Discovered this place on a boys night out, having never even heard of it before. I’m not surprised, what with it having no streetside hoardings, just a small door in the entranceway to Squid row, but word of mouth seems to serve this place well. The fact that you have to know where it is to find it adds to the aura of cool that exudes from this place, with the dim lighting and darkwood décor, and fantastic cocktails makes you feel like you’re in a movie with the Rat Pack in the 50’s.
Jon T.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Auckland, New Zealand
The first time I went to Cartel, I wound up on a boat in Auckland Harbour. I’m still not too sure how that happened, so I recently went back for a second visit, vaguely hoping for some clues to piece back that night. I didn’t get any, but I did once again have an enjoyable night — though I ended up back in my own bed this time. Cartel is hard to find — hidden below Squid Row. If you don’t know its there — you won’t find it. This lends to an aura of cool which is supplemented by the barstaff and their dedication to fine cocktails — I watched one of them burn an orange skin and scrape the peel off just to ensure the drink tasted just right. The prices start high, but you are paying for more then the alcohol — it’s a performance.