Vibe
Bright and airy, with a great outdoor section at the front and, Mac’s Brew Bar on Hurstmere Road has the location and the vibe going for it. We went for a friend’s birthday lunch on a sunny Sunday afternoon and this is the perfect time of week for a visit.

Food
Everything from bowls of chunky wedges served with lovely aioli (the wedges though could have done with some seasoning), through to small plates, classic pub food and more high-end meals. None of these will break your bank, especially with the various daily deals and entertainment book vouchers floating about. I had the beef burger, which was good but not outstanding, needing some mayo or sauce or something to stop it from being dry. The aged rib-eye with Mac’s Black jus was enjoyed by those who had it.

Drinks
A good selection of the Mac’s range on tap, though there was no pear cider available the day we went, which was a shame considering it was a sunny Sunday afternoon.

Service
Not bad, though there was more than a few times that I was left waiting at the bar whilst 4 staff stood next to the kitchen clearing glasses or looking over order forms. One waitress looked severely grumpy the entire time we were there. Maybe she was thrown by the lack of pear cider?

Highlights
As with the other Mac’s bars around town, it has to be the styling. Cool lamps, menus inside old record covers (we were blessed with Captain and Tennille) and retro furniture and fittings, it’s got the feel of the other Mac’s Brew Bars but with its own unique look.

The Bottom Line
A bright airy bar and restaurant with loads of space and a good atmosphere. The food isn’t mind-blowing but it is comforting especially when combined with a pint or two. For what it sets out to do, Mac’s Brew Bar Hurstmere Rd succeeds and for this reason is really quite good.

venue information venue map view auckland review user reviews (8) image gallery (2)