I used to frequent Starks for a daytime coffee. It’s the only decent café on that particular strip of Queen St unless you feel like taking a bit longer walk up to The Stables on Elliot St. I remember them once experimenting with serving food. They only have a bar so they used to cook things on a panini maker, and by things I mean other than paninis, they were frying bacon and shizz. It all looked pretty good and I think I ate a panini once and maybe a piece of cake another time, and it was good. If they still do food it’s worth a shot, otherwise definitely good coffee and a nice place to sit out of the hustle and bustle of mid Queen St. If a show is on at The Civic, this is a great and busy place to get a drink beforehand. Otherwise it’s a bit on the quiet side at night time.
Liam W.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Auckland, New Zealand
As previous reviews have mentioned, the folklore around this place will tell you that it is named for the infamous dancer Freda Starks who liked to strut herself for American troops during World War 2. Anyway history lesson aside, this place occupies some prime real estate — right on the busy street corner of Queen and Wellesley Streets — so it gets some serious, serious foot traffic. For that reason it’s a prime spot to people watch over a good drink. Sitting at one of the outdoor tables is a true urban pleasure — so much humanity around. It has this lovely art deco charm which perfectly matches the Civic Theatre which it is a part of. Coming here as part of your night out at the Civic is something of an Auckland institution, so make sure you drop in next time you’re at a show. Wonderful spot for a drink.
Phillipa P.
Rating des Ortes: 3 Auckland, New Zealand
Every time you go to something at the Civic you should go to Starks before hand. It has such a good vibe and is always cranking before a show. They also do a great coffee and it’s the perfect place to people watch. Situated on the busiest corner in Auckland, you can sit there for hours literally watching people come and go, rush and walk, daydream and think. I used to go there and work for a bit when I needed time away from the office and I found that it was a really inspiring place. maybe it’s something to do with all the creative energy being stored up from the Civic, who knows, but it worked for me. The have a great happy hours so I would really recommend you take advantage of this. Especially if your office drinks trolly is looking a little sad. Why not migrate down to Starks where you’re guaranteed to have a good night.
Zoë M.
Rating des Ortes: 3 Auckland, New Zealand
Starks is named after Freda Starks, the famous(and somewhat infamous) Kiwi dancer who liked to perform for Second World War troops wearing little more than a lick of gold body paint. She was also outed as lesbian while testifying in a scandalizing court case. Who better to name a bar after? Starks has a lovely, art deco feel, and serves a nice selection of local and European beer and wine. They also do a decent coffee and offer simple bar snacks. It’s a pleasant place to drop in any time, but it really comes alive during show times at the Civic Theatre. Pop a cork and toast to Freda.