About Win-Win Bar
Win-Win Bar is a cozy cocktail lounge and live-music venue on Ponsonby Road in Auckland, New Zealand. It opened in early 2017 (co-founded by The Whiskey Bar’s owners) and quickly became known for its hip-hop and soul vibe (concreteplayground.com) (concreteplayground.com). The interior is slim and dimly lit, with plush red-velvet booths opposite a black backlit bar, eclectic pop-culture art on the walls, and even a small courtyard out back (concreteplayground.com). Reviewers praised Win-Win’s “dark, quirky theme” and creative cocktails (concreteplayground.com), noting that it feels like a more flamboyant sibling to The Whiskey next door (concreteplayground.com). Floor-area listings estimate about 100 m² total, seating roughly 25–100 people depending on layout (www.sharedspace.co.nz). In short, Win-Win is noted for its inventive craft cocktails and hip-hop atmosphere, making it a distinctive Ponsonby hangout.
Events and Programming
Win-Win Bar’s calendar is packed with themed nights. According to local guides, a typical week features “Tuesday Live Soul Sessions,” “Wednesday Open-Mic,” “Thursday Quiz with local DJs,” and party music on Fridays and Saturdays (ponsonbynews.co.nz). Soul Sessions on Tuesday evenings are live band jams (often hosted by local singer Madam Parker and her Vibe City Band (www.winwinbar.co.nz)). Wednesdays are open-mic nights (comedy, poetry or music), Thursdays commonly have trivia or a quiz, and weekends bring energetic DJs spinning hip-hop, R&B, and dance classics. Sunday nights often close out the week with a comedy showcase. These events are recurring, so you’ll typically find live soul and funk early in the week and hip-hop DJs on weekend nights. Past performers have mostly been local Auckland artists and DJ crews specializing in urban and soul music. Most shows are casual entry (sometimes just a small door charge), and entry guidelines vary by event rather than fixed box-office rules.
Tickets and Booking
For most nights at Win-Win Bar, you can simply walk in or arrive at the door. Weekly shows (like Soul Sessions or Open Mic) typically have free entry or a small cover charge. The venue does not have a traditional box office on site. If an event requires a ticket (for example, a special guest DJ or a larger booking), details are announced in advance on Win-Win’s website and social media. In practice, check Win-Win’s Facebook/Instagram or event pages for announcements. For particularly popular gigs, tickets may go on sale through local event promoters and could sell out, so important shows may require getting a ticket beforehand. Otherwise, most nights are pay-on-entry. If you do buy a ticket in advance, it’ll usually be through an online listing or promotion – otherwise plan to pay at the door. (The venue itself can also be contacted directly to inquire about reservations or group bookings.)
Seating and Layout
Win-Win’s interior is long and narrow. When you walk in, you’ll see a couple of outdoor tables cordoned off at the front. Inside, plush red-velvet booths line one side of the bar and a sleek black service counter on the other (concreteplayground.com). The center of the room is left open as a standing area and small dance floor in front of a raised DJ/band stage at the rear. Shared listings describe the space as ~100 m² with capacity around 25–100 people (www.sharedspace.co.nz), so it fills up quickly on busy nights. In practice, most patrons stand or use the booths and bar stools. The booths (and a few small tables) provide casual seating, with good sightlines toward the DJ or stage. If you want to dance, the center floor is spacious enough for a crowd. For viewing, the best spots are usually along the dance floor or near the front of the stage/DJ rig. The bar stools are also a front-row option (if available). Avoid sitting right behind the bar counter or too far in the back corner, as your view might be blocked. Overall, every spot is fairly close to the action due to the club’s intimate scale.
Getting There and Parking
Win-Win Bar is located at 212 Ponsonby Road, right next to The Whiskey Bar. If you’re driving, note that on-street parking in Ponsonby can be limited. There are metered spaces along Ponsonby Road (check street signs for paid parking hours) and some free spots on nearby side streets (though these fill up fast on weekend nights). A convenient option is the Ponsonby Central underground car park (enter from Brown Street near the Richmond Rd corner) which has hourly rates and stays open late. Another public lot is on Surrey Crescent; ride-share drop-off is allowed right outside the bar on Ponsonby Road. \n\nPublic transit is easy: Auckland buses run frequently along Ponsonby Road. Routes to look for include the frequent crosstown lines that go through Ponsonby (ask AT Metro or Google Maps for buses heading to Herne Bay, Westmere or Newmarket via Ponsonby Rd). The bus stop is right outside. There is no train station in Ponsonby; the nearest train is Britomart or Newmarket, from which you can ride the bus or take a quick taxi/ride-share (about 5–10 minutes). If coming from Auckland CBD, it’s roughly a 10–15 minute drive (or 20 minutes by bus). Rideshare picks up and drops off at the front entrance with no fuss. Kitchen-style tip: if you see a big, colorful mural on Ponsonby Road, you’re close – the bar is on the corner just past it.
Inside the Venue
Win-Win’s vibe inside is both casual and lively. At the door you may have an ID check (minimum age is 18+ by law) and occasional line-ups on busy nights, especially Fridays and Saturdays. Once inside, expect dim lighting, pulsing music, and a warm, party-like atmosphere. The bartenders are known to be friendly and efficient (reviews note the “welcoming service” and standout cocktails (win-win-bar.wheree.com)), so ordering drinks is easy. A wide variety of drinks is offered: inventive signature cocktails (often with theatrical presentation), plus beers, wines and shots. Don't expect a full food menu – the bar primarily serves drinks. Some nights you might find light bar snacks (popcorn, nuts or candy), or small share plates courtesy of a local caterer, but for full meals you’d head to one of the nearby restaurants before or after the show. \n\nThere is no coat-check in the strict sense (you can hang jackets on available racks or over chairs). The venue has its own restrooms inside (at the back), and an outdoor smoking patio area behind the bar for those who step outside. If you have mobility concerns, note that older Ponsonby buildings sometimes have a small step at the door – you may want to check accessibility in advance. Otherwise the floor is flat once inside and the stage is raised only slightly. The sound system is geared for live bands and DJs, and lighting can be adjusted for each event (colored spotlights or disco effects are often used on dance nights). In short: come prepared to hear your music clearly (it’s loud for dancing) and have a good time. Wi-Fi is not prominently advertised – most people rely on cellular service for connectivity inside.
Nearby Amenities
Right around Win-Win is the heart of Ponsonby’s restaurant-and-bar scene. For pre-show dining, you have many choices: Ponsonby Road itself is lined with restaurants of all kinds (Italian, Greek, Mexican, Indian, modern Kiwi, etc.). For example, nearby spots include the cozy Italian eatery Baduzzi, trendy Mexican Coco’s Cantina, popular Greek tavern Golden Dawn, and the upscale tapas joint Ponsonby Road Bistro. There are coffee shops and casual diners (Great Ponsonby Baptist Church’s cafe, or Best Ugly Bagels for breakfast/brunch) within a couple of blocks. After the show, bars and pubs are plentiful: you could hop over to The Whiskey (next door) for a whisky flight, the Fox & Ferret pub for a local beer, or Token Lounge for wine. \n\nIf you need a place to stay, Ponsonby itself has few hotels, but downtown Auckland is just a short taxi or bus ride away. Many visitors will book a CBD or SkyCity hotel and take a taxi up to Ponsonby for the evening (for example, downtown is only 2 km away). There are also some Airbnb and boutique B&B options in Grey Lynn/Ponsonby East if you prefer to be very close. Late-night transit: public buses stop running around midnight, so you may need a taxi or ride-share if you stay until closing time (lucky for you, Ponsonby is centrally located so getting home from there costs less than from further out).
What Makes This Venue Special
Win-Win Bar stands out in Auckland’s nightlife for its unique fusion of hip-hop culture and retro-cocktail lounge style. Unlike many Ponsonby venues that focus on indie rock or lounge jazz, Win-Win explicitly brands itself as “Where Hip Hop Meets the Heart of Ponsonby” (concreteplayground.com). Its owners’ vision – a darker, Las-Vegas-inspired twist on a classic bar – gives Win-Win a character all its own (concreteplayground.com). Fans love it because the playlist, artwork and theme nights all reinforce that identity: you can sip creative cocktails under Tupac and Tyson portraits while DJs spin R&B jams. Reviewers agree it has a “delightful oasis” vibe in Ponsonby (win-win-bar.wheree.com). Culturally, Win-Win has become a go-to spot for local music communities – its weekly Soul Sessions have showcased Auckland funk/soul players, its open-mic nights have launched local comedians and poets, and its friendly crew supports emerging DJs. Economically, it adds variety to Ponsonby’s bar scene (bringing in crowds that want hip-hop here rather than somewhere else) and keeps nightlife buzzing on less-busy weeknights. All together, the mix of friendly service, standout cocktails and consistently fun events means Win-Win has earned a loyal following. In the words of one write-up: Win-Win captures “the essence of fun and camaraderie” (win-win-bar.wheree.com), which explains why regulars and first-timers both enjoy this funky little bar.
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: The bar is on one level, but note that older Ponsonby buildings sometimes have a small step at the entrance. Wheelchair access may not be fully wheelchair-friendly; if needed, contact the venue ahead of time to confirm. Inside, the rest of the space is flat. The bathrooms are standard sizes – nor specially equipped, so if you require an accessible restroom, check in advance.
ID and Age: Win-Win is a licensed bar. By law, all patrons must be 18 or older. Carry a photo ID (NZ driver’s license or passport) – staff will check IDs at the door.
Dress Code: No strict dress code, but the crowd is stylish-casual. In Ponsonby it’s common to dress smart-casual: nice jeans or pants and a T-shirt or button-down shirt are fine. Some people like to dress up (pairs of nice shoes or a cool jacket) on weekend nights. Avoid very casual gym wear or flip-flops if you want to blend in.
What to Bring: Just bring yourself, ID, and maybe cash (though cards are widely accepted). There’s no spare coat-check, but you can often hang jackets in the booth area. Earplugs might help if you’re sensitive to loud music. Putting your phone or camera away is up to you – photography is generally allowed, but be mindful if performers request no flash.
Pro Tips: Popular nights (Fridays, Saturdays, big special events) can get very crowded – arrive early (before 9pm) to avoid long lines or to snag a booth. Tip wisely: bar tips are appreciated but not required (Auckland culture leans towards service-included pricing, though clinking loose change is common if you want to thank a tough-working bartender). If you plan to switch between venues, note that Ponsonby has a dry-area policy (you can’t carry alcohol from one licensed place to another or into the street). Finally, consider booking a taxi or ride-share home if you stay late, since buses wind down around midnight.
Amenities: The bar has a private smoking area in the courtyard, as mentioned. Restrooms are inside. There’s no advertised Wi-Fi network, so rely on cellular data. The sound system is fully on for music nights, so if you have hearing devices (or children – see below), prepare accordingly.
Children/Pets: Because of liquor licensing, no children (under 18) or pets are allowed inside. This is an adult-only venue after 5pm.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the capacity of Win-Win Bar?
Win-Win Bar is quite small. Venue listings put it at about 100 square meters total, with space for roughly 25–100 people (www.sharedspace.co.nz). In practice, you can expect around 100 guests at maximum capacity on a busy night. Once it fills up, the venue can feel packed, so arrive early for big events.
What kind of events and music does Win-Win host?
Win-Win schedules different theme nights each day. Typically you'll find live soul and funk bands on Tuesdays, open-mic nights on Wednesdays, a pub quiz on Thursdays, and hip-hop/R&B DJ parties on Fridays and Saturdays. Sundays often have a comedy show or chilled jam. In short: soul/jazz vibes early in the week and dance/hip-hop music on the weekend.
Do I need tickets or a cover charge to get in?
Most nights at Win-Win have casual entry. For regular weekly events (like Soul Sessions or Open Mic), you can usually just turn up and pay a small cover charge at the door, or there may be no cover at all. Big-name DJ nights or special concerts might require advance tickets through a promoter. The best approach is to check Win-Win’s official website or social media for any ticket info. If in doubt, you can often just show up and buy entry when you arrive.
Is there reserved seating or is it general admission?
Win-Win operates mainly as general admission. It has a few booth seats and bar stools, but no reserved seating sections. If you want a seat, arrive early and grab a booth or stool. Otherwise most people stand in front of the stage or DJ area. As with many small clubs, seating (booths and high tables) goes quickly on busy nights.
Is there an outdoor smoking area?
Yes. Win-Win has a small courtyard at the back of the venue that serves as the designated smoking area. If you step out the back door onto the courtyard, you’ll see space to smoke and socialize outside. There is no smoking allowed inside the main lounge area.
Can I bring children or pets?
No. Win-Win Bar is a restricted-entry licensed venue. By New Zealand law it is an 18+ establishment – children under 18 are not permitted (except in very rare daytime events, which Win-Win does not generally hold). Likewise, pets or animals are not allowed inside the bar.
Is there a dress code?
There is no formal dress code, but the venue is trendy and casual-smart. Most patrons dress up a bit on busy nights. Generally jeans or pants with a clean shirt/blouse are fine. Sneakers or casual shoes are okay. Avoid beachwear or overly sporty attire; in Ponsonby it’s common to look like you’re going to a nice dinner or bar. If in doubt, upscale casual (“smart casual”) is the safe choice.
What are Win-Win Bar’s opening hours?
Win-Win does not open in the daytime. It generally opens in the late afternoon to evening. According to local listings, the bar is typically open Tuesday through Sunday (closed Mondays) from about 5:00pm onward (ponsonbynews.co.nz). On music nights it stays open late – often until 1–3am. (Sunday usually closes earlier, around 9–10pm.) Hours can vary, so check the venue’s page if you’re planning a visit.
Where can I park when I visit?
Parking can be limited on Ponsonby Road itself. There are some metered street parking spots along Ponsonby Road and the side streets, but they fill up especially on weekend nights. A convenient option is the Ponsonby Central car park (entrance on Brown Street), a paid lot about one block away. Other paid lots exist a short walk off Ponsonby Road (Richmond and Union Streets). If you use a rideshare or taxi, drop-off is easy right outside 212 Ponsonby Road. Just allow time to get a space or consider taking the bus if you can.
How do I get to Win-Win Bar by public transport?
Several bus routes service Ponsonby Road from downtown Auckland. Look for buses heading toward Ponsonby/Herne Bay/K’Road–Eden Terrace; they will stop within a block or two of Win-Win. (For example, the 101, 105, or CityLink buses along Ponsonby Road.) Auckland trains do not go to Ponsonby, so you’d come by bus or taxi from the nearest train station (Britomart or Newmarket). The commute is short (5–15 minutes) once on Ponsonby Road. Practically, the quickest way is often a rideshare or taxi from the city center, which only takes 10–15 minutes in normal traffic.
Is Win-Win Bar wheelchair accessible?
The venue is on the ground floor, but note that the entrance may have a small step or threshold (common in older Ponsonby buildings). Inside the floor is level. If you use a wheelchair or mobility aid, it’s best to call ahead. The interior aisles are spacious enough to navigate, and the bathrooms are standard size, but there is no explicit assistance noted. (Note: always confirm with the venue for the most current access details.)
Does Win-Win Bar serve food or just drinks?
Win-Win is primarily a bar, so the focus is on drinks. There is no full kitchen. Some nights you might find simple bar snacks (popcorn, nuts or light nibbles), and sometimes a small selection of share plates from a local supplier. However, for a proper meal you would usually eat elsewhere in Ponsonby before coming. Many visitors dine at a nearby restaurant (Ponsonby has dozens) and then head to Win-Win for drinks and dancing.
Can I book Win-Win Bar for a private event?
Yes, Win-Win can be hired out. The bar's private party info notes they handle events for about 20 up to 100 people. You can rent the entire space (with its own bar, dance floor, lighting and sound) for birthday parties, office functions, etc. Contact Win-Win directly to arrange details; they’ll set up a quote based on your date, headcount and requirements.
What music genres are played at Win-Win Bar?
The bar specializes in hip-hop and R&B, with a mix of urban genres. On weekend nights DJs spin New Zealand and international hip-hop, rap, funk and R&B hits. The Tuesday Soul Sessions feature more classic soul, funk and jazz. You will not hear rock or electronic dance music here – the playlist is tailored to smooth, danceable hip-hop/soul vibes in line with the bar’s branding.
Are outside drinks allowed?
No. Like all licensed venues in NZ, Win-Win strictly prohibits any outside food or alcoholic drinks. You must purchase all drinks from their bar. (Water or soda you bring yourself is fine.)
Is Wi-Fi available at Win-Win Bar?
Win-Win does not prominently advertise any Wi-Fi for customers. Don’t count on having reliable wifi when you visit. Most patrons simply use their mobile data – cellular reception inside the bar is generally good.
What payment methods are accepted?
Win-Win Bar accepts New Zealand dollars in cash and standard credit/debit cards. Most bars in Ponsonby will take Visa and MasterCard (and often EFTPOS). You typically do not need to tip in Auckland, but you can if you like. Always carry an ID when you pay at the door.
