Bars in New Zealand

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moniquekiwi

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Topic # 189207 20-Dec-2015 20:40

Hey guys

I live in the States and I'm going to be visiting NZ soon and staying for about a month. Just want to know the local slang you use in Bars. If I wanted to buy a beer in a jug at a bar do I say "Hi, Can I have a pint of beer please" ? What would I say if I wanted beer but not from the beer tap? And any other terms I need to know?

Responses greatly appreciated guys

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Reply # 1454022 20-Dec-2015 20:44

A pint of larger and a pint of cider please - one glass.

Works for me.

freitasm

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Reply # 1454023 20-Dec-2015 20:45

Bartenders will usually ask what you want ("from tap or bottle?") and depending on the place there will be a great variety. For those 18 and over here are some great local craft beers:

Obviously there's a lot more - Tui, Mac's, Steinlager and so on. But do try the craft...

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moniquekiwi

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Wannabe Geek

Reply # 1454028 20-Dec-2015 20:53

freitasm: Bartenders will usually ask you want and depending on the place there will be a great variety. For those 18 and over here are some great local craft beers:

Parrot Dog
Garage Project
Epic Beer
Tuatara
Obviously there's a lot more - Tui, Mac's, Steinlager and so on. But do try the craft...

Where are you going to visit?

I'll be in Auckland. Are there any other glass sizes for beer in NZ that are smaller than a jug?

richms

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Reply # 1454031 20-Dec-2015 20:56

Yes, I have always just asked for a glass of whatever and I have got a glass of it. No special slang needed.

Richard rich.ms

Jase2985

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Reply # 1454033 20-Dec-2015 21:07

A jug is normally a large plastic or glass vessel containing 2 or more pints of beer, and you generally pore this into smaller glasses.
a pint of beer is anywhere from 500-600ml (20odd ounces), some may do larger or smaller glasses.

from what i have seen pubs some pubs wont have the same beers on tap as they have in bottles. and if you want as bottle just ask for a bottle of xyz.

frankv

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Reply # 1454037 20-Dec-2015 21:11

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A "jug" of beer in NZ is a litre. A "pint" aka a "handle" is 500ml. Smaller glasses can be had, but I've never bothered with them.

gzt

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Reply # 1454051 20-Dec-2015 21:34

moniquekiwi:

If you want a jug ask for a jug. That one is easy. Imho if they serve jugs then you are in a 'pub'. Else, you are in a 'bar'.

A bar tends to be more upmarket than a pub. This is not an absolute rule.

Just to confuse you, a pub may have more than one bar. But it is still a pub. Typically a 'public bar' and a 'lounge bar'. Both are public. In theory the lounge bar is formal and the public bar is not. In practice the difference is usually some arbitrary rule like 'no shorts' which is just there for the sake of having a rule.

Central city areas tend towards having bars, outlying suburbs and small towns tend towards having pubs.

gzt

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Reply # 1454063 20-Dec-2015 21:51

If you observe patrons drinking from 'handles' ask for a handle or a pint. It will be the same thing.

Sometimes if you ask for a 'glass' from a bar serving handles, the bar will then ask 'Schooner or handle?' or 'Schooner or pint?'.

If the pub/bar you are in serves handles, then a schooner will usually mean a small 200ml glass.

There are one or two more variations in that table but you will get the idea..

If you specify 'from the fridge' you will get a bottle. From the tap is usually the default but depends on the venue.

Dairyxox

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Reply # 1454065 20-Dec-2015 21:51

frankv: A "jug" of beer in NZ is a litre. A "pint" aka a "handle" is 500ml. Smaller glasses can be had, but I've never bothered with them.

The smaller glass is called the "Schooner" which is 3/4 pint or sometimes smaller, confusing.

gzt

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Reply # 1454067 20-Dec-2015 21:57

A schooner is any beer glass without a handle. In a pub serving mostly handles, they may have only one other type of beer glass which they will refer to as a schooner, or just a glass, sometimes with a further qualification of 'big one' or 'small one'.

gzt

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Reply # 1454069 20-Dec-2015 22:02

Btw, many places it is acceptable to order a jug of rum and coke or other spirt mix/cocktail. Do not expect this to be cheaper, but it might be depending on policy.

Disclaimer: have not done this for years and getting slightly nauseous just thinking about it..

scottjpalmer

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Reply # 1454070 20-Dec-2015 22:04

In summary, there is no standard.

Pretty easy way to get a reasonable serving is to ask for a pint of X. Point at the tap as you say it. Or if a bottle, ask for a bottle of X.

Smithy100

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Reply # 1454109 21-Dec-2015 07:28

Don't overthink it... most bar staff here are more than accommodating. If you tell them what you want using simple language (ie: I'd like a small glass of Heineken/bottle of Miller/big glass/jug etc) then they'll steer you in the right direction... also, don't be afraid/embarrassed to ask for their advice - they'll be happy to help (esp as it'll give them a chance to show off their knowledge a bit lol).

nathan

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Reply # 1454115 21-Dec-2015 07:43

You're overthinking it

Also you don't need to tip them a $1 for each drink like in the US

Coil

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Reply # 1454116 21-Dec-2015 07:51

If your coming to Auckland there are some good spots to check out, Hurstmere road in takapuna has a few bars to chose from and if your young enough go on a Thursday night as they are clubs for that night.
Usually asking for a Handle or a beer would work, But be careful, They are not cheap. $9-$12 for a Heineken.

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