Josh L.'s
Best special treats
- 113Slow Boat Records ShopTe AroThe demise of the "record" shop is truly a sad thing. For many, spending their lunch hour pursuing the shelves at their local independent store is a distant memory. Youtube and Spotify have, for better or worse, left us music geeks with a slender choice. Slow Boat, however, has weathered the corporate, electronic storm and is the place to pick up CDs, LPs and even posters in the capital. On the very rare occasion I actually purchase a hard CD, this is where I invariably head. A Cuba Street stalwart.
- 212El MatadorTe AroWellington’s own slice of Buenos Aires. The ambiance, the delicious wine, the tapas and, of course, the ungodly amount of meat available on the Parrillada (a meat sharing platter featuring no less than 6 different cuts of meat) make this restaurant one of my very favourites in the city. Fear not, however, if you’re not the carnivorous to the point of bursting type, as el Matador has one of the most exciting and unique tapas menus on offer. The vegetarian Empanadas are an absolute must, and who wouldn’t like the sound of broad beans with prosciutto, cos lettuce and cream?
- 35The Black SparrowMount VictoriaSurely the only place in the city where you can order a "Daisy Buchanan", a "Breakfast at Tiffanys" or a "Casino Royale" without being pointed in the direction of IMDB and your bed. Located below, yes you guessed it, the grandiose Embassy, the Black Sparrow is the perfect place to bookend a movie with an aperitif and a digestif. All the better if you happen to visit on a Tuesday, as 2 for 1 cocktails are all the rage after 5pm. Arguably some of the finest cocktails in the city.
- 412Nic Nac'sTe AroA collection of imported sweet, sugary goodies from all over the globe. Resisting the temptation to pop in here every time I pass by is difficult, especially since it happens to be most days. Feel like a toddler again as you scoop up 100 grams of lollies into your little bag. Taking a trip down sweet-toothed nostalgia alley is no bad thing once in a while (but just not every day!).
- 51Carlucci LandOwhiro BayLocated in the charmingly named Happy Valley, situated just past Island Bay, is Carlucci Land. I know what you're thinking but tired, cliched mini golf this certainly aint. Crafted in a scrap yard theme, the course is fun, well-designed and inexpensive. 18 courses are included for a reasonable $12 entrance fee. Perhaps in keeping with the suburb's name, an honesty box collects your pennies. Great fun.
Josh L.'s
Where to get your groove on
- 12You’ll have to forgive me here for my hazy recollection of my night at Alice, but I’m sure I won’t be alone in having indulged in one too many teapots here. As so many of the funkiest bars here are, Alice is hidden away down a nondescript alley, in this case Forresters Lane. A little taste of old Blighty, Alice has a quaint, English, Alice in Wonderland theme, with matching cocktails to boot. The Long Island Ice Tea looks so inoffensive and cute in that little teapot and served on a doily, but really should come with a disclaimer; massive hangover ahead.
- 24Good Luck BarTe AroOne of my favourite after-hours spots. Easy to miss, Good Luck is innocuously located but well worth the search party. Creative cocktails, a trendy clientele and an opium-den feel make this bar one of Wellington’s most unique.
- 31SandwichesMount CookAt a loose end this weekend? Tired of being turfed out of the usual Courtenay Place suspects at 3am on the weekend? Sandwiches, the home of techno, drum n bass and electronica, is closing its doors this weekend for the last time. Head on down and party till late, and I mean late, to say adieu to one of the best nights I've had in NZ.
- 45Motel BarTe AroLaying claim to being the darkest bar in Wellington is a bold claim indeed, but Motel might just take the crown. A hipster joint with bartenders who know their Manhattans from their Mint Juleps, the concoction of potent liquor and the ambience of the place should mean you’ll be here for more than just the one drink.
- 55Tequila Joe'sTe AroThe new kid on the block. Wellington can lay claim to a host of Mexican restaurants, yet the attention to detail shown by the staff here makes this little bar worth a visit. Pictured is the most detailed hot chocolate I have ever tasted. Awesome-tasting, themed cocktails (the frozen margarita is amazing!), sultry lighting and Tex-Mex style tapas cooked right before your eyes make this place a sure-fire hit to woo the night away. And if your date is going all pear-shaped, a measure or two of Tequilla should break the ice and set pulses racing...
Josh L.'s
An hour on Cuba St
- 113Pegasus BooksTe AroWellington's most authentic second-hand bookshop. Making your way around the maze-like shop is an experience in itself, with giant tombs and slender works of poetry, mostly alphabetised, stacked right to the ceiling. The quintessential literary classics are here, accompanied by a substantial NZ section and a fantastic, if somewhat small, poetry section, which features some really unusual works. Tucked away on Left Bank Arcade, finding a dusty old copy of a book you've been meaning to read and then propping yourself in a quiet corner of a Cuba Street cafe for an hour or so is a true delight.
- 212El MatadorTe AroWellington’s own slice of Buenos Aires. The ambiance, the delicious wine, the tapas and, of course, the ungodly amount of meat available on the Parrillada (a meat sharing platter featuring no less than 6 different cuts of meat) make this restaurant one of my very favourites in the city. Fear not, however, if you’re not the carnivorous to the point of bursting type, as el Matador has one of the most exciting and unique tapas menus on offer. The vegetarian Empanadas are an absolute must, and who wouldn’t like the sound of broad beans with prosciutto, cos lettuce and cream?
- 312Nic Nac'sTe AroA collection of imported sweet, sugary goodies from all over the globe. Resisting the temptation to pop in here every time I pass by is difficult, especially since it happens to be most days. Feel like a toddler again as you scoop up 100 grams of lollies into your little bag. Taking a trip down sweet-toothed nostalgia alley is no bad thing once in a while (but just not every day!).
- 413Slow Boat Records ShopTe AroThe demise of the "record" shop is truly a sad thing. For many, spending their lunch hour pursuing the shelves at their local independent store is a distant memory. Youtube and Spotify have, for better or worse, left us music geeks with a slender choice. Slow Boat, however, has weathered the corporate, electronic storm and is the place to pick up CDs, LPs and even posters in the capital. On the very rare occasion I actually purchase a hard CD, this is where I invariably head. A Cuba Street stalwart.
- 54Good Luck BarTe AroOne of my favourite after-hours spots. Easy to miss, Good Luck is innocuously located but well worth the search party. Creative cocktails, a trendy clientele and an opium-den feel make this bar one of Wellington’s most unique.
Josh L.'s
Cheap & cheerful dining
- 116Viva Mexico Te AroTe AroThe best quesadillas in town. Check out the funky decor, delicious food and enjoy the laid back feel with the obligatory Sol. If you have no time to soak in the Mexican beats, ask for takeaway.
- 232Chow ToryTe AroPeckish after 9 30? Restaurants closing, about to resort to generic, bland fast food? Chow is the answer. Located on Tory Street and open every night until midnight, this Asian Fusion, informal restaurant is a hit. Tapas style bites, flavoursome curries and salads bursting with fresh herbs are all on offer. 2 for 1 cocktails on Wednesdays and Saturdays only add to the allure. Take always also available if you wanna take the party home. The salt and pepper squid is sensational!
- 318Enigma CafeTe AroPerennially popular, Enigma ticks every box you'd want from a cafe. Funky decor, inexpensive yet impressive cabinet and menu food, delicious gelato and strong, tasty coffee. Add on the late night liquor license and you have yourselves an all-day winner. And the best part is that the (pictured) eggs benny will only set you back $13. And be sure to bring a dollar for the pinball machine.
- 46Phu Thai LannaTe AroThere is fierce competition when it comes to Thai restaurants in the capital. Off the top of my head I can think of 5 restaurants squabbling for own hard earned within 5 minutes walk in my particular part of town. Having frequented most of these, Phu Thai is the one I return to most often. Their Pad Thai is to die for, whilst the spring rolls are fresh, light and flavoursome. Housemates regularly come back with a takeaway, whilst BYO is also available. Perhaps more suitable for a group booking, as evidenced by the large groups dining away on weekends, yet weekdays are more intimate. Would definitely recommend taking your own plonk, however, as their drinks list is nothing to write home about.
- 525Mt Vic ChipperyMount VictoriaWho knew fish and chips could be so complex? Choose your fish (obviously), your chips (less obvious) and your batter (freakin’ awesome). The agria chips are sensational, whilst I’d recommend getting whichever fish you go for tempura-style. Definitely worth the extra dollar or two. No longer will we accept greasy fish and oily chips; like every other food genre, the humble old chippy has had to evolve to fit our needs and fads. Expect to see then, therefore, an ever-changing, seasonal menu reflective on what’s been caught that day. Even have your Akaroa salmon fillet grilled; how gourmet is that.
Josh L.'s
Action day out
- 11Carlucci LandOwhiro BayLocated in the charmingly named Happy Valley, situated just past Island Bay, is Carlucci Land. I know what you're thinking but tired, cliched mini golf this certainly aint. Crafted in a scrap yard theme, the course is fun, well-designed and inexpensive. 18 courses are included for a reasonable $12 entrance fee. Perhaps in keeping with the suburb's name, an honesty box collects your pennies. Great fun.
- 25The Enormous Crocodile CompanyWellington CentralSurely the most fun way to enjoy Wellington’s waterfront.
- 31Whilst Wellington's CBD is compact, diverse and culturally rich (ignore whatever John Key would have you believe), the most rewarding experience the capital can offer is, for me, not to be found in the bars or theatres of Cuba St, Lambton Quay or Courtenay Place. The lesser known Scorching Bay, Owhiro Bay and Seatoun are all worthy of exploration and thankfully all within 10 kms of the CBD, making Wellington ideal for day trips. The lovely fellows over at On Yer Bike can help you get out of that dull gym and onto the reasonably flat, bendy roads of the Miramar peninsula for just $20 per day. No guarantees about the Wellington weather can be made, but gazing out into the Cook Strait on a warm day from Owhiro Bay is truly memorable.
- 47Paintball CorpWellington CentralIndoor paintballing right in the heart of the city. Great way to spend a day with friends or colleagues. Reasonably priced, heaps of fun and, providing you can take the pain, game after game.
- 56Social Cooking WellingtonWellington CentralEncouraged by a friend and in spite of my skepticism about the concept and the price, I went along to Social Cooking late last year. However, the novelty of the idea in practice, as well as the enthusiasm and genuine passion of the staff, contributed to winning me over. Working in pairs, you are firstly given a demonstration of how to cook the dish (one of the dishes was Beef Wellington) and then set loose on your own. A novel, unusual but ultimately fun way to spend an evening with friends or colleagues. Keep an eye out for bargain deals.
Josh L.'s
Wellington in a nutshell
- 12The Nut StoreTe AroLiving just next door to this place last year, it's fair to say I got well acquainted with these nuts. Literally every different kind of nut you could list if you could be bothered. But not just that, for these guys are also specialists in spices and seeds. Must be seen to be believed.
- 245Sweet Mother's KitchenTe AroBelieve the nacho hype! Check out the sticky ribs as well, pricey but oh so worth it. A Courtenay Place icon with plenty of loyal punters make 'Sweet Mos' perpetually busy, be it serving early morning cups of Joe or late night jugs of margarita. No bookings so get in early, and pack the trilby and the tweed to blend in.
- 336Midnight EspressoWellington CentralPerhaps the hippest little cafe on Cuba, serving inexpensive gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian treats until (very!) late. As you might expect, the Havana coffee served here is amongst the best in town. There is a mind-boggling amount of choice here, if you're anything like me you'll need a good five minutes to take it all in. All day brunch is a winner, the vegan hash brown stack being an absolute high point, whilst you really should believe the nacho hype. Hipster and student friendly.
- 417Harbourside Market WellingtonWellington CentralWaterfront, Te Papa, Harbourside. How you moniker it is probably dependent on your age, length of time spent in Wellington and what your mates call it. What I think we can all agree on is how amazing this place is on a sunday morning. Economical veggies, amazingly filling rotis and the freshest fish in town. Great place to ease into what, chances are, will be a painful sunday morning.
- 59Caffe L'affareTe AroThe flagshack cafe of the ubiquitous brand Caffe L’affare. As one would expect, the coffee here is first-class, served in a spacious environment while the stream of people coming in and out of the door is almost a fixture. Perhaps avoid coming here mid-morning over the weekend, but pouring over their extensive magazine selection with a brew in hand on the tables outside on a good day is an inner city treat.