The Chatty Guide to the Best Auckland Bars with Good Vibes
BY JENNY JUNG
Trust me guys, I know what I’m talking about.
19 AUG - 2025
Totally unsponsored and unbiased.
Call me alcoholic, I call it vibe-aholic. Either way, I know a good time when I see one, and this list is proof. These are the kind of bars where you won’t just be ordering a gin and tonic and calling it a day. Each spot has a proud lineup of signature cocktails that go well beyond the usual, with many shaped by the culture and heritage of the people behind the bar, infusing each drink with personal stories and unique flavours.
Bar Magda, Cross Street.
Goblin, Ponsonby.
Truth or Dare Bar
Founded by Theo Tjandra, winner of the 2025 Lewisham Award for Outstanding Bartender, Truth or Dare Bar blends timeless classics with modern mixology, all with a nod to his Indonesian heritage. Expect bold flavour profiles you won’t find anywhere else in Auckland, beautifully presented drinks, and a menu of small bites that are as delicious as they are worth every penny.
My personal favourite? The Mont Blanc. Made with Tullamore Dew, coffee and mandarin liqueur, cold brew and aromatic cream. It’s an espresso martini with a serious glow-up: a sleek, evening twist on the beloved Mont Blanc coffee you’ll spot all over Melbourne’s trendy alleyway cafes. It’s the perfect midweek bump.
I also love that Truth or Dare has a section on the menu dedicated to cocktails paired with small bites that complement each other perfectly. If you’re a matcha lover, you need to try the Matcha Fizz. Served alongside a dainty little morsel of red bean and matcha snapps.
Truth Or Dare Bar, Snickel Lane.
Acho’s
Acho’s is a bar I’ve been loyal to since my second year of uni. Once tucked inside the iconic St Kevin’s Arcade, they’ve since expanded to a larger space further down K Road. Their menu is stacked with authentic Japanese drinks: think endless varieties of sake, jelly drinks, crisp highballs and more. And whatever you do, don’t skip the food. For just $8 you can snag a fat, pillowy bao, or for around $10, the yummiest bowl of chazuke in the city. I honestly can’t believe more people don’t know about this iconic K Road institution.
I highly recommend you follow them on Instagram for updates on their ever-changing line-up of activations — from poker nights and record spins to kitchen takeovers.
Acho's, K Road.
Bar Magda
Bar Magda is seriously underrated. Helmed by chef-co-owner Carlo Buenaventura, the menu and cocktail list are infused with the Filipino flavours we know and love, plus enough unexpected twists to level up my beverage game in ways I never saw coming. Their Magdatini single-handedly converted me into a full-blown martini maniac - you need to try it.
The interior is dark, sexy and sultry. The kind of mood that makes you want to romanticise your life whether it’s an outing with the hubby or a serious girls night.
Soufflé no. four, Bar Magda, Cross Street.
Caretaker
Caretaker is a hidden, hole-in-the-wall gem tucked to the left of Miann Britomart. Head down a narrow staircase and into a low-lit lair, where jazz hums through the walls and the bartenders read you better than your therapist, literally. Just tell them what kind of spirits, fruits, or flavour profiles you’re into, and they’ll whip up a bespoke cocktail that matches your exact mood. And while you’re at it, order the cheeseboard. I’m calling it: the best in Auckland. Hands down. Big statement, I know, but true. This isn’t just cheese on a board with stale bread and crackers, thrown together with no regard for charcuterie — this is a state-of-the-art spread that’s thoughtfully crafted and extremely tasty.
On Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays, you can even catch live jazz from 9 pm, making an already special spot feel even more unforgettable.
Caretaker, Britomart.
The Nightcar
I might be biased, but The Nightcar will always hold a special place in my heart. It’s where I went on one of the best dates of my life, with someone I’m lucky enough to still call mine today. After three drinks, I was rather tiddly, thanks to the best Long Island iced tea I’ve ever had. No coked-down bullshit. Just pure, authentic Long Island energy I can’t seem to find anywhere else. Respect.
The bar’s name and interior are inspired by Snowpiercer, the post-apocalyptic film set entirely on a luxury train hurtling through an icy wasteland. Think dimly lit carriage-like booths, plush seating and a sense of being tucked away from the rest of the world. There’s also a distinct Chinese influence running through the menu, from the way they work baijiu into one of their signature cocktails to small plates that nod to regional flavours. I just love being able to explore spirits and liqueurs you don’t usually come across, and The Nightcar makes that easy with a team whose service is as warm and polished as their drinks are strong.
Real classy spot, by the way. Ideal if you’re looking for somewhere to take important people.
Baiju Cocktail, The Nightcar, Imperial Lane.
Goblin
As an Asian girlie, you’ll rarely catch me in Ponsonby due to a few sour experiences involving racism (if you know, you know). After giving Ponsonby nightlife more than a few chances, I’ve narrowed it down to only a handful of spots that have consistently delivered. Goblin is one of them, and honestly, it’s one of the most beautiful bars I’ve ever stepped into. The interior feels straight out of Beauty and the Beast. Candlelit corners, ornate Renaissance-style frames, rich wooden fixtures and a drinks menu that’s as mysterious and romantic as the setting itself.
Oh, and the last time I was there, I saw KJ Apa. So, there’s that.
Goblin, Ponsonsby.
No.7
No. 7, No. 7, No. 7. Wow. I can’t even begin to describe this place. It’s right next to my office, so I often wander in after work, and it’s quickly become one of my all-time favourite bars. The vibe is effortlessly cool, the drinks menu is on point, the food is delicious and the service is unmatched. Happy hour runs from 4–6 pm, but I always seem to find myself staying well past 9 pm, deep in conversation because the atmosphere is just that good. It’s the kind of place I’d imagine stumbling into while in New York: a touch snobby, but in the best way.
If you’re lucky, you might even score dessert. Last time I had the whisky chocolate basque cheesecake, and it was nothing short of scrumptious.
Rhubarb Sour, No.7, Pitt Street.
Bistro Saine
This is the spot to take your girlfriends for a well-deserved night out. Serving straight French chic energy, Bistro Saine looks like it’s been plucked from the pages of Architectural Digest. The drinks? Immaculate. The food? Easily among the most memorable I’ve had in the city in a long time. If it’s not already on your list, I highly recommend making a booking soon.
Also, I’m a self-confessed Negroni snob, and I have to say, Bistro Saine serves one of the best I’ve ever had.
Bistro Saine, Hotel Indigo.
Bedford Soda & Liquor
One of the best things about Bedford Soda & Liquor is their rotating $15 cocktail specials each month. They partner with a different spirits sponsor every time, shaking up limited-edition cocktails that won’t be back once the month is over. Each creation makes clever use of seasonal fruits, so the flavours always feel fresh and perfectly in tune with the season.
Shoutout to Jeremy Nivern, who keeps the ideas flowing and ensures these monthly specials are consistently worth heading back for.
Bedford Soda & Liquor, Ponsonby.
Conclusion:
Whatever your reason for heading out this winter: a first date, a solo unwinding or a night with the girls,I hope you find something here that hits the spot.
And hey, drink responsibly...
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