Stars among bars - best bars in Auckland

Charming staff and wonderful tapas at Bonita. Picture / Carolyn Robertson

The smartest guys in the bar probably don't know what makes it a success. Sure, they can point to a slick marketing campaign, eye-catching makeover, and keen staff as a potent mix. Yet it's often the unfathomable factor that trips up owners. The bar's once faithful flock can disappear overnight only to gather in another drinking hole, with not a flicker of remorse. Yes, it's a flighty business - and best left to the brave-hearted with well-connected friends. Among Viva's list of bars are those that have stood the test of time, but also the newcomers showing all the signs of success. Depending on your mood, here's a few ways to wet your whistle.

BEST PLACE TO IMAGINE YOU'RE ANYWHERE BUT AUCKLAND

Shanghai Lil's at The Birdcage

Before Russell Green moved Shanghai Lil's to The Birdcage pub, his club resided below ground at the bottom of Anzac St. It had an opium bed in the basement, and was crammed full of Green's extraordinary collectables - needless to say it was a magnet for those who appreciate shabby oriental. The new Shanghai Lil's, which opened earlier this month, retains all its charm despite being housed in an old English pub, heavy on dark wood. Green is doing his best to add colour and his works include a set of intricately carved chairs formerly owned by madam Flora McKenzie.

Entertainment is provided by the legendary Billy Farnell on piano and crooner Grant Chilcott.

Where: 133 Franklin Rd, Auckland Central.

BEST BAR FOR FAMILY FUN

The Gables

Why do Sudoku on your lonesome, when you can buddy up for quiz night at The Gables? Testing your stamina for trivia is a bit of light relief in a working week. Like many an old-fashioned pub, The Gables is not the least interested in swapping its metal chairs for trendy loungers but who cares, when there's great roasts, kids' meals they'll actually eat, live jazz on Wednesday and quiz night on Tuesday. Sadly, the pub's future is under threat after its recent sale, and the locals are mourning already. As one local grumbled: "This pub is magic and now it could be last drinks forever."

Where: 248 Jervois Rd, Herne Bay.

BEST BAR TO HANG OUT ON A FRIDAY NIGHT

La Zeppa

Wherever you can rest your elbow, says co-owner Steve McKenzie, we'll serve you drinks and tapas. Goodness knows how La Zeppa's staff manage this task on a Friday night, when this enormous space is filled to capacity, but they're doing it with aplomb. It's the same team that brought you Vivace, and although their new joint has an industrial feel, many of the winning traits are present; chefs on display, extensive wine list, cosy fireplace, and resident DJ. The menu features only tapas, signalling a new wave of casual dining. Look out for tastings of top-end wines. Other venues: You're spoilt for choice on Ponsonby Rd, with the always fabulous SPQR, Chapel and Gold.

Where: La Zeppa, Victoria Park Market.

BEST PLACE TO BUY A BEER IN A COUNTRY SETTING

Hallertau

Considering it's only 20 minutes from the CBD, Hallertau is very country. Surrounded by orchards, the brewery's lounge bar area has comfy leather loungers, roaring fireplace and a weighty pile of reading material. All that's missing is the bloke with pipe. It's entirely appropriate that Hallertau follows the German tradition of brewing beer, using only water, yeast, hops and barley to make their stable of beers. As general manager Lisa Clark says, there's no artificial trickery in this beer. There are five beers, with seasonal brews like Maximus Decimus Meridius - not for the faint-hearted. Hallertau also make fruit wines the traditional way. Next Saturday, April 8, is Hop Harvest Beer Festival, complete with a 9-piece Oompah band.

Where: 1171 Coatesville-Riverhead Highway, Riverhead.

THE BAR WITH THE BEST VIEW

Piha Memorial RSA

In a city where the view from most inner-city bars is dominated by the Sky Tower, it's quite something to ogle Lion Rock as you sup a tipple. The $3 pints are a drawcard, too. For those who tire of the view from the RSA's expansive deck, there's a pool table and excellent seafood tucker. Lest we forget we're in a place that honours the dead, the old-timers shut down the revelry at 9pm, and direct the patrons to the Roll of Honour for a minute's silence. For something completely different, there's Bellini at the Hilton in Princess Wharf which is so white, it's like boarding a ghost liner. A few cocktails on the "bridge" with 180-degree sea views, and you're ready to set sail.

Where: Piha Memorial RSA, 3 Beach Rd, Piha.

BEST PLACE FOR A COSY RENDEZVOUS

Bonita

This place has picked up considerably since the charming Manuel Garcia took over as bar manager eight months ago. If you can manage to filter out the Kiwi accents, and focus deeply on the distressed plaster walls, tins of anchovies, and the charming Garcia, you could well be in Espanol. The crowd at Bonita is mixed, which is always a conversation starter. In keeping with a traditional Spanish bar, wine is only served in casual glasses and the tapas are all under $10. Gypsy Tea Room in Grey Lynn effortlessly combines a lengthy wine list with quirky decor and interesting mix of clientele.

Where: 242 Ponsonby Rd, Ponsonby.

BEST PLACE FOR A SAKE

Kura Japanese Sake Bar

Despite the name, this is more restaurant than bar - although who can resist visiting a subterranean world that serves hot sake around a cosy fire? Take a seat around the bar and enjoy 25 varieties of sake, and other Japanese alcohol.

Where: 315 Queen St, Auckland Central.

THE BEST BAR TO CHILL

Match Bar

Just watching Needham Woodward shake up a gin cocktail is enough reason to visit Match. Then there's the music line-up, which owner Tony Stewart has cultivated for the sophisticated clientele. There's frequently one of Auckland's best house DJs in the building - and Thursday nights' Fishing in a Small Pond features local musicians playing covers. It's a smallish bar, but never feels overcrowded; you can slink behind the bar to escape the crowd or sit out front and stare.

Where: Level 1, cnr Hopetoun and Pitt Sts, Auckland Central.

BEST NEW BAR IN THE BURBS

Garnet

This bar is spookily like the fern bars that dominated America in the swinging 70s, with its wooden panelling, patterned carpet, and pumped up leather seats. Thankfully, we're spared the macrame hangers and heavy moustaches. What's fresh about this bar is the extensive wine list and the attentive barmen. Since opening earlier this month, Garnet's owners Luke Dallow and Nick Harding are doing a swell job of luring the locals into its dark recesses.

Where: 129 Westmere Rd, Westmere.

BEST PLACE TO PARTY

Crow

It's everything you hope for in a nightclub; good music, expertly made drinks, and a mixed crowd to keep it amusing. It's easy just to stay in one of the dimly lit booths in the downstairs bar, although the party is upstairs where the DJs rule. Other suggestions are Boogie Wonderland in the city and Rising Sun's monthly Turnaround gig in K Rd.

Where: Crow, 26 Wyndham St, Auckland Central.