The Six Best Hidden Bars in Auckland
Take a tour through attics, basements and laneways to discover Auckland's best hidden bars.
The Six Best Hidden Bars in Auckland
Take a tour through attics, basements and laneways to discover Auckland's best hidden bars.
During the dark days of the prohibition, the mere act of quaffing a frosty ale or sipping a G&T was illegal and punishable by law. As a result the speakeasy was born. A century ago, down smoky back alleys, behind grubby black doors and in dimly lit hotel basements - these covert drinking operations served thirsty citizens their choice of tipple under wraps. The secrecy granted these establishments a certain mysterious allure and style, as if drinkers were part of some elite, yet unknown club.
The unquenchable spirit and undeniable cool of these semi-hidden watering holes lives on in Auckland through a handful of venues. Take a tour through attics, basements and laneways to discover Auckland's best "hidden" bars.
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Underneath indie haven St Kevin’s Arcade you’ll find a darkly lit basement sound tracked by indie legends – littered with mismatched furniture and quirky artworks. This is K-Road’s Wine Cellar a bastion of fine wine and live performance, known for attracting eclectic acts and rag-tag regulars. Order a vino off the impressive list and head down a dingy corridor to a poky performance room – where on any given night you’ll catch a memorable and intimate live show.
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Aucklanders don’t stay in hotels in Auckland. For that reason many proud residents of Tamaki Makarau are unaware of the charm and incomparable craft cocktails on offer at Debrett’s House Bar. Venture to the first floor of the classy boutique hotel and you’ll find an intimate space, with a dark wood bar and 100 or more premium spirit bottles against its back wall. The venue is decorated in an understated art deco style with ornate antiquarian lights hanging from a baby blue roof and pastel suede chairs surrounding varnished wood tables. There’s always an interesting gathering of patrons here, from luxury travelers to locals in the know. The beer and cocktail lists are second to none.
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Based on the newly revived Fort Street, this premium venue is a subterranean bastion of fine whiskey. It’s tucked away and easily missable if you’re not looking for it. So keep you eyes peeled and venture under the street – you’ll be greeted by a cavernous yet luxurious venue, impeccably decorated and reminiscent of a modern speakeasy. The whiskey menu will leave aficionados gasping in awe, featuring over 600 varieties from all over the world for your sipping pleasure. For the uninitiated this is the perfect place to learn as the staff are unbelievably knowledgeable and will happily help ease you into whiskey appreciation, keen to share their passion. So for a drop of something strong and golden in an environment befitting an episode of Mad Men – drop into The Jefferson and stay a while.
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K-Road’s most antiquated strip joint has seen a rather striking transformation – the infamous naked lady sign and unassuming exterior are still present but the front entrance is closed until 10pm. Before then a sign at front asking “Want to get lucky?” will direct you down a shadowy alleyway where a suavely suited gentleman will open a mysterious red door and usher you in. Climb the stairs and you’ll be greeted by something akin to an oriental gentlemen’s club. Red lanterns hang over dimly lit plush leather booths and waitresses rush around with plates of steaming dumplings and colourful cocktails. The dumplings are some of the best in Auckland and the cocktails are unique and reasonably priced – plus if you stay past 10pm the venue turns into a burlesque club and packs out with rowdy drinkers (make a booking quick because Lucky Lucky is only sticking around for a limited time).
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Stroll up an unassuming staircase off Vulcan Lane and transport yourself to a hidden speakeasy parlour featuring charming 1920s-style decor and littered with curiosities; from antiquarian typewriters, to plush chaise lounges and vintage posters. Award-winning mixologists Cameron Attfield and James Millar have crafted a modestly priced cocktail list ($12 to $16), which focuses on using premium gin and fresh produce to create all manner of unique and delicious drops. This is the perfect bar for a trip back in time and a taste of liquid botanical in a secluded yet central location.
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Auckland’s only truly “hidden” bar has no Facebook page, website, or signage on the road. Nope. Word of mouth and the whim of bloggers are its sole method of advertising, which makes this unique and charming space all the more special. Rumble through the storage room at the back of Harry or George on Ponsonby Road and you’ll be greeted by a truly awesome sight. A low roofed dimly lit cocktail den, characterised by dark wood and black leather furniture, a lone bearded bartender, quirky pineapple wallpaper and a 180 degree view over the city. So bring someone close to you, or someone you want to get close to and spend a night stolen away sipping cocktails at Jack.
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