It’s only a few months until I turn 30…which means I will need plenty of Wellington pubs in which to drown my sorrows.
In all seriousness, Wellington is packed with some of the best bars in the Southern Hemisphere. Over the years I’ve lived in the city, the faces of bar owners have changed as people come and go. However, some places have stood the test of time, while other new bars have opened. Right now there are some really great establishments to get a drink, whether its a casual wine after work, or something a bit more substantial.
To help those who come to Wellington in search of a decent watering hole, I’ve compiled my favourite 30 place in Wellington to go and have a drink with your friends. I’m going to tell you what they serve, what the vibe is and how much you can expect to spend.
Goldings Freedive - The classic free-house where you can get a cleansing craft beer. Golding’s rotates its beers regularly which means that you’ll never get bored. It can get busy in here, so make sure you avoid peak times, like Friday’s after work if you want to get a table. They also serve beer from Pizza Pomodoro which you can enjoy while you drink. The vibe is eclectic garage man-den, although it is very friendly for women and also welcomes pooches.
Spend? $$
Poquito - Black Seed Barnaby Weir’s family are behind this eatery and bar. Expect great cocktails and interesting spirits with a South American twist. The food is Spanish/South American inspired and high quality. Come here is you want a cosy vibe akin to being invited a friend’s stylish, narrow home.
Spend? $$
Hanging Ditch - With bottles hanging from the ceiling, the Hanging Ditch has an interesting array of cocktails you won’t find anywhere else. Ask the bar tenders to make you something special and plonk into the brown leather couch. This is a great date spot for a second or third date, or for the first drink of the evening with your girlfriend.
Spend? $$$
Hashigo Zake - This is one of the original craft beer bars in Wellington and is popular with blokes. You walk down a small staircase and underneath Pico Restaurant (formerly Zibbibo). While not the nicest place to be trapped in an earthquake, for guys looking to try the best craft beer after work, this is an excellent spot to get lost in.
Spend? $$
Crumpet - If you like the 1920’s or 1930’s, you’ll love prohibition themed Crumpet Bar. Serving boutiquey crumpets and smooth classic cocktails, you can pop in before a show at neighbouring Opera House. Perfect for a celebratory drink or if you are having a girls night.
Spend? $$
Dirty Little Secret Bar - Like to party while looking out across the bright lights of the city? Look no further than this roof-top bar on a Friday night. You need to be let in by a doorman up a lift to get in, which adds an air of exclusivity. Once you’re up the top, there’s plenty of room for boogie and plenty of choice when it comes to drinks. The cocktails are nothing to write home about, so stick to wine and beer.
Spend? $$
R Bar - I recently discovered this pirate themed bar which has been on Cuba Street for four years. It has to be seen to be believed and is something of a hydrid between ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ ride and a friends themed party. Expect pirate themed drinks like ‘Dark and Stormy’ and ‘Yo-ho-ho-mojito’.
Spend? $$
Hawthorn Lounge - The best and longest serving cocktail in Wellington, and with good reason. This establishment was started by the McKenzie brothers and is known for its sultry lounge vibes. You will find the best cocktails in Wellington here. Expect live music, card playing and a roaring fire in Winter.
Spend? $$$
Fortune Favours Craft Beer Bar - This recently established craft beer bar is a part of the usually dull Wellington Hospitality Group (50% owned) but has managed to retain is character thanks to craft beer founder Shannon. A great place to a Saturday afternoon brew, it accepts dogs and has delicious platters. Conveniently located on Leeds Street there’s a lovely airy vibe and attractive decor to keep you here well into the night. Try ‘The Wellingtonian’ beer.
Spend: $$
Noble Rot Wine Bar - If you want the best service over a bottle of plonk in Wellington, you must come to Noble Rot Wine Bar. Owners Josh and Maciej have created a fabulous experience that is all about the presentation and provenance of the wines that they serve. You can even order a $2500 wine from their secret cellar if that’s in your budget. You won’t be disappointed by this unpretentious, yet very experienced, wine bar.
Husk - For a more relaxed craft beer experience, go to husk. With delicious deep fried fare and a wide selection of everything from stout’s to ales, Husk is the perfect place to meet on a Sunday for a quick pint.
Spend: $$
Rogue and Vagabond - A fun bar with a large stage in Cuba Street Precinct, Rogue and Vagabond is heaving in Summer due to being located just behind an inner city park. Grab a beanbag and park up for the afternoon. You’ll have a great experience people spotting as the world walks by.
Spend: $
Laundry Bar - Saturday goes off at Laundry Bar, one of the last remaining true party bars on Cuba Street. On a Saturday, this is where you’ll find the hip young set, drinking, smoking and dancing. It also has excellent vegan food. A good time and well worth the walk up Cuba Street.
Spend: $-$$
Havana Bar - This classic Wellington institution is also popular on the weekends. Cuban themed drinks and music dominate this indoor/outdoor bar which doesn’t feel at all stale despite having been open for twenty years. Make sure you grab a table out the back and ask the waiter for a Rum.
Spend: $$$
Chow Tory Street - Chow has excellent 2-4-1 cocktail specials on Wednesdays. Almost every Wellington young woman started out drinking ‘Rosebuds’ as a yo-pro, a sweet twist on a Cosmo. Chow has a fun asian-fusion vibe which is perfect for group dinners, especially on 2-4-1 Monday’s which remain popular almost 15 years after their origins. Bring a group of friends for the start of an excellent night.
Spend: $$-$$$
Lulu - Lulu is a classic spot for when you feel like you’re almost ready to head for a dance, but aren’t quite there yet. With a spacious garden area at the back of the bar, you’ll find concrete heated seats and an expansive drinks menu. It can be popular so if you’d like a seat on the weekend, get in early.
Spend: $$-$$$
Basque - A great craft beer bar run by three female friends (they also have LBQ and Bebemos). Basque brings Latin inspired vibes and a great selection of craft beers. The roof-top bar can be windy but on a perfectly still day, you can’t beat the location and the sunshine.
Spend: $-$$
The Malthouse - This is the grand-daddy of Craft Beer in Wellington. The original and the most established, the Malthouse brought up craft beer in Wellington. Their expert knowledge is second to none and it is conveniently located in the heart of Courtenay Place. While you won’t find fancy food, you will get to talk to some of the best beer experts in New Zealand.
Spend $-$$$
The Black Sparrow Bar - Under the Embassy Cinema, this bar has incredible interior decor and is the perfect spot to grab a wine before or after a film. Art decor inspired chairs and alcoves will get you in the mood for a night with the ladies.
Spend: $$
Ascot Bar - Ascot is a great spot to wander up to on a warm Wellington afternoon and enjoy a cool rose. Located in a historically gorgeous building just off Cuba Street, its the new cool-kid on the block and a great place to go if you prefer to stay around Cuba Street.
Spend: $$
Forresters Lane - Forresters Lane presents cocktails in an inclusive and friendly environment. They’re focused on using great produce and spirits, and incorporating more unusual flavours when appropriate. Make sure you ask for Laura Walker to pour your cocktail - an incredible bar tender and cocktail expert, her drinks aren’t to be missed.
Spend: $$$
LBQ - Little Beer Quarter is a favourite haunt of Wellingtonians. It isn’t hard to see why. With big, generous platters, quirky, eclectic interior decoration and amazing craft beers on tap, guys and girls will fall in love with this delightful spot on Edward Street. A great weekend afternoon bar.
Spend: $-$$
Meow - Mainly known for hosting indie gigs, Meow is also a great place to park up for a wine on a Saturday, either before you head into the abyss or just to stay at all night long. Its 60’s theme is cute and quirky while it frequently hosts some of the best local acts in Wellington.
Spend: $-$$
The Thistle Inn - The oldest pub in Wellington is still going strong, lead by the general manager Richard. The Thistle Inn is always coming up with new ways to re-invent itself in a traditional setting. Whether it’s an afternoon beer with the civil servants of the city, or a romantic dinner, or a 30th birthday, The Thistle Inn is a fabulous place to explore.
Spend: $$-$$$
The Sprig & Fern - Nelson based brewery Sprig & Fern has many excellent bars in Wellington, serving up great snacks and delicious ale in excellent locations. Try the Tasman Ale - a personal favourite. I love Sprig & Fern and how it has a gentle, non-blokey vibe to its amazing beers.
Spend: $$
Moon 1 Bar - For a fun, crazy night in Newtown with great music, beer and party vibes, you need to try Moon Bar. Inside, it may look like a dilapidated pinball arcade, but its retro vibes with quirky locals serving works a charm. The new ‘Mighty Mighty’ for many, artists, creatives and eccentrics will enjoy Moon the most.
Spend: $-$$
Caroline - Gigs are often playing at Caroline which has taken up the mantle for live music in Wellington (alongside Meow of course). This bar has an arty, bohemian feel and hosts both experienced and up-and-coming musicians. Come here with the gang for a big night of dancing and drinks.
Spend: $-$$
Third Eye Brewery - Perfect for a quiet pint, Third Eye Brewery is the flagship of popular brew, Tuatara. You can find a cost spot, order some curly fries and try all the Tuatara beers at your leisure. It also often hosts great musicians like Jazz artist Myele Manzanza.
Spend: $$
CGR Merchants - Another excellent cocktail bar for those who prefer Courtenay Place. You’ll love the seafaring vibes and incredibly smooth and innovative drinks.
Spend: $$$
The Arborist - Those perfect Wellington days all feel worth it when you’ve got a beer in hand and you’re sitting on the top of the world at the Arborist. With great tasting ales, largers and wines a plenty, this is one worth the wait for.
Spend: $$
