The Green Room
Herald rating ****
Address: Shed 22, Princes Wharf
Phone: (09) 362 0775
Open: Mon-Sat, 4pm till late
KEY POINTS:
We arrived at: About 8pm on a Friday. The Viaduct was heaving with corporates and cougars celebrating the end of the working week and after a quick walkabout we decided the Green Room was the least scary prospect.
Are served our first drinks: By a good-looking young man with a devilish glint in his eye. Goes by the name of Nick. We weren't sure what we wanted so gave the vague instructions "something berry, something citrus and something sour". We were rewarded with three of the best cocktails we've savoured.
The decor is: Modern minimalist with a green accent. Oh, and they have these cool digital screens above the bar which show images of bar patrons, captured on closed-circuit video.
And the ambience ... Buzzing. People are out for a good time and the party starts here. Despite the crowds, everyone is amicable and no one got shirty as we squeezed past to the bar. Unheard of till now.
The beers on tap are: Stella Artois. There is one sole tap in the centre of bar. I told you it was minimalist.
The house chardonnay is: Whitmore Road chardonnay at $10 a glass. A bit pricey for a house wine but as we were only there for the cocktails it didn't matter. The cocktails are $15 - an absolute bargain considering they're top notch.
It smells of: Fresh salt air, courtesy of its waterfront location and open-front design.
The music is: Classic hits. Slightly cheesy but ultimately irresistible.
The toilets are: Functional and clean.
Why you should go: Because the Green Room is a good reminder that not all the Viaduct is a meat market. Plus the cocktails are fab, the staff friendly and the patrons are up for a rollicking good time.
Bottom line: A top spot to start your night with some of the best cocktails in town.
