Ever since Captain Cook’s first swig of his ill-fated homebrew back in 1773, Kiwi’s have been bonkers about beer. But it’s only over the last twenty years that craft beers and microbrewers have stormed the country by force. Fast forward to 2021, and the word “craft” has unfortunately, in some quarters, become synonymous with any beer that isn’t Lion Red, Heineken, or Steinlager.
Our Team here at The Attic Backpackers love a few cheeky bevvies, and we like to think we know a thing or two about where to send our guests when they’re here in town and gasping for a pint of the good stuff. So without further ado, here are our team’s selection of Auckland’s best boozers…
- Dr Rudi’s
Situated harbourside, down in Auckland’s viaduct precinct. Rudi’s is located three floors up, offering majestic and expansive views of the Auckland marina from their outdoor terrace; These guys operate a fully functional in-house brewery serving up their take on the good stuff daily. Not feeling like a glass of the amber stuff? They also make brilliant cocktails and a fab value sangria jug. Rudi’s is a great place to socialise for one, two or ten. When you’re adequately loosened up, go and roll a few balls down their free bowling alley! Rudis’ crew also fire out an interesting perspective on the classic pizza (spoiler alert – it’s rectangular and on legs!) and offer many other quick and easy pub-grab classics to wolf down between beers.
Team Attic recommend you rinse a glass of their award winning APA or Classic lager, brewed in-house
2) Brewers Coop
Found on the corner of Victoria & Hobson Streets, just a 5 minute hop from The Attic, is an Auckland classic. These guys know their beer, and with 19 rotating beers on tap, and literally hundreds more local and international options to choose from behind the bar; You and your crew will be absolutely spoilt for choice. Not sure what your flavour is? Let their craft brew experts guide you through New Zealand’s’ recent microbrewery boom times, exploring Auckland’s much loved local brewers from the high seats of this quintessential Auckland boozer.
The Cooperative also serve up some banging fish and chips & fried chicken amongst other deep-fried pub-grub greats.
3) Vultures’ Lane
Found down the trendy Vulcan Laneway just off Queen St, this unassuming little pub was crowned as Auckland’s best bar back in 2019 and still is favoured among locals for its cosy and intimate feel. These guys have a massive range on their taps, with 28 different beers to choose from and an absolutely belting selection food to fill up on. This is a community pub, and you can certainly feel that in the warm & welcoming vibes, great music and craft beer knowledge on offer at Vultures’ Lane.
Our fav time to head down to Vultures is Friday – also known as ‘Pie day’, with proper, massive homemade classics such as Steak & Cheese, Mince & Cheese and Pork Bun available to tuck into.
4) Brother Beer
The Brothers have a few spots around the city, with the two closest being easily walkable from The Attic. You can find their first over in a spacious, yet snug industrial unit over on The City Works Depot. The other, would be their newly opened flagship bar in the brand spanking Commercial Bay district. Local owners Andy and Ant have been tinkering to find the perfect beer and bar formula since 2012 and have slowly grown into the area’s most established craft brewery. Not only will you find a proper glass of the amber stuff, but their ‘Juke Joint’ addition, to each bar, means you can pair your beer with many mouth-wateringly meaty bites and BBQ centred bangers.
We recommend you grab one of their brilliant value tasting paddles, to sample their wide range of ales, pales, stouts and more
5) 16 Tun
A recent addition to Wynyard quarter down by the Viaduct and Fish-market area. This recently opened craft brew bar is gorgeous; think wooden cabin, storehouse, dimly lit and cosy. With 10 beers on tap and 50 more to choose from in their fridge. This is an accessible craft brew bar with none of the usual pretentiousness – the guys at 16 Tun have easy to understand descriptions with all their drinks, so that you know exactly what you’re ordering. Food-wise the Tun guys take things a little more seriously with food options carefully selected to pair with their craft choices, and conveniently divided their dishes into ‘half tun’ and ‘full tun’ sized portions.
We absolutely love how great this place is to just sit back in, relax, and slow drink away one of their delicious tap hazies on a lazy afternoon
Posted by Tom Gray, The Attic.
All information correct as of time of publication 02/06/2021
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