Caretaker in Auckland

A beautiful bar and a unique experience! Cocktails were delicious & being from Melbourne we felt right at home in this hidden gem!

We called in for a drink post Kings of Leon on Sunday night, made it just in time and the bar staff were run off their feet. Never less caretakers took care of everything and we had a great time and the cocktails were awesome. Thanks guys. We will come again

There were empty tables at 10pm and the waiter told us that wed be put on a waiting list of 2 groups including us. At the time, 5 tables were clear and we were still told that we couldnt be seated although half the bar was empty. We asked to wait at the empty bar to have a drink and again, the waiter was reluctant. Appalling service for a half empty bar.

Such an absolute fun experience coming here! So cool ordering a drink and tasting what comes out. 10/10 recommend for anyone who comes to Auckland

Really fun experience! We were served by 2 staff who were absolutely were incredible - a Asian girl, absolutely lovely girl and so kind and helpful and a guy from NZ who’s parents were from Wales, both amazing staff who made our experience incredible. Checked in on us multiple times, had a chat with us and we’re so warm and welcoming. The drinks were absolutely delicious! (Thank you to the bar tenders too!I don’t know how they do it - but the drinks were exactly what we both would of ordered - look forward to coming back! Thanks!

If youve ever been to a great cocktail bar in Europe... This is as close as youll get in Aotearoa. Unsurpassed knowledge. Fantastic vibe.

Awesome experience. Charming basement bootleg atmosphere. Tell the barman what flavors you like and hell mix up a surprise.

I will be back, seat at the bar, excellent service, outstanding knowledge. Awesome when a bartender takes you by surprise and on a gin journey.Good fun looking for the entrance.Maître d was so good about the wait, security was friendly and great humour.Best cocktail bar in the country.

What an amazing place to visit, it made my night. Definitely will be revisiting this bar next time I am back in Auckland.Their bartender is so knowledgeable and the cocktails are so delicious.

Amazing experience, first time really getting cocktails and having no idea what I liked or enjoyed they made it smooth by asking questions about what flavours you liked, types of alcohol, ways of being made etc. Incredible vibes. Bit hard to find with no signage but definitely worth it

Loved this place great service and excellent cocktails! Cant wait to be back with more friends!

what can I say something about a bespoke cocktails will always win my heart love this concept the place has an amazing vibe the service was freaking fantastic a place that I would probably keep going back

A little hidden gem in the Britomart area, their knowledgeable bartender is able to mix something up for a guaranteed hit. By the way the cherry tastes awesome!

A gem of a spot - usually a good experience with great drinks and enticing atmosphere. In saying that, the last time I went, I asked for a "dirty martini, gin please". The staff member told me "martinis are always gin". Feeling chastised, I ordered a second one and asked for a "dirty martini please" and the staff member said "gin or vodka?". Another customer went by and her bag knocked our drinks off the table. She said it wasnt her fault and we had to ask a staff member to clean up the glass on the floor. No one offered to replace our drinks.

Great suprise destination, perfect for a date night. No menu, cocktails are made on discussion of your favourite flavours, and they nail it every time.

Fascinating place with great Jazz live. Interior is unpickable, great idea for a bar to be built underground with a vintage door, which gives time travel vibes. Staffs are great with their cocktail recommendations, however the waiters didn’t seem to know much about whiskeys. Absolutely best atmosphere for a little night out, highly recommended.

Caretaker needs no reviews anymore. Its got amazing street cred and it deserves every bit of it. Had this amazing spicy mezcal cocktail the other day 🔥

Good place, cool vibe but can get quite busy and their drink ordering can mean quite a wait for drinks. Though the drink are nice and well made. If you sit at the bar the bar tenders give good company. Peak hours are pretty crazy though

Such a cool bar and well worth a visit if you love cocktails.Attentive service and really unique cocktails! Will visit again for sure!

Quaint little speakeasy. Yes, if youre not careful, youll miss the entrance. Theres no drink menu, the bartenders will sit down with you to discuss what you like to make the cocktails for you. We went earlier in the day to prevent the crowd and it was great that we didnt have to shout at each other for a decent conversation.

This bar is the best; super friendly and knowledgeable bartenders, great speakeasy vibe, nice place for a date or quiet get together with a couple of friends. A little difficult to find, but thats a lot of the charm!

Secret bar in Auckland (the best kind), super cool bar tucked away in a basement. There is no menu, they ask you a few questions and make the drink around this!Ambience is great, they dont overload the bar so you do get the cosy atmosphere. Really great service. Def a bar worthy of going to

Worth seeking out - and yes, there is no signage outside, so youll need someone to show you where it is or a good nose to seek it out. Service is great, and the vibe is chilled, comfortable, and youre a member of the coolest club in town just by finding it. No menu - Serving staff will give you a friendly q&a on your cocktail tastes, and then the bar staff will surprise you.... And theyre virtually never wrong!

Cosy. They will spend time working out what cocktail will suit you based on what you tell them you like. Both drinks I were given were great. Love that you can have a quite few drinks with friends or a date, an intimate environment.

Absolutely LOVE this bar!!! Perfect place for a date or night-cap after dinner. Dimly lit, delicious drinks made to order (literally order whatever you want and they’ll make it). It goes to show how popular it is when they have a wait-list often on weekend nights. The reason they do that, though, is because they keep a standard of not being overcrowded and everyone having their own space. Always visit when we’re in Auckland 💚

Benji made our experience live up to what we’ve read about Caretaker when we visited last night. Coziest bar in Aukland? Yes. Best cocktails in Auckland? Also yes

Disappointed. Cocktail was nice but waiting forty five minutes and the matride was defensive. Instead of apologising he pulled out of his arse a poor excuse. Cocktails are nice but not worth the 40 minute wait. Give a miss until they have a decent booking system and stop being something they are not - a cocktail bar that is the creme!!!!

Hands down bourbon (African flowerI have ever had! Silky smooth! Customer service is second to none. Ive found my favourite bar in NZ and I dont say this lightly

Always a delight to visit caretaker, the staff work very hard in what seems like a hard time for most hospo venues at the moment, yes the wait for drinks its longer than most places however they are by far some of the best cocktails iv had :)

WORST SERVICE EVER: My colleagues and I (a group of 5visited caretaker the other night. We were seated and proceeded to place our orders. We waited 15 minutes to be serviced water as refreshments which I personally had to go request. We waited a further hour and a half while we sat there patiently waiting and waiting and waiting as we attempted to entertain ourselves.The bar was not busy, there was a couple behind us who arrived after us. Ironically they were served two rounds of drinks while we were still waiting for our first orders.There were no updates from the waiters about the wait or inconvenience. We decided to leave without receiving any drinks because of the ridiculous waiting.While we were leaving no one approached us to apologised. On our way out we saw our waiter joyfully enjoying her cigarette with other staff members. ExcellentAbsolutely disgusting service. There was no consideration for our group which resulted in our time being wasted. We were all extremely disappointed and frustrated about the lack of service, if any.

A unique gem! 💎 Perfect for those wanting to expand their tastes, as they don’t offer a typical menu - instead, the staff ask you questions about your likes & dislikes and how you’re feeling, and they’ll return to your table with a concoction along the lines of your own description! 🍹 They explain everything they used for your cocktail, and they cater for non-alcohol consumers as well with their brilliant mocktails!Great atmosphere, friendly & professional staff who go above beyond, amazing cocktails, & the live jazz band on certain days of the week adds a brilliant touch to the whole vibe of the place! 🔥

The best cocktail place in Auckland! Secret spot for an amazing date night out.I love the approach of actually not having the menu and let the waiter to surprise you. Amazing service, super friendly and, indeed, they will "take care" of you here. Couple of times they had life music in the middle of the week.Favorite spot, I highly recommend this place.

This place is FANTASTIC!!!! If youre in the mood for cocktails, then this is the place for you. But if youre looking for a drinks list, youve gone to the wrong place. They come to your table, sit down and ask you questions on what you like in a drink. Then off they go to create you a drink based on what you said.The drinks they brought us were bloody fantastic. I highly recommend this place. Well definitely be back to sample more drinks

The atmosphere here is like no other through Auckland, a true upper class cocktail bar that still makes you feel at home. The drinks are consistently great

Cool moody underground cocktail bar. The staff have a conversation with you to understand your flavour preferences and then return with a custom made cocktail. Great place to meet before a dinner date.

My fav lil cocktail bar. What can I say, the vibes are are INCREDIBLE! ❤️ Always bringing friends that have never been! Their cheese boards are pretty bloody incredible too!

A unique experience as the bartenders individualize your drinks according to what flavour profiles and types of spirits you enjoy. There’s live music on Sundays-Tuesdays so would recommend those days.

This place is pure ambience.There is a no menu system here, tell them what you ‘feel’ like and they’ll make it for you. I’ve not had a bad ‘feel’ here before.It sits underground behind a tiny green door so it’s hard to find, but you should do you best to find this place because it will put a smile on your face.

Was told that we couldnt fit 6 on a small table at first but staff helped out and managed to squeeze a spot for us on a busy Friday night. Drinks are awesome and staff were constantly checking on us and topping us H2O!

Awesome live music, cosy light and seats. Great cocktails as well. They replace your cocktail if it is not what you like. Very responsible and satisfied me most of the time. Great for couples, friends, dates. Will definitely go there once a while.

I almost didnt want to write this review to keep this special spot a secret. The bartenders are fantastic, knowledgeable and fun! The atmosphere is dark, leather and cozy. The bar is welcoming. You feel like you have been transported into a secret location only you and a few friends know about. Only come if you are an open minded drinker!

Perfect for a 3rd or 4th date night. This place is quite a hidden gem and makes the best cocktails. The bartenders and waitresses are quite friendly. The bartenders usually offer to make exclusive cocktails for you depending on the kind of alcohol you like and the flavours you would prefer with it. My friend was served gin with coconut and raspberry mix - was the best she ever had (she says!). Best to make a reservation if you planning a date ;)

Drinks were insanely amazing!! Our waitress sat with us and asked about our drink preferences, likes and dislikes! Drinks were spot on for all of us!!! I really enjoyed the staff!! The atmosphere is perfect as well.

Youre always guaranteed an exceptional experience at Caretaker (& their sister bar, Deadshot).Unforgettably delectable cocktails are a given. And if youre a bit peckish, the cheese options are fantastic. On top of this, the service is consistently friendly and attentive.

Probably the best place in Auckland to have a cocktail experience. Essentially the idea is to tell the waiter/waitress what type of cocktail and flavours you like and theyll come up with something different based on your suggestions. Great music and fitout making it a great place to have a drink. Most Saturdays theres a wait to get in.

Great cocktails. There’s no menu will be given in this bar so you’ll need to tell your waiter or waitress that attend you on your favourite alcohol base and you would prefer a sweet sour cocktails. They’ll surprise you with their knowledge. Personally love their whiskey sour. All of their cocktails is superb. A good bar for a chill night and some catch up.

This place is perfect.No menu. The bartenders get to know you and provide an intimate and personalized service. Find out what you like, what you are interested in, and how you feel.Tables are small and groups are kept small. And despite some of the complaints here, it’s a good thing. Small groups keep the charm of this place.Entrance is hard to find and the door is hidden. And that’s a feature.

This would be one of my favourite bar. They provide unique experience of taking order pf your preferred taste and would create a cocktail accordingly. You can still order named cocktail or beer if you want, but best to let wait staff assist you.We had few cocktails and best one was espresso martini using aged rum and house made coffee essence with cream on top. Has prohibition era New York vibe with relaxed and funky jazz music.Only downfall is they could be busy and you may have to wait sometime after putting your name on the waiting list. Also they dont usually accomodate group of 6 so better contact them first if you want group outing.

Ahh it feels so much like London. Underground bar, vintage seating and atmosphere, dark, and specialty crafted cocktails based purely on what flavours youre feeling. Quite good at matching them too per person. Overall it was pretty nice and not too loud or quiet. Although, is quite a hard place to talk to anyone else outside your group.

Following a recommendation to track down Caretaker from a hospo insider, we arrived on a Saturday night to find a wait to get in. Seeing this as a good sign, we endured a good half-hour wait in the rowdy upstairs bar, before the hipster on the door finally called us in. When we descended, we found there were plenty of tables to be had, the longer wait time either a sign of inefficiency from the doorman or boutique preciousness for the bar’s capacity.However the ambience was lovely and immediately had us spellbound. Low lighting, waitresses dressed in keeping with the 50s chic vibe, we were transported to another world in a relaxed setting.The concept for service was intriguing; they have no cocktail or drinks list but instead will build you a cocktail / deliver from their repertoire something you will enjoy based on what flavors appeal to you or what you can tell them you are looking for. Very fun but if you have an allergy to pretentiousness this would not be the venue for you. However we easily went along with it and without fault our drinks hit the mark on every score, really well made and delivered on the promise of expert mixology.A bum note with the cheese platter we ordered; really not good enough value on the board for the price. While the three cheeses themselves were present in expected quantity, the accompaniments were stingy and lacking, there really should have been some kind of cured meat element on to make the plate worthy of the rest of the experience we were having.For a basement venue the sound management was good, conversation flowed easily. A very cool hang out for those in the know to be sure.