WellingtonEat & Drink
Three cocktails and a beer glass are lined up on a wooden bar at Dee's Place located on Cuba Street at Ghuznee Street. A bartender, with a rag on his shoulder is opening a can of beer behind the bar.

Dee’s Place

It’s always cosy at Dee’s Place, a neighbourhood whiskey bar hidden underground on Cuba Street.

The capital isn’t known for its subterranean establishments, but this tucked-away bar makes a good case for them. Head down the stairs below the stag head on Cuba Street to Dee’s Place. There you’ll find one of the city’s biggest selections of American whiskeys, interesting cocktails, and plenty of atmosphere.

The menu at Dee’s Place is constantly changing, with the day’s selection written up on the chalkboard behind the bar. Owner TK and his team showcase “interesting stuff that we would like to sit at the bar and drink ourselves.” Wine, beers, and classic cocktails change weekly. The cocktails use new and old techniques, with seasonal produce often a feature.

The bar at Dee's Place, a cocktail bar in Te Aro, Wellington. The dim space has amber lighting, many liquor bottles on the back shelf and a bowl of green apples on the counter.
A person wearing a blue shirt makes a cocktail at Dee's Place, a bar in Te Reo, Wellington.
Four bottles of assorted whiskeys and a small burning candle on a shelf.
A framed painting of a landscape with pine trees, a lake, two moose and mountains affixed to a brick wall at Dee's Place, a cocktail bar in Wellington.

Despite being freshly renovated, the space feels lived in and inviting, with lots of timber, rugs, and moody lighting — complete with candles. Wander down in the evening and you’ll likely find yourself parked up at the central bar, which is handmade from native totara. At over 8 metres long, there’s sure to be space to squeeze in with a friend or two. If not, cosy booth seating is perfect for an evening catch up over a cocktail (or two).

TK is a familiar face on the Wellington hospitality scene. He’s spent many years working around the city, from the now-closed Matterhorn, to rooftop bar Ascot. His passion for whiskey started while living and working in Sydney, where he worked at an underground whiskey and cocktail bar.

Dee’s Place is a family affair. TK’s uncle and mum helped him bring the place to life, while the name comes from his great, great uncle.

Looking for more?

The interior The Library, a cocktail bar in Courtenay Place, Te Aro, Wellington. There are two groups of patrons drinking. The booths are red velvet and the walls are lined with books.

The Library

With book-lined shelves, plenty of cosy nooks, live music, and a comprehensive cocktail menu, you’ll wish all libraries could be like this.

Regent

Enjoy the coldest martini in town or a perfectly poured pint and watch Wellington from above.

Four friends enjoy dinner and drinks at Havana Bar and Restaurant in Wellington.

Havana Bar

Hidden among modern city buildings, two historic cottages house a Wellington restaurant and bar.

Two bar staff pour drinks at Puffin Wine Bar in dim lighting.

Puffin

A dark and mysterious, art-filled corridor leads to a stylish wine bar.

The storefront of Liberty, a restaurant in Te Aro Wellington. It's a white building with black accents and six circular ceiling lights.

Liberty

Made by a talented team of chefs, the dishes at Liberty are full of flavour and made to be shared.

Two people sitting up at the bar at Ascot, catching up for a drink whilst being served by a bartender.

Ascot

Hot dogs and wine are the combination you didn’t know you needed at this relaxed rooftop bar.

Three cocktails sit in line on a wooden bar. Bottles of alcohol sit on shelves on the wall behind.

Elixir

An intimate bar that dispenses quality cocktail and wine advice, and a curated menu.

Inside Rosella restaurant and bar. The large window on the ground floor lets in plenty of light with seats lining a narrow bench along the window.

Rosella Wine Bar

With a share-style menu inspired by the Mediterranean, Middle East and North Africa, this Mount Victoria charmer is a quality dinner choice.

Two people enjoying drinks at Golding's Free Dive, a cool, kitsch, and cosy laneway bar in Te Aro, Wellington.

Golding’s Free Dive

This cool, kitsch, and cosy laneway bar is a shrine to great beer, great design, and great atmosphere.

Plates of food and drinks at Supra. The camera angle is looking down from above and the road below is seen through the window.

Supra

“If you know, you know.” Intimate and relaxed, Supra is a no-frills restaurant that focuses on food over fanfare.