b.social

Bars key icon. Cafes key icon. Restaurants key icon.
Bars key icon. Cafes key icon. Restaurants key icon.

Monday12:00 – 10:00 pm.

Tuesday12:00 – 10:00 pm.

Wednesday12:00 – 10:00 pm.

Thursday12:00 – 10:00 pm.

Friday12:00 – 10:00 pm.

Saturday12:00 – 10:00 pm.

Sunday12:00 – 10:00 pm.

60 Anderson Road, Wānaka

027 247 1953

Brewer James Hay got his start at Christchurch’s legendary Hop Baron and pairs his expertise with an easygoing approach to craft beer. With that, he’s created Wānaka's b.social taproom and eatery, a spot for eating and drinking that is worthy of a visit (or many) whether you’re just in town for the weekend or call this beautiful region home year-round. 

b.social and the brewery component, b.effect, are housed under one roof just outside of Wānaka’s bustling centre. Kept separate with a bit of clever soundproofing, the two entities exist in perfect harmony. Curious beer drinkers can peek through the glass door or wander to the other side to get a look at the process. Meanwhile, the b.social bar never gets too noisy and maintains a welcoming pub-like feel with food and drink menus to match.

The taps at b.social are always on point. b.effect beers are constantly pouring alongside other top crafties from the region and beyond. Be sure to try b.effect’s Pop’n Pils Pilsner and the sessionable Rebel For Kicks Hazy IPA — with notes of pineapple, the latter is their top-selling beer. Social Experiment West Coast IPA is very clean and has ever-changing hops, so look out for which batch you're drinking. b.effect has become well-known for its Daywalker Ginger Beer (4.2%), a great drop on its own but also delicious in a dark and stormy.  There’s always at least one cider and one kombucha on tap, and tasting trays are also available. If you find a drop you love, you can take away b.effect in bottles or bring a growler for filling.

Just like the taps, b.social’s food menu provides a little something different which will please everyone. It features a spectrum of nibbles and larger dishes that range from classic beer-friendly fare to adventurous flavour combos. The house-made 100% beef burger comes heaped with bacon and onion jam, cheese and pickles, all loaded into a lightly toasted bun. It’s simple and delish, just like the poutine. The kimchi loaded fries come with chilli mayo, shallots and spring onion, and you’d be remiss not to try the (blue) cheese burger. 

And the name? “Small shifts in your thinking can lead to massive alterations of your end result.” This quote from Edward Lorenz’s Butterfly Effect says it all. Little details at b.social turn the traditional brewery-bar model into something that is totally approachable, delicious and downright fun. So rock up, grab a table inside or out, bring the kids, even your dog and have a pint already.

Words by Olivia Sisson & Photography by Anna Briggs

Information not correct? Report an error

Location

60 Anderson Road, Wānaka

Nearby Places

Dripping Bowl

A staff member holds two bowls, made from coconut husks, of acai topped with crunchy coconut, cacao nibs and buckwheat groats.
Place Wānaka
Cafes key icon.

Well known for acai bowls, smoothies, divine soups and a niche coffee menu, Dripping Bowl has nutrition and sustainability at its heart.

arc

High angle view of a person cutting into a fish and citrus dish, wine and other dishes on the table at arc, Wānaka.
Place Wānaka
Cafes key icon. Restaurants key icon.

Owners of Wānaka restaurant arc, James Stapley and Sam Cooper know a thing or two about what makes a good eatery.

Urban Grind

A man holding a plate of food.
Place Wānaka
Cafes key icon.

An all-day neighbourhood eatery that's been providing locals with delicious fare since 2011.

Freshlink Grocer

The interior of Freshlink Grocer where there is a costumer walking around shopping.
Place Wānaka
Goods key icon.

This whole-food store and knowledge hub has a genuinely wholesome focus on slow food, championing minimal to zero processing and local growers and producers.

Similar Places

Hāwea Store & Kitchen

Exterior view of Hawea Store & Kitchen.
Place Wānaka
Goods key icon. Restaurants key icon.

A community hub that combines a grocer, café, restaurant and bar overlooking the lake.

The Precinct

People walking down the alleyway.
Place Wānaka
Cafes key icon. Fashion key icon. Services key icon.

A stylish, shared complex in Wānaka with a range of alluring retail and hospitality stores.

General Service

A group of three people sitting around a table working.
Place Wānaka
Cafes key icon. Services key icon.

Tucked down an alleyway in the heart of Wānaka is a place where the inhabitants look forward to coming to work each day.

Scroggin

Two savoury dishes, a savoury, filled croissant, a milky coffee and mug of tea on the table at Scroggin, Wānaka.
Place Wānaka Editor's Pick
Cafes key icon.

With a Scandinavian-inspired fit-out to match the mountains and adventures to be had in Wānaka, you'll quickly understand why this coffee and eatery’s tagline is ‘Gather, feast, stay for a while.’