1885
1885 hides behind an unmarked door in the Britomart heritage precinct, operating as Auckland's most committed speakeasy-style cocktail bar. The name references the year the building was constructed, and the interior leans into that history with exposed brick, dim Edison bulbs, leather banquettes, and a long timber bar that seats maybe 12 people. Total capacity is around 50, making it one of the smallest bars in the precinct. The cocktail menu is curated rather than extensive, typically running 15-20 options that mix classics with house creations incorporating New Zealand ingredients. Think Manuka honey in an Old Fashioned, or kawa kawa leaf in a gin sour. Bartenders know the menu intimately and will build custom drinks on request. The atmosphere is hushed and focused, a deliberate contrast to the louder venues surrounding it.
What to Expect
Finding the entrance is part of the experience. Look for a small sign on the Britomart heritage block and push through the unmarked door. Inside, the room is dark, warm, and immediately intimate. Candles on the tables, soft jazz on the speakers, and the quiet clink of glassware behind the bar. It feels like discovering someone's private drinking room.
Hushed, intimate, and focused on craftsmanship. Every detail is intentional, from the ice to the glassware. The small space creates a feeling of exclusivity without enforcing it.
Low-volume jazz, blues, and soul. The music is present but never competes with conversation. Occasionally a vinyl record spins on a turntable behind the bar.
Smart casual to dressed up. The crowd puts effort into their appearance here. It's a place where looking sharp feels appropriate without being required.
Cocktail enthusiasts, couples on a date, and small groups who prioritize drink quality over volume. Not suitable for large parties or anyone wanting a loud night.
Cards and contactless accepted. No minimum spend but ordering one drink and lingering is frowned upon during busy periods.
Price Range
Cocktails NZD 24-30, wine NZD 16-22, bar snacks NZD 14-20
Cocktails ~USD 14-18/~EUR 13-17, wine ~USD 10-13/~EUR 9-12
Hours
Tue-Sat 5 PM to midnight
Insider Tip
Reservations are recommended on Friday and Saturday. The bar seats are the best spots; you'll watch the bartenders work and get served first. Ask about the off-menu drinks. The bartenders enjoy being challenged. Weekday evenings before 8 PM are the quietest and most atmospheric.
Full Review
1885 is the kind of bar that rewards people who care about cocktails. The menu reads like a love letter to New Zealand's native ingredients woven through classic cocktail frameworks. A Negroni made with native bitter botanicals tastes familiar but distinctly different. An Old Fashioned with Manuka honey brings a floral sweetness that sugar syrup can't replicate. These aren't gimmicks; they're thoughtful adaptations.
The room itself contributes to the experience. The heritage building's exposed brick and timber frame create warmth without trying too hard. The lighting is dim enough to be atmospheric but not so dark that you can't read the menu. The bar seats, just 12 of them, put you close enough to the action that you can watch the bartenders measure, stir, and strain with precision. Conversation flows easily because the room is small and the music stays low.
Service is personal and unhurried. Bartenders introduce themselves, ask about preferences, and guide first-time visitors through the menu. This level of attention is possible because the venue is small. When it fills up on a Saturday night, the wait for drinks stretches, but the quality doesn't drop.
Compared to Ponsonby Social Club or Bedford Soda, 1885 occupies a smaller, more focused niche. It's not trying to be a place for groups or parties. Two people having an excellent drink and a good conversation is the target experience. On those terms, it's one of the best bars in Auckland.
The Neighborhood
1885 sits within the Britomart heritage precinct, a cluster of restored 19th-century commercial buildings between Customs Street and the waterfront. Several restaurants and bars surround it. Fort Lane and its nightlife venues are a one-minute walk. Britomart station is two minutes away.
Getting There
From Britomart station, walk toward the heritage buildings on Galway Street. The entrance is subtle, so look for the small signage. From the Viaduct, walk east along the waterfront to the Britomart block. Uber dropoff on Customs Street East puts you at the doorstep.
Other Venues in Britomart-Viaduct
Impala
Multi-room nightclub on Fort Lane with a rooftop terrace. House, techno, and hip-hop nights draw a well-dressed crowd that stays late.
Sweat Shop Brew Kitchen
Craft beer bar and kitchen on Gore Street in Britomart serving house-brewed beers in an industrial-chic space with exposed brick and steel.
Bedford Soda & Liquor
Upscale cocktail lounge in the Britomart precinct known for inventive drinks, dim lighting, and a refined atmosphere.
Dr Rudi's Rooftop Brewing Co.
Rooftop bar and bowling alley overlooking the Viaduct Basin. House-brewed beers, pizzas, and panoramic harbour views from the seventh floor.
Danny Doolans
Large Irish-themed bar on the Viaduct waterfront with live music seven nights a week, multiple levels, and a busy weekend crowd.