Bar
Caretaker
Intimate basement cocktail bar off Roukai Lane in Britomart, inspired by the golden age of bartending and open until 3am every night.
Dr Rudi’s Rooftop Brewing Co
Rooftop brewpub above Quay Street with a balcony over Viaduct Harbour, more than 15 taps including in-house beers, giant pizzas, live music and a tenpin lane.
At a glance
- Type
- Rooftop brewpub
- Area
- Viaduct Harbour, Auckland, New Zealand
- Price
- $$ · Mid-range
- Opening
- Open daily
- Official site
- drrudis.co.nz
Good to know
- Harbour-view balcony
- In-house beers
- Live music and DJs
- Free tenpin lane
- Kids menu
Why we recommend it
Dr Rudi's Rooftop Brewing Co is a large rooftop bar and brewpub on level 2 of 204 Quay Street, with a spacious balcony looking over the Viaduct Harbour. It is one of the easiest places in central Auckland to enjoy a drink in the sun with a view of the boats, and it stays open late at the end of the week.
Beer is the main draw. There are more than 15 beers on tap, two of them brewed in-house, alongside a selection of wines and cocktails. The Jam Sesh, made with gin, raspberry liqueur, strawberry, cranberry and lemon, is one of the house cocktails.
The food is designed for sharing. Sharing platters are served alongside pizzas that come in one, two or three-foot lengths, which suits groups, and the banana and Nutella pizza is a popular choice for anyone with a sweet tooth. There is a children's menu with fish and chips, a hot dog, fried chicken and a vanilla cone, so families are welcome earlier in the day.
Entertainment adds to the appeal. There is live music and late-night DJs, and a tenpin bowling lane that is free to use, though it needs to be reserved in advance. That makes Dr Rudi's a good option for birthdays and group outings, and the venue also screens live sport. It has waterfront function spaces for birthdays, corporate events and group celebrations, with food and drink packages; function enquiries go to [email protected] with your preferred date. Tables can be booked online, and you can request outdoor seating when booking, though it cannot be guaranteed. On weekdays an express lunch runs from 11am to 5pm, and Rooftop Hour runs from 4pm to 6pm. The bar is part of the New Zealand Venue Co. group, whose app runs a loyalty programme.
Opening hours run from 11am every day. It closes at 11pm on Mondays, midnight on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 1am on Thursdays, 3am on Fridays and Saturdays and 10pm on Sundays.
The bar suits groups of friends, beer lovers, families at lunchtime and visitors who want a relaxed waterfront spot with views. Its position above Quay Street means it combines easily with the New Zealand Maritime Museum, which stands at the corner of Quay and Hobson Streets on the same waterfront. Book the tenpin lane ahead if you plan to bowl, and check the website for upcoming live music.
Dr Rudi’s Rooftop Brewing Co FAQs
Where is Dr Rudi's?
On level 2, 204 Quay Street, overlooking the Viaduct Harbour.
What are the opening hours?
From 11am daily, closing at 11pm Monday, midnight Tuesday and Wednesday, 1am Thursday, 3am Friday and Saturday and 10pm Sunday.
Is the beer brewed on site?
Two of the more than 15 beers on tap are brewed in-house.
Is there food?
Yes, sharing platters and pizzas in one, two or three-foot sizes, plus a children's menu.
Can you go bowling?
Yes, the tenpin lane is free to use but must be reserved in advance.
Is there live music?
Yes, live music and late-night DJs.
Are children welcome?
Yes, there is a children's menu.
What is the view like?
The balcony looks out over the Viaduct Harbour.