Don’t waste these glorious summer months! Whether you’re after a spot to lather on the sunscreen in one of our epic garden bars, sip a glass of sangria by the water’s edge or people watch from a rooftop bar; we’ve rounded up the best spots to soak in the sun and enjoy delicious food and drink around Auckland this Summer.
Basalt's Rooftop Bar
What's not to love about perching up in Basalt's rooftop bar, peering down at passer byes below in Howick village and gazing out at the stunning views of Eastern Bay in the distance. Forget $45 parking and never ending roadworks, located a short drive from the hustle and bustle of the city Basalt's rooftop bar is the suburban dream.
Garrison Public House
Garrison's large and versatile alfresco outdoor garden bar is the perfect spot when you want to soak up the sun and sip the afternoon away or opt for a bit more shade and settle into the hustle and bustle inside at either the bar or the restaurant. What makes this epic haven even better is their menu with a selection of different foods and the extensive variety of beverages on the menu. Garrison will not disappoint for a spot of summer socialising, although we recommend booking a table as this hot spot gets snatched up quickly!
Book Garrison here.
Auckland's Only On Water Deck at The Lula Inn
Lula's harbourside eatery & drinkery really is Auckland's slice of paradise in the heart of the city's Viaduct. Settle in with your pals and while away some island time as you revel in a spread to share influenced by Kiwi cravings. Enjoy the flow of craft beers, gin cheers, eats, treat and chats. Then as the sun starts to set & darkness falls, when it all gets a bit louder, a lot livelier and much dancier - stay on & stay late.
Coops Corner Pub overlooking Auckland Viaduct
A great meal and ocean views? What's better? Snap up your spot by the water and indulge in everything the City of Sails has to offer. Coops has quickly become known as an Auckland favourite for it's tongue-in-cheek humour, frozen margarita's and hearty food. Then, if you fancy taking a stab at pool (the cue sport not the swimming one) enjoy a game on the top floor with views of the peasants below.
Takapuna's Spectacular Sea Views
Get some of that sea-salt air flow at Takapuna. Both Franc’s and Regatta sit side-by-side to welcome guests with sun-baked outdoor areas and plenty of fresh seafood. Franc’s is a chill, laid back beach bar with bloody good cocktails and plenty of energy, while Regatta has a refined take on sea-side bliss with covered cabanas, cold bubbles, and an unbeatable indoor-outdoor flow in summer.
Book Franc’s here, or Regatta here.
Garden Bars
Everyone loves a good garden bar, especially when the sun’s out. We've rounded up a few bars & restaurants around Auckland where you can sit back and enjoy the garden vibes with a cold one in hand.
The Zookeeper’s Son in Royal Oak has a jaw-dropper mezzanine, splashed with a bit of greenery and a retractable roof for when the cold snap arrives.
Goode Brothers have locations for wherever you're placed in Auckland, NorthWest, New Lynn and Botany, each with it's own luscious Garden Bar where you can lay back and soak up the sun. Dine on the best Kiwi-Italian food around while you're there, we recommend the pizza but we're a bit bias.
The Postman's Leg has one of the largest outdoor dining areas on the North Shore, equipped with a playground and trampoline, sit back with a glass of vino in hand as the kids burn off their energy before you head home.
Lastly, The Elephant Wrestler's outdoor seating area is definitely a spot to sit back with a beverage, take in the tunes and relax, just a short walk to Takapuna's foreshore. The courtyard soaks up the sunshine, with the option to close the retractable roof for shelter when required. It doesn't get much better!
Book
The Zookeeper’s Son here, Goode Brothers here, The Postman's Leg here and The Elephant Wrestler here.
Auckland's largest outdoor deck
Sweat Shop is your local brew and street eats champion packing a bustling bar and the largest outdoor deck in Auckland, serving up award-winning craft beer, brewed on-site.Soak in views of the Sky Tower or dabble with the good stuff at Rosie’s Cocktail Corner. Get around it for one of the best Friday nights to be had in the city.
Petanque & Shuffleboard Clubs
Get the crew together for an afternoon in the sunshine at Regatta's Petanque Club or Sweat Shop's Shuffleboard Club. Choose from a mix of beers, bites and even bottomless options to keep you fueled while the competition heats up with our outdoor games.
Joylab has over 20 bars and restaurants across Auckland, each with their own character and spaces to sit back and enjoy the sunshine. From The Postman’s Leg with its outdoor deck and contagious charm in Glenfield, to the hard-to-beat tucker of The Merchant, to the beautiful views at Moretons, St. Heliers - there’s truly something for everyone.
Check out the full list establishments here.