The Gin Room

Three words: $ 12 martini! (and one of the best in Auckland to boot!)
There are a few truly amazing places where you can get a perfect meticulously made cocktail in Auckland. The Gin Room now has the distinction of joining the ranks of the likes of Mea Culpa and Mo’s. Their cocktail and food offerings are sophisticated in taste but fun and a bit cheeky in description and presentation (and priced reasonably at around $ 16). I personally always go for a ‘dirty enough’ gin martini or a gibson for a meager $ 12 (although I would definitely pay more for it). What I love about The Gin Room is that I can actually order a gibson which is like a martini but with pickled onions instead of green olives. Finding a cocktail bar that actually offers gibsons has proven to be a lot more difficult than you would like.
The internal décor is oh so reminiscent of a 1920’s speakeasy behind a false wall in downtown Chicago. It has this intimate feeling like something special is happening and you get to be a part of it. The music is always good and different and they have a healthy selection of board games like Connect Four and Yahtzee. The owners are award winning bartenders and the high level of service reflects their commitment to their profession.
Overall, every time I go to The Gin Room I count the days until I can go again!

Wonderful cozy place, small (capacity around 40 max) and warmly lit. Nice staff. Good selection of gin-​based cocktails from a very knowledgable and well-​informed bar tender. I happen to have liked the bluesey music they were playing, too.