Where to find Auckland’s secret bars and speakeasies

The speakeasy is a small, exclusive bar which originally earned its name during the prohibition era in America, when police officers had trouble finding the illegal joints because people were speaking so quietly.

Nowadays, they’re legal and a bit louder, but some are just as hard to find – so we’ve done it for you.

Seoul Night

One of the common jokes about hidden bars in Manhattan is that they’re often behind vending machines, and at Seoul Night, that’s not far from the truth.

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Korean-born owner and founder Ho-Buing Yun wanted to bring something “different” into the Auckland nightlife scene, combining the essence of nightlife with Korean and Western culture – and thus Seoul Night was born.

“My business partner and I were born in Korea but moved here [New Zealand] when we were quite young, so we know Western culture, but Korean culture is in our blood,” Yun explained.

The Korean-Western fusion restaurant and bar has an alcoholic vending machine in lieu of a door, and a dark but funky interior, with bright purple neon lights, and greenery and fairy lights lining the roof.

Seoul Night incorporates fusion into most of their offerings, with Yun humbly claiming that he “didn’t want to exaggerate, but I think we have the best Korean food in Auckland”.

It’s not just a humblebrag, with Seoul Night’s rose chicken pasta taking up a sport in Iconic Auckland Eats Top 100.

Another favourite Seoul Night’s homemade sangria, which is made with soju, a Korean spirit, and seasonal fruits.

Pineapple on Parnell

Too cool to even have a proper website, Pineapple on Parnell aren’t relying on foot traffic to make money.

With their address not even listed on their website, this small, exclusive spot takes hidden to the next level.

But once you find the door emblazoned with the golden pineapple, you won’t be disappointed.

Opening onto a room swathed in luscious green curtains, booths and decor, and a piano that regularly gets use from passing performers, this hidden gems screams elegance.

Cocktails are the name of the game at Pineapple, with a full range of favourites available, and the expert mixologists are said to whip up something that might not be on the menu, if you so desire.

As well as their incredible cocktails, the bar hosts a wide range of Kiwi wine and beer, and upmarket spirits.

The bar does encourage patrons to dress to impress, with sneakers and puffer jackets banned, but according to recent visitors this dress code seems to have been relaxed.

To maintain exclusivity, the use of social media and phones in general is also discouraged.

Caretaker

This watering hole is as speakeasy as it gets in Tāmaki Makaurau. Caretaker, tucked away on The Lane, Britomart, in Auckland’s CBD, is marked only by a green door.

Making your way down some admittedly dodgy look stairs, you will find yourself at the entrance to Caretaker, and transported to 1920s Manhatthan.

Dark wood, dim lighting so you can hardly see and no cocktail menu, Caretaker manages to maintain it’s cool, exclusive vibe despite being the city centre’s worst-kept secret.

Deadshot

The no cocktail menu is a formula Caretaker’s sister bar, Deadshot, also follows.

Hiding in plain sight in the middle of Ponsonby Road, but this time behind a red door, Deadshot is also dressed in the classic dark wood – its point of difference being the high bar stools and cosy booths.

Once you’re nestled at a snug table, a waiter will approach to get your drink order, and do so by asking what ‘vibe’ you are feeling.

Sweet or sour? Dark or light spirit? Fizzy or thick? At Caretaker and Deadshot, you’re the master of your own cocktail journey.

Unique in space and unique in nature, these sister bars deliver the ultimate speakeasy experience.

Barcita

Hidden out at the back of Iberian-inspired restaurant Candela, on Karangahape Road, is Barcita.

General manager Leola King, said Barcita was born in lockdown, after the team “put their heads together” and dreamed up a way to utilise the space at the back of their restaurant.

Barcita, launched in April “extends the warm, ambient and Iberia-inspired vibe” that begins in Candela, and drifts through to the hidden gem out the back.

“Barcita is casual and cosy, with a beautiful balcony covered in heaters,” King said.

In the summer, that same balcony is “sun-soaked”, making Barcita the perfect watering hole all year round.

The bar is louder than your traditional speakeasy, with patrons known to kick on to the early hours, and DJs occasionally dropping in to take the party up a notch.

King said “the classics”, are what shine on Barcita’s cocktail menu, from a dry martini and negroni to their various highballs – cocktails that come in a long, tall glass.

The bar is open and serves food until 1am on Fridays and Saturdays.