We often say to people that if you don’t like good food and drinks, then Christchurch may not be for you. A few of our traveller friends have described the city and bleak and boring… While we can see it, we do disagree.
As two people who absolutely love beer, wine, cocktails and live music, we have compiled an extensive list of the best bars in Christchurch. Whether you like cocktails bars, rooftop bars, live music venues or speakeasy bars hidden down dodgy looking alleyways, we have compiled this excellent list for you.
This article is broken down into a few sections to help you find exactly what you are looking for. Whether that be a chilled evening in a fancy rooftop cocktail bar or a loud and busy bar with live music and good beers, we’ve got you covered. There may be a few overlaps in this article, as some of these bars do deserve to be in two different sections and we couldn’t land on one choice!
We have made the city of Christchurch (or Ōtautahi) our home for many months while we lived and worked here, so we’ve had plenty of time to explore and sniff out the best places.
Note: the venues mentioned throughout this article are all of the best bars in Christchurch CBD.
Now, it would be rude of us to just assume what you like and say “these are the best bars that you must visit in Christchurch”. Everyone likes something different.
However, you can certainly trust us 😉
This article is split into sections to help you really navigate your way to the best evening possible in Christchurch- just use the table of contents below. You’re welcome!
Some of our tops picks and favourite places to hang out in Christchurch are:
Austin Club
Bangalore Polo Club
Paddy McNaughton’s
We 100% recommend these bars!
Read on for more.
Best Cocktail Bars in Christchurch
If you like unique venues and delicious cocktails, then this section is for you.
Some of the finest mixologists in town are employed at these bars, and cocktail culture is very much alive in this city!
We have listed the best cocktail bars in Christchurch, and they certainly do not disappoint.
Austin Club
An underground speakeasy style bar that has some of the most unique and best cocktails in town, the Austin Club easily takes the top spot.
Don’t let looks deceive you; the outside entrance does not look pretty because of the bins and the very questionable looking door. Once you are in and down the stairs (and past all the graffiti), we promise you won’t be disappointed.
This spot opens at 17:00 Tuesday – Saturday.
You will need the secret password to get in too (check out their Instagram to find it).
Vibes of Austin Club
Super chill and relaxed. They have live music in quite a small space which makes it feel like a private show.
It is an extremely small space which can get quite hot if it is full.
This is one of the best bars in Christchurch due to its creative cocktail menu, the unorthodox entrance and the calibre of musicians that find themselves performing there.
And the uniforms are awesome!
OGB
Standing for Old Government Building, this bar offers an exquisite range of cocktails that are created by some of the best bartenders in town.
Opening at 3pm, the OGB really focusses on its evening audience so you can expect to drink some of the best cocktails here.
Bonus: they do an amazing vegan platter here too for $50! Well worth the money in our opinion.
Vibes at OGB
The OGB caters for everyone. If you want to sit inside and watch the bartenders & mixologists work their magic behind the bar while you are surrounded with 1920s décor, then you’ve come to the right place. Alternatively, if you want to sit outside in the courtyard and bask in the sun while you sip your delightful cocktail, OGB have you covered.
We love it here and have popped in on many occasions.
Monarch
Attached to the delicious Asian fusion restaurant King of Snake, Monarch is a classy cocktail bar on the second floor of the Terrace in the centre of town.
This spot has delicious craft cocktails created by the talented bar team as well as a top of the range sound system that creates an unbelievable vibe. It’s the perfect spot for post dinner drinks or a date night tipple.
Open from 4pm – late everyday!
Gin Gin
This cocktail bar is located on New Regent street and you guessed it, serves mostly gin based cocktails. The interior is stunning, with a well curated and unique colour theme this bar is super cohesive and defo Instagram worthy.
The food is great and with a cocktail list that changes fairly regularly this is a great place to go for some drinks and nibbles.
Open from: 16:00 Tuesday – Thursday & 13:00 Friday – Sunday
Wilko
This “Five star dive bar” is a cozy bar lounge also situated on New Regent street and hosts a vartiety of great cocktails, talented bartenders & rotating beers, what more could you want.
Open from 16:00 – 00:00 Wednesday – Sunday
Best Rooftop Bars in Christchurch
Who doesn’t love cocktails and snacks with a view?! As a city that is generally quite flat, the rooftop bars in Christchurch city centre offer a great bird’s eye view of some of the city’s best features!
The best rooftop bars in Christchurch are:
- Mr Brightside Rooftop Bar
- The ONE Rooftop Bar
Both of these bars are sitting a minimum of four floors above street level and hosts a drinks menu that is worth a stop.
Mr Brightside Rooftop Bar
A penthouse style bar found on the fourth floor of the Public Trust Building, Mr Brightside Rooftop Bar is worth a visit! A cocktail in hand is the best way to appreciate views of the Port Hills, the Avon River and Cathedral Square.
Drinks at Mr Brightside Rooftop Bar
Mr Brightside has some creatively packaged drinks. Their bottled cocktails are premade, spirit heavy drinks that pack a delicious punch. For those who love their Martinis, an Old Fashioned and Negronis, then we recommend you trying Mr Brightside’s unique take on the classics!
For those who prefer their cocktails shaken, the mixologists have a treat for you with and array of gin, rum, and tequila-based cocktails that are full of fresh flavour, ready to tango with your tastebuds.
They also have an extensive wine list, with some of the best world class wine that New Zealand has to offer.
This is a top tier cocktail bar as well as having epic sunset views. We loved visiting!
Location & Opening Times
Wednesday- Sunday: 12pm till late
Mr Brightside (website link)
The ONE Rooftop Bar
A stylish and elegant space with a menu that reflects passion, if you want a dining experience in the sky then book a table.
Drinks at The ONE
The ONE has a solid wine list, with wines from France, Australia, and New Zealand. They have some top shelf French cognac, a selection of whiskey, and a range of Fortune Favours beers. They do not have any cocktails. This is because The ONE is a restaurant before it is a bar, with a drinks menu that compliments the dinner menu. However, it has a happy hour and a bar snack menu, so you are very welcome to just pop in and enjoy a drink or two while the sun sets.
Location & Opening Times
Best Irish Bars in Christchurch
For those who love a Guinness and the buzz of an Irish bar, look no further! New Zealand might be a world away from the rolling hills and green landscapes of Ireland, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a taste of the Irish right here in the heart of the South Island. And Christchurch is packed full of them!
Christchurch boasts some excellent Irish bars that offer a warm atmosphere, traditional Irish music, and a fine selection of Irish whiskey. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, here are some of the best Irish bars in Christchurch to experience a bit of Irish hospitality.
There is one Irish bar that we have spent a significant amount of time in too…
Paddy McNaughton's
This is hands down our favourite, it is an absolute must visit and bucket list spot as it offers the best vibes in town. It’s extremely cozy, welcoming and full to the brim with Irish-ness!
Situated on Manchester Street, Paddy McNaughton’s is a hidden gem for those looking for a classic Irish pint of Guinness or a tipple of whiskey. Offering a cozy atmosphere during the days and a rowdy crowd of Irish dancing by night, Paddy’s is the perfect place to enjoy old Irish ambiance.
Don’t forget to swing by on a Thursday where you’ll catch the amazing Stephen McDaid performing the best live Irish music in town.
Fun fact: The building, Shands Emporium, was physically moved post-earthquake to where it can currently be found on Manchester Street.
Paddy McNaughton’s is also actually connected with The Church Brew Pub (one of the best live music bars in town-more on that later). This means you can buy a Guinness in Paddy’s and take it through to The Church!
And, most importantly, the Guinness served here is second to none.
Opening Times
3pm-late, 7 days a week.
Address
The Bog Irish Bar
Nestled in Victoria Street, The Bog Irish Bar is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.
We have visited The Bog on a few occasions with friends and have always enjoyed a few pints, enjoying the atmosphere of live music events featuring talented local musicians and traditional Irish tunes, creating an inviting and lively atmosphere.
The Bog is a great social space for families as it is much larger than some of the other Irish bars- we’ve seen a group of kids Irish dancing on the floor space before!
This vibrant pub offers an extensive range of Irish and Kiwi beverages, including ales and stouts. It also offers a diverse menu with both Irish and Kiwi favourites, making it an ideal place for group gatherings.
Opening Times
From 12:00 til late everyday!
O'Shea's Irish Bar
Located in the out skirts of the central city, O’Shea’s Irish Bar is a must-visit for anyone seeking an Irish pub experience. This cozy establishment captures the essence of an Irish pub with its warm wooden interiors, live music, and friendly staff. You can enjoy a hearty meal of traditional Irish fare like bangers and mash or fish and chips, paired with a pint of Guinness or a fine Irish whiskey.
Opening from 11:00 everyday.
The Little Fiddle
Found in the heart of the city on Oxford Terrace, The Little Fiddle is a beloved institution among Christchurch’s Irish community. With a great selection of pub food and delicious Guinness, prepare to be greeted with a warm sense of belonging at this bar.
Opening Times from 11:00 – late everyday!
Whether you’re in the mood for a pint of Guinness, some Irish folk music, or a plate of traditional Irish food, Christchurch’s Irish bars have got you covered.
Best Live Music Venues in Christchurch
If you’re in the mood for music, then we have a few great suggestions. Christchurch is know for its arts and culture, and offers an array of different settings for live music- from intimate acoustic sessions to high energy performances.
The Church
Without a doubt, the best live music venue in town! The Church Brew Pub is a beautiful heritage building located on the corner of Manchester Street and Worchester Street. This establishment not only offers a great selection of Emerson’s craft beers and delicious woodfired pizzas but also features live music events throughout the week.
From chilled out pianists to lively gigs, The Church is perfect for those looking to enjoy quality music in a comfortable and inviting setting. It is also one of the coolest and unique bars in town, as is a renovated church with all the original features of the Anglican church it once was. There is also a great outdoor seating area.
The Church brew pub is a revitalised old Catholic Church that was damaged in the 2011 earthquake, The Church is easily one of the coolest and most unique looking bars in town as it is quite literally a renovated church.
They have an epic stage where they host some of the best bands in the area.
A Friday and Saturday night there gets really busy, so prepare yourself!
From chilled out pianists to lively gigs, The Church is perfect for those looking to enjoy quality music in a comfortable and inviting setting. It is also one of the coolest and unique bars in town, as is a renovated church with all the original features of the Anglican church it once was. There is also a great outdoor seating area.
The Church brew pub is a revitalised old Catholic Church that was damaged in the 2011 earthquake, The Church is easily one of the coolest and most unique looking bars in town as it is quite literally a renovated church.
They have an epic stage where they host some of the best bands in the area.
A Friday and Saturday night there gets really busy, so prepare yourself!
Fat Eddies
Fat Eddie’s offers a range of live music from up-and-coming local musicians to bigger bands touring around the country. It can be found on the strip of bars and restaurants in central Christchurch. A bar with a real buzz, a large dance floor and intimate booths, Fat Eddie’s has something for everyone.
Friday and Saturday nights can see Fat Eddies full of a younger crowd partying, but if you find yourself here midweek you’ll be likely to catch an acoustic session or something similar.
Boos
Much smaller and more intimate than the previous two live music venues we have mentioned, Boos has great big squishy booths to sit in with a beer in hand.
Best Bars for Romance in Christchurch
As hopeless romantics ourselves, we have scouted out a few spots around town to get away from the hustle and bustle and just enjoy a few drinks together.
The bars and restaurants in this section are perfect spots for a chilled date with your special someone.
Vesuvio
This spot is like a slice of Europe in Christchurch. Serving phenomenal wines and greta tapas dishes this place is a must.
They have an awesome outside seating area as well as some cosy living room type spaces upstairs and a restaurant section in the main bar area. So, whatever you fancy there is a space to fit your vibe.
They have also recently installed a tap room which is home to exclusively Garage Project beers, this is a first in the south island so absolutely worth a visit.
Austin Club
Already mentioned in this article, but this is a bar with character, great cocktails and perfect for a date.
We spent New Years Eve 2023 here!
We were initially attracted to this place by its book themed cocktail menu as Jess loves reading, but then when we got there and realised that they do themed menus on a periodic change and the bar tenders also create some awesome drinks on the spot for whatever mood you fancy if its not too busy!
Here you can either sit in the seating area at a table and enjoy the ambience or sit right at the bar to see the masters at work.
Best Bars for Beers in Christchurch
I know what you’re saying: all bars should have beers! Correct.
However, some bars do beer better than others.
Hear us out.
Let’s set the scene. You walk into a bar fancying a fun craft beer that you know New Zealand is up and coming for. Maybe an off the cuff hazy you’ve never tried, or perhaps you want to try a local milk stout as you’ve heard that Cassells does a fine one. Upon arriving at the bar, you see only a few taps. And two of them are Speights.
Slightly disappointing.
As craft beer is huge in New Zealand, the bars in this section are ones that won’t disappoint you with a variety of tastes, colours, types of beer.
Unless you do want that Speights, of course (not that we’re judging).
The Brewery (Cassels)
Located at a lovely shopping centre called the Tannery this spot is the brewing location for all the Cassels range of beers. Their tap room and restaurant is open from 8:00-late everyday!
Serving up breakfast, beers and pizza.
3 Garlands Road, Woolston, Christchurch
Pomeroys
An old English style pub that has a range of about 31 different taps to chose from!
Located at 292 Kilmore street and open from 15:00 on weekdays and 12:00 Friday – Sunday
Craft Embassy
Smack bang in the centre of Christchurch on the terrace this spot is a super easy spot to pop into. With 30 taps available and rotating on a regular place you never have to get the same beer twice!
They also serve cocktails, wines and a great range of food, including plenty of vegan options and Jess’ favourite battered pickles.
Open from 11:00 – 23:00 most days (closing time is 00:00 Friday & Saturday).
Canterbury Brewers Collective
Another beer place that is very central, this one is a smaller beer bar located in the riverside market that specializes in super local brews!
Open from 7:30 – 18:00 everyday this is the perfect spot for a lunch time local brew.
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