The 10 Best Bars in Kingsland for When You Want to Be Buzzed & Happy
Jessica McNamara
| Last Updated: July 2024 A few years ago, I stumbled upon a bar that looked like it had seen better days. The neon sign flickered ominously, but I still took a chance and ordered a drink.
However, I was met with a concoction that tasted like a bad chemistry experiment gone wrong. And the service? Let’s just say the bartender looked like he wanted to be anywhere but there.
After this less-than-stellar experience, I’ve taken the time to explore more of Kingsland’s bar scene so that disappointment doesn’t happen again. I can confidently say I’ve found far, far better options since. If you yourself are looking for a good bar in Kingsland, here are the bars that made it onto my list of the very best!
1. Holy Hop
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Address: 498 New North Road, Kingsland, Auckland 1021, New Zealand
Hours: Monday to Sunday – 12 PM to 12 AM
Phone: +64 9 815 0340
Holy Hop is for anyone who appreciates a solid drink and a welcoming atmosphere. One of my favourite things about Holy Hop is their selection of tap beers.
The Panhead Supercharger (APA) is a must-try—it’s got just the right balance of citrus and hops. But if you’re more into pale ales, the Little Creatures will hit the spot with its fruity notes and smooth finish.
And don’t even get me started on the food. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty burger, a fresh salad, or a slice of mouth-watering pizza, this place has you covered.
Pro Tip: Holy Hop has themed nights that are not to be missed. On Tuesdays, groove to the rhythm of Cuban Night. Wednesdays are about testing your trivia knowledge with their quiz night.
Thursdays feature funky tunes by a DJ that’ll keep your feet tapping. And on Fridays, they have a happy hour that you can’t pass up and host live bands.
2. Groove Bar NZ
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Address: 487 New North Road, Kingsland, Auckland 1021, New Zealand
Hours:
- Wednesday – 5 PM to 10 PM
- Thursday – 5 PM to 12 AM
- Friday to Saturday – 5 PM to 1 AM
Groove Bar is for anyone who loves a laid-back atmosphere with top-notch food and drinks.
First, if you’re into cocktails, try their Dark N Stormy, a fantastic mix of Kraken rum, fresh lime, and ginger beer. But if you prefer something on tap, their Zeffer Apple Cider has a crisp, refreshing finish that pairs well with almost anything on the menu.
Speaking of food, their Groove Smash Burger is a must-try. It’s juicy, packed with flavour, and comes with all the classic toppings you’d expect.
If you’re in the mood for something different, their Chicken Groove Classic Burger is equally impressive—crispy chicken, fresh lettuce, and a tangy sauce that hits all the right notes.
Pro Tip: Consider joining Groove’s member program. Members get access to daily specials and discounts, priority entries, and even special gifts on birthdays.
3. The Portland Public House
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Address: 463 New North Road, Kingsland, Auckland 1021, New Zealand
Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 4 PM to 2 AM
- Friday – 3 PM to 2 AM
- Saturday & Sunday – 12 PM to 2 AM
Phone: +64 21 108 6367
The Portland Public House’s retro-themed ambience takes you back in time, creating a unique bar experience. But their cocktails are where it’s at.
If you’re a cocktail enthusiast, you can’t miss “The Sassy.” It’s a mix of Scapegrace Gin, East Imperial grapefruit tonic, rose water, and Kalamata olives—all working together to create a drink that’s as refreshing as it is sophisticated.
Another standout is their Vodka Mint and Passionfruit, a concoction that blends passionfruit liqueur, mint, and vodka. It also has prosecco and soda, making it perfect for those who want something sweet, minty, and fizzy.
When it comes to food, you can’t go wrong with their 200-gramme sirloin steak. It’s tender and cooked to perfection. The chicken pimento is another great choice, packed with a spicy kick that’ll keep you coming back for more.
Pro Tip: Their happy hour runs from Monday to Thursday, from 4 PM to 6 PM, and all day Sunday, making it the best time to indulge without breaking the bank.
They even offer margarita flights that are simply amazing. My personal favourites? The chilli and lime margarita and the pear and passionfruit margarita.
4. Citizen Park
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Address: 424 New North Road, Kingsland, Auckland 1021, New Zealand
Hours:
- Sunday & Tuesday to Thursday – 12 PM to 10 PM
- Friday & Saturday – 12 PM to 12 AM
Phone: +64 9 846 4964
Citizen Park is an urban garden bar that’s perfect for anyone who loves a relaxed, outdoor setting along with fantastic food and drinks.
Their drink selection is impeccable. For wine lovers, their chardonnay and pinot noir options are top-notch, with flavours that complement the food perfectly. And, of course, they also have an excellent selection of beers and ciders.
Foodwise, their poke bowl is a great choice if you’re after something light and healthy. If seafood is more your thing, the Citizen Prawn Cocktail is pretty damn good.
But if you want something heartier, the beef brisket nachos are a must-try. They’re loaded with tender, flavorful brisket and a bunch of other toppings.
Pro Tip: Visit on a Wednesday for their rib nights in the park event! Or, if you’re more into brain games, swing by on Tuesdays for their lively quiz nights.
5. The Kingslander
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Address: 470 New North Road, Kingsland, Auckland 1021, New Zealand
Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 12 PM to 12 AM
- Friday & Saturday – 12 PM to 1 AM
Phone: +64 9 849 5777
Kingslander is for anyone looking for a lively atmosphere and top-tier live entertainment. You can catch everything from boxing matches to rugby and cricket games on their big screens. But their weekly events are what keep many coming back for more.
They have quiz nights on Tuesdays, salsa nights on Wednesdays, and live music on Fridays and Saturdays. On Thursdays, they host an All-You-Can-Eat Ribs Night, perfect for indulging without guilt!
If you’re a beer drinker, I recommend trying out their Tuatara IPA and APA. They also have Monteith’s beers and Heineken on tap, perfect for those who prefer lighter beers. But if you want something really refreshing, they have Monteith’s crushed apple cider.
Pro Tip: If you’re a finger foods fan, swing by on Saturdays for their $1 wings promo!
6. Rosanna’s Garden Bar & Eatery
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Address: 503b New North Road, Kingsland, Auckland 1021, New Zealand
Hours:
- Wednesday & Thursday – 5 PM to 12 AM
- Friday – 4 PM to 12 AM
- Saturday & Sunday – 12 PM to 12 AM
Rosannas’ Garden Bar is almost entirely encased in glass, so this place transforms into a magical stargazing venue as night falls. It’s the perfect spot for anyone who loves a relaxing evening with a touch of cosmic wonder.
I’m a huge fan of their Mac’s Cloudy Apple Cider—it’s crisp, refreshing, and perfect for a warm evening. Another must-try is Heyman’s Peach Gin. It’s light, fruity, and just the right amount of sweet.
But if you’re feeling adventurous, try their Cocoa Old Fashioned. It’s a Cocoa-infused whisky mixed with demerara syrup, cocoa nibs, and a hint of orange. It’s a sophisticated twist on a classic cocktail that’s simply unforgettable.
When it comes to food, their signature cheese platters are a must-try, especially the gouda cumin cheese. These platters are perfect for sharing, but you might just want one all to yourself.
Pro Tip: If you’re a gin lover, make sure to visit during their gin hour special from 5 PM to 7 PM. And don’t miss out on their Swiss cheese fondue—it’s rich, creamy, and perfect for dipping all sorts of delicious bites.
7. Garage Project Kingsland
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Address: 357 New North Road, Kingsland, Auckland 1021, New Zealand
Hours:
- Sunday & Tuesday to Thursday – 12 PM to 8 PM
- Friday – 12 PM to 9 PM
- Saturday – 11 AM to 9 PM
Phone: +64 9 950 9980
Garage Project is for anyone passionate about innovative brews, hard seltzers, and natural wines. It’s especially perfect for those who love to explore unique and bold flavours.
Their DFA (chilli, mango, lime IPA) is a personal favourite. It’s spicy, tangy, and just the right amount citrusy—like a tropical fiesta in a glass.
For those who enjoy a quirky but delicious brew, their spicy pickle beer (chilli cucumber dill pickle sour) is a must-try. The combination of chilli, cucumber, and dill pickles is surprisingly refreshing and addictive.
When it comes to food, Garage Project hits it out of the park with their toasties. The Kimcheese toastie, which combines the punchy flavours of kimchi with gooey vintage cheddar, is an absolute winner.
Pro Tip: If you’re a meat lover, try their beef short rib toastie. The beef short rib, Gruyere cheese, and blueberry jam combo might sound unusual, but I swear it’s a match made in heaven—sweet, savoury, and utterly satisfying.
8. The Beer Spot
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Address: 596 New North Road, Kingsland, Auckland 1021, New Zealand
Hours:
- Sunday, Monday & Tuesday – 12 PM to 8 PM
- Wednesday to Saturday – 12 PM to 10 PM
Phone: +64 9 974 2985
The Beer Spot is a paradise for beer enthusiasts and curious people alike. It’s a haven of relaxation and exploration, with 40 taps of rotating, beerlicious goodness.
One of my favourite things here is their tasting paddle—you can sample different beers, find your new favourite, and then take it home in a 1-litre purged and pressure-filled Roadie.
A personal favourite of mine on the menu is the DNA Brewing (NZ) Left-Eye Lucy Lager. At 3.90% ABV, this American light lager is everything a session beer should be—simple, clean, light, and incredibly refreshing. It carries subtle floral and citrus notes too.
Pro Tip: The Beer Spot features rotating food trucks every week. This means there’s always something new and delicious to pair with your beer.
9. Urbanaut Brewery and Tap Room
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Address: 597 New North Road, Kingsland, Auckland 1021, New Zealand
Hours:
- Wednesday & Thursday – 12 PM to 9 PM
- Friday & Saturday – 12 PM to 9:30 PM
- Sunday – 12 PM to 7 PM
Phone: +64 9 215 9074
Ubernaut Brewery is for those who appreciate fresh, innovative pints, beautifully designed beer cans, and mouthwatering smash burgers.
Their pints are always served fresh, ensuring you get the full flavour of their meticulously crafted brews. The beer can designs are electric and eye-catching, making for a fun visual experience even before you take your first sip.
One of my favourites is the Pineapple Habanero Cider. It boasts a perfect blend of tropical sweetness and a hint of habanero spiciness in every sip.
But let’s talk about the food—particularly their smash burgers. These bad boys are packed with juicy, flavorful beef and oozing cheese, making them the ultimate comfort food to pair with your beer.
Pro Tip: If you want to get an insider’s view of how their incredible beers are made, don’t miss out on the brewery tours that run from 1 PM to 3 PM on Saturdays.
10. F Bar (Kingsland)
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Address: 429 New North Road entrance from corner of Bond Street, Kingsland, Auckland 1021, New Zealand
Hours: Monday to Saturday – 12 PM to 4 AM
Phone: +64 9 815 2254
F Bar is ideal for anyone who wants a straightforward and relaxed evening out away from the pretentiousness of fancier establishments. The friendly atmosphere and easygoing vibe make it perfect for unwinding after a long day.
If you’re a beer lover, you’re in luck. F Bar offers a fantastic selection of lager beers on tap. My personal favourite is the Panhead Supercharger—a well-balanced brew with just the right amount of hoppy bitterness. Another great choice is Emerson’s Pilsner—crisp and refreshing.
Pro Tip: Don’t miss their poker nights, where you can try your luck in a friendly game of cards. If singing is more your style, their karaoke nights are a blast. And for a bit of laid-back competition, their pool table is always a hit.
