On one of my birthday night celebrations I ended up at The Pony Club. I did not even know it was…read morethere as it is hidden between a strip club and an adult massage place. Take care not to use the wrong entrance if you do decide to go to Pony. Upon our arrival the club was pretty empty but my group of 15 friends and I made a party out of it. We danced everywhere, dropped it low and picked it right up in every corner of the club. I loved the fact that it was empty because it meant that we had a larger dance floor and it made it seem like we had hired the club for a private party. The club has space and has these awesome seats/booths along the sides of the room, they are perfect for getting cosy with a loved one or someone you want to get to know. They are always a perfect place to sit when a group decides to take shots. The set up of the room is fantastic as the bar is the first thing you see when you get there so you sort of get a drink then hit the floor. Plus the DJ is amazing, he did not mind the countless requests from my group and even played some Afro (African) tunes, where he got them I don't know.

This is a great little escape.. Shouldn't be publicizing this.. However.. Hidden gem that is soon…read moreto have a hidden gem... Great service.. Awesome cocktails,.. And the best was the off the normal route location.. Yet in the middle of the city... Well done.. Look forward to returning..

If you are looking for that sultry, sophisticated, but cool cocktail and wine lounge; then look no…read morefurther than Tabac Bar. Built into a heritage building, but hidden down Mills Lane adjacent to Albert Street. Perhaps you have seen the spiral iron staircase off Queen Street this will lead you up to Tabac. Exquisite selection of perfect cocktails, great wine and champagne, this is not your pub or club hangout although they do serve a fine collection of beer should you prefer this beverage. Does draw a stylish crowd and the musicians and DJ's that frequent the bar are the best in the scene.

Basically Cowboys is the bar you go to for a fun time, it's themed and dressed up in a western…read morefashion, and the bar staff are friendly and humorous as well. They do play quite cheesy music over the tv's as video clips from the past I remember which seemed quite entertaining at the time. Your bound to see a few hens nights or stag do's if your hanging about on the weekend, which adds more craziness to the air. Super tough bouncers working the doors, but they help to make all run smoothly, especially when your in bar central: the viaduct. I liked the horse saddles you can jump onto at the bar, and I've definitely been up on that bar once or twice. Great fun, and always a good time.

One word to describe a night out at cowboys is "Fun". This bar is simply crazy, and the people who…read morefrequent this small Viaduct drinking hole is far removed from the upmarket and well dressed people who normally wine and dine at Auckland's premier harbour. At this tight fitting bar, there is no showing off and definitely no snootiness. We drank, sang out loud and had fun with new friends. The music was lively, bouncers were friendly and staff looked like they were enjoying themselves too. Maybe Cowboys is not for younger patrons, but if they're happy to have old school fun, they are more than welcome.

A cute little bar just off K' Rd......and I mean LITTLE! When we visited on a Friday night it was…read morecomfortably full with a chilled crowd of people chatting & lounging on the squishy sofa chairs. The music was funky, and the low red lighting made everyone look like an extra in a music video! Great espresso martinis, friendly bar staff & a place you can actually hear yourself think over the music: not a bad little find.

Tiny bar but it packs a punch…read more Awesome cocktails and they almost take it as a challenge to come up with something different and a cut above the rest. Nice place to chill out for a few drinks to start or end a night out.

Whenever we're out in Ponsonby, we always end up going to PSC. I'm not even sure why, it's not…read moreparticularly great. In fact, it's always packed and a nightmare to get to the bathrooms, which are at the very back of the bar. It's saving grace is the music. It's largely hip hop and RnB but think old school classics as opposed to Chris Brown. For me, PSC is a late-night destination and I almost always order G&Ts so it's hard to comment on the drinks but the bartenders are speedy and friendly enough! It wouldn't say it's a must visit but if you're keen for a boogie and you're on P.Road, it's worth a look.

"PSC" as the locals call it is the closest thing to a "Grown n' Sexy" crowd as i have found in…read moreAuckland. Definitely not an 18+ crowd. The music was tho! If you love 90's RnB and Hip-Hop in a danceable, 2-step vibe, more so than fist-pump, table jumping manner. Auckland has so many beautiful and thick women and they were all here. But it's still more of a standing/talking/vibing bar-that-plays-music than a club-club. I would go back, especially to start off the night, but maybe not finish it...unless I was on a Bumble Date that I thought might be wifey. All in all, good fun. Standard drink prices around NZD $10/ea

Lets be honest, Winners Bar is not a thriving nightlife hotspot. The main attraction for the…read morepunters seems to be the back pokies room, with a constant stream of punters coming in and out the last time I was there. This is a shame in my opinion, as the bar has two big screen televisions playing live sky sport, as well as a karaoke screen on which they often play (quite hillarious) nineties/early 2000's videos. They also offer pool and darts, and have a jenga set behind the counter. The decor is the highlight of Winner's bar - a wall completely covered with beer bottles - an installation that is continued all the way through to the bathroom. The beers are priced just right - ranging from 4 dollars to 6 dollars, and they have daily specials on cocktails, and aren't too light on the pour. If you are in the area, and just want to have a conversation with a friend over a few drinks, I recommend checking out Winners Bar. At the very least, the bouncer will be guaranteed to give you a funny conversation.

Bloody ripper of a bar ! Winners was a legend to all. $5 beer or RTD of choice notably Jd's was $6…read more Get hungry? How about wedge or chip ? Or some of the bloody best popcorn in town. I don't think the rice cooker out back was functional, but I digress. Entertainment- how about a choose your own song from Youtube. No need for a dj or a jukebox. Ultimately you choose your own adventure. Some pokies, some cue balls in the corner pocket . Some tasty treats at any hour. Winners was the spot. Sadly it is gone RIP.

The only elements missing from this bar are a few cushy sofas. Why? Because one could spend all…read moreevening here. The decor is modern rustic, with plenty of wood & iron throughout the bar area. There are two massive speakers inside pumping killer tunes, so unless you've got your dancing shoes on I suggest you mosey outdoors. That is where most people are mingling. From what I have been told, there is live music and plenty of dancing on Friday & Saturday evenings. Outside there is a fireplace fit for a king, for those of you who get chilly at night. The mini-alleyway, is reminiscent of the hidden cobblestone streets in Rennes or Paris, where more than one bistro share a road. I believe there are three total here. So do not be shy, check 'em all out! I am still new to the NZ wine scene, so I am trusting the recommendation of sommeliers and bartenders. This bartenders recommendation of a Pinot from the Marlborough region was fresh, peppery, fragrant and just right for the night. Even when evening weather decided to shed light rain, everyone was safe and dry under the overhead canopy, on this hidden cobblestone path in Auckland. C'est très bon!

What a cute wee alley-way bar. Great spot for after-work drinks, particularly on a Friday night,…read morewhen there are D.J's playing sweet beats. Quite a lot more intimate than the likes of BCC, I recommend coming here early with a small group and staking a claim on one of the large tables next to the massive outdoor fire. Although they do have a decent wine list (including Revolution Wine on tap), these guys are consummate professionals who know their stuff so definitely splash out and get a cocktail. Not only are they v.speedy at making them but they are also incredibly delicious. Current fav - 'Chamfrancisco' (Chambord, Amaretto, Frangelico, lemon juice, sugar syrup and egg white) p.s. They do unbelievably good curly fries. Order them. Trust me.

I choose Northern Steamship Co. because it's just a short walk to Vector Arena, making it a great…read moreplace to meet before a show. It's also a handy meet-up point for after-work drinks or dinner before a night on the town. The bar is named after the original occupants of the building, and much care has been taken to ensure this heritage building lives up to its long history. Relax in one of the big comfy chairs or meet friends at one of the larger tables, and make sure you look up - the collection of vintage lamps that adorn the roof will make mid-century collectors (like me) seethe with jealousy. A range of Mac's beers are available on tap, and this wino enjoys sampling the Roaring Meg Riesling and Dog Point Sav. The food is pretty traditional pub fare, with the most popular dishes straight out of the deep fryer. For the conscious eater, try the "Wellbeing" platter - smoked salmon, olives, chicken wraps and fresh chutneys abound!

We popped into Northern a Steamship because I had a voucher for a free platter from the Macs bar…read moreloyalty program. The bar was busy and full and the staff were attentive and served us quickly. Had no idea what the free platter would be like but was pleasantly surprised. Delicious platter of salt and pepper squid, kumera fries, chicken nibbles and prawn twists. Was delicious, crispy and totally impressive considering it was free and I get a voucher texted to me nearly every week. If you're a regular make sure you sign up for the loyalty program.