Caretaker

Jacky Cooke★★★★★★★★★★5.03 weeks ago

The venue has an awesome ambience! Hidden down a staircase, you find yourself in a moody yet comfortable space. The staff tailor your drink order based on what you like. My partner is not a big fan of cocktails but they absolutely hit the nail on the head with his order and I was also very pleased with mine! Such a cool concept and very well executed.

Yuege Wang★★★★★★★★★★3.04 months ago

My first visit in August 2024 (on my birthday) was unforgettable. I ordered seven drinks, and every single one was outstanding. The service was warm and engaging, and the bartenders made the whole experience fun and memorable. After moving to Auckland at the end of 2025, I brought my partner back despite living far from the city. We ordered more than ten drinks, and once again everything was amazing. There was one cocktail in particular that completely blew us away — unfortunately, I forgot its name. After a long same-day return drive to Taupō, I convinced my friend to go to Caretaker at 1am because I’ve always considered it my hidden gem in Auckland. Sadly, this visit was very disappointing. I tried to order the same cocktail by describing its flavour since I couldn’t remember the name. The first drink wasn’t right, so I politely asked to change it. The second was better but still not quite what I remembered. I tried again with another bartender, but the flavour was still very different from my previous visits. At that point, I started to feel the attitude becoming less welcoming. Later I found out the cocktail I loved had originally been made by the owner. When the owner arrived, I asked if the recipe was available. By then, the four of us had already ordered eight drinks. The owner kindly found the recipe and even remembered me, which made me very happy. However, the interaction afterward felt uncomfortable. When the drink was served, I tried to thank the bartender and compliment it, but he immediately walked away without responding. My friend later told me that while I was speaking with the owner, some staff were discussing us, which made me feel uneasy. I fully respect the effort that goes into making each cocktail, and I always spoke politely and only took a few sips before asking for adjustments. But this experience left me feeling hurt. Because my first two visits were so exceptional, my expectations were high. I will still recommend Caretaker because I know how great it can be — but this time, I left disappointed.

n.m.★★★★★★★★★★5.0a month ago

This place has such a cool vibe. The staff are all so friendly, the cocktail experience is fun from start to finish, and the cocktails themselves are delicious. Definitely one to add to your Auckland bucket list.

Sang Hyun Kim★★★★★★★★★★5.08 months ago

This underground cocktail bar is a great choice for anyone wanting to enjoy a night out with friends while escaping the loud and chaotic vibes of a regular pub or bar. Everything about Caretaker feels carefully considered. The venue is styled to evoke the charm of a traditional tavern, and the staff do a great job of walking you through their process. Even if it’s your first time, you can rest assured you’ll have a wonderful experience. Choosing every aspect of your drink, from the spirits to the flavour profiles, is fun, and there’s still an element of surprise as each creation is tailored to you by the mixologists. Well worth a visit and always a good time. As the name suggests, they truly take care of you.

Lily Parker★★★★★★★★★★4.05 months ago

Visiting the CBD with friends this underground bar in Auckland can make a quality beverage (cocktail/mocktail) for EVERYONE! The 1920s-style speakeasy famous for its intimate, dimly lit atmosphere, vintage-type cocktails, and unique table service. Forget the menu, bartenders customize drinks based on personal preferences. While seating systems haven’t quite been worked out successfully, this place offers a quiet, and sophisticated experience with live jazz on some nights. The band was very talented! The bartenders were artists as well. The service was hit and miss with our first night being incredible and the next a bit chaotic.