Waitoa Victoria Street

Overview

Hataitai's nano brewery Waitoa Social Club has branched out and opened a second bar — only this time in the heart of the city. Located along the busy Victoria Street, it's a spot that calls locals to come together and engage in conversation over a board game or two.

It's a very generous space, with a large bar and plenty of seating. We walked in to see people of all ages, from students to seasoned business people chatting and laughing while sipping on Wellington-made brews. It's trendy, modern and nonjudgemental.

There are plenty of drink options, catering to your every need. There's an emphasis on Wellington-based beer, but you'll find other favourites from around Aotearoa as well. They've taken the "support local" idea a step further by partnering with neighbours Little Penang, now that they've relocated from their previous Dixon Street home. Now just a passageway away, you can order your favourite Malaysian dishes to enjoy with a cold beer, or just indulge in bar snacks like potato chips, corn chips and popcorn. Feeling like something a little extra? You can add dip to chips, or M&M's to popcorn for just $3.

We decided to take advantage of the happy hour jugs, which are priced at just $22 to $25 and decided to go with the Waitoa IPA, which went down incredibly well after a long day in the office. With no rush to be anywhere, we settled in and enjoyed the atmosphere of lively conversation and foot-tapping beats. We ordered two main dishes from the condensed Little Penang menu, and were pleasantly surprised at how quickly our meals arrived at the table. We're happy to report that it's the same incredible Malaysian flavours that you've come to know and love.

The team of four co-owners hope that the new venue offers a place to drink good beer, listen to great music and enjoy the energy that the city has to offer. If you're looking for a great inner city setting to disappear into, then Waitoa Social Club is the place to be.