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.

@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

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. )

I was traveling thru welly, and someone recommended this little place for lunch. It's so laid back…read moreand perfect for a brunch, cofffee, and they have a bar too, for later in the eve. I had some avocado mash on 3 grain bread. The owners and I had nice little chat- a perfect experience!

What a pleasant surprise to stumble on this upscale little bar/restaurant in the business district…read moreof Wellington. The entrance is deceiving as it is primarily listed as a bar and the warnings almost made me wonder if I was wandering into a stripclub. But no. Follow the narrow staircase at the foot of Cable Car Lane to a very hip and modern second floor restaurant. Staff Was friendly and service was prompt. The vibe here is urban classy. The music was up my alley- House- played at a reasonable volume. I was wishing it was evening or Happy Hour with friends or a date. I ordered the Basic B**ch martini (pictured) and got a snack of the popcorn shrimp and some fries. Both are GF and the menu had a number of options for various dietary needs. The cocktail was refreshing and crisp. Not overly sweet. The shrimp was good but a little salty but the honey-chili offered nice contrast. The fries were thick cut and golden and came out blazing hot from the fryer. They were served with a garlic aioli that went nicely with the shrimp as well. I definitely recommend this place for locals and travelers alike. I'll look forward to coming back the next time I'm in Wellington.

Concrete Bar is a hidden gem off of Lambton Quay just beside the Cable Car Terminal, up a flight of…read morestairs. Check out the 4/6pm happy Hour $6 drink specials. We sat at the bar to share the cheese platter (fantastic), the lamb (excellent) and calarmari (tasty). The happy hour pours are generous and well priced. The bartenders and staff are friendly and professional. It's quieter in the afternoon, hopping early evening. Not a late night spot seems to wrap up by 10:30 or so. So glad we discovered this place, it's a great find for tourists an locals alike.