The Eight Best Rainy Day Cafes in Auckland
Beats staying in bed all day watching the entire series of Game of Thrones, again.
The Eight Best Rainy Day Cafes in Auckland
Beats staying in bed all day watching the entire series of Game of Thrones, again.
Winter has well and truly descended over our fair city, and with it an inevitable spike in rainfall. We in Auckland know all about rainfall - we have it in any and every variety you care to mention: rain when it's sunny, rain when it's cloudy, light rain that feels more like a mist, sheets of rain that make you feel like you're swimming underwater, frozen rain, and of course that particularly pesky rain when cats and dogs fall out of the sky.
If you're anything like us, the sight of all this rain and the fears of wet, cold discomfort that come with it will make you want to curl up in bed and stay warm, dry and safe. On rainy days the temptation to binge-watch Netflix can be almost overwhelming. However, that gig gets a little boring after one or two times, and besides Auckland has a whole host of great spots that are actually more enjoyable when it's cold outside and the skies are grey and drizzly, and we at Concrete Playground have found the best of them for you.
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8
If what you need on a rainy day in to escape with a sugar hit, this is the perfect place for you. This cafe is very cute with all the charm of Parnell village. It has a good undercover outdoor area if you fancy running up and enjoying a hot drink in the cold air while staying safe from the rain.
The cafe was unfortunately not physically very warm, with is why we put it at the bottom (or in this case the top) of the list; no one wants to be cold on a rainy day. Also the staff, while very friendly did not seem to be totally on top of things. But the hot chocolates are good, and many and most assuredly will help you warm up on a rainy day.
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7
Running Horse is a stripped-back trendy little cafe a few steps away from Queen Street, which focuses on doing a few things really well. Its a great spot to warm up with a cup of coffee and a delicious gourmet sandwich, and a bit of banter to boot. Running Horse also has a great vibe to it. The staff are friendly, relaxed and accommodating with a sense of humour: not the pony tail pulling variety, mind you – more the answer any annoying questions you might have with a smile and a real sense of hospitality variety.
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6
Scratch Bakery HQ is a characterful, cosy and spacious spot located half way between Queen Street and Victoria Park market on Graham Street. The space has a industrial feel to it, in an up-market Taylor Street Garage sort of way. The decor, wooden tables and long bench seats with large pillows is what gives the cafe its cosy vibe.
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5
Cosset is a sweet little cafe with comfy seats and a resident cat. This is also one of those special spots that warms your soul with all its good ethical practises: Cosset is a purveyor of sustainable, Fairtrade, organic, vegan and vegetarian food and drink. As well as being a cafe Cosset is a store where a range of ethical goodies from the likes of Kerikeri organic teas and Kokako coffee can be purchased.
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4
Chuffed is a cosy, unpretentious space that you can get out of the rain to unwind in the central city. Their courtyard has a retractable roof, if you want to be outside but stay dry, and their indoor space is small and warm, with wooden furniture and brightly painted walls.
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3
Remedy coffee is an impossibly cute little cafe just across the Civic on Wellesley Street West. It has a rustic, homey charm, with dark wood, exposed brick and home made tea jars. Cute kitsch framed pictures compete for wall space with shelves that are heaving with books and board games. They do a great range of hot drinks and even have a Pacman arcade game tucked into one corner. What more could you ask for on a rainy day?
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2
Tucked away in an unlikely spot in an industrial area of Morningside, Crave is light and spacious with couches to snuggle into on a rainy day, and a warm community vibe. This is feed by the regular community events to get involved with on a rainy day, as well as the first name basis that Crave staff share with their regular customers.
Staff are friendly and capable, offering fast service and recommendations if you’re struggling to make up your mind. With wifi available and plenty of space this is a great spot to work, or just have a nice meal with friends.
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1
Revel is the epitome of cosiness in a cafe. It is small, warm and homely with eclectic cobbled together furniture. They have books, chess and board games, and one of their tables is a space invaders arcade game.
The food at Revel is exactly what you need to survive the winter months – healthy, hearty and deliciou. They do a good range of vegan and vegetarian food and have an emphasis on ethical ingredients, describing themselves as an environmentally conscious cafe.
If you need a late night respite from the rain, Revel is a great spot as they are open late most nights. We recommend it as a place to unwind with friends, a book, or as a great spot to get some work done.
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