A while back in Rotorua, I squeezed into a sticky booth with friends, clutching a whiskey cocktail that tasted like cough syrup. The chicken wings? All bone, barely any meat, and dry enough to need a rescue drink.

But the real gut punch was the bill. It was so steep I nearly choked. Every item was priced like gold. 

So when I was planning my partner’s birthday party in Picton, I made sure to look for bars that wouldn’t embarrass us in front of our guests. Here are the ones I found worthy of your time—and your tab!

1. Seumus’ Irish Bar & Restaurant

Address: 25 Wellington Street

Contact Details: +6435735050

Operating Hours: 

• Tuesday to Friday – 4 PM to 12 AM 
• Saturday – 3 PM to 12 AM 

Website

Seumus’ Irish Bar & Restaurant nails that elusive “local pub” vibe you’d stumble into in Galway or Cork. There are weathered wood booths, stools, and walls plastered with Irish memorabilia. 

The live session in the right-hand room with a local guitarist and fiddler had the crowd stomping. 

As the only Irish bar in Picton, it’s a magnet for Guinness purists. Their pour is velvet-smooth, with that perfect bitter-coffee finish and perfect creamy head. I’d swear the bartender timed the two-part tilt like a Dublin pro.

The food took about 30 minutes to be served, but the taste itself wasn’t too bad for bar food. 

I loved the Guinness Hot Pot (aka a beef stew) the most. It features tender Angus beef steeped in a malty stew and paired with buttery mashed potatoes. The garlic bread that accompanied the dish soaked up every drop of the Guinness stew. 

A local regular here told me they get the mussels steamed in white wine and garlic cream sauce. The mussels are plump and briny. 

All of the staff were amazing

“We had a lovely time here! The food was great, especially the chowder and the garlic bread! All of the staff were amazing, they have great hospitality! We highly recommend this for anyone visiting the area. We even left our passports on the table and they so kindly held onto them for us. Whenever we are in the area again, we would love to come back for another visit!”

– Allie Lopez, Google Reviews

You feel like being in Ireland

“Authentic as it can be! You feel like being in Ireland. Super nice people arround (shared the table just with a local and learned so much about his home town). Food is super, beer fresh from the tab. Already book for the next day. Don‘t miss this place when you have a chance to get a space”

– Torsten Gennis, Google Reviews

2. The Barn Bar & Grill

Address: 48 High Street, Picton 

Contact Details: +6435737440

Operating Hours: Wednesday to Sunday, Monday – 10 AM to 9 PM 

The Barn Bar & Grill slings diners straight into a country-western movie, complete with saloon doors and enough cowboy memorabilia to fill a cattle drive. 

The staff set the tone right away, all easy smiles and quick hellos.

Portions here are no joke—think two-hands-required for their burgers and fries that are spilling off the plate. 

I started with the beef & cheese burger. The patty was juicy, with a smoky char that played off the cheddar’s sharpness and the relish’s tang. 

A regular swears by the buttermilk chicken burger. He’s all about the crunchy, peppery chicken, and the gooey Swiss. When I tried it, I loved the chipotle sauce that creeps in with a slow, smoky heat.

The beer list has a range: local craft pours, old-school lagers, and a few wildcards. I picked a crisp IPA that cut through the burger’s richness and left a clean, hoppy finish.

The only downside? It can get crowded on weekend nights, so be prepared to wait for a table. 

This became our place of choice

“Spent a couple of days in Picton and this became our place of choice….and it was pretty good. We started out with a few casual IPAs of the hazy kind, graduating to fully fledged food at lunch before we left. It was warming. A good crowd, bith drinkers and diners. A relaxing playlist that soothed the soul. A burger that left me fulfilled and ready for my next adventure. Thanks Barn, Picton was very much better with you at its centre.”

– Martin Chapple, Google Reviews 

Some of the absolute best seafood

“Absolutely loved the experience at the Barn Bar. 

Blair is a really nice guy, really fun to talk to. His daughter is wonderful as well, and I wish her nothing but the best in her adventures in photography. The atmosphere was cozy and homey, but the food was the star. Some of the absolute best seafood I had on my travels of the south island. I still dream of how good that Seafood Platter was. Most places around the world that offer a seafood platter get lazy about it and deep fry every single piece, but this platter was varied and showed true culinary skill, which I was extremely impressed over. SO GOOD! Highly recommend!”

– B Eli, Google Reviews 

3. Sisu Eatery and Bar

Address: 12 London Quay, Picton

Operating Hours: Tuesday to Thursday- 12 PM to 8:30 PM

Website

Sisu Eatery and Bar is a paradise for anyone who wants to graze their way through a wine list instead of committing to just one bottle.

The real hook here is the Coravin system. Customers can pick from over 30 wines by the glass, with the lineup always shifting. I bounced from a zesty Sauvignon Blanc to a plush Pinot Noir, all in one sitting.

Plates are built for sharing, and the portions are generous—definitely enough for two.

I recommend starting with the white fish crudo. Ponzu pearls and yuzu vinaigrette add a sharp, citrusy pop that jolts the delicate fish awake.

Then, move on to the brandy gravlax. The salmon is gently sweet from the brandy cure, and the creamy cucumber sauce cools everything down.

One regular swears by the chorizo crostini for its spicy kick, balanced by the pickled cucumber.

One thing I advise, though, is to get here early. The kitchen closes at 8 PM.

Very friendly and attentive 

“Went to Sisu for a bite to eat and a few drinks on a lazy Sunday afternoon. Fantastic food and great location. Service was excellent, very friendly and attentive without being over bearing. Wine list was extensive and tasting provided before you commit to ordering a glass, three beers on tap with more available in bottles or cans. The menu changes but we had the Cabbage rolls, stuffed mushrooms and the meatballs, all were delicious. Will be back!!!”

– Zork, Google Reviews 

Great food 

“Great food concept backed by a nice local selection of wines. A clever tapas style eating experience. Next time I am there I’ll make sure I’m not traveling as the wines are worth working through the menu.”

– Rob Gifford, Google Reviews 

4. The Waitohi

Address: 7 Auckland Street, Picton

Contact Details: +6435735442

Operating Hours: 

• Monday to Wednesday, Sunday – 11 AM to 7 PM 
• Thursday to Saturday – 11 AM to 10 PM 

The Waitohi had me at the bar. The bartender greeted me with a grin and treated me like I’d been coming in for years. He even steered me toward his favorite picks, which I appreciated.

I went for the classic fish and chips. The plate landed in front of me steaming, the fish wrapped in a golden batter that crackled at the touch of my fork.

I paired it with a frosty pint from the taps. The beer list covers everything from crisp local lagers to punchy imports.

A regular at the bar swears by the mini Waitohi platter, and I’m glad I listened and ordered it. It comes with fish bites, chicken nuggets, and sausage bites. Onion rings and fries are available too!

The fish bites were packed with flavor and the chicken nuggets were surprisingly fresh and crispy. The onion rings were also sturdy enough to survive a dunk in sauce.

The only snag was parking. I did two laps around the block before finally nabbing a spot, but honestly, I’d do it again.

Yum food and efficient staff!

“Yum food and efficient staff! Would love to recommend the bar to everyone. They are so warm and they welcome me with a big smile. 😍”

– Enoc Riolo, Google Reviews

Reasonable bar prices

“Tonight we had a beautiful meal of butterfish , highly recommend. Bar staff was very friendly and reasonable bar prices. We will definitely be back on our next visit”

– Marg De Goldi, Google Reviews

5. The Thirsty Pig Picton

Address: 27 High Street, Picton

Contact Details: +6435736969

Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 11 AM to 9 PM 

The Thirsty Pig Picton Hazy IPA may be the star here, but the tap list is broad enough to please any crowd. It offers a mix of wallet-friendly brews, approachable wines, and classic cocktails.

My Hazy IPA landed in front of me fast, with a side of friendly chat from the bartender that made the place feel instantly welcoming. The Hazy IPA was juicy and a little tropical, with a soft bitterness that lingered after each sip.

The burgers were equally good. While there were only three choices, they’re more than enough for a satisfying dinner.

Their classic Thirsty Pig Works burger came with a really juicy beef patty. The carrot, beetroot, and egg added a sweet-earthy crunch that played off the richness.

One regular at the bar swears by the Orange Roughy fish burger, mainly for the crispy fillet and the way the sauces tie it all together.

The only letdown was the wedges. I liked the bacon and cheese piled on top, but the sour cream and chili sauce made them a messy affair—more fork than finger food.

It’s the kind of place you feel instantly comfortable in

“The Thirsty Pig is a gem of a spot in Picton! The proprietor was incredibly friendly and welcoming — we had a great chat, and it’s clear she takes pride in keeping the place clean, tidy, and full of good energy.

The food came out super fast and hit the spot — no fuss, just good pub grub. I was sold the moment I saw Guinness on tap, but the wine selection and other beers were solid too. It’s the kind of place you feel instantly comfortable in, and we’ll definitely be back next time we’re in town.”

– Craig Dealey, Google Reviews 

Friendly service with a smile

“Awesome people ! Friendly service with a smile !

Lamb was amazing well cooked and complimented the gravy really well !

Thanks Louise and Leanne you guys are fantastic !

Will definitely come back for dinner next when I’m in picton !”

– Parisha Krishna, Google Reviews