Abstract’s guide to the best bars in Ponsonby

Creative cocktails and terrific tacos in an evocative, speakeasy setting: Matchbox is a newish opening that sets the mood for a deliciously fun evening. That the bar manager is a trained chef with a Michelin-starred pedigree is evident in creations like the Tropical Albedo: a take on a Brazilian lemonade, rounded out with the creaminess of caramelised whey. The whey is a byproduct of the queso fresco the kitchen makes for the tacos, which all feature tasty morsels cooked on the plancha grill (rather than being braised hours or days ago and reheated). Happy hour (4–6pm, Tuesday to Saturday) yields $8 drinks and taco specials.

Matchbox, 45 Ponsonby Rd

Rustic freehouse Revelry lives up to its name, becoming rather rowdy later in the evening, so instead cruise up in the late afternoon to catch some sunshine on the terrace or get cosy by the fire. The selection of craft beers on tap is the best in the neighbourhood, and staff are very happy to let you taste away until you find your match. Two happy hour timings (4–7pm and 9–11pm) offer incredible value, including $10 margaritas and $9 tap pours — there are 14 to choose from!

Revelry, 106 Ponsonby Rd

Proof that good things come in small packages, Lime has kept the party going on Ponsonby Rd since 1998. Take advantage of the late afternoon sunshine with a G&T in hand, or head along late at night to meet some friendly locals: the crowd skews a bit older here, but a wee shimmy is sure to be had to the playlist that’s firmly rooted in the pre-2000s era.

Lime, 167 Ponsonby Rd

A short stroll down Williamson Ave in the striking Greenhouse building, Juno is a bar for aesthetes. Its minimalist yet comfortable design calls for an elegant drink in hand, be it a flute of Ruinart or a miso butter rum cocktail. Keep an eye out for recurring Juno Jazz nights, when a $10 entry fee gets you an ice-cold mini martini and live music to enjoy.

Juno, 20 Williamson Ave

You’ll know if there’s a rugby game when the sunny streetfront of Chapel is unusually quiet: everyone is indoors glued to the TV screens. Back to that sunny spot though — this corner nook soaks it up while offering a mint view along Anglesea Street to the city’s iconic Sky Tower.

Chapel Bar & Bistro, 147 Ponsonby Rd

The semi-open-air Hoppers Garden Bar does not leave merriment to fate, running a packed calendar of events throughout the week. Sunday is a highlight, when local band Funkorama sets up its impressively large kit to jam from 5pm, playing jazz with a Latin accent. Arrive early or risk missing out on your half-metre of real estate.

Hoppers Garden Bar, 134b Ponsonby Rd

Spots at the vintage table-and-bench set-up outside this charming heritage building on the corner of Ponsonby Road and Williamson Ave are hotly contested as Bodega morphs from daytime cafe to night-time soiree spot. Order antipasti and a chilled red and watch the sun set over the bell tower of the old fire station a few doors down.

Bodega, 86 Ponsonby Rd

You could also watch the sun set from that old fire station, which these days is the bar and ale house known as Grey Lynn Firehouse. The view from the upper level of the handsome Victorian brick building extends across the rooftops of Grey Lynn’s villas to the dusky green Waitākere Ranges.

Grey Lynn Firehouse, 1 Williamson Ave

Ponsonby Central is a vibrant indoor-outdoor hub of hospitality at the very heart of the precinct. You’ll find Bedford Soda & Liquor on the Richmond Road side, taking its cue from the neighbourhood bars of New York with a cosy interior and handful of tables in the ivy-covered laneway. Housemade sodas and shakes satisfy tee-totallers, while the cocktail list is long and luscious.

Bedford Soda & Liquor, 1 Richmond Rd

Ascend the blue stairs to this self-described ‘upstairs island’ where the folks are friendly, the drinks are never boring, and the tunes are sweet — with a sound system that actually does them justice. The entertainment calendar at Goblin is eccentric with something on almost every night, from art classes to DJs and singalongs, and occasionally, surprise visits from big-name artists.

Goblin, 134 Ponsonby Rd

The aim at Jacuzzi is to nab a table en terrasse, à la Paris. From this vantage point, Ponsonby goes about its busy business while you lean back, shielded from the cares of the world by sunglasses and a glass of something perfectly chilled.

Jacuzzi, 150 Ponsonby Rd

Listening or record bars are on the rise in some of our favourite international cities like Tokyo, London and Melbourne. Auckland has a handful to hunt down too, including Nami, ensconced in the thick of the Ponsonby Road action. Go for a laid-back friendly vibe, impeccably selected vinyl on rotation, and don’t shy away from ordering food to wash down neo-classic cocktails like a martini made with blood orange gin and yuzu merlot vermouth; the menu offers fun riffs on punchy Korean classics like galbi (marinated beef ribs) and tteokbokki (rice cakes in sweet-spicy sauce).

Nami Record Bar, 115a Ponsonby Rd

You can’t miss this popular spot halfway down Ponsonby Road; The Broken Lantern radiates with gentle golden light from hundreds of little lamps festooning the entrance. Inside, the arched brick bar is backlit and enclosed booths offer the feeling of hosting your own private soiree. A secret garden out the back completes the offering. When Franklin Road hosts its Christmas light festival each December, this spot directly over the road joins in, making the most festive finish line.

Broken Lantern, 198 Ponsonby Rd

Go for a glass of wine, stay on to explore the food menu and more wine. At Beau, a wine bar and bistro at the Three Lamps end of Ponsonby Road, the drinks list is extensive and interesting — there’s an impressive cellar hiding somewhere — and the service is warm and knowledgeable.

Beau, 265 Ponsonby Rd

Venturing to the farthest end of Ponsonby Road, you’re rewarded not only with plenty of great shops to peruse along the way, but a wonderful place for a drink at the bookend of the strip. At HoPo, as regulars call it, heritage features of this former post office blend in with clever nostalgic design including Axminster carpets, wood panelling and fluted glass. Table service extends into the quaint brick courtyard, making for a relaxing visit.

Hotel Ponsonby, 1 St Marys Rd