Hashigo Zake

There's some stiff competition for the title of "best craft bar" in Wellington but I reckon Hashigo Zake stands head and shoulders above the rest. The entrance is down a brick alley off the busy Taranaki Street and leads down to set of stairs to a dimly lit basement characterised by brick walls and shabby dark wood furniture. It's kind of like a mix between a homely British pub and a Japanese sake bar down here with all the leather seating and Asian inspired furnishings and screens. The beer selection is extensive and includes some out of it brews like an 18% stout by Mikkeller and several others from all over U.S.A, New Zealand and Europe. The staff really know their stuff and love to have a yarn so if you're at a loss picking something to drink , or just fancy a chat they're always happy to help. Plus the food is pretty top notch - give the kimchi pork pie a whirl next time you're around - it's a bit weird but super tasty!

Wellingtons great craft beer bar, constant rotating taps and a fantastic staffing unit with all the knowledge to let you make the right decision. Down in a basement of Taranaki Street, it’s a bastion of the craft beer scene and a place that any craft beer loving geek should put on the regular places to drink list.

Wellingtons premier craft beer bar is something that you should take notice of, with plenty of rotating beers from across the country. Service and knowledge is exemplary and its definitely a place that deserves a visit if you are a fan of beer.

One of the best craft beer pubs in Wellington. Nice collection of beer, knowledgeable staff and they have live music sometimes too! #shoutme

Great Beer!!!

This Asian themed underground craft beer bar is one of the best. A great range of beer, tasty food and a relaxed environment. Good times a plenty are to be had at Hashigo.

Beer heaven in an underground den. Beers are rotated so often it’s hard to keep up with what’s on tap! Makes for a great beer tasting experience

You’re drinking craft beer with friends (perhaps friends you met on the internet, maybe even twitter). Next thing you know, you’re hungry (it’s seven pm after work, you’ve also neglected the gym; damn). Luckily, Hashigo Zake has octopus dumplings, pan-fried pork and vegetable dumplings, noodles, pies and more. Some of it seems a bit weird, but you’re tipsy so you don’t care. Turns out it tastes delicious as well!

If I drank beer, I would def drink a lot of it here. Regardless, this basement bar is a cool place to grab a drink (whether or not it had alcohol in it). With the wide selection of craft beer and conspiratorially low ceilings you’ll feel the epitome of cool grabbing a drink down here.

I’m not overstating things here, Hashigo Zake have ALL OF THE TYPES OF BEER. Even better, they’re located in a cool Asian themed basement and have great bar food options on the side.