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!

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

Maybe I'm just a beer snob or maybe it's because we are discussing a macro brewery here again but…read morethe series of beers that we had from this brewery we just thought were fair between Steve and myself. We had the Steinlager Classic for one which is a pilsner, New Zealand style that has a sweet and hoppy flavor profile and a clean finish. It is smooth and light bodied . The Steinlager Pure was the next beer that we had on the agenda. This one was a lager. Sweet, dry and a clean finish are features with this lager. It's nice that it's light bodied but that is a common characteristic with this beer type. The Waikato Draught was the next beer we had. It was a bitter type beer in which it lived up to it's name along with malt and sweetness in addition. It comes off as strong and is light bodied as well. The Lion Brown was next on the rotation. Again, just okay. I do like brown ales also. Malty and sweet are the primary things going on here. It is rich but also light bodied. After trying those beers we felt like it was another corporate beer experience which didn't take much investigating to figure out. Steve and I will always prefer the micro and nano breweries the most when trying out beer.

Lion Breweries is home to the famous Speights, Steinlager, Macs, Waikato, and most of all Lion Red…read more Located on Carlton Gore road in Newmarket, they're conveniently placed within Auckland's buzzing metropolitan. Driving along Khyber Pass Road in Newmarket you'll see the old brewery that has recently moved out to "The Pride" in East Tamaki. It's out at The Pride where all the magic happens; brewing, dispatching, the works. If you get the chance (through either working here or knowing someone who does) ask if you can pop up to the staff bar! It's AWESOME! They have beer, wine and spirits available to those who promise to encourage a responsible drinking ethic. If you're after any of the much loved Lion products, head on down to your local LK (Liquor King) store and see what great deals they have on offer.

After sitting in the SkyBar in the Tower, it was time for dinner and I spotted this place (from…read moreYelp, not from the window). A short walk and a few minutes later, beer in hand. I found a comfy spot in the back, connected to their wifi and checked in for tomorrow's flight back to the USA. And then dinner. I ordered the fish and chips which was the biggest piece of fish ever. Crispy battered outside, light and flaky inside. Super hot from the fryer and with enough delicious fries to float a battalion. Wifi was speedy and the seating was comfortable and I'm just a little bit sad that my New Zealand adventure is coming to a close. [Review 531 of 2024 - 176 in New Zealand - 21563 overall]

The fish and chips were very fresh and tasty. The beer selection is excellent. I particularly liked…read moreSawmill, the Doctor, a dopplebock beer. Service is prompt and very friendly.

The former Grafton Library makes a gorgeous pub full of character…read more My partner loved his craft beer "DOUBLE DRY HOPPED HAZY HAZY PALE ALE", describes it was wet and tangy lol. I usually drink Sol, Corona or white wine. The Bar staff recommended for I try "HEIDELBERGER PREMIUM GERMAN PILSNER" and found it very tasty!

When talking with beer people about the Auckland Beer Mile, one place listed rarely came up as…read morerecommended but it ended up being one of the best dining and beer experiences of my entire trip. Galbraith's Alehouse is a brewery, pub, and restaurant all wrapped up into one. It's on Mt. Eden and just a quick walk from many other excellent beer places - don't skip this one. The exterior looks like a historic meeting house; inside feels like an English pub with high ceilings, wood door and glass windows, carpet, and a big old bar. On entering to the left is the bar and restaurant area, to the right is the working brewery, restrooms, and quieter tables for those interested in conversation over whatever is playing on TV. The night I came I was so excited to see their tap list of their own beers, all with a traditional focus on British styles and serving methods. They had two tasting trays listed, one all their hand pull cask styles, and one of their more popular contemporary styles like IPAs on draft. For those from the USA reading, hand pull casks are served more close to room temperature using gravity or muscle power to pump the beer, it's not the effervescent beer you're used to but the soft mouthfeel imparts different flavors. I absolutely loved getting to try four different styles all done in this method. The staff here were extremely friendly, happy to explain their beer and business, and always checking on me. I sat at the bar as that night a World Cup match was on and it was loud and exciting inside. I ordered their shepherd's pie which was one of the best meals I ate on my entire trip - especially soul warming on a cold and rainy evening outside. Following my meal and cask ales, I ordered the contemporary flight and loved all those beers as well. Everything was well made and delicious. I also appreciated not being chased out immediately after they closed - a few people like me quietly finished our drinks before heading out. If you're in Auckland for beer or exploring the Beer Mile, this is a must-visit place; come hungry and thirsty.

Spotted a banner stating oldest brewery in Auckland from my hotel room window... Well, say no more,…read moreI am on it. Especially since I was hungry from travel anyway. I didn't quite understand the set up, but there seems to be a brewery on the ground floor and a restaurant upstairs and a hotel too? Since I was still in my travel clothes, I decided to just stay in the brewery part. Ordered a nice cold beer and fish and chips. Now I have read the other reviews and I must say, I liked the beer, the bar tender was helpful and friendly and I did not have to pay as I went. The fish and chips I received were the best of my life. A huge portion, lightly breaded, fried crisp, the fish in the middle nice and moist. Crinkle fries along with it, also done very nicely. There was a small serving of salad that came with it and that too was delicious. House made tartar sauce and a side of lemon. I found it to be a delight.

One of those things we came to do just cuz, AND it was conveniently located across from our hotel…read more Their beers brewed in house aren't bad, pretty decent. What I HATE when it comes to pubs (now anyways lol) is a pay as you go format. Maybe it's because they're worried about people skipping out on their checks. I've never come across a pub where you pay as you go. Or maybe this is just something that's common in New Zealand? Anyways, it's got a weirdly old yet modernish feel. Like it feels like they are trying to maintain their old feel but the vibe just doesn't match. They have typical bar food like burgers, fries and fish & chips. I must say though that their fries (chips) are well executed. Thick cut, crisp on the outside, and fluffy on the inside, paired with a nice aioli.

This is decent neighborhood spot. Full of your typical drinkers, smokers (on the front patio), and…read morevery light dining options. We were part of a group of about 12, that came and went, to help celebrate our friend's birthday. Food menu is very limited, and prices are a tad high for what you get. Tacos are $14 (2 tacos); Falafel, $12 (about 5 falafel). A small food platter (made to look large and impressive by coming out on a long board) was a mixture of a few meats, and lots of condiments, pickles, etc, was $50!!! Yet, what really galled me was the $6 charge for extra bread/crackers to accompany this food platter. It was served with three slices of french bread, and about 6 crackers. Here we are, spending over $300 for food & drinks and they nickel and dime us for a small amount of starch!! When I commented about this, the server took off $3 on the charge. Gee, thanks! The venue is altogether too tight, and the nearby smokers on the front patio was commented by all to be distasteful and obnoxious. But, that's what you get at pubs.

I went here with my partner on a Friday night for a drink. We each got a beer and we ordered a…read moreserve of skinny fries to share. They have a big variety of dips for the fries, and we went for the spicy ketchup and the aioli. I figured the spicy ketchup would be vegan, but when it came out it was super creamy looking and definitely not vegan friendly. So we asked the server for a side of regular ketchup and I was a happy girl again. They offer a good variety of beers, not a huge variety, but they'll have at least one of some type of beer that you'll like. I went for the APA by the craft brewery that they support. It was good, bright and zesty, and low in hops. The ambiance of the place was busy, it's a cute place but I wasn't thrilled that they let people smoke outside. I'm not sure if I'm a brat or just old, but second hand smoke is not my jam and it set a bit of a damper on what otherwise would have been a great experience. We still had a good time, service was attentive and prompt, and the food and drinks were all good.

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.

We had such a fun time here! Came here for Horizon 2024 for their concert. Security was top notch,…read moreI felt so safe the entire time - thank you for that. Drinks were cheap and decent. If you're not from NZ, try Odd Company, good little drink that you can only get here! My only complaint was that the place smelt a little funky and the bathrooms were a disaster but that was to be expected with hosting an event there. Thank you to the workers for providing a safe and fun experience!

I had passed this place a few times on walks exploring the city. Located above an alcohol store,…read moreit's easy to miss this place that's a pub, nightclub, brewery, cafe. After seeing they had a number of their own beers made in house, I had to try it and ended up here on a Saturday night. Overall I had a mixed experience. On what would be seemingly the busiest night of the week, it was relatively empty. The crowd was much younger, and most were outside on the patio smoking instead of being inside. A DJ played tunes to an empty dance floor. On entry there was a bouncer who said I couldn't wear my hat, so I took it off and he ended up being super nice. The bartender was another story - initially rude I think he heard my accent and got nicer. As this definitely felt like a nightclub, I still asked about tasting boards of the brewery's beer - they had them, I could choose three. That night they had only three of their own so it was an easy choice. They came in large glasses on a wooden rack, it looked prettier than anything tasted. It was also relatively expensive for the quality. Bonus for the 007 pinball machine. All in all, I was glad to stop in for a little bit, but wouldn't seek out going back.