Juice Bar

I made an account just to review this place. A friend wanted to check this bar out, so a group of seven of us headed there for a Saturday night out on the town. It was pretty crowded and the vibe seemed good so we were initially glad we made the trek, however, this did not last long.
No one was at the door so we walked in and went to the bar. I ordered a beer, happily presented my ID when asked, was served and then asked if I was with «the private party». I looked around and saw no sign or bouncer or anything to indicate that it was a private party, so I said no? And in the rudest way possible, he told me I couldn’t be there and said my friends and I needed to leave. I asked how we were supposed to know it was a private party and he confrontationally said «Uh, I just told you». SO incredibly rude. Another friend, who at the time did not know that it was a private party, went up to the bar to order a drink and was told, by the same bartender, to «get out» after she couldn’t give the bride and grooms names (because we didn’t know there was even a wedding party occurring)
Before, as he was about to pour my beer, I had seen another bartender whisper in his ear and point to our group (we weren’t incapacitated or acting sloppy in the slightest). We amicably left the bar after they asked us to do so. The rude bartender then proceeded to follow us out the bar and tell us that going next door to Windsor Castle, a bar with the same owners as Juice Bar, would be a «waste of our time.»
My theory is that they didn’t want a group of younger 20-​somethings at their bar, scrounged up an excuse to get us to leave, and didn’t even bother to be apologetic or even courteous about it Regardless of the reason (maybe there was a wedding, but there was no bride in sight), it was handled unprofessionally and the bartender was just downright rude, and left me feeling bitter for the rest of the night. I implore anyone reading this to avoid this bar and head elsewhere.

The first time I came here, it was to see my friend’s band perform a while ago. It was the middle of summer and absolutely boiling in Juice due to the sheer amount of people and the fact that the huge windows at the front of the bar were closed (I guess due to noise pollution). It’s a relatively small venue for live music, but actually quite a nice bar otherwise. I love the decorative hexagonal patterned ceiling and star-​shaped hanging lights. It feels trendy but without being pretentious.
It’s one of the only bars I’ll frequent in Parnell but I think that’s purely because there’s not a great variety. Juice’s only neighbourhood competition is Farside (which I really don’t rate) and McCarthy’s Irish bar, which has definite pub vibe. It thrives because it’s the only bar of its kind along the road – a good bar for an area distinctly lacking in good nightlife.

Great place to hire out for a function. A friend of mine booked this place for a birthday, he had nothing but nice things to say about who he had to deal with, and the people working on the night were cool and friendly as well. He said it cost him $ 250 to hire it for the night, and that he got a discounted bar tab on top of that. We actually used to live just down the road, and used to walk up for a casual drink on occasion, it seems to be very casual and quiet if nobody has hired it out or if there is no gig on. Nice outdoor area with its own seperate little bar.

Whenever I go to Juice Bar for a gig, everyone says the same thing — Parnell really, really sucks as a place to get to. Sure, its like a kilometre walk from town — but thats with a giant hill in the way. Otherwise you have to go through Newmarket with all its traffic woes, or hop off the motorway at the port. So, safe to say, I don’t go to Juice Bar all that much.
When I do, I usually have a good time. They often do pretty good drink specials, if they don’t then the prices seem to fit the area. Read into that what you want. There is a massive outdoor space which is probably the highlight, no need to be jammed up against anyone when all you want is a breath of fresh air. The inside has good acoustics and light set up, so would be good to hire out for a function.

I have to admit the act I came here to see was not of my choosing. But nonetheless we got there early and scored a booth and settled in for a few drinks.
It’s a funny kind of place and the young gig-​going crowd clearly frequent it regularly. I suppose there’s no longer the plethora of live music to choose from on Friday and Saturday nights in Auckland so you take what you can get.
Everything about it is average but not offensive in any way and it’s good to see the old Windsor Castle enduring. It’s a long way from what it was at the turn of century (how weird does that sound?) when it was The George, hip and happening place to be seen, but it’s still alive which can only be a good thing.
Auckland needs to support and look after its live venues and this place, while a very ordinary pub, as a local music venue is as good as any.

In cahoots with Juice TV and it’s neighbour, The Windsor Castle, Juice bar has a great line up of local and international acts. New Zealand Music Month, Open Mic Night, UFC fights screened live or celebrating Brazilian Carnival– don’t miss out on gigs at this Parnell hot spot.
I have booked this venue for a birthday party and a farewell in the past and am never disappointed by the very hospitable staff. We were given use of the stage, DJ booth and VIP room guests dubbed «The Sexy Room». Until the cocktails start flowing there is a pool table to keep people occupied.
Make sure you ask Chris or Z to show you their sweet mixology skills.