Looking for the best bars in Hastings to enjoy a vibrant evening in Hawke’s Bay? Hastings offers a mix of craft breweries, music lounges, cocktail spots, and sports bars serving local beers, wines, and Asian-inspired fare in welcoming settings. Venues like Brave Brewing Co. and Common Room stand out for their community focus and entertainment options.
1Brave Brewing Co.
Brave Brewing Co. is a family-owned craft brewery and taproom at 205 Queen Street East in central Hastings. Founded by Matt and Gemma Smith, it focuses on award-winning beers brewed with local ingredients and provides a welcoming space for beer enthusiasts, families, and groups. The modern brewpub and eatery pairs its core range of IPAs, pilsners, and stouts with hearty pub classics.
Services
- Craft beers including IPAs, pilsners, pale ales, and stouts
- Pub-style food such as burgers, hotdogs, salads, and vegan options using local ingredients
- Takeaway cans, growler fills, and fill-your-own vessel service
- Family-friendly options including a dedicated kids menu
Highlights
- Family-owned by Matt and Gemma Smith with recognition at New Zealand Beer Awards
- Dog-friendly taproom providing water bowls
- Sustainable practices with fill-your-own vessel service
- Community-focused venue in the Tribune Precinct
Location & Contact
Name: Brave Brewing Co.
Address: 205 Queen Street East, Hastings
Phone: 027 239 3546
Website: bravebrewing.co.nz
2Common Room
Common Room is a garden bar and music lounge located at 227 Heretaunga Street East in the arts and cultural district of central Hastings. Established in 2013 and now owned by Fiona Lee and Chris Whyte, it operates as a multi-purpose venue offering live music, comedy, eclectic events, food, and drinks in a cosy, eclectic atmosphere that feels like home.
Services
- Live music, comedy nights, and eclectic events
- Curated drinks including local wines, craft beers, and cocktails
- Food menu and sharing plates
- Garden bar and private function bookings
Highlights
- Iconic Hawke’s Bay venue in the heart of the arts district
- Live music venue showcasing a wide range of genres
- New ownership bringing expertise in food and events
- Eclectic, cosy, and inviting home-from-home vibe
Location & Contact
Name: Common Room
Address: 227 Heretaunga Street East, Hastings
Phone: 021 034 6998
Website: commonroombar.co.nz
3Funbuns
Funbuns is a vibrant cocktail bar and eatery at 300 Heretaunga Street East in central Hastings, specialising in handmade bao buns and Asian street food. Locally owned, it emphasises creative cocktails, sharing plates inspired by Asian cuisines, and the use of local and seasonal produce for casual group dining and nights out.
Services
- Handmade bao buns with various fillings including vegan options
- Sharing plates, salads, dumplings, and fried items
- Cocktails, drinks, and Asian-inspired beverages
- Takeaways and delivery services
Highlights
- Fresh handmade bao buns as a signature offering
- Vegetarian and vegan menu options available
- Focus on local and seasonal Hawke’s Bay produce
- Bookings accepted for groups and events
Location & Contact
Name: Funbuns
Address: 300 Heretaunga Street East, Hastings
Phone: 06 650 0185
Website: funbuns.co.nz
4Craft & Social
Craft & Social is a bar and eatery situated in the historic Toitoi Hawke’s Bay Arts & Events Centre at 319 Heretaunga Street East in the Hastings CBD. It delivers a colourful, warm social vibe with good food, great drinks, and opportunities for events and functions in a restored heritage Art Deco building.
Services
- Sharing plates, flatbreads, calamari, and pub-style dishes
- Tap beers, ciders, wines, and cocktails
- Lunch, snacks, dinner, and drinks service
- Function and event bookings
Highlights
- Located in a restored heritage Art Deco building
- Open Tuesday to Saturday from 11:30am until late
- Emphasis on social events and private functions
- Central CBD location with a warm, colourful atmosphere
Location & Contact
Name: Craft & Social
Address: 319 Heretaunga Street East, Hastings
Phone: 06 651 1912
Website: craftandsocial.co.nz
5King Street Sports Bar
King Street Sports Bar is a sports-focused venue at 116 King Street North in Hastings, offering live sports viewing on multiple large screens along with a selection of beers, wines, spirits, and pub-style food. It serves as a hub for sports enthusiasts and social gatherings in a vibrant atmosphere.
Services
- Live sports screenings on multiple large screens
- Bar drinks including local and international beers, wines, and spirits
- Pub-style menu with burgers, pizza, fries, and snacks
- Social gathering space for groups
Highlights
- Multiple large screens for optimal sports viewing from any seat
- Central location in Hastings
- Open daily from 11:00am to 10:00pm
- Focus on sports entertainment and atmosphere
Location & Contact
Name: King Street Sports Bar
Address: 116 King Street North, Hastings
Website: kingstreetsportsbar.co.nz
Bars in Hastings at a Glance
| Business | Based in | Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| Brave Brewing Co. | Hastings | Family-owned by Matt and Gemma Smith with recognition at New Zealand... |
| Common Room | Hastings | Iconic Hawke’s Bay venue in the heart of the arts district |
| Funbuns | Hastings | Fresh handmade bao buns as a signature offering |
| Craft & Social | Hastings | Located in a restored heritage Art Deco building |
| King Street Sports Bar | Hastings | Multiple large screens for optimal sports viewing from any seat |
How to Choose the Right Bars in Hastings
- Consider the atmosphere you prefer, such as a craft brewery for beer enthusiasts, a music lounge for live entertainment, a sports bar for games, or a cocktail spot for a trendy vibe.
- Check menus for local Hawke’s Bay wines, craft beers, and produce to match regional flavours.
- Look for venues offering live music, comedy, events, or function spaces if planning group outings or special occasions.
- Verify dietary options like vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free choices and family-friendly features including outdoor areas.
- Assess location, accessibility, and opening hours to suit your plans, especially for central Hastings spots near public transport or attractions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hastings Bars
What types of bars can I find in Hastings?
Hastings features a diverse range of bars including craft breweries, music and garden lounges, cocktail bars with Asian street food, and sports bars with entertainment options. Many highlight local Hawke’s Bay produce, wines, and beers alongside casual or lively atmospheres suitable for different occasions.
Do bars in Hastings serve food?
Yes, most bars in Hastings offer food ranging from pub classics and sharing plates to Asian-inspired dishes and vegan options. Many use local and seasonal ingredients, with menus designed to pair well with drinks.
Is live music common in Hastings bars?
Live music and events are popular at several Hastings bars, particularly music venues that host acoustic sets, bands, comedy nights, and themed parties. Check venue schedules for upcoming performances across genres.
Are there family-friendly bars in Hastings?
Several bars in Hastings welcome families, especially those with outdoor areas, kids menus, or daytime service. Craft breweries and some eatery-style bars often provide suitable spaces during earlier hours.
How do I find bars with local Hawke’s Bay drinks?
Many Hastings bars feature local wines, craft beers, and ciders from the region. Look for venues that mention Hawke’s Bay producers on their menus or websites for authentic regional options.
Can I book functions or events at Hastings bars?
Yes, several bars offer function spaces and accept bookings for private events, groups, or special occasions. Contact venues directly or check their websites for details on availability and packages.
How We Chose the Best Bars in Hastings
Every business in this guide was found by searching for bars in Hastings, then checked against its own website. Names, addresses and phone numbers are taken from the business’s own site rather than a directory feed, so what you see here is what they publish themselves. We also check that each one is actually based in or genuinely serving Hastings, rather than a national operator running a local landing page. A business with no website of its own is not listed, because there is no primary source to verify it against.