Cupid bar — Restaurant in Albert-Eden

The scene at Cupid Bar in Point Chevalier is pure controlled chaos, a mad carnival of beer taps and sonic warfare. You walk through the door and the staff greet you like old co-conspirators in some great cosmic scheme—smiling, laughing, a little dangerous but always on your side. The beer flows in a bewildering variety, strong enough to crack open the night, while the cocktails come at you like experimental weapons—strange, fascinating, designed to short-circuit the sensible part of your brain.

And the music—Christ, the music never stops. Always good, always loud enough to drown the dull chatter of reality. Some nights you’ll catch comedy, other nights live bands, and sometimes the damned patrons themselves show up with their own vinyl, spinning records like shamans conjuring spirits from the ether. It’s not just a bar. It’s a freak embassy, a place where community and chaos shake hands and buy each...

This is my favourite bar in Auckland. Great staff, great drinks and entertaining locals. Cupid bar has the best of both worlds, a bar or outdoor lounge where during the afternoon you can sip a lazy cocktail in the sun and watch the foot traffic or discreet cozy indoor area if you wish to take a moment out with a companion. The bar staff know their product and are well educated in beer, wine and song. If the changing roster of beer on tap doesn't hook you in, the musical playlist will. Most weeks there will be some sort of band, DJ or event, low key enough for it not to veer toward the gaudy side of commercial drinking spots but raucous enough to not make your average punter feel excluded. Food is also served with something for all but this is not your average bar...

Best. Bar. Snacks. Ever. I stopped in there a couple weeks ago to grab a early evening drink and snack and it did not disappoint. I ordered the jalapeno poppers (best I've ever had) and the chicken wings (also amazing). The host Alix was warm and welcoming and gave excellent service. A real gem in the PT...