Good selection of beer

food and restaurant

Beer

over 40 beers on tap, food truck on site.

Great little place, near the trian station if you need

Great old pub feel. Worth a stop for any serious beer lover.

One of the best craft beer brands in NZ and a great bar to sit back and enjoy the Hallertau range.

Mission bay and beer do mix well! What better place to enjoy this mix than the Belgian Beer Cafe.

Enjoy a pot of lemmon grass mussels and a Leffe Brun and dine like a real Belgian.

Got to be my favourite bar in Auckland. The Lumsden has the best range of craft beers and a great atmosphere to enjoy them in.

A true freehouse with twelve beers on tap. Grab a tasting paddle and the staff will help you out with tasting notes.

Another Auckland gem serving real beer!

Another proper freehouse, love the spot on Vulcan Lane.

Another good spot for craft beer. Real vintage feel!

Servers Galbraiths along with a great meal!

Brothers Beer has such awesome decor that I’m happy to keep going back even though I’m not a big beer drinker. They make a mean pizza, and the avocado green lounge chairs and old toys give the impression you’ve travelled back in time a few decades. If you are into craft beer, Brothers is like the mothership, with heaps of new and interesting beers to try that they brew onsite.

I love the inside of this place. It’s almost like being in a crazy library, with the bookshelves, and the lamps hanging upside down from the ceiling. If you love Mac’s like I do, this is the perfect place to have a few drinks. Best to eat first though, as the food’s a bit pricy.

I’m really not into beer, but even I have to admit the Occidental’s cherry beer is delicious. For the beer connoisseur there are heaps of different brews to try, and there’s plenty for the non-beer drinkers as well. The atmosphere is great, with live music most nights, and patrons will often get up to dance later in the evening. Such a fun place!

Naming three ingredients and having the bartender whip up a custom cocktail especially for you beats ordering a drink off a menu any day. Atticus has really cool décor, the atmosphere is awesome and the bar staff are highly entertaining. If you’re a cocktail fan it’s a must on a night out.

Sale St is a great place for Friday night drinks. The atmosphere is great and I love sinking into their massive lounge chairs with a glass of wine and catching up on gossip with friends. It’s always a good night at Sale St!

This space has always been super boring...until Portland Public House moved in - now it's the coolest bar in Kingsland! I LOVE the outdoor area at the back! The staff are awesome, the food is delicious (especially the smoked fish!), and the live music scene is rad! Whoever started this place up must be super cool.  PS. the female bartender with the purple hair is lovely - she's my favorite! :)

This is the place to be if you love beer! …and paying $20 for a rack of ribs, fries, and a beer!! YUM!

One of the few real micro-breweries in Auckland - you can smell the delicious hops as soon as you walk in the door. The fish cakes are amazing!! 

Craft beer brewed on site. A wide variety of craft beers on tap. Gourmet pizza. All in a 1960's grungy warehouse. Nailed it, Brothers Brewery.

I can't get over how great this place is - it's got three really different and wonderful areas - outside at the front, the middle main chamber where the bar is, and a delightful back room perfect for a private party or function. The staff are very professional, and the beverage selection is great! The place has a wonderful atmosphere complemented by great decor - I absolutely love all the wood! Definitely a top choice if you're looking for a watering hole in Grey Lynn! 

The rooftop of Tyler Street Garage is the perfect place to kick back on a sunny Sunday afternoon and enjoy a couple of beers. DJs play laidback tunes and the views are great. If you’re hungry the sliders looked like they are a safe bet. I had the pizza which was tasty and the shoestring fries which were just right. 

Citizen Park is a large bar located in the heart of Kingsland. The menu has a diner vibe and the interior is a mix-match of industrial and kitsch. The bar's big pull is a massive courtyard which is ideal for the warmer months. I ordered a Double Brown which cost $8 and my compadre had an Export Gold which put him $11 out of pocket. A good addition to the Kingsland scene, but the beverages seem a tad expensive.

Brother Beer is a relatively new addition to the Shed 5 revamp. Located just around the corner from Ugly Bagel it is a ramshackle bar specialising in craft beers. We sampled a red ale and a Yeastie Boys wheat beer. Both were tasty and the accompanying toastie was also a good time. Definitely worth checking out!

The Golden Dawn is one of Ponsonby’s most popular bars. Something about the simple decor, the limited drinks menu and the uncomplicated but delicious food has captured the imagination of Auckland’s influencers. In the evenings it’s known to get pretty wild as bands and DJs change the vibe completely. Rumour has it that it’s not going to be around too much longer so try it out while it’s still here!

1885 Britomart plays host to some great live music events, including a new weekly night by the name of Music & People. The format is simple, each week a different local band will sit down and spin some yarns before playing a stripped back set. Later local djs and electronic artists will kick off an ‘after party of sorts’. This unique concept is coupled with great food and beverage specials. Defenitely worth a look.

A drive to Coatesville to lunch at Hallertau is the perfect way to spend a sunny Saturday. Partake in one of their fine beers, or alternatively I am partial to their cider, and order from the small but perfectly formed menu. It’s a sunny, bustling spot in the weekend so book ahead or arrive slightly before midday to secure a sunny table.

I love the Occidental for an impromptu re-fuelling stop while shopping around the High Street area. My favourite tipple is a Hoegaarden White paired with the mouth watering Belgian frites and homemade aioli. Adding the steamed mussels make a hearty meal if you feel like extending your stay. 

The Portland Public House is a bit of a nostalgia trip for me, back to Dunedin days, with its student flat style retro furniture and kitsch games decorating the walls. We went there for some heart-warming food and boy did we get it. First up was a serving of hand cut chips and maorioli - tom sauce and aioli. The chips were cooked to perfection, crisp on the outside with soft fluffy innards and served wrapped in paper. For the main event I had the vege dhal which was spicy and delicious, with toasted ciabatta. The bacon burger looked like a classic Kiwi burger with all the trimmings and by all accounts was also lip-smackingly good. Chased by a mulled wine, it was the perfect meal on a crisp winter evening.

The Golden Dawn is one of my favourite places to catch up with friends for a casual meal and a drink. The food is delicious and are shared plates and there is a great selection of beer and cider on tap. Inside the atmosphere is warm and intimate for smaller groups and outside there are large tables for more substantial gatherings. The staff are friendly and there is always good music playing.

Not only do they have superb boutique beers but Brothers Beer have seriously tasty pizza. Try the spicy prawn - very addictive and perfect chased with one of the in house brews.

Vultures Lane is perhaps my favourite bar in Auckland. The place appears to be an unassuming old school pub however behind the bar there's an impressive tap and bottle selection showcasing some of the very best craft beer in the world. There's even swappa bottles of Lion Red if you're that way inclined. The food menu is almost as impressive with interesting options like the duck taco (delicious) and the umami burger. The staff are a bunch of characters matched only by the patrons who are always an interesting bunch. Go here if you're after a delicious beer in a relaxed pub atmosphere, surrounded by a wide array of Auckland's more colourful characters - and/or a duck taco.

Brothers beer has the look of a quirky kiwi bach in the 70’s and a bottled beer selection to rival any bar in the world. There’s 18 taps which are always pouring something to tickle your fancy including Brother’s own delicious beers brewed in the on site microbrewery. Brother’s has an off license as well so you’re encouraged to stock up on ‘homework’ to help further your beer education when you leave the bar. The staff know their brews and the location in the City Works Depot is excellent so don’t miss the chance to go check this local legend out!

Golden Dawn has personality to spare. The front bar is a bit of a shoebox with conversations, laughter and chilled music blending together to create a vibrant atmosphere. The outside area is a different story with rustic benches and wine barrels scattered across an expansive courtyard adorned with fairy lights and vines. The beer selection is respectable while not overly daring, featuring local stalwarts such as Hallertau and Liberty (try the Hallertau breakfast pale ale). The food on offer is interesting, delicious and a little bizarre but definitely worth a try. This place is great for a rowdy Friday night, a casual catch up with a mate or even as a venue to impress that special someone with a bit of boozy romancing.

The Lumsden has the best outdoor area of any bar in Auckland and there is no better spot to grab a bevvy and a bite to eat when big yellow is out. The tap selection is decent with 12 options on offer as well as several more beers of all styles and origins available in the bottle. The menu offers classic pub fare with a bit of a fancy twist so don't make the mistake of not ordering the ribs. Inside the bar you'll find seats made out of swappa crates and chandeliers made out of beer bottles giving the spot a uniquely kiwi feel. Definitely worth a visit for the great beer selection and the awesome venue - not to be missed when the sun is shining!

It’s fair to say Brothers Beer are smashing it at the moment with their craft beer offerings and that's why I love this place. Come here and you can try a wide range of locally brewed beer and so much more. Brothers has 18 beers on tap and eight of those change weekly with the Brothers Beer varieties being brewed in front of you. When I visited they also had 310 bottled varieties. At the moment I’m told the Bach Brewing ‘Kingtide Pacific IPA’ is a must taste, along with anything by Panhead or Liberty breweries. The taps change so often because usually only one keg of each craft beer is ordered - but they’ve come up with a genius solution so you can monitor every drop of your favourite brew - an up-to-the-minute keg volume reader you can view on their website. 

The craft brew revolution is alive and well with another home in downtown Auckland. 16 Tun is a slick new sanctuary for beer lovers, cleverly crafted by brew aficionados Andrew Ranum and Matthew Kelly. Set smack-bang in the middle of the most picturesque view of the City of Sails - Wynyard Quarter - it’s the perfect spot for Aucklanders to pay homage to our region’s talented independent brewers. And with more than 30 of them throughout New Zealand, there aren’t nearly enough bars to cater specifically to their frothy and fabulous creations - enter: 16 Tun. As a freehouse, 16 Tun isn’t associated with any brewery so it’s the ultimate panacea for those with a refined craft brew palette. Seven ciders and 52 beers, eight of those on tap available for between three and six-months, with two more bi-weekly rotating taps. So, rest assured, with every visit there’ll something new! And it’s not just a boys’ zone either, ladies - this suave, beer imbibing establishment puts everybody’s tastebuds at the forefront of its hospitality experience. Plus, I love the fact that the kitchen smashes out incredible Kiwi fare showcasing real New Zealand flavours. There’s Ruakaka Paua Fritters and Alpine Origin merino lamb, as well as all-important Kumara Fries and my favourite - the fish sliders. If you are really hungry you can opt for a full tun meal over a half tun. Clever, clever, clever!

Since 1995, Galbraiths has been one of the most respected breweries in the country. ‘Beer purist’ and pub owner, Keith Galbraith, is well renowned for his fine cask-conditioned ‘real ales’ and European inspired lagers, which are all brewed on site and have educated and satisfied many Kiwi patrons. There’s always around 14 of Galbraiths own on tap/hand pump, plus five rotating guest beers of which at least one changes weekly, as well as the recent addition of one or two gravity fed kegs on the bar. Of course, there’s around 60 additional varieties available by the bottle also. For the last month there’s been a bit of hype around their new Czech Style Pilsner and New American Pale Ale which are well worth a swig. Every Sunday from now and through summer, Galbraiths beer garden and BBQ area will host live jazz which is more than ideal for getting into one of their tasting racks, or a long Sunday lunch with ya pals. Cheers!

Vulture’s Lane is another brilliant freehouse showcasing an impressive range of Kiwi and international craft beer. The bar has moved away from its infamous Irish pub atmosphere (formerly known as O’Carroll’s) to stock around 100 beers, with around 20 of those on tap. For true fans of the Vulture’s beverage list, every visit is as exciting as the last with a new beer taking over a guest tap every day. Three things are consistent there however - the three managers complete passion for craft beer; the Leigh Sawmill Pilsner always on tap; and the most unbelievably cheap daily meal deals I’ve ever seen (e.g. quality hot dogs on Mondays for $1 and free hot wings on Fridays, to name a few!) Again, keep an eye on their World Wide Web pages for events, such as their IPA night this Friday (October 17th).

Hallertau have been making waves out west in the brewery scene for some time now. Whether you’re there as a loyal fan of one (or all) of their four all-year-round- beers, one-off special brews, or bi-monthly seasonal releases, the establishment always offers sud-lovers pure satisfaction. Recently it’s been the last seasonal release, the ‘Ordained Red IPA’, that’s been bringing in the punters, as well as their one-off Belgian Witbier with grapefruit made for Masu Japanese Restaurant. Stay in the loop with these guys for their spring release next month in the form of a crisp New Zealand Pilsner. The team run brewery tours every Saturday at 11am and 3:30pm, or if you’ve got the kids and you’re hungry, the staff are all well clued-up and can assist as you taste your way through the selection in their family friendly restaurant. Take note: Hallertau’s spring menu is being released today (15/10/14)!

With their cute kitchy design (featuring pages from comic books) Brothers is the perfect environment to test some of the 18 beers on tap or experience some of their bottled craft beers from around the globe.

Stop in to Lumsden Freehouse in Newmarket for your craft beer fix. Their great outdoor area is perfect for enjoying a Tuatara, Epic or even a Renaissance Stonecutter.

O’Carroll’s is a freehouse meaning it has no affiliation with one particular brewery but they do have ‘tap takeovers’ from different craft breweries around NZ. The friendly staff and dark wood and stone aesthetic make for a very enjoyable evening.

A delightful wee spot on Princes Wharf. The perfect place to watch the game while enjoying a fine selection of craft beer. Whether it’s a Moa, Yeastie Boys or Hallertau - you’ll find something to wrap your laughing gear around in Andrew Andrew.

Located in Browns Bay, Deep Creek Bay brew onsite. Their selection is vast - I recommend giving their IPA - pontoon in a monsoon - a try! Open 11am to 11pm, 7 days.

In an excellent location perched at the top of College Hill, Three Lamps Bar & Eatery is by far and away the best craft beer spot in Ponsonby. With a great selection of over 100 beers from across the World in bottles, plus a selection of Emerson’s favorites and their own Three Lamps brews on tap, there’s something for every taste. I’d recommend having a go at their own brand pilsner - it’s refreshing with a traditional hoppy bite. On the food side, it’s quality bistro fare here, with a menu that matches the beer list well. I’d recommend trying a few plates of mixed sliders with a group of mates.

A must stop venue on any craft beer trip, great pizzas too. Hip location in City Works Depot near Food Truck Garage.

A great place for traditionally brewed beer, they have a great selection of quality ales. They have their own microbrewery on site - try the awesome chocolatey stout. Food is decent quality pub fare with large sized portions. Great for a pub lunch, or for a pre-rugby pint (it's not too far to Eden Park).

The best craft beer haunt in Newmarket, and one of the best in Auckland. With an ever-changing list of beers on tap and in bottles, The Lumsden should be on every beer-lover's list. They run regular quizzes, and have a games night on Mondays. Food is quality pub fare (try the Meatlovers Antipasto Platter or the thermo-nuclear hot chicken wings). You'll need a pint or two to cool you down! But the absolutely best thing about the Lumsden is the 3-hour Happy Hour, every day from 4-7pm. Just right for after-work drinks :-)

One of Auckland's best craft beer bars, always a good selection on tap and in the bottle. Usually have at least one beer from Epic on tap - try the Zythos if you can get it, or Hop Zombie for bucket loads more hops. Good location, right in the CBD, I've often ended up here at some point on a night out. Friendly staff, a good choice for after-work drinks.

I absolutely adore The Gypsy. Whether you are a Ponsonby socialite or a Grey Lynn local, this place is great for starting at for a good night out. The Gypsy has all the top shelf liquors and also skilled bartenders for a good cocktail. The wine list is extensive with a good apple cider on tap also, so don't be shy to give it a try.

Fantastic for a drink with the boys or for a vino with the girls wether you love sport or dont this place is perfect with a big screen and warm outdoor fire I call this place the perfect meeting place for catching up with friends or to start for a good night out

This spot is the perfect place to start a night out if in a Large group I suggest ordering a jug of Sangria Blood orange it goes a long way and taste’s great. If you are not a fan there is a large choice of alcohol to choose from.

I am a massive Macs Hop Rocker fan a good pilsner is like finding a needle in a hay stack. I never pass up the chance for a pint of hop rocker for all you beer lovers this is your haven.

I love the cherry beer here it is the reason I like going to this place and selection of different drinks to choose from make it very easy to leave here feeling a bit light headed but the food you order also is good I ordered the mussels in a broth which was served to me in hot pot they were delicious and also the kalamari, chips and salad you cant go wrong.