Top Bars in Auckland – Most Viewed (2025)

Tucked behind a wine shop in the heart of Auckland’s Commercial Bay, Queens Rooftop & Wineshop is a striking new rooftop bar & restaurant that blends fine wine, elevated dining, and panoramic harbor vistas. Entry begins at ground level through Queens Wineshop, where a discreet elevator behind the wine racks whisks guests up to level 21, revealing a plush, open space with wraparound terraces, warm wood finishes, and design that frames the city and sea. Once aloft, the views steal hearts — 270° over the Waitematā Harbour, spanning east toward the Coromandel, west toward the Waitākere Ranges, and the city skyline in between. The ambience is refined but approachable: interior & exterior seating, soft greenery, ambient lighting, and thoughtful material contrasts that give it a modern yet warm personality. Culinary offerings lean toward seasonal, locally inspired, shareable plates with a European flair. Expect items like seafood towers, grilled scallops, slow-cooked leek, snapper schnitzel, wagyu and more. The menu is designed to evolve with the seasons. Their beverage program complements this with a strong wine & cocktail focus, elevated by the wine shop foundation. In the evenings, the rooftop comes alive with music — light DJ sets and curated playlists, never overpowering the environment but adding to the leisure. The spot is intended for a range of visits: lunch, sunset drinks, dinner or nightcaps — flexible and welcoming. In reviews, guests praise the balanced relationship between view and hospitality (some noting “you are paying for the view,” but also calling food and service “on point”). In all, Queens succeeds by combining spectacle and substance — a rooftop with heart.

Tucked down a discreet stairway in Roukai Lane, Britomart, Caretaker transports you into an intimate New York–inspired speakeasy, with dark woods, leather seats, smoky mirrors, and subtle jazz setting the tone. This award-winning bar emphasizes the art of bespoke cocktails—there’s no menu. Instead, hosts chat with you to discover your preferred flavors and then concoct something unique using hand-carved ice, seasonal juice, and precise technique. Expect a cosy capacity (under 50 guests), welcoming vibe, and nightly live jazz on Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays at 9pm. It’s open daily 5 pm–3 am, offering a late-night haven in the heart of downtown Auckland. Reviewers praise the “dark and moody but well‑furnished” interior and “magical” drink service, calling it perfect for dates or small groups. Bespoke creations run around NZ$20 (~US$13), which places it in the mid‑range premium cocktail tier . It’s known as an institution among locals and visitors alike, merging speakeasy charm, personalised mixology, and top‑notch service.

Tucked away behind a vending machine façade on Fort Street, Seoul Night is a speakeasy-style Korean bar that brings the vibrant energy of Seoul's nightlife to Auckland. The venue's entrance leads to a neon-lit interior adorned with indoor foliage, secluded booths, and unique light fixtures, creating an underground, basement-like ambiance. The menu is designed for sharing, featuring Korean street food favorites with a modern twist. Signature dishes include crispy pork belly served with a trio of condiments, Korean fried chicken paired with shoestring fries and pickled radish, and the specialty kumara cheese chicken topped with garden greens and freshly sliced chili. Complementing the food is an array of Korean-inspired cocktails and beverages. Notable options are the "Watermelon Blush" soju sangria, crafted with half a bottle of soju, juicy chunks of watermelon, and a splash of lemonade, and the "Peach Luna" cocktail, offering a sweet and fruity kick. Operating from 5 PM until late, Seoul Night is a go-to destination for those seeking a unique dining and drinking experience that captures the essence of Korean nightlife in the heart of Auckland.

Perched on the 38th floor of the voco Auckland City Centre, Bar Albert stakes its claim as New Zealand’s highest hotel rooftop bar. The entry is theatrical — a velvet curtain ushers you into a “modern-vintage parlour” with plush sunken leather lounges, warm wood tones, and art deco touches. Floor-to-ceiling glass frames panoramic views of Auckland’s skyline, Waitematā Harbour, and the Waitākere Ranges. The bar’s drink program is a highlight. Expect signature cocktails, bespoke single-batch spirits, and a curated wine & beer selection. Cocktails often nod to local geography: names referencing Auckland streets like Queen Street or Chancery Street appear on menus. The menu isn’t heavy dining — it leans shared plates and tapas style: pizzas, charcuterie, cheese boards, and a few elevated small dishes. Opening times are tuned for evening hours: Tuesday through Thursday: 4 pm to ~10:30 pm; Friday & Saturday: 4 pm until late; Sunday: 4 pm to ~10:30 pm; Monday: closed. They also designate 90 minutes per booking to manage flow. The venue enforces 18+ only policy. The vibe strikes a balance: elevated, elegant, but not overly formal. The view is the star — many visit just to watch the sunset over the city and harbor. Because of its premium location and design, it draws couples, groups celebrating special occasions, and those who appreciate cocktail craftsmanship with a view. In short: Bar Albert is about height, ambiance, and detail — not just drinks. It’s a destination rooftop bar meant to impress.

Perched atop the Sudima Auckland City hotel at 63–67 Nelson Street, Sunset Bar is Auckland’s contemporary rooftop escape — a place where design, drinks, food, and city views blend seamlessly. Stepping up, you’ll be greeted by a lounge with 70s-inspired style: warm lighting, textured finishes, modern furniture, and glimpses of colour and pattern that nod to retro flair. The bar frames a panorama over Ponsonby, Freemans Bay, Westhaven, the upper Waitematā Harbour, and the distant ridges of the Waitākere Range. The drinks program is a central pillar of the experience. Sunset offers bespoke cocktails, an eclectic mix of local and international wines, and a beer selection that leans on local craft as well as staples. Meanwhile, the food is inspired by Mumbai street eats — think vibrant flavours, small bites, and dishes that are meant for shared, casual indulgence. Sunset also leans into nightlife: DJ sessions regularly animate Friday and Saturday evenings (and sometimes Sunday). Social hour offers specials: e.g. tap cocktails, house wines, and beer deals in early evening windows. As for hours: Wednesday to Saturday: open from 4:00 pm until late Sunday: from 2:00 pm onward Monday & Tuesday: closed Sunset doesn’t tend to take large bookings — they limit groups to 2-10 people in peak times, to preserve the rooftop flow. In sum: Sunset is a city-centered rooftop bar that wants to be stylish but inviting — not overly formal, but elevated. It’s ideal for sundowners, late drinks, and for those who want a visual and gastronomic treat above the urban bustle.