Balmy summer nights were simply made for La Zeppa with it's combination of great tapas, sweet tunes and relaxed hospitality, there's a reason why this Freeman's Bay resident has become such a popular haunt since opening many sun-filled afternoons ago.

The best thing the owners of Roxy ever did was turn it into a high-end cocktail bar. The look remains from the restaurant days, but now there’s much more of an energy, and the rooftop deck out onto Fort Lane is put to good use. The cocktails are pretty damn good.

This popular bar on… you guessed it… Fort St calls itself ‘The Home of Good Times’ and if you’ve ever been there on a busy night, you can believe it. The rooftop bar does a fine pizza and has a good menu selection, and we’re big fans of the theming.

We’ve gone on and on about Ostro’s view, but we’re going to do it again. Simply put, this is one of the best views in Auckland. The City Terrace bar on the Takutai Square side is a great place to relax after work with a wine, take in the buzz of Britomart and choose from lovely bar menu filled with salads, platters and… oh yes… brandy snaps.

The new kid on the block at the top of Franklin Road. What used to be Chicane upstairs is now the Rooftop Rum Pub, complete with tree and kombi van. Check out our review soon, but we’re picking this is going to be pretty popular once word gets out…

The other Freeman's Bay resident amongst our 'best of' list, it's all too easy to sit back, soak up some rays and enjoy a drink or two all the while watching fitness enthusiasts slog it out around Victoria Park. No need to feel guilty, mind!