Open hours: Mon to Sun - 7 am to 3 pm
Open hours: Mon to Sun - 7 am to 3 pm
Are you curious where locals go for drinks and live music near Waihi Beach? You’re not alone if you’re in the Waihi Beach area and wondering where locals go for a tasty drink or live music. Being in sought-after places that are just okay is terribly familiar.
When you arrive in a seaside town like Waihi Beach, you automatically want to follow what Google Maps says, hit the highly rated places, and get out. However, if you’re seeking a unique experience where people engage in meaningful conversations, the music isn’t just background noise, and the food is prepared with genuine care, you need to know where the locals frequent.
Ask anyone who has lived in the area for more than a summer, and you will repeatedly hear the same name: The Porch Kitchen and Bar, which is not just featured on list blogs about top spots around Waihi Beach. Discover the hidden gems where Waihi Beach locals spend their evenings, celebrate weekends, or relax after work, and discover why people consistently return to The Porch.
But the best nights occur at those spots; people here return time and time again. Here is where the locals actually go once the sun starts to set. It’s excellent for a post-surf beer or a night out with mates. The New Zealand Health Survey’s latest adult results indicate that the proportion of people drinking hazardously dropped from 18.7 to 16 percent between 2022 and 2023/24. That is the lowest rate since the survey started, and it signals a long-term cultural shift away from binge drinking in the nation.
Located in the heart of The Village at Waihi Beach, The Porch is an intersection of beach-town charm, comfort, community, and excellent food. With almost 20 years of service, over 1500 continental-style meals, and a staff that will remember your name on your second visit, The Porch is more than just a restaurant. It’s a local hangout.
The Porch’s vibe is one you can catch any day of the week. It’s a mix of early birds drinking their regular organic coffee, families brunching with the salty air blowing through their doors, and neighbourhood buddies showing up for cocktails as the sun goes down. It’s soothing, chic, and friendly, with an atmosphere that never makes you want to leave.
Evenings, though? This is the time when The Porch becomes active.
There is live music on weekends with local talent and a relaxed but never sleepy atmosphere, making it the destination for anyone who wants to spend time with friends, drinks, and a no-nonsense but flavorful menu.
From Belgian waffles in the AM to Fish Sliders with Tartare Sauce and a local draft after dark, you always get something fresh, deliberate, and filling.
You know it’s the local go-to when it’s not just a pit stop but a ritual.
Why? The Porch is a restaurant where the group behind it has spent 18 years embedding itself. They’re not trying to outfancy anyone; here, they are to serve real food made with local, seasonal ingredients, served with warm, quick, casual service (in the best way).
And yes, they are appropriately licenced, so you know whether you want to raise a glass over the weekend or have a quiet drink.
Let’s discuss music.
The sound is one of the highest allurements at Waihi Beach and hardly a component of the ocean. No, not the waves this time, but the gentle music drifting from decks, small venues, and—on the very best nights—the open ground of The Porch.
On Friday and Saturday evenings, it always turns into music. However, instead of becoming a rave, it transforms into something more meaningful. It becomes a place where music meets people! Friends slowly sway to the rhythm; families clap their hands, and travellers realise they’ve probably just bumped into the most incredible night of their holiday.
One of the great things about The Porch is that locals love it. They love it because they know that the food will never disappoint them and always be outstanding.
Look at the menu, and you will never have to ask anything else:
This cuisine is not considered fancy or gourmet, which is likely why it appeals to everyone. The best way to describe their menu would be “comfort food.” In addition, every dish on their menu is an incredible hug, which you certainly never receive at highly touristy spots.
The best thing is that there is no need to dress up or pretend. Drag your feet, leave your sandals or surfboard at the door, and receive the same outstanding service.
Events, anyone? Whether it is a birthday, a small wedding, or a corporate brunch, The Porch makes it happen. Their venue is flexible, and their staff is always up for it.
Would it be possible to have the event indoors under low lights and in intimate nooks? Done. Are you looking for something a little lighter that captures the essence of a coastal breeze? They’ve got that too.
If your party isn’t at The Porch, the restaurant offers catering services, allowing you to enjoy their food no matter where you celebrate.
Of course, there is more than one name in town. If you want to go more into the scene:
There are some great places to grab coffee on the beach (Flatwhite Café) or a glass of wine in the early evening when it’s more peaceful.
Waihi Beach Hotel is primarily a social venue that hosts live events rather than being focused on dining.
When the mood strikes, The Secret Garden hosts fairy-lit gigs, which are beautiful and rare.
Better days out can be had here and there, but nothing can match the consistency, warmth, food, drinks, music, and local camaraderie at The Porch every day.
To enjoy a night out, you don’t necessarily need fancy lighting and trendy cocktails. You need a place you can call home, no matter how long you have been there.
That’s The Porch Kitchen and Bar. To locals, it’s the comfort zone. To tourists, it becomes the memory they continue to return to
If you are at Bar Waihi Beach, leave the guessing behind. Reserve a seat at The Porch, put on the music, and get comfortable. You will receive more than just food; you will experience what this place is about.
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