Editorial
Auckland's bar scene is more serious than its size suggests. Caretaker has been on the Asia 50 Best Bars list. The natural-wine and craft-beer programs across the city are exceptional. The 10 below cover the CBD, Ponsonby and Mount Eden — Auckland's three drinking neighbourhoods. Most are walkable in pairs.
Auckland's small scale means a single evening can cover three different bar styles — a serious cocktail room (Caretaker), a craft beer pub (Galbraith's), and a natural-wine bar (Bedford Soda). The CBD cluster is most efficient for visitors. Most bars peak between 8 and 10 PM; some run until 2 AM weekends.
West Coast Editor — Los Angeles to Mexico City. Casual luxury, never aspirational.