About Nami Record Bar
Nami Record Bar (115A Ponsonby Road) is a new all-vinyl listening bar and restaurant in Ponsonby, Auckland, opening in early 2024. It’s the third venture from the team behind popular Korean spots Ockhee and Swings (ra.co ). Housed in the former Conch Kitchen & Bar space (an Auckland fixture for 26 years) (ra.co ), Nami embraces a retro 1980s record-bar vibe. The interior was completely rebuilt in just a few weeks, blending old and new elements: wooden crate shelving filled with vinyl albums, vintage speakers, low-hanging industrial lights, a polished stainless bar and 80s-style tiles, all bathed under a large disco ball (www.thedenizen.co.nz ) (www.thedenizen.co.nz ). Fans say it feels “cozy” and “retro-inspired,” a laid-back place for “good vibes, cocktails and great music” (www.aucklandnz.com ) (wanderlog.com ). In short, what makes Nami special is its fusion of listening-room elegance and bar energy – every detail, from its exclusive record collection to the handcrafted cocktails, is designed to honor both the history of vinyl culture and Auckland’s vibrant nightlife.
Events and Programming
Nami isn’t just a bar – it’s a weekly music venue. The owners have partnered with local party promoters (Frank Booker and Sam Harmony of the Music First collective) to curate live DJ nights (www.thedenizen.co.nz ) (ra.co ). By nightfall, especially on Fridays and Saturdays, the room transforms into a mini-club: turntables spin soul, disco, house and world music on high-quality analog sound gear (KV2 Audio system with vintage JBL speakers (ra.co )), and patrons dance into the early hours. Founder Dan Bali explains that DJs play starting around 7pm on those nights and keep things rolling until the late close (www.thedenizen.co.nz ). In practice this means regular “record bar” parties and special events. For example, weekend schedules have included soulful Sunday sessions and international guest DJs. One summer event lineup even featured the Spanish House duo Herman Saiz and Fernando on a Saturday night (ra.co ). Smaller shows (like an afternoon hip-hop “Sunday Session”) and one-off pop-up parties also occur from time to time. Most events are open-format with general admission; there is usually no assigned seating. Attendees can often pay at the door, supporting a modest cover charge if applicable. (For instance, a recent Sunday hip-hop session had a $10 entry fee and 18+ age limit (ra.co ).) In short, Nami’s program is all about vinyl DJs – mainly local talent with occasional international guests, plus themed listening nights – rather than live bands or big concerts.
Tickets and Booking
Nami Record Bar does not have a traditional box office. For regular nights you typically do not need to book ahead; you simply arrive and pay on entry if there is a cover. Most show tickets (when required) are sold through promoters or advertised on venue channels rather than a public ticket site. In practice, popular DJ nights may have a small cover charge (around NZ$10–15, as seen on one event listing (ra.co )), which you can usually pay at the door. There is no large ticketing organization – it’s an intimate bar setting, so organizers often sell tickets online via social media or RA, or handle entry on the night. The Nami website notes that private bookings or large group events should be arranged in advance by contacting the bar (they suggest emailing the venue to enquire) (namirecordbar.com ). If you have a big group or special occasion, it’s best to plan ahead, but for most nights it’s casual walk-in. In summary: standard events are general admission, ticket prices (if any) are low, and you can often buy at the venue door. For groups or private functions, follow the official booking instructions (via the bar’s website) (namirecordbar.com ).
Seating and Layout
Nami’s layout is open-plan with a central dance/floor area and seating around the edges. Upon entry you’ll find high bar tables and stools up front; the back of the room has lounge-style booths and bench seating for groups (www.theurbanlist.com ). There’s also a small sidewalk seating area out front for those who want some fresh air or to smoke (the bar itself is indoors). Because this is a listening bar, the best place to enjoy shows is near the main speakers. The engineers installed a KV2 system with vintage JBL L112 speakers in the main room (ra.co ), so sound is loud and rich – standing by the DJ booth or on the dance floor gives the fullest experience. If you prefer to chat lightly or watch from a distance, grab a booth near the back or a seat at a high table; these spots see the plane line-of-sight and some ambient sound, but are OFF to the sides of the main speakers (www.theurbanlist.com ). Because the bar has no separate VIP or reserved areas, all seating is general admission (first-come). One tip: if you need a quieter nook, book a booth early or arrive before crowds. Conversely, if you love the beat, don’t block your view in front of the loudspeakers. There are no hidden obstructions or pillars – the room is fairly rectangular – so mostly you just pick the vibe: close to action or off to the side.
Getting There and Parking
Nami Record Bar is located at 115A Ponsonby Road in the heart of Ponsonby Central (www.aucklandnz.com ). It’s a short walk up from Western Park / Ponsonby Central and a five-minute drive from the CBD (via Karangahape Road or Great North Road). Ponsonby is well-connected by Auckland Transport. Several frequent bus routes run nearby: for example, the AT Route 20 (St Lukes – Britomart) travels along Ponsonby Road via Morningside and New North Road (at.govt.nz ). East–west routes (e.g. 27/28) and inner-city services (via College Hill) also stop within a block. There is no train service to Ponsonby, so buses and shuttles are your best public options. Ride-share and taxi drop-offs are easy; the street curb at 115A can be used for quick drop-offs/pick-ups, then your driver can find parking. Speaking of parking, street parking is limited on Ponsonby Road itself (mostly metered spaces). Nearby side streets like Ponsonby Terrace have pay-and-display stalls (for example, UK2 Ponsonby Terrace has 4 spaces at ~$4 NZ for 2 hours (en.parkopedia.co.nz )). Within a few blocks you’ll find several public car parks: the dedicated Wilson lots – Countdown Ponsonby (4 Williamson Ave) charges from about NZ$6.00 for casual parking (www.wilsonparking.co.nz ), and the 40 Vermont Street carpark (near Vermont Street/Williamson) is even cheaper (around NZ$4.00/hour) (www.wilsonparking.co.nz ). In short, if you drive, allow extra time to hunt a spot or use one of these secured lots. Otherwise catch a bus (the Ponsonby Rd stop at Western Park is a short walk) or arrange a rideshare to the venue’s doorstep.
Inside the Venue
Expect a relaxed-yet-vibrant atmosphere once inside. The door staff will usually check IDs (the venue is licensed, so bring photo ID for entry on event nights). The crowd is casually dressed (smart casual or neat streetwear is fine) and the vibe is friendly; remember it’s a New Zealand bar, so informal attire is normal. If it’s a big event night the bar might get busy – be patient at the bar queue. Nami’s focus is analog sound, so you can expect music to be fairly loud when DJs are playing. (If you’re sensitive to volume, standing by a booth or talking area is good.) The bar offers a full cocktail menu and drinks list: signature cocktails include the namesake “Nami Marg” (tequila/mezcal with gochugaru salt) and other creative sips (www.theurbanlist.com ), plus a well-curated wine-by-tap selection (even an “orange wine” on tap, made just for Nami (www.thedenizen.co.nz )), craft beers and booze. Snacks (Korean-style bar food or “anju”) are also served – you’ll find share plate items like deep-fried fishcake chips, cheesy corn, spicy tteok-bokki and pork/potato croquettes (www.theurbanlist.com ) (www.theurbanlist.com ). Be aware: no outside food or drinks are permitted, so plan to order from the bar. A small but essential note – Nami sells its own branded merch (like logo t-shirts and lighters) (namirecordbar.com ). If you love the place, you can grab an item at the counter. Restrooms are at the back of the venue (reportedly clean given the new fit-out), and there’s no formal coat check – space is tight, so take only what you need. Overall, the vibe is that of a local community hub – music lovers mingle, records spin 24/7, and everyone moves to the same beat under the glittering disco ball.
Nearby Amenities
Ponsonby itself is famous for dining and nightlife, so you’ll have no shortage of nearby options. Within an easy stroll are dozens of cafes, eateries and bars. For pre-show food, check out trendy spots in Ponsonby Central (a few blocks away) like Orphans Kitchen or Hanoi Café, or walk up Ponsonby Road to casual Korean or Australian bistros. In fact, the same owners run Ockhee (at 305 Ponsonby Rd), a Korean tapas/wine bar just around the corner (ra.co ). Other notable restaurants nearby include fresh modern New Zealand, Italian and Japanese venues (e.g. Little And Friday, Dept. of Goo in the Central complex, etc.). If the night runs late, there are also several bars and late-night food joints lining Ponsonby Road. For accommodations, popular options include the Ibis Auckland (on nearby St Mary’s Rd) or boutique motels on College Hill if you need a room after midnight. Transportation back to the city is straightforward: many buses run 7 nights, or you can grab a taxi/Uber at Ponsonby Road. In snowy or stormy weather (rare in Auckland) the indoor venue will stay open as usual – but check NZ weather apps, as Ponsonby’s slightly elevated, chilly evenings might call for a light jacket.
What Makes This Venue Special
Nami Record Bar stands out because it was built from the ground up as a music lover’s hangout. Few Auckland venues put vinyl at their core. Here, every element was chosen to celebrate records and soulful tunes: collectors curated a huge vinyl library, and night after night a live DJ pulls fresh records for the crowd. The owners describe the concept like “an ’80s soul diva from Korea” who embodies the spirit of late-night fun (www.thedenizen.co.nz ). Fans praise the bar’s “sunkissed palette” design, which feels both nostalgic and modern (www.theurbanlist.com ). The glamorous fit-out and disco ball give it an extra dash of style – this isn’t just a pub with background music, it’s an experience. In terms of cultural impact, Nami has swiftly filled a gap in the local scene. Its launch turned Ponsonby’s oldest bar location back into a community hub for young adults looking for “good food, epic drinks, and a moment of revelry” (www.thedenizen.co.nz ). Reviews note there are often queues to get in (a rarity for a small bar), evidence of how eagerly the city embraced it (www.remixmagazine.com ). Moreover, the owners have even launched fundraisers to reinvest into the venue (selling limited-edition merch, for example (ra.co )), treating Nami like a project for the whole community. In short, artists and audiences love Nami because it feels like a local that’s alive every week – a hybrid of bar, restaurant and listening room where the culture of vinyl music truly “revolves” around you.
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: Nami is on a flat boulevard-level lot, but the entrance may have a small step (always confirm directly with the bar if wheelchair access is crucial). It is a newly fitted venue, so by law it should have an accessible restroom on the same floor. For anyone with mobility challenges: try calling ahead to ensure staff can accommodate.
Age Policy: New Zealand law means Nami is strictly 18+ on nights with alcohol service. Even if an event is “all ages,” your proof of age (passport or NZ driver’s license) will be required for entry if alcohol is being sold.
What to Bring: Definitely bring photo ID (NZ driver’s licence or passport) and a method of payment. Credit/debit cards are widely accepted, and there are nearby ATMs, but carrying at least some cash (NZ$ coins for parking meters, NZ$20 bills for any cover charge) is wise. Dress is casual – Auckland locals come as they are, though if you want to fit in with the trendy crowd a smart-casual outfit won’t hurt. A warm jacket is recommended in winter – most of Nami’s seating is indoors, but wait times outside (if busy) can be cooler. Earplugs can be handy if you stay near the speakers. Also, few visitors realize Nami has limited climate control old-school speakers, so depending on seasons it can get warm dancing late.
Avoid These Mistakes: Don’t arrive minutes before close. If a show is popular, arrive early (doors usually open around 4–7pm on show nights) to secure a spot and avoid line-ups. The bartenders can get busy, so don’t expect fast counter service during a set – be prepared to wait or order in advance (the portable table menu makes it easy to order from your seat). Only bring a backpack or bag if necessary; space is tight and the staff may ask you to stow large items. And one big one: no smoking inside (New Zealand law) – step out front or around the corner if you need a cigarette. Childcare: this is not a family venue, so don’t bring kids on a night out, and plan babysitting if you want to attend a late DJ set.
Insider Tips: Follow Nami’s social pages or newsletter for early event announcements, since special DJ nights can sell out quickly. If you arrive by car, scope out the secure lot (for example, the public Countdown carpark on Williamson Ave) as often as you can. And if you’re in doubt about an event (tickets or age), ring or email the bar in advance – they’re used to answering guest questions directly. Lastly, embrace the vibe: strike up conversation with the friendly staff or other music lovers. People at Nami tend to be collectors and DJs themselves, so you might pick up tips on vinyl or bedroom mixes. In sum, come with an open mind, a thirst for cocktails, and a love of music. You’ll fit right in at Nami Record Bar.
Do I need to buy a ticket to enter Nami Record Bar?
For ordinary nights there is generally no formal ticket – you can walk in and pay whatever cover (if any) the door requires. Some DJ parties do have a small cover charge (often around NZ$10–15), usually indicated on event listings. You can typically pay that fee at the venue on the night. For really popular events, tickets might be sold out in advance, so it’s wise to check event announcements or arrive early.
Where do I buy event tickets or make group bookings?
Nami does not have a box office. Small events are often just paid at the door. If a ticket is needed, promoters usually sell them online or with on-site staff. For large groups or private events, the venue’s official advice is to contact them directly (through the website) to reserve a space (namirecordbar.com ). In other words, everyday shows you just drop by; big bookings require emailing the bar in advance (namirecordbar.com ).
How much do tickets typically cost?
When there is a cover, it’s modest. Recent examples have been around NZ$10 per person (sometimes a bit more for international DJs). Drinks and food prices are similar to other mid-range bars. Check the posted event page for pricing; otherwise, most basic entry is free and you just pay for what you buy inside.
Is Nami Record Bar strictly 18+?
Yes – Nami is a liquor-licensed venue, so NZ law requires customers to be 18 or over on nights when alcohol is served. You will be asked for photo ID (passport or NZ driver’s licence) at the door. If an event is advertised as 18+ (as most are), don’t try to bring minors or you will be refused entry (ra.co ).
Is there a dress code at Nami Record Bar?
No formal dress code. The crowd is typically smart-casual. Feel free to dress up a bit if you like, but many patrons come in jeans/shirts or informal night-out attire. Just remember, this is Ponsonby – people tend to dress nicely but not overly fancy. Comfortable shoes are a good idea for dancing.
What kind of music or artists perform at Nami?
Nami specializes in DJs spinning vinyl. Expect soulful, disco, funk, house and R&B grooves, as well as eclectic world and electronic selections. Regular nights are DJ sets (often hosted by local DJ collectives like Music First (www.thedenizen.co.nz ) (ra.co )). Occasionally the venue hosts special live music or themed nights, but the core program is local and international DJs, not live bands. It’s a bar where the music is carefully curated for a late-night dance vibe.
What food and drinks are available inside?
Nami serves an appealing menu of Korean-style bar snacks (anju). You’ll find hits like crispy deep-fried fishcake chips, buttery corn kernels, tangy tteok-bokki (rice cakes), as well as pork or potato croquettes (www.theurbanlist.com ) (www.theurbanlist.com ). Drinks include craft cocktails with unique twists (the “Nami Marg” and “Lola” cocktails are bar signatures (www.theurbanlist.com )), plus draft local beers and an extensive wine list featuring organic and even orange wines on tap (www.thedenizen.co.nz ) (www.remixmagazine.com ). In short, it’s a bar menu – shareable plates and drinks – not a full sit-down dinner. Plan to eat small dishes as you enjoy the music.
Are there vegetarian or vegan options?
Yes. Many of the bar snack plates are veg-friendly or can be made so. For example, the deep-fried corn and broccolini sides are vegetarian, and fries are obviously safe. The menu does list meat (pork croquettes, la galbi short ribs, etc.), so if you need fully vegan items it’s best to ask staff for off-menu options. Given the owners’ reputation (they own vegan-friendly spots), Nami generally accommodates dietary requests if possible.
Is Nami Record Bar wheelchair accessible?
Nami is on the ground floor, so there is no internal step. The venue has been rebuilt recently, so it should have accessible restroom facilities on site (per NZ building code). However, as an intimate bar space, aisles and bathroom entries can be tight. If you require full wheelchair access or have special needs, it’s best to call ahead to confirm the details. The street outside is level (Ponsonby Road is hilly elsewhere, but at Nami’s corner it’s flat), so accessing the front door should not be a problem.
How late does Nami stay open?
Opening hours vary by day and season. Generally Nami opens from late afternoon (around 4pm) through the evening. In recent schedules it has been open Thursday–Sunday for late-night sessions (www.thedenizen.co.nz ) (www.aucklandnz.com ), roughly 4pm–midnight (10pm on slower nights, midnight to 1am on busier Fri/Sat nights). The best approach is to check the venue’s website or social media for current hours. Always allow extra time at the end of the night: last call will be around closure time, and Auckland public transport thins out after midnight (so consider a rideshare if staying until closing).
How do I get to Nami by public transit?
Catch any bus that goes along Ponsonby Road or nearby Great North Road; for example, AT’s Frequent Route 20 (from St Lukes through Kingsland to the city) passes through Ponsonby and stops near Western Park (at.govt.nz ). Other frequent routes (22N/22R from New Lynn via Avondale, or local routes) also stop within a short walk. There is no train station in Ponsonby, so passengers usually transfer at Newmarket or Britomart and take a bus or tram. For bus directions, use the Ponsonby Road/Western Park stop. At night you can also hail an Uber/taxi on Ponsonby Road or use a designated ride-share drop-off in front of the bar.
Is there onsite parking at Nami?
Nami itself does not have a private lot. Street parking on Ponsonby Road is extremely limited and mostly metered (for instance, Ponsonby Terrace near the bar has a few metered spaces at ~$4 NZ for 2 hours (en.parkopedia.co.nz )). Your best bet is a nearby commercial lot: the large Wilson Park countdown carpark (4 Williamson Ave) is a 5-minute walk and charges from about NZ$6.00 (www.wilsonparking.co.nz ), or smaller lots like 40 Vermont St cost about $4 per hour (www.wilsonparking.co.nz ). Plan ahead – weekends can fill up quickly. In short, don’t expect easy curbside parking; consider public transit or a parking app to reserve a spot.
Can I get a refund if I miss a show?
Refund policies depend on who sold the ticket. If you bought through an organizer or promoter, check with them – Nami itself doesn’t have a cash office. If it’s a free event or you paid at the door, obviously no refund applies. Typically, small bar shows do not allow exchanges, so be sure you can attend before you pay.
What is the name 'Nami' referring to?
According to the founders, “Nami” is imagined as an ’80s Korean soul singer persona who represents the bar’s character (www.thedenizen.co.nz ). It’s not the owners’ names or an acronym – it’s a creative branding choice. In effect, “Nami” conjures a fun, slightly nostalgic vibe, as if inviting you to dance under a disco ball to soulful tunes from around the world.
Why is Nami unique among Auckland venues?
Nami’s key uniqueness lies in its all-vinyl focus and old-school sound system. It’s one of the few places in NZ dedicated to playing only records (no CDs or MP3s)—from vintage funk to modern house. The owners deliberately built it as a hybrid record store/bar/listening room, which is unusual here. Plus, it took over a landmark spot (the old Conch) but completely reinvented it with distinctive design and community-driven programming (even raising funds via merch to reinvest in the space (ra.co )). It’s become known as an authentic “record bar” experience, not just another nightclub or eatery.
Are cameras or live recording allowed inside?
Smartphone photos are fine (sharing to social media is common), but large professional cameras or video recording rigs are discouraged unless you have explicit permission. The atmosphere is about being present – staff may ask you not to block pathways or disturb DJs with equipment. In short, enjoy the music and the moment, but if you plan to film or take lots of pictures, keep it discreet and unobtrusive.
