Sly Bar — Restaurant in Waitematā

Sly bar is a take on speak-easy bars, tucked away behind a hidden door which transports you to a nicely dim litted bar. The music and ambiance fits the style of venue really nicely and watching people confused at how to enter through the hidden door on the screen was a nice little passtime. It has a good assortment of spirits both local and international (try scapegrace black gin, its delicious) and the cocktails on their menu are unique and balanced nicely.

Unfortunately, our first introduction to the venue was shaky at best. Waiting for 25 minutes for a single cocktail with no indication from the bartender that there was going to be a wait on the order. The glass arrived sticky from the passionfruit syrup/pulp and we had to wipe it down.

Our second round of drinks came out faster which was nice, however we had ordered a dirty martini and recieved a martini with a liquorice taste that did not pair well with the briney dryness of a classic dirty martini. We all tried it but were quite disappointed by it unfortunately.

I'm sure that the bartender was just under the pump working alone on a busy Thursday evening but our first impression leaves much to be desired.

I'll definitely come back to try it again because I love speak-easy style bars and there's a few of the more dessert style cocktails id...

This is the best of the "sly" bars in Auckland and I know a few ;) The staff are incredible, so knowledgeable, friendly, helpful and professional and the cocktails they recommended to us each time we visited were bang on beautiful!

Step through into this little world if you can find it although I'm tempted not to share it with many because it is just that special. You'll find yourself in a beautiful place with great lighting, plushly dark decor, great tunes and a discreet vibe. My absolute fave and hands down best spot in Auckland (yes I will die on this hill!). Haven't gotten round to the food yet but if it's anything like the service, drinks and atmosphere, it will be winner too....

Quiet a hidden little bar but it's a blooddy great spot if your needing somewhere to meet up Prior for a 'Hens Do Gathering' OR a night out on Krd, especially if your off to the Drag Shows. Great spot to pre-drink and do the Hens do activities, as we did prior to the Show booked. Bit hidden but that's what we loved as we basically had the Bar to ourselves and the entire 15 of us there. Bar staff were amazing, with fantastic cocktails a great selection, along with a very dark'nmoody but art deco kinda Vibe interior! Loved it! Would recommend this hidden gem. So hidden you don't know how to even get it hahaha!! Like me who stood outside Krd thinking where is...