's bar - a wall completely covered with beer bottles - an installation that is continued all the way through to the bathroom. The beers are priced just right - ranging from 4 dollars to 6 dollars, and they have daily specials on cocktails, and aren't too light on the pour. If you are in the area, and just want to have a conversation with a friend over a few drinks, I recommend checking out Winners Bar. At the very least, the bouncer will be guaranteed to give you a funny conversation.

Bloody ripper of a bar ! Winners was a legend to all. $5 beer or RTD of choice notably Jd's was $6…read more Get hungry? How about wedge or chip ? Or some of the bloody best popcorn in town. I don't think the rice cooker out back was functional, but I digress. Entertainment- how about a choose your own song from Youtube. No need for a dj or a jukebox. Ultimately you choose your own adventure. Some pokies, some cue balls in the corner pocket . Some tasty treats at any hour. Winners was the spot. Sadly it is gone RIP.

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

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...

Enjoyed my evening here with friends the Venison sausage and pizza went down great with the Number…read more3 Red Ale. The service was prompt and food delivered together so no waiting to eat around the table. Highly recommend

awesome garden. Friendly staff, yummy food and great atmosphere. HIghly recommend if looking for a…read morecasual yet trendy place to grab some food and great beer.

This is probably some of the best beers I've ever had. I was recommended to come here when I'm in…read moreAuckland. I got the taster and just told them to get me what they recommend/what their most popular ones were. I ended up with the Peacenik Pilsner, Back in Black, Raspberry and Mango Sour, Fear & Loathing WCIPA, and Hazesteria. Honestly, I thought all of them was good, except the sour but I never liked sours in general. I think my favorites would be either the Fear & Loathing or the Hazesteria. The Back in Black was good as well. For food from Juke Joint I also ordered the steak & cheese burger, which was also great and definitely filled me up. I also felt a bit of a buzz after finishing the third glass but the burger definitely saved me. Service was good. I ordered at the counter and they gave me a number to put on my table. They checked up on me once in a while and were quick to bring me water when I requested it. The food wasn't life changing but the beers here are definitely worth trying out, even if you're not typically a beer drinker. I'm not, but I still loved them.

Brothers Brewery is a New Zealand staple beer producer, but unfortunately on my visit they…read moreannounced the brand was not doing well and the location close to my hotel was closing for good. I was thankful at least to visit their main location near Mt Eden and along the Auckland Beer Mile; based on my time here, I hope they turn things around and this place stays open for another visit next time. If you're in Auckland and a beer lover, this is worth the stop. Located in a quiet residential neighborhood, the big old factor is cozy and welcoming despite the large profile. They have areas of big comfy sofas, high top tables, and seating for any size group. You walk in along the offices, with restrooms toward the back. The night I was there pub trivia was going on - I jumped in with a team and won $50NZD! The brewery area takes up most of the space, with high ceilings you feel like you're in the middle of the production even at night. The staff here was all welcoming and super friendly to talk about the beer and put together a flight. This ended up being my last stop along the Beer Mile that day, but I was thankful I got a chance to come. Cheers and best of luck Brothers Brewery!

Stopped in for lunch while in Hahei. The outdoor seating is very nice and there were not many…read morepeople there yet so we had our choice of tables. There are nice flowers and greenery surrounding the outdoor seating. You go in to order at the bar. We ordered a beer tasting flight, a margarita, and the Margherita Pizza. The margarita was fine (I never really had a great one while in New Zealand), but it was cool and refreshing. The pizza was nice and light, good for a small lunch. The staff were very friendly and helpful. Don't forget a tshirt or hoodie on the way out!

Loved their cocktails and ambience! The staff was super funny (read witty with sarcasm) and we had…read morea great time enjoying a cool beverage on a hot summer day after hiking to Cathedral Cove.

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.

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!

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.