The Best Bars in Auckland for a Weekend Boogie
Forget about the week that was and cut some shapes on these tried and tested Auckland dance floors.
Luckily for all the filthy party animals out there, Auckland has a variety of options for those wanting to do their best Beyonce impression. So, in the wise words of Alex Turner, get on your dancing shoes, you sexy little swine.
REVELRY, PONSONBY
Located in the heart of Ponsonby and always playing the latest pop and hip hop music, Revelry is the perfect location to dance off all that BYO indulgence. The dance floor is always filled with Ponsonby party animals, ready to help you get down and shake off the week that was. Surrounded by a full deck and an outdoor fire, there's also plenty of spaces to chat and cool off after getting steamy on the d-floor.
THE ROXY, AUCKLAND CBD
The closest thing you'll find in Auckland to a multi-level international-style club, Roxy is for those who want an overload to the senses. The downtown club is styled with Hollywood glam decor, adding to the VIP vibe. With multiple dance floors, DJs, strobe lights et al. Roxy is serving the full party experience. And we'd be surprised if you can't find at least one area playing a song you like within the maze of bars and music.
DANNY DOOLANS, VIADUCT HARBOUR
An old Auckland classic — Danny Doolans has hosted many a jolly dancing queen (or king). It turns out that live music in an old Irish pub selling cheap beers is the perfect combination to produce a large crowd of dancing, chatting, singing pub-goers. If you're in to old classic sing-alongs, Danny Doolans is the place for you. Fair warning, you may find yourself with your arms around a stranger, swaying along to Wonderwall at 1am, or something equally as cliche, yet still fun. Sitting in Auckland's waterfront, there's also plenty of places to whet your whistle post-singalong dry throat, should it all get too much.
FAMILY BAR, NEWTON
An Auckland institution, no list of places to get down on a weekend would be complete without the infamous Family Bar. If you want a colourful, fun-filled night, probably including a dance-off and plenty of dropping it low, look no further than one of K' Road's oldest and dearest bars. Half the fun of Family Bar is that no matter how glittery, colourful or over the top you go with the outfit, you'll never be the loudest one there.
SWEATSHOP BREW KITCHEN, FREEMANS BAY
This popular Sale Street destination really earns its name come a Friday night. Once the tables are cleared and the music turns up, Sweatshop becomes a heaving hub of activity. From classic house music to old-school rap, the vibe changes from night to night, but it's always something the crowd can dance to. And with a large outdoor area, there's somewhere to escape the music and have a breather if needed. Sweatshop is the seamless summer afternoon to night location.
PORTLAND PUBLIC HOUSE, KINGSLAND
For those who want to have a beer and a boogie, but aren't so keen on club culture, Kingsland's Portland Public House is the perfect spot for a more rustic danceathon. The semi-western-style bar often has live music and creative theme nights. There's everything from 90s evenings to chilled live sessions. The venue is intimate and lively — you're guaranteed to make a few mates on the dance floor.
PONSONBY SOCIAL CLUB, PONSONBY
Though PSC may be deceiving, with its narrow cramped entryway, once you're inside and past the bar, the thoroughfare opens up into a dance floor with a DJ booth and much fun times to be had. Having been on the scene for years, and seen many a good party, PSC knows how to turn it on. You'll find a mix of throwback hits playing alongside popular hip hop and pop tunes. PSC is the quintessential Ponsonby experience, with every type of party-goer present, the people watching is almost as fun as the grooving.
CASSETTE NINE, AUCKLAND CBD
The much-loved Cassette Nine has been enabling Aucklanders to get footloose since ages ago. Originally known for serving up indie beats alongside the famed teapot cocktails, Cassette also puts on great live music and student nights. The dance floor is small, but perfectly formed. And thankfully there's a deck for when things get a bit steamy from all that grinding (albeit a also small and perfectly formed deck.)
Top image: Cassette Nine.
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