Mea Culpa

Tiny cocktails place in ponsonby. But if you want really good made cocktails that’s definitely the place to go. The waiters are into the details and will take precision to fine tune the cocktails to your wishes. They are simply delicious and made to perfection. Cosy place for a nice talk /​date or warm up before heading out. Closing late

I went here last night and we snagged the last two seats at the bar, about 8:45p on a Friday night. I’m told it used to be quieter, like a v chill cocktail spot. When I went, the music was pretty loud and the clientele were in high spirits.
We ordered the two warm drinks: hot buttered rum, and hot gin punch. There were three bartenders behind the bar, but only one was making the craft cocktails, so it took a while. Like, 20+ minutes until we had drinks in hand. That’s where the –1 star comes from. They apologized for the wait after about 20 minutes, and then kept doctoring the cocktail for another 5 mins. I was kind of enjoying the show (they legit pulled out a burner — science!), but at the same time it was a looooong wait we were not expecting.
The drinks themselves were delicious! The hot buttered rum (the culprit of the long wait) was delicious — strong coffee flavor, creamy, dark and delicious. My hot gin punch was great too, like a boozy, cozy tea. It had a citrus punch and some star anise for added kick. Sometimes hot cocktails can be a little too alcohol-​forward for me, but these were both delicious. Weighed in at $ 20 and $ 18 each, respectively.
The bartenders were great, the vibe was small and fun. I’ll come back to escape the cold with another craft cocktail for sure.

Thoughtful, creative cocktails and a massive selection of gin. This is a great place to meet if you’re on a date or with one friend, and you don’t know what or where you want to eat next. The bartenders are incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. If there’s only two of them on, prepare to wait for service.

I went here a couple of weeks ago with some friends for some pre-​dinner drinks. Didn’t have any food, just two drinks each. However, the service and quality of the drinks was just exceptional!
We all had gin and tonics, and the different gin and tonics they offered was fantastic. The bar staff were really with drink suggestions, and it’s obvious the staff are very highly trained in mixology and cocktails, but without being pretentious or arrogant about it (which you often get). We got tablet service even though we were happy to order drinks at the bar. Overall it was a great experience and I’ll definitely be back.

There’s something to be said about a bar that hires drink specialists. The barman knows his stuff here. Every detail about the drink composition. It reminded me of how a sommelier would elaborate on a wine complimenting the cheese.
I ordered a Fig & Melon something or another, with ‘egg white’ on the top. I was a bit skeptical at first, because really, who drinks with egg? Jokes on me… silly American! Egg-​white simply means there’s a bit of froth on top of the cocktail. The Fig & Melon had a nice citrus aroma with a subtle sweetness, top with a nice slice of cantaloup and of course the froth. Mmmm! I would say I would order this cocktail again, alas Mea Culpa changes their menu every few days. No worries guys… I forgive you.
The bar has coat/​purse hooks ladies, so feel free to hang free. There are a few small tables outside for people watchers. You should also know that the cocktails are on average $ 15.00, but worth every cent!

I have been a big fan of Mea Culpa since moving to Ponsonby in 2007. I find that it doesn’t matter what kind of mood you’re in, it’ll suit any night out. It’s frequently a spot for pre-​dinner wines/​beer — they used to be one of the only cocktail bars that had craft beer (clearly not anymore, New Zealand freaking LOVES its craft beer) — yet works just as well for a big night on cocktails. You can create your own dance floor, though beware that the bar is small, particularly down the side and trying to shimmy past that drunk group blocking the way is annoying. I freely acknowledge I’ve been that person before though!
As mentioned in some of the other reviews, you can grab some Renkon from next door and munch on that while you’re sipping on a cocktail. Definitely a marriage made in heaven there.
The bartenders are all well trained, they know how to make cocktails and they understand flavour combinations. They’re more than happy to make you something from thin air if nothing on the menu floats your boat, buuuut, I will encourage you try one off the menu — they’re there for a reason, incorporating those beautiful seasonal fruits.
Mea Culpa is always a great ‘go to’, it’s just a shame I don’t live within walking (stumbling) distance any longer!

There is a lot to like about Mea Culpa. It is small but flawlessly decorated and the atmosphere is always relaxed, making it the perfect stop for an after work drink. Most importantly though the bartenders are knowledgeable, unpretentious and know how to make a bloody good cocktail. Not to mention if you are feeling peckish they are totally down with you ordering Japanese from neighbouring restaurant, Renkon and eating it on their cute tables and chairs outside.

Best cocktail bar in Auckland.

Mea Culpa is a tiny bar on Ponsonby Road. My ex boyfriend is kind of obsessed with the place. Well, he is now that we’ve broken up. We never went when we were together. He’s made friends with all the staff and everything. How is this relevant? I don’t know but I feel like if he can make friends with the staff and start a moustache growing competition with them, you can too, which sort of says something about the kind of bartenders they are.
The cocktails are pretty fantastic. They don’t come cheap but you’ll find experimental and delicious concoctions on the menu. There’s a few wrought iron tables and chairs outside for the smokers and if you’re in the mood for food, you can order Renkon next door and have it delivered to the bar and have it in there with your drinks which is pretty fantastic if you ask me.

I’m actually pretty stunned that I’m the first to review this place — I thought people would flock to talk about how great Mea Culpa is. Not only are the cocktails super amazing at this place, they’re recognised for their excellence too! Time and time again the bartenders at Mea Culpa have been decorated at top notch award ceremonies like the Lewisham awards.
My memories of the cocktails at Mea Culpa are hazy, probably due to the fact that I always seem to pick delicious drops with tequila in them. Luckily for those of us who indulge a bit too much, if Renkon is still open, you’re allowed to bring food next door to eat!