Auckland bars have something to prove when it comes to customer service, and that’s offering visitors some of the best bar treatment they can expect while they are in the city.
From the shaggy pubs of old based on our English heritage, to the new age of cocktail and whiskey bars in town, Auckland bars make sure there’s plenty of fun to be had come evening time. Wanting to snuggle up somewhere sensual on a date? Dance the night away with a new group of mates? Kick back and watch the rugby somewhere? Whatever your night entails, Auckland bars will make sure it gets off to a great start with an atmosphere to match any event.
Big on craft beers, wines made local and cocktails with a twist, the best thing about heading out in a big city is the sheer amount of choice and variation when it comes to watering holes. There’s secret bars at mystery locations for those only in the know, or big bustling crowd favourites where there’s always room for one more at the table. If you didn’t know anyone before you walked into an Auckland bar, you’re almost certainly going to leave with a new friend or two, the super city makes sure no-one goes unwelcomed.
Your Guide to Auckland’s Best Burgers
![Birds eye view of silver trays filled with burgers and fries.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=720,fit=cover,format=auto,height=460//media/uploads/stories/feature/where_to_find_aucklands_best_burgers/Image_resizing_.jpg)
Norma Taps
![A man and woman chatting to a staff member at the counter at Norma Taps in Auckland.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=288,fit=cover,format=auto,height=184//media/uploads/places/place/norma_taps/Norma_Taps_Auckland_4.jpg)
Sustainability and creativity combine at Norma Taps, an innovative space making its home in Auckland’s City Works Depot.
KOL
![A long table with chairs sitting against a blue wall inside KOL.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=288,fit=cover,format=auto,height=184//media/uploads/places/place/kol/KOL_restaurant_Auckland_7.jpg)
KOL (pronounced ‘coal’ and inspired by the same word) is all about fire, food and cocktails. Cue: vibrant colours, bold flavours and interesting concepts and dishes.
Annabel's Wine Bar
![The glass exterior of Annabel's Wine Bar.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=288,fit=cover,format=auto,height=184//media/uploads/places/place/annabels_wine_bar/Annabels_Wine_Bar_Auckland_10.jpg)
Sitting pretty along the main strip, a trip to Annabel’s is mandatory when hanging around Ponsonby.
Pici Pasta
![Exterior image looking through the big glass windows into Pici Auckland.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=288,fit=cover,format=auto,height=184//media/uploads/places/place/pici_pasta/Pici_Pasta_Auckland_1_B4WbctW.jpg)
Pasta fiends unite; you simply can’t miss a meal at Auckland institution, Pici.
Bar Martin
![Exterior of Bar Martin, Auckland.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=288,fit=cover,format=auto,height=184//media/uploads/places/place/bar_martin/Exterior_of_Bar_Martin.jpg)
After a long week, there’s something extremely comforting about pulling up to your local for a pint.
Bar Céleste
![Chef preparing food in the kitchen at Bar Celeste.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=288,fit=cover,format=auto,height=184//media/uploads/places/place/bar_c%C3%A9leste/Chef_preparing_food_in_the_kitchen_at_Bar_Celeste.jpg)
No matter the shape of your night, Céleste should be a feature.
East Street Hall
![A blue high table with bench seats inside the restaurant.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=288,fit=cover,format=auto,height=184//media/uploads/places/place/east_street_hall/east-street-hall-auckland-1.jpg)
The place to be to experience Auckland’s diverse creative scene.
Ponsonby Central
![Exterior view of Ponsonby Central from the lane entrance.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=288,fit=cover,format=auto,height=184//media/uploads/places/place/ponsonby_central/Ponsonby_Auckland.jpg)
There are a tonne of fresh and hip eateries and cafés hidden within, that tantalise with their extensive menus.
Pineapple on Parnell
![Bartender making drinks.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=288,fit=cover,format=auto,height=184//media/uploads/places/place/pineapple_on_parnell/making-drinks.jpg)
Prepare to be seduced by the old world charm behind the door at Pineapple.
Freida Margolis
![Alcohol in a shelf inside.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=288,fit=cover,format=auto,height=184//media/uploads/places/place/freida_margolis/alcohol-on-shelf_XMKMitx.jpg)
A fine establishment full of colour and character with a penchant for the drink.
Orphans Kitchen
![Interior of restaurant.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=288,fit=cover,format=auto,height=184//media/uploads/places/place/orphans_kitchen/interior.jpg)
Effortlessly cool and utterly lacking in pretension, Orphans Kitchen is one of the greatest contributions to the Ponsonby Road renaissance.
Apero Food and Wine
![](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=288,fit=cover,format=auto,height=184//media/uploads/places/place/apero/A6.jpg)
Apero has quickly cemented itself as one of the coolest little wine bars in the city.