Bar Albert

Overview

But the newest addition to Auckland's rooftop bar lineup might just be the most impressive yet, due to its location — a casual 38 floors up.

The extremely hotly anticipated Bar Albert is now open a cherry on top of the cupcake that is the recently opened Voco Hotel. It's been a long time coming, but now Aucklanders can enjoy the art deco-inspired décor, open-air deck, private event space and towering views across the city, the Waitemata Harbour and Waitakere Ranges.

The food and beverage offering has a local lean, with seasonal cocktails themed by Auckland street names, including Eden Crescent, Napier Street, Chancery Street and Market Place. Similarly, much of the extensive wine and beer list has been sourced locally, including several West Auckland, Waiheke and Matakana varieties produced less than 50km away.

For eats, the bar promises an array of what we like to call "snacky bits", but others might just call bar snacks — think house-made pizzas, antipasto platter and small plates, and cheeses.

But there's no doubt that it will be the views drawing many to this sky-high spot, especially in the summer months. When we reviewed Voco's ground floor Mozzarella and Co. restaurant during a hotel stay earlier this year, one waiter informed us he'd been up to the then-in-development bar, and said you can "look down on the other city rooftop bars like they're specks". Those that suffer from vertigo may choose to stay away from the edge.