About The Grand Steakhouse
The Grand Steakhouse in Wellington’s Te Aro is a distinctive hybrid of a classic Kiwi steakhouse, bar and live music venue. Housed in a heritage building dating to 1910, the space features restored mataī and jarrah hardwood floors and vintage Wellington photographs on the walls (www.ticketfairy.com) (www.ticketfairy.com). By day and early evening it functions as a welcoming pub and restaurant, famous for its stonegrill steaks, and by night it transforms into a lively nightclub and performance space (www.ticketfairy.com) (www.ticketfairy.com). It can accommodate a few hundred people (roughly 200–300 during a full house event) (www.ticketfairy.com) (www.ticketfairy.com), giving it an intimate, energetic vibe.
The Grand has become an institution on Courtenay Place. Its prime location – on Wellington’s premier entertainment strip – makes it a go-to spot for everything from after-work dinners to late-night dancing. Locals and visitors alike drop in to soak up an authentic Wellington evening. Over the years it has hosted a wide range of events and supported local talent (www.ticketfairy.com). This dual identity of heritage décor and modern nightlife means The Grand offers a unique experience – diners and concertgoers alike feel the legacy of the space even as they enjoy contemporary amenities (www.ticketfairy.com) (www.ticketfairy.com).
Events and Programming
The Grand Steakhouse boasts a busy, eclectic events calendar. Most weekends you’ll find the venue pulsing with live entertainment – from DJ dance parties to local bands and themed nights (www.ticketfairy.com). It regularly partners with promoters to bring both Kiwi and international talent to Wellington. For example, the venue has hosted high-profile electronic nights featuring drum-&-bass DJs from abroad, including sold-out shows by artists like Bru-C (UK) (www.ticketfairy.com). In 2024 Wellington’s own drum-&-bass duo The Upbeats celebrated their 20th anniversary with a big show at The Grand (www.ticketfairy.com). The programming spans other forms of entertainment too: in 2023 The Grand even held Wellington’s Drag Performer of the Year competition, underscoring its inclusive community spirit (www.ticketfairy.com). Jazz and rock have their moments on The Grand’s stage as well – intimate sets by local indie bands and performances by the Rodger Fox Big Band have filled the room with great music (www.ticketfairy.com). In short, whether you’re into electronic beats or live bands (or anything in between), The Grand’s eclectic schedule likely has something for you (www.ticketfairy.com) (www.ticketfairy.com).
Tickets and Booking
Tickets for The Grand’s ticketed events are typically sold online through official ticket outlets (www.ticketfairy.com). Events are announced on the venue’s website and social channels. Popular shows often have early-bird pricing, and it’s wise to book ahead – many events sell out quickly. Pricing varies by show: smaller local gigs often cost around NZ$10–$20, while larger international acts or themed parties can run into the $30–$60 range (with VIP packages at the higher end) (www.ticketfairy.com). If you miss out on presale, The Grand may offer door sales on the night provided the show isn’t at capacity (www.ticketfairy.com). There is no traditional daytime box office; on concert nights the staff at the entrance handle ticket scanning and any cover charges (www.ticketfairy.com). In practice, the best strategy is to follow announcements and secure your tickets online early to guarantee entry (www.ticketfairy.com).
Seating and Layout
The Grand’s interior is split across multiple levels. The ground floor is a traditional restaurant-and-bar space, with dining tables, booths and lounge-style seating (even a few sidewalk tables outside) (www.ticketfairy.com). Upstairs is a dedicated performance room that can be arranged to suit the event – it often serves as an open dance floor for club nights and concerts. While there are no fixed, theatre-style seats, you’ll usually find some high-top tables, bar stools and cushioned bench seating along the walls (www.ticketfairy.com). In general, most music events are general-admission standing: guests are free to move around, dance, and find a spot near the stage or wherever they feel comfortable (www.ticketfairy.com).
Sightlines at The Grand are generally good. The upstairs performance room isn’t huge, so even if you are toward the back, you’re not far from the stage (www.ticketfairy.com). The stage is a low-rise platform, which keeps performers close to the audience and creates an intimate vibe. If you want an up-close experience, arriving early to claim a spot at the front is a good idea. For those who prefer more breathing room, standing along the side walls or on any slight raised step at the back (where available) can offer a broader view of the stage (www.ticketfairy.com). For certain high-demand events, The Grand offers VIP options – these can include access to a reserved area or balcony section with their own seating or cocktail tables and dedicated service, giving a more comfortable viewing experience (www.ticketfairy.com).
Acoustically, the venue’s old wooden floors and high ceilings provide warm sound characteristics (www.ticketfairy.com). The in-house sound system is powerful and tuned for clarity, so the music can get very loud when it’s packed. Overall you’ll feel the bass and beat no matter where you stand. (If you have sensitive hearing, consider wearing earplugs near the speakers.) Importantly, The Grand’s layout is designed for a social, communal experience. It encourages standing and mingling rather than formal rows, so you’ll feel like part of the event whether you’re dancing up front or catching up with friends by the bar (www.ticketfairy.com).
Getting There and Parking
The Grand Steakhouse is centrally located at 69–71 Courtenay Place (thegrandwellington.com). It’s right on Wellington’s main cultural strip, so if you’re staying in the central city, walking here is straightforward and takes only a few minutes. The area is a major public-transit corridor: numerous Wellington bus routes run down Courtenay Place (toward Newtown or along the Lambton Quay loop) with stops almost immediately adjacent to the venue (www.ticketfairy.com). For example, buses leaving Wellington Railway Station heading to Courtenay Place/Newtown will drop you right outside The Grand. (Keep in mind that after about 11pm standard bus services wind down, so late-night events typically require returning by taxi or rideshare.)
Taxis and rideshares are familiar with The Grand on Courtenay Place, so simply giving the address or name of the venue works. On busy Friday and Saturday nights Courtenay Place itself can become congested, so many locals prefer to be dropped off on a nearby side street (for instance Tory Street or Taranaki Street) and walk the last block (www.ticketfairy.com). Landmarks like the Embassy Theatre or Te Papa museum are within a few minutes’ walk if you need directions once you’re in the area.
As for parking, The Grand has no dedicated lot (www.ticketfairy.com). There is metered street parking along Courtenay Place and surrounding streets, but those spots fill up fast in the evenings. On-street parking often becomes free or flat-rate after around 8pm (www.ticketfairy.com), so check the parking signs. If you need a secure car park, there are paid options nearby: the multi-level car park at the adjacent Courtenay Central mall is very convenient, and the car park at Te Papa (a 5-minute walk) is another option (www.ticketfairy.com). Keep in mind Wellington’s one-way street system and the strict drink-driving laws – many locals find it easier to arrive by bus, train, or taxi rather than drive themselves for a late-night out.
Inside the Venue
Stepping inside The Grand Hall (the building’s historic name) you’ll find a warm, pub-style interior. Early on, the atmosphere is relaxed and family-friendly — TVs quietly stream news or sports and diners chat over steaks. The floor is polished wood and seating ranges from dining tables to cozy leather sofas (www.ticketfairy.com). As the evening goes on, especially when a show is about to start, things rev up. A line may form outside, and friendly security at the door will check IDs (over-18s only after about 9–10pm) and scan tickets. Inside, you’ll notice a long, fully-stocked bar right up front. Bartenders pour a variety of local craft beers, NZ wines and cocktails here (www.ticketfairy.com), and service remains personal and efficient even as the place fills. On show nights, signs or staff will point you upstairs to the performance room when it’s time.
The on-site kitchen operates through most events, giving you full dining options. Besides classic stonegrill steaks, the menu includes juicy burgers, seafood and salads – even vegetarian dishes, all served in generous portions (www.ticketfairy.com). The signature Stonegrill experience is a highlight: a steaming volcanic rock is brought to your table so you can cook your meat just as you like (www.ticketfairy.com). Many guests enjoy a sit-down meal downstairs before heading up to the gig. If you get hungry late in the night, the bar offers snacks like fries or wedges to keep your energy up (www.ticketfairy.com). Drink-wise, there’s something for everyone: a range of tap beers (local and standard pours), a list of New Zealand wines, and a cocktail menu from classic mixes to house specialties (www.ticketfairy.com) (non-alcoholic juices and mocktails are available too). On busy club nights drinks are even served in plastic cups for safety (www.ticketfairy.com), but at quieter times you’ll get glassware like a normal restaurant.
Moving around inside The Grand is generally easy, even when it’s crowded (www.ticketfairy.com). The layout leaves open pathways around the bar and tables, so patrons can circulate or dance without a lot of congestion. If you need to step outside briefly for fresh air or a smoke, you can do so via the main entrance — just be sure to get a hand-stamp from security so you can re-enter later (www.ticketfairy.com). Upstairs and in quieter corners you’ll even find entertainment like a couple of free pool tables and some gaming machines (www.myguidewellington.com), which patrons often use before the show starts. One thing to note: The Grand does not have a coat or luggage check, so it’s wise to come with only what you need. On very busy nights staff might set up a temporary coat rack, but this isn’t guaranteed (www.ticketfairy.com).
Nearby Amenities
One of The Grand’s perks is its surroundings. Courtenay Place is packed with other eateries and bars. If you arrive early or want a different dining option, you have countless choices: sushi bars, curry houses, Italian eateries, gourmet burger joints and more are all within a short walk (www.ticketfairy.com). Many of these restaurants stay open late on weekends, catering to the theater and nightlife crowds, so you won’t have to venture far for a hearty meal before the show. Likewise, the pub scene around The Grand is extremely vibrant. Courtenay Place and nearby streets are lined with cozy pubs, trendy cocktail lounges and late-night dance clubs (www.ticketfairy.com). Before or after your night at The Grand you can easily hop to a neighboring craft-beer tavern or a rooftop bar – all within a two-block radius (www.ticketfairy.com). There are also quieter late-night cafés and dessert places if you prefer a relaxed coffee or sweet treat after the show.
Visitors from out of town will find plenty of hotels close by. Remember that Wellington’s central city is compact: staying anywhere downtown usually means a 10–15 minute walk to the venue. If you want to minimize transit after a night out, there are several hotels just blocks away from Courtenay Place (www.ticketfairy.com). Options range from boutique hotels for a splurge to hostel-style accommodations for budget travelers. In short, whether you need pre-show dinner, a nightcap or a place to crash, The Grand’s neighborhood has it covered.
What Makes This Venue Special
The Grand Steakhouse isn’t just another stop on Wellington’s nightlife map – it’s a venue with character and history. The charm comes largely from its heritage. Inside you feel the early-20th-century architecture: high ornate ceilings, polished wood floors and the vintage Wellington photos lining the walls all whisper “old Wellington” (www.ticketfairy.com). Stepping through the doors feels a bit like walking back in time, yet the sound systems and lights keep things modern. That mix of “old world” and contemporary vibes is rare – few modern clubs can match the feeling of partying under a century-old roof (www.ticketfairy.com). Patrons often say that knowing so much history is a big part of The Grand’s appeal.
Another feature is the crowd and energy. The Grand has built a reputation for electric, up-close shows. Wellington artists and international DJs alike note the packed crowds and enthusiastic fans here. In a small room like this, everyone ends up right at the stage if they want to – which audiences love (www.ticketfairy.com). People still talk about legendary nights, whether it was a sing-along by a beloved local band or a wild set by a drum-&-bass act. Performers frequently comment on the personal vibe: “the room is small but it’s packed with energy.” The connection between artists and audience here is unlike in a big arena – you’re never just a face in the crowd (www.ticketfairy.com).
Finally, The Grand’s versatility truly makes it stand out. It can seamlessly change roles as a restaurant, lounge and nightclub. Where else can you enjoy a full stonegrill steak dinner, then watch a drag-queen competition, shoot a game of pool and dance until 3am – all under one roof? (www.ticketfairy.com). This shapeshifting quality has made it a favourite for regulars. You might see a local drop by for a quiet weekday lunch and then return on the weekend for an all-night DJ party. Because it offers such a range, The Grand has carved out a unique niche in Wellington’s cultural life (www.ticketfairy.com) (www.ticketfairy.com). It remains a proudly local establishment with deep roots in the community – a home for great nights and lasting memories rather than just “another venue.”
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: The Grand Steakhouse is committed to being accessible and inclusive. The main entrance is street-level and wheelchair-friendly, and the ground floor includes an accessible restroom (www.ticketfairy.com). For upstairs events, staff can assist guests with mobility needs (the venue has a side entrance and lift); it’s a good idea to contact the venue in advance to arrange any special requirements (www.ticketfairy.com). Service animals are also welcome (www.ticketfairy.com). Overall, the ground floor is the easiest part for patrons with mobility devices to navigate.
Age Restrictions: The Grand is a licensed restaurant/bar, so it follows New Zealand’s age rules. During day and early evening hours (approximately until 9–10pm), under-18s are allowed if accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, but primarily for dining (www.ticketfairy.com). After that, once the nightclub atmosphere starts, the venue is strictly 18+. All patrons must be 18+ to stay for late-night events, and photo ID (a driver’s licence, passport or Kiwi 18+ card) is required at the door (www.ticketfairy.com). Even younger-looking adults can be asked for ID – if you forget it, you won’t gain entry after dark.
Dress Code and What to Bring: The dress code at The Grand is generally casual to smart-casual (www.ticketfairy.com). There’s no formal requirement, but late at night most people tend to dress up (think nice jeans or trousers and a neat shirt/dress). Flip-flops, sportswear or overly scruffy outfits might not be suitable when the crowds arrive (www.ticketfairy.com). Be sure to bring a valid ID if you’re planning to stay for a night event (no ID means no entry at all after dark) (www.ticketfairy.com). Security staff may do bag checks on big nights (www.ticketfairy.com), and outside food or alcohol is not allowed inside (www.ticketfairy.com). The Grand has no permanent coat or luggage check, so traveling light is wise. (On very busy nights they may set up a temporary rack, but do not rely on it (www.ticketfairy.com).)