Last Updated on August 1, 2024

List of 10 Highest Ranked Craft Beer Bars in Auckland

Auckland is a great city for beer and food lovers, with a variety of craft beer bars to choose from. Here is a list of the top 10 best rated craft beer bars in Auckland, New Zealand:

1. Vultures’ Lane: More than 28 taps!
2. Hopscotch Beer Company: 18 taps + Free tasters for customers
3. Brothers Beer
4. 16 Tun
5. The Lumsden
6. Brew On Quay
7. Galbraith’s Alehouse
8. The Brewers Co-operative
9. The Beer Spot
10. Hallertau Brewery

3. Brothers Beer

Brothers Beer is a craft brewery and bar with three locations in Auckland: City Works Depot, Mt Eden, and Orakei Bay Village. They brew their own beers on-site, as well as serving beers from other local and international breweries. They have 18 taps at each location, and a large fridge full of bottles and cans. The staff are friendly and enthusiastic, and the atmosphere is fun and inviting.

• Food: You can also enjoy some delicious BBQ food at their Juke Joint in Mt Eden, or some pizza and snacks at their other locations.
• Pros: The quality and freshness of their beers, the spacious venues, and the great food options.
• Cons: It can get busy and loud, and the parking can be limited.

4. 16 Tun

16 Tun is a craft beer bar and restaurant on North Wharf, overlooking the harbour. They have 16 taps and a large fridge full of craft beers from New Zealand and around the world. The staff are professional and attentive, and the atmosphere is classy and comfortable.

• Food: They also serve some delicious food, such as tacos, burgers, and seafood.
• Pros: Stunning views, the excellent food, and the happy hour specials.
• Cons: It can be expensive, especially for drinks, and it can get windy on the outdoor deck.

5. The Lumsden

The Lumsden is a freehouse in Newmarket, meaning they are not tied to any brewery or distributor. They have 15 taps and over 120 bottles of craft beer from New Zealand and overseas. The staff are friendly and helpful, and the atmosphere is cozy and rustic.

• Food: They also serve some mouth-watering food, such as ribs, wings, and burgers.
• Pros: Huge selection of beers, the generous portions of food, and the board games available.
• Cons: It can get crowded and noisy, especially on weekends, and the service can be slow at times.

6. Brew On Quay

Brew On Quay is a craft beer bar and restaurant on Quay Street, near the ferry terminal. They have 102 taps (!) and over 130 bottles of craft beer from New Zealand. The staff are friendly and helpful, and the atmosphere is relaxed and casual.

• Food: Fish and chips, as well as burgers, salads, and snacks.
• Pros: Great combination of beer and fish and chips, the central location, and the outdoor seating.
• Cons: It can get noisy and smoky, and the service can be slow at times.

7. Galbraith’s Alehouse

Galbraith’s Alehouse is a traditional pub and brewery in Mt Eden, where they make their own award-winning ales and lagers. They have 12 taps and a hand pump, as well as a selection of guest beers and ciders. The staff are knowledgeable and courteous, and the atmosphere is warm and cozy.

• Food: Hearty pub food, such as pies, fish and chips, and roasts.
• Pros: Quality and authenticity of their beers, the historic building, and the live music on Sundays.
• Cons: It can be hard to find a seat, especially on busy nights, and the food can be inconsistent.

8. The Brewers Co-operative

The Brewers Co-operative is a craft beer bar and fish and chip shop on Victoria Street West (CBD), near the Sky Tower. They have 24 taps and over 100 bottles of craft beer from New Zealand and beyond. The staff are friendly and helpful, and the atmosphere is relaxed and casual.

• Food: Best fish and chips in town, as well as burgers, salads, and snacks.
• Pros: Great combination of beer and fish and chips, the central location, and the outdoor seating.
• Cons: It can get noisy and smoky, and the service can be slow at times.

9. The Beer Spot

The Beer Spot is a craft beer bar with five locations in Auckland: Huapai, Morningside, Northcote, Panmure, and Ponsonby. They have 40 taps at each location, featuring a rotating lineup of beers from local and international breweries. The staff are friendly and enthusiastic, and the atmosphere is fun and social.

• Food: They also have food trucks on site, offering a variety of cuisines and dishes.
• Pros: Huge selection of beers, the diverse food options, and the events and activities they host.
• Cons: It can get crowded and loud, especially on weekends, and the parking can be limited.

10. Hallertau Brewery

Hallertau Brewery is a craft brewery and restaurant in Riverhead, about 30 minutes drive from Auckland. They brew their own beers on-site, using local ingredients and traditional methods. They have 12 taps and a range of bottles to choose from. The staff are friendly and attentive, and the atmosphere is rustic and charming.

• Food: Pizzas, burgers, and platters.
• Pros: Freshness and quality of their beers, the scenic location, and the spacious garden area.
• Cons: It can be expensive, especially for drinks, and it can get busy on weekends.