Top Bars in Wellington – Most Viewed (2025)

Tucked down the stairs below a stag’s head at 126 Cuba Street in the Te Aro precinct of Wellington, Dee’s Place is the kind of basement bar that rewards exploration. The moment you descend into its moody, low-lit depths, you’ll feel the difference: warm timber finishes, vintage rugs, candles flickering, vinyl blues playing in the background and shelves heavy with bottles of American whiskey and bourbon. What sets Dee’s Place apart is its serious whiskey pedigree. The team behind the bar are described as whiskey aficionados who curate an ever-changing selection of American whiskeys and bourbons. Cocktails here aren’t just the usual—there are inventive mixes like a fresh-apple-juice-and‐whiskey creation mentioned by patrons. The chalkboard behind the bar lists the daily spirits and specials; the bartenders enjoy building something for you based on taste rather than a fixed menu. The ambience is relaxed but refined — you don’t have to dress up overly, but it's not a dive either. The space is intimate, so the vibe leans toward thoughtful conversation, sipping, discovering rather than loud partying. On weekends, hours extend into the early morning, making it a great late-night stop after dinner or before heading elsewhere. In short: if you’re in Wellington and want to venture off the beaten path for a bar with character, excellent whiskey, and genuine service, Dee’s Place is one of the city’s best kept secrets.

Perched upstairs at 1/53 Courtenay Place in vibrant Te Aro, The Library Bar invites you into a world where literature, cocktails, and desserts collide in delightful harmony. Step through an unassuming doorway and discover a dimly lit lounge adorned with dark wooden shelves overflowing with books—perfect for wandering eyes and curious minds. The atmosphere is cosy and slightly mischievous, with cheeky cocktails themed around Lord of the Rings, Game of Thrones, and other beloved cultural touchstones—a playful wink for pop-culture buffs and fantasy lovers alike. The drink list is impressively vast (nearly 20 pages!), featuring single malt whiskies, rare wines, cognacs, and inventive original cocktails that surprise with complexity and creativity. Sweet-tooth wanderlust is well satisfied at The Library. Dive into decadent desserts like Earl Grey crème brûlée, chocolate truffle tart, bread-and-butter pudding, iced nougat terrine, or the legendary warm chocolate fondant. For an indulgent pairing, try their dessert tasting plate for two—a perfect match to a crafted cocktail. The Library also hosts live music nights—think jazz or literary-themed mystery evenings (e.g., “Only Murders in the Building”)—adding layers of intrigue and ambiance to your evening. Reviewers praise its “unsuspecting entrance” and the joy of stumbling upon a place where storytelling meets sipping; many revel in the midweek deals, particularly the frequent 2‑for‑1 Wednesdays and sweet specials. Whether you're seeking a cheeky date night, a dreamy solo escape, or a conversation starter with friends, The Library Bar in Wellington delivers an experience that's as cultured as it is convivial.

Tucked down 13 Pirie Street in Mount Victoria (just above central Wellington), Underworld Tavern is equal parts neighbourhood tavern and rock-friendly craft beer haven. Walk in and you’ll sense the vibe immediately: a warehouse-style bar, drinks heavy on craft brews and beers rather than just cocktails, a rooftop / glass-house style bar area for fresh air and views, and a crowd that spans beer enthusiasts, music lovers and locals on relaxed nights out. The drinks list is rich: plenty of NZ IPAs, hazy ales, stouts and rotating taps from regional breweries. On the food side, they’ve got serious burgers (brisket, fried-chicken) and smoked meats alongside vegetarian / vegan-friendly bites. Live music, board-games nights, cult movie screenings and a general sense of “come-as-you-are” energy also feature, making it more than your standard bar. In short: Underworld Tavern is a well-rounded venue for craft beer lovers, casual group nights, date nights with a bit of edge or simply hanging with good drinks in an unpretentious space with character.

The Welsh Dragon Bar in Wellington is a lively, welcoming pub that brings a taste of Welsh hospitality and pub culture to New Zealand’s capital. Located on Cambridge Terrace in the Mount Victoria/Te Aro area, it stands out for its authentic pub feel, friendly staff, and a mix of classic pub food and drinks with an international twist. Step inside and you'll find wood-rich interiors, Welsh memorabilia (dragon flags, rugby shirts, Welsh beer taps) and a relaxed yet spirited atmosphere. According to reviews, it’s described as “a little taste of Wales” with a “huge selection of Welsh beers and ciders available.” The bar menu does more than just drinks: you’ll find hearty mains like pub-steak, bangers & mash, Sunday roast (including vegetarian/vegan versions), and an emphasis on quality-comfort food. One guest called their steak “the best pub steak in Wellington.” As the evening deepens, the energy picks up: live music nights, sports on big screens, regular quiz nights and a beer garden for summer evenings add to the social vibe. While the ambience remains friendly for locals and visitors alike, by 7pm the crowd often shifts toward a more upbeat weekend-bar energy. Situated on Cambridge Terrace — part of Wellington’s vibrant Courtenay/Cambridge precinct — the pub is easy to access from the city centre and nightlife hubs. Whether you’re looking for an early-evening drink, dinner plus pints, or a full night out, The Welsh Dragon is flexible and fun.

Hawthorn Lounge is one of Wellington’s standout hidden gems in the cocktail world. Tucked upstairs at 2/82 Tory Street in the Te Aro district, this bar evokes the elegance of the 1920s while embracing modern mixology. From the moment you ascend to the lounge, you’re met with dark woods, plush seating, low lighting and a sense of escape from the bustle of the city—an atmosphere built for conversation, contemplation and refined drinking. Neat Places describes it as “harking back to the elegant decadence of the 1920s… a place where the art of mixed liquor is well practiced and refined to perfection.” The menu reflects that ambition: classic cocktails of the pre-Prohibition era share space with inventive originals. For example, one signature listed is the “Marilyn 53” (oyster-shell-infused gin, Laphroaig, chardonnay vinegar and white anchovy oil). At the same time, the team will customise something off-menu to match your flavour preferences, giving the space a truly bespoke feel. Service is a strong point—bartenders here act as guides, delivering not just drinks but stories, technique and an experience. The setting is well suited for date nights, casual luxury or bringing sophisticated friends along. As referenced on WellingtonNZ’s hidden-bars listing: “With a 1920s speakeasy or gentlemen’s-lounge vibe … walk through the un-marked doorway, climb the stairs and you’ll find a swanky spot where the bartenders really know their cocktails.” Because the lounge opens later (every Tue–Sat from 5pm until approx 3 am) and features a premium list with rare spirits, the price point sits in the “upper mid” tier for Wellington. Expect that the vibe is more lounge-and-cocktail than high-volume club. In short: if you’re looking for a refined, intimate night out with attention to detail and strong drinks, Hawthorn Lounge is a reliable choice.

Nestled at 60 Ghuznee Street in the Te Aro neighbourhood of Wellington, Puffin Wine Bar & Shop is a stylish and intimate destination for wine lovers. The entrance leads through a tiled corridor into a lounge space adorned with emerald velvet booths, brass accents, warm lighting and eclectic curiosities (including a stuffed puffin). What makes Puffin special is its unwavering focus on organic, biodynamic and minimal-intervention wines, sourced both locally and internationally. According to their website, the owners aim to bring wines that are “thoughtful” and often under-the-radar. The by-the-glass list rotates weekly, and the bottle list offers a large selection for enthusiasts looking to explore beyond the usual. Though wine is the central focus, the bar also offers a curated selection of beers, spirits and a small range of classic cocktails. Accompaniments come in the form of small plates: cheeses, charcuterie, olives and other salty, umami-rich nibbles designed to pair with the drinks. The vibe is relaxed but refined. One reviewer describes it as “a great wine bar hidden away … feels like I’d imagine a ‘speakeasy’ would be like.” The fact that bookings are not taken emphasises the walk-in, find-your-spot-and-linger ethos. The little shop element at Puffin allows guests to purchase bottles to take away—and even take upstairs (the venue is part of The Intrepid Hotel) to enjoy in a room if staying. The staff are attentive and knowledgable, happy to guide you through the list and offer recommendations. If you’re seeking a wine-bar outing in Wellington that prioritises quality, discovery, style and good conversation over loud music or chaotic crowds, Puffin Wine Bar & Shop delivers. Arrive early to secure a cosy booth, especially on weekends when the space fills up.

Hanging Ditch opened in late 2015 with a simple yet compelling mission: to give Wellingtonians quality drinks and excellent service in a laid-back, approachable atmosphere. Located in the quiet nest of Hannah’s Laneway / Leeds Street courtyard (Te Aro), it sits just off the main footpaths of central Wellington—making it a delightful find rather than a billboard destination. Walking in, what immediately stands out is the décor: a dimly lit space with leather couches, wooden furnishings, and overhead, a striking visual of dozens of liquor bottles suspended from hooks or cables above the bar. This hanging-bottle installation becomes a signature statement piece, playful and stylish at once. The bartenders lean into the craft – you’ll find cocktails that feel familiar yet inventive. One review mentions drinks like the “Cabin in the Woods” (rum, pistachio orgeat, lime) or a vodka/elderflower/peach combo called the “Respiration,” capturing the bar’s willingness to play with flavours. As for the mood: it’s relaxed though not passive. With comfy seating, good lighting, and a music selection that doesn’t overpower conversation, Hanging Ditch is ideal for date nights, catch-ups, or time spent with friends who appreciate a drink done right. The back courtyard location gives it a slightly hidden feel, adding to the appeal. The drinks programme is well regarded among Wellington’s cocktail scene and the service is applauded for being friendly and engaging—not aloof. One reviewer on Wanderlog described the experience as: “quirky and unique cocktail bar … beautifully decorated … spectacular hanging-bottle setup … great bartenders.” In short, Hanging Ditch is not about wild clubs or booming dance floors; it’s about craft, atmosphere and a bit of hidden-gem magic. It’s a place to slow down, savour your drink and savour the company.