Eclectic on the inside, the Honey Badger is a great place for a long lunch or after work escape…read more They've got a variety of really really good burgers on offer, with vegetarian and vegan options too. Best of all, they are the only place in Wellington that offers authentic tater tots as a side. Nothing pairs better than one of their cocktails on tap, with the El Diablo being a crowd favourite in my camp. A cold beer or cider is fine too! Great atmosphere, great food and drinks, and friendly staff keep me coming back!

Visiting from California and I gotta say this is the most aesthetically pleasing bar I've been to…read morein New Zealand. The service is great, drinks are amazing. Definitely stop in!

Took a bit of finding as it's upstairs in a nondescript office building via a staircase that feels…read morelike the emergency exit and a blank door leading to an amazing, down at heel speakeasy joint. Booths and tables scattered around the room so we planted ourselves strategically to watch the world and listen to the fabulous jazzy music which, apparently was a playlist compiled by one of the team but not to be shared with mere plebes like us. It was only 6 in the evening and still bright and this is most definitely a place that needs to be experienced after dark. A pity our time in Welly didn't allow a repeat visit. Oh yes, the cocktails were amazing so just as well we had a dinner date elsewhere or I would have been poured into the street at an ungodly hour. Would love to be back. After dark. Recommended

This is one of the neatest themed bars I've been to, and from how packed it was, it's apparent that…read moreeveryone else is in agreement. We were here on a weekend night and waiting to get into the adjacent restaurant. Hooowww convenient that right next to the tiny cramped waiting room there happens to be this awesome lounge. Well played. We were joined by mobs of other hungry waitlisters as well as many others just there and craving a little study juice. The bar is adorably designed to look like a library with the cutest nerds demonstrating their well studied mixology and putting together some elegantly designed cocktails. The theme is brought to life with walls of books cutting into the space and creating perfect little study nooks. Tables and chairs line the sides and are tucked away here and there in the rooms. The long bar was pretty packed but also had seating. Drink menus were worth a study session for sure and prices comparable to the Wellington area. With clever beverage names like Whiskey Business, The Sipster, and Netflix & Chill you're bound to find something as tantalizing as the geek with glasses mixing your drink. Whether your jam is alcohol pyrotechnics, drinking your beverage from a chemistry flask, or enjoying a saucy little shake and toss, these bartenders both brew up fantastic concoctions while putting on a show. As much of the rest of NZ is, I found their knowledge, attention to, and tolerance of gluten allergy to be far beyond anywhere in The States. I prompted the very busy geek with taped glasses about a few of the unfamiliar syrups and like any good student, what he didn't know he looked up for me before recommending a drink. If saffron and vanilla meringue, popcorn infused rum, and marshmallow and malt biscuit crumble don't sound like deliciously epicurious combinations to you, then good, stay home, and let me have the lounge to myself for a much needed libation study session.

If you looking for a trendy bar with tall Russian hot chicks (which incidentally I love ). This is…read morenot the bar for you. If you want a good traditional pub like pubs used to be. Where you can come in on your own and have many friends (most of them tipsy) when you leave then go no further. Basic style but a heart of a Dragon. In winter you have a nice fire to keep you warm. Dart board to play with random strangers and pool table out back. There is a bet garden aka smoking area as well The food is good old fashioned pub food. The reason why I keep coming back. Is the staff are super friendly introduce you to the locals and make you feel like a local within a few minutes Enjoy Welsh hospitality if you are not a snob you will love this place.

Whenever we're in Wellington, we head straight for the Welsh Dragon. Mike and Joanne have created a…read morefantastic atmosphere. Phil W. pegged it in his review. When you go in, there's usually someone you recognize from the day or week before and the conversation picks up right where it left off. It's like all the really nice people in Wellington decided to hang out at this place, although, this is a really friendly city to begin with. The last time we were in town, the wife and I renewed our vows here, after about 40 years I guess it was time. Mike and Joanne were so sweet. They cleared out the back room, moved the pool table and filled the room with flowers and wedding decorations. It was beautiful. We still have one of the heart shaped doilies glued to our refrigerator at home. The food was great and there were tons of snacks. There was about 25 of us back there partying all night but Ross kept those drinks coming like an assembly line. That same night, Prince Harry was in town watching a rugby match at the Cake Tin. We were hoping he'd stop in after the match but no such luck. We thought we saw him a couple of times but it was just Mike with that silly Prince Harry mask, LOL, Hilarious. Mike's a funny guy and knows how to keep the party going. One day we were sitting and talking for a while when one of the customers, after hearing our accent, got up, walked over to the piano and played the Star Spangled Banner ( U.S. National Anthem ). Everyone in the bar stood up while we sang. How cool is that? This is a great place to sit and watch a game and make friends. It does help if you know the rules of rugby and cricket but if you don't, there'll be someone there that will gladly explain them. I love the entertainment they have. Usually local talent on the piano or guitar. The Quiz Nights are a blast too. This place would do great in Long Beach. Check out the pictures on their website and you'll get a good idea of the vibe. Have fun.

@wellyonaplate I would definitely recommend this restaurant for the great fare, ambience and…read morefriendly service of Drew and Eddie, fantastic!

I have eaten here twice just to make sure that the first time wasn't a fluke. Unbelievable quality.read more

Malthouse is one of the best beer bars in Wellington, a city already known for great beer. It has a…read moremixed modern and contemporary vibe, it's cozy and fun. Tables and booth seating are along the left wall, with a large bar taking up the right. They have a great tap list of local/NZ beer, plus cans/bottles, and food. The night I planned to come in I was running a little late, but even though it was close to closing, they let me in and were welcoming. I also had such a fun time meeting brewers from Australia in town for Beervana; it was a friendly place. The bartenders were great, glassware clean, and I definitely would've been back if I had more time.

Something off center has happened in the craft beer scene. I'm not sure if it's the surprising…read moreAmerican influence, or the cultural melting pot that is NZ, but NZ has been turning heads and creating quite a frenzy in the craft beer world. I even dare to say, the beer here is better than Aus. Maybe that's too bold a statement, but I'm standing by it. Malthouse is the craft beer haven epicenter of Wellington. With over 150 national and international beers, this beer bar hosts the largest range of beer in NZ. A full tap range, staple beers and rotating ones all keep this beer bar "in the know" with its ever changing selection. Behind the row of taps, is "Malty's Wall" with fridges keeping beers cooled at the right temp, ready for tasting and consuming. Many of NZ beers come from small boutique breweries, which make them harder to find outside of NZ, but Malthouse hosts a great focus on local breweries. The menu is a beer bible. I've never seen one like it. It's leather bound and very extensive, filled with beer choices and all the information to accompany such a vast beer bar. Seating is cozy with both indoor and outdoor options. High tables, bar seats, lounge tables as well. With food options, they've got the perfect munchies which compliment beer. Try their famous Ugly Bread. Or the pizza. I'm a strong believer of great beer bars having pizza. It's something about cheesy tomato bread that goes so well with beer. All in all, this place is hands down, great.

Had the pork tacos. Perfect spice and ample meat make for a nice dish. The ambiance is bar all the…read moreway. Pounding music, ample brews with outdoor seating available.

Very nice atmosphere with a ton of seating outside to overlook the harbor, or inside to watch the…read moregame. The beer was good, but it was hard to get service. It was easier to just order at the bar, even though the waitstaff said they would take care of it & then not show up for 30mins.

This bar is incredible. My husband and I came here in February 2019, and actually passed the bar…read morethe first time around because the sign is inconspicuous and hard to see at night. It has a true speak-easy feel, and the decor inside is perfect for a 1920s bar. I ordered the Birth of Venus, and it was one of the best drinks I've ever had. This bar reminds me so much of Hemingway's in Prague. I highly recommend it!

Never Going Back We ordered drinks through one of the bar…read morestaff. I was approached by another bar staff member who asked me a couple of questions about my evening. She then stated that my partner was intoxicated and that unless she could answer questions about her evening we would have to leave. At no point did the staff member speak to my partner and instead addressed the questions to me, ignoring the person who the allegations were against. We were quite stunned and duly left left the bar immediately. Really disappointed in the appalling service we received. Having spent a reasonable amount of time and subsequent money at this bar over the years we are both stunned and appalled at the service and discrimination for not dealing withe the person the allegations were against (for the record she was not intoxicated. )

A very fun venue to try different cuisine while in New Zealand . My new friends and I loved almost…read moreeverything we tried. Our favorite choices were the fresh ceviche, and the beetroot salad. It was fun to share the patatas which had a generous splash of paprika. We also enjoyed the chicken wings covered in a cola glaze. Our only criticism was the dessert where the pavlova was a hard meringue. I wouldn't order the coffee either.Finn was a friendly waiter.

The vibes here are sooo good! What a cool spot to come for a drink and feel transported to Havana…read more There are so many unique seating options here - I love the side-by-side cottages, with lots of outdoor and semi-outdoor seating. The decor is so impressive and adds to the experience. We didn't order food here so can't speak to the menu, but we each got a cocktail here and and enjoyed their traditional and specialty options. This is a cute spot to come enjoy a cocktail and unique decor!

Hanging Ditch is seriously one of my favorite spots in Wellington now. The bar location is somewhat…read morehidden away from everything which makes it alluring as well. I didn't know what to expect, but it's got cool chill vibes. It's the type of bar you'd go to, to catch up with mates over drinks. I loved the decor and the furniture and OF COURSE the drinks hanging over the bar. In case the pictures already posted don't give it away - they hang their liquor from the ceiling. It's so clever and fun - we couldn't stop watching the bartender make our drinks. Which by the way were amazing! These guys know their stuff. Highly recommend if you're keen for a chill, comfortable night with some mates.

Amazing amazing amazing cocktail bar recommended by a friend (thank you!). My foamy drink was well…read morebalanced with tequila, sparkling wine and raspberry. Other smoky drinks from smoke gun, fresh herbs and juice, all are work of art and worth coming to. The vibe is cozy and laid back. Wish we have more cocktail bars like this in San Fran. Highly recommend.

Chinesse Opium style den down a flight of stairs makes a very cool (and hot) dance bar with a…read moresquare bar placed in the middle where you are served from all sides. They make great cocktails and are always trying to differ themselves from the rest of typical wellington bars