William SmithNothing beats the electric buzz of a crowd cheering in unison with a cold pint in hand and the game unfolding on a massive screen. It’s a feeling of community you just can’t get at home.
Auckland is packed with spots promising live sports, but finding the right one with the perfect atmosphere and great food can be a mission. So, if you’re hunting for the best sports bars in Auckland, you can stop the search.
Our list helps die-hard rugby fans find a pre-game hub near Eden Park and gives visitors a great way to soak in the local sports culture. We’ve done the legwork to bring you the definitive list where the vibes are high and the screens are huge.
How much does a night at a sports bar cost in Auckland?
Heading out for a game in Auckland won’t break the bank. You can generally expect a great night out for about $28 to $42 per person.
This usually covers a hearty main meal, like a classic burger or fish and chips, which typically costs around $20-$30.
Add a pint of beer or a glass of wine for about $8-$12, and you’re all set.
My advice? Keep an eye out for happy hour deals or daily meal specials. So many bars offer them, and it makes your game day experience even more affordable.
1. Full-Time Sports Bar & Eatery (Kingsland)
Website: https://www.fulltimesportsbar.co.nz/
Address: 498 New North Road, Kingsland, Auckland 1021
Contact: 09 815 0340 / [email protected]
Hours: Tue – Sun, 12 PM – 3 AM
Must-Try: Swift Ribs
Full-Time really lives up to its name, creating a true community hub where sports are always the main event. This is a place where watching the match becomes a celebration with friends and family.
The atmosphere is always buzzing, and their multiple screens mean you won’t miss a single play. You absolutely have to try their Swift Ribs—they’re fall-off-the-bone good, literally!
I was here with a huge group of colleagues, and the staff were also brilliant at managing everything.
The only catch is its popularity. It can get seriously packed during major events, so getting a seat might be a challenge if you don’t arrive early.
Customer Reviews
Best spot in Auckland for both watching sport AND just having a drink or food. The staff make the place – great service, attentive and friendly. Really cool addition to the Kingsland food and bev scene!
– Chelsea Morrison | Google Review
Awesome game-day vibes, epic viewing setup, and some of the best ribs around. The atmosphere is buzzing, especially on match nights. If you’re into great food and footy, Full Time delivers every time.
– Rebecca Munro | Google Review
2. Schapiro’s Sports Bar (Eden Terrace)
Website: https://www.schapirossportsbar.co.nz/
Address: 224 Symonds Street, Eden Terrace, Auckland 1010
Contact: [email protected]
Hours: Tue – Wed, 12 PM – 10 PM; Thu, 12 PM – 10:30 PM; Fri – Sat, 12 PM – 12 AM; Sun, 12 PM – 8 PM
Must-Try: The Schapiro’s Cheesesteak
Schapiro’s is an American-style paradise for sports nuts, with an incredible 15 TVs to broadcast pretty much any game you can imagine.
Tucked inside a beautiful old bank building, its walls are covered in signed memorabilia, creating an immersive, old-school vibe.
When I say they’re serious about sports, I mean it. Their screens show a huge range of events, from UFC fights to NBA playoff games.
The last time I visited, the staff were happy to put a specific NHL game on for our group. Because it’s so popular, the noise level can climb, but that’s all part of the fun on game day.
Their menu is pure American comfort food, and trust me, you can’t leave without trying The Schapiro’s Cheesesteak.
While they keep walk-in seats, it’s smart to book for major events. Plus, it’s a bonus that you can bring your dog too!
Customer Reviews
Great service and always feel welcome there. Lots of big tv’s and staff are always accommodating with putting on sports games. Fun & friendly staff.
– Matt Fraser | Google Review
Good, nice atmosphere nicer inside that I thought from outside. Burger was very good. Nice will be back. Have been back a few times burgers all good, but they pretty much only have burgers, and wings and of course beer.
– Nathan Scott | Google Review
3. The Right Track Sports Cafe (Auckland CBD)
Website: https://therighttracksportscafe.shop/
Address: 16 Fort Street, Auckland Central, Auckland 1010
Contact: 09 379 4498 / [email protected]
Hours: Mon, 9 AM – 10 PM; Tue, 9 AM – 11 PM; Wed – Fri, 9 AM – 12 AM; Sat, 9 AM – 1 AM; Sun, 9:30 AM – 11 PM
Must-Try: Fish & Chips
For a classic, no-frills sports bar experience right in the heart of the city, The Right Track is always a winner.
It has everything you need: big screens for energetic crowds and a menu that’s both delicious and easy on the wallet.
It’s the kind of place where you can settle in for hours. I remember dropping in before a flight once, and the food came out super fast without skimping on quality. The Fish & Chips were cooked perfectly.
Also, the place just has a real community feel. Folks are all interested in their Totalisator Agency Board (TAB) machines for betting and other gaming options.
Being in the Central Business District (CBD), parking can be a headache, but its central location makes getting there easy.
Customer Reviews
Awesome place to watch the league, the atmosphere was awesome and it was definitely one of my highlights of my trip to Auckland. The food looked really good, affordable drinks and great happy hour deals! Would highly recommend to anyone passing through Auckland CBD.
– Havana Aramoana | Google Review
Ahh an icon of Fort St. been here forever! It’s your local bar in the heart of the city, been coming here forever. It’s had its blips but definitely back on the up. Great food for the price, lovely cocktail menu, amazing happy hour, poker nights on a Monday, quiz night on a Wednesday and then live music on a Sunday with daily specials on food and showing any and every game you want! Love the place!
– Mat Tomney | Google Review
4. The Fox: A London Pub (Viaduct Harbour)
Website: https://goodspiritshospitality.co.nz/the-fox/
Address: 85/87 Customs Street West, Auckland Central, Auckland 1010
Contact: 09 553 4995 / [email protected]
Hours: Mon – Wed, 11 AM – 11 PM; Thu, 11 AM – 12 AM; Fri – Sat, 11 AM – 2 AM; Sun, 11 AM – 12 AM
Must-Try: The Fox Smash Burger
If you’re craving an authentic British pub experience with a stunning waterfront view, The Fox is your spot. Right on the Viaduct Harbour, it feels like a little piece of London with classic pub fare and a fantastic selection of British ales.
It’s a top-tier destination for watching football, and the atmosphere on match day is electric.
My wife and I had a lovely afternoon here. The staff were incredibly welcoming, and you can’t go wrong with their The Fox Smash Burger.
The pub’s popularity means it can get quite boisterous, which is great if you’re in the mood but maybe not for a quiet pint. It’s all part of the fun, though!
Customer Reviews
What Pub!!!. The food that was recommended was delicious and the service was amazing. And the back ground music was the best, had us singing along to all our favourites. Definitely will be going back and watching some rugby there!
– Kerry Fristenberg | Google Review
Lovely experience with my wife at the Fox. Right on arrival the hospitality was excellent and once we entered the place is designed to give you a fell of a classic english pub. If you’re into football there are some nice framed images of historic moments in the premier league. They also offer some classic english dishes which was a nice touch. Definitely recommend these guys, we had a lovely afternoon here.
– Deepak Stevens | Google Review
5. Morningside Tavern (Near Eden Park)
Website: https://morningsidetavern.co.nz/
Address: 16 McDonald Street, Sandringham, Auckland 1025
Contact: 09 869 7090 / [email protected]
Hours: Sun – Thu, 11:30 AM – 10 PM; Fri – Sat, 11:30 AM – 12 AM
Must-Try: Classic Prosciutto Pizza
As the unofficial pre-game headquarters for Eden Park, Morningside Tavern has become the go-to spot for rugby fans.
Its proximity to the stadium makes it an ideal place to soak up the pre-match buzz or celebrate a big win. The tavern has a huge courtyard, multiple screens, and an amazing selection of nearly 20 tap beers.
I’ve been in the massive crowds here on game day, and while it was packed, the service was surprisingly quick.
Their wood-fired pizzas are fantastic for sharing, but I especially enjoyed their Classic Prosciutto Pizza.
Because it’s so close to the stadium, it gets incredibly busy on event days, so just be ready for a lively crowd.
Customer Reviews
Perfect spot for the American Outlaws pre game festivities. Sure it was crowded but they have several outdoor areas to accommodate the crowd. A good selection of beers on tap. And even though it was crowded, service was fairly quick. Good thing we got there early.
– Richard Rogers | Google Review
I appreciate the waiter! We went there lunch time yesterday and ordered pasta and burger.
Food was slow but the waiter apologized many times and gave us free drinks.
Great service and the food was really tasty.
Thank you so much.
– I | Google Review
