It’s that time of the day… the clock strikes 4pm and you catch them slowly loading up the drinks trolley in your peripherals.
Never has the office teams chat seen so much activity, with everyone taking bets on what the spread will be to accompany it.
While an underwhelming cheeseboard and crackers look the most likely, this is irrelevant to you with the Friday evening happy hours and after work drinks you have lined up at the best bars in Auckland.
As the clock strikes 5, or 4:45 if you need a reason to get out of talking to Dave about the new fence he’s putting up this weekend… it’s off to our first venue!
Your perfect happy hour escape at Bar Martin
Rain, hail, or shine, the beautiful, vibrant Bar Martin tucked in the peaceful Mt Albert or Point Chevalier suburbs is an absolute shoo-in for your after-work drinks.
The intimate, outdoor courtyard presents the perfect summer setting for a glass of Rosé or your favourite IPA.
Raining? No worries. The cozy and inclusive interior is completed by the attentive and accommodating owner Ruben Maurice.
Like a fantastic host, you really feel like you’re at your favourite, local dinner party. With great conversation, an extensive range of drinks, also come great eats.
If you’re like me, who likes to graze throughout the evening and sample various menus, the Burrata on sourdough or Pork meatballs will tie you over perfectly.
Bar Martin 43 Martin Avenue, Mount Albert, Auckland 1025
Savour curated cocktails at Rosanna's Bar and Eatery
If the group chat is looking for somewhere a bit more populated and accessible to kick on, the Morningside or Kingsland area serves up a plethora of options.
A personal favourite of mine is Rosanna’s Bar and Eatery, a beautiful garden bar atmosphere located in the heart of Kingsland.
A similar vibe to that of the Bar Martin experience, with a perfect outdoor environment that soaks up the sun in a vegetated setting.
What stands out with Rosanna’s is their curated cocktail list designed from their master mixologist to meet your needs.
From citrus to sweet, their cocktails accompanied with their signature crispy pork belly sandwich on a warm summer’s day, is something I could get used to.
Rosanna’s Bar and Eatery 503b New North Road, Kingsland, Auckland 1021
Let the party go on in late - Night bars and live music hotspots - The Portland Public House
Home time already you ask? Of course not. The area has you covered.
Just a few hundred meters on either side, are plenty of late-night bars and hangouts offering live music with a vibrant atmosphere.
Whether it’s the retro interior of The Portland Public House to your left, or the grunge vibes of 605 Morningside Drinkery to your right.
Who needs the Las Vegas strip when you’ve got the next best thing, accommodating all festivities and moods so you’ll never be short of options on a Friday night!
The Portland Public House 463 New North Road, Kingsland, Auckland 1021
605 Morningside Drinkery 1021/605 New North Road, Morningside, Auckland 1021
Markus grew up with Asian roots, thanks to his Singaporean mother. His love for food was naturally instilled in him from birth. From savoring cultural classics like chicken rice and Char Kway Teow to indulging in local favorites like steak and cheese pie, Markus sees cuisine as an avenue for creative expression.