Open hours: Mon to Sun - 7 am to 3 pm
Open hours: Mon to Sun - 7 am to 3 pm
Suppose you’re in the Waihi Beach area and wondering where the locals really go for a decent drink or some live music, or looking for best bar Waihi beach you’re not the only one. It’s easy to find yourself at touristy spots that are merely fine.
When you first come into a seaside town such as Waihi Beach, there’s the urge to do what Google Maps tells you to, go to the most-reviewed places, and be done with it. But if you desire to taste the essence of a place—where the chat is real, the music is not background sound, and the grub tastes like someone actually gave a damn—you need to know where the locals head. Ask anyone who’s lived here more than a summer, and you’ll keep hearing one name: The Porch Kitchen and Bar. This blog isn’t just another listicle of “top bars” around Waihi Beach. It’s an inside look at where real people around here spend their evenings, celebrate their weekends, or unwind after work—and why The Porch has quietly become the place people return to, again and again.
But the best nights happen at the places people here go back to over and over again. For a post-surf beer or a night of live music with friends, here’s where locals actually go when the sun begins to sink. According to the New Zealand Health Survey, the rate of hazardous drinking among adults has decreased to 16% in 2023/24, down from 18.7% in 2022. This marks the lowest rate since the survey began and reflects a significant cultural shift towards more mindful drinking habits in the country.
Hidden in the very center of The Village at Waihi Beach, The Porch is where beach-town character comes together with comfort, community, and fantastic food. With almost two decades of service, more than 1500 continental-style meals, and a staff that remembers your name after the second visit, The Porch is not just a restaurant. It’s a local hangout.
Any day of the week, you’ll catch a combination of early birds sipping their go-to organic coffee, families having brunch with salt air wafting through the doors, and neighborhood friends meeting for drinks as the sun goes down. It’s relaxing, trendy, and welcoming with the perfect type of vibe that keeps you hanging around.
Evenings, though? That’s where The Porch really comes alive.
From live music on weekends featuring local talent to an atmosphere that feels relaxed but never sleepy, it’s a go-to place for anyone looking to enjoy good company, cold drinks, and an unfussy but flavorful menu.
Whether it’s Belgian waffles in the morning or Fish Sliders with Tartare Sauce and a local brew after dark, you’re always getting something fresh, well-thought-out, and satisfying.
You know you’re at a place loved by locals when it’s more than just a stop—it’s a ritual.
Why? Because the group behind The Porch has taken 18 years to become part of the community, not merely a restaurant within it. They’re not attempting to out-fancy anyone. They’re here to serve genuine food, prepared with seasonal local produce, with service that’s warm, quick, and casual—in the best sense.
And yes, they’re properly licensed, so if you’re in the mood to toast the weekend or just relax with a quiet drink, you’re sorted.
Let’s discuss music.
One of Waihi Beach’s greatest attractions isn’t the sea—it’s the sound. Not the waves this time, but the music that drifts from decks, tiny venues, and—on some of the best nights—the open area of The Porch.
On Friday and Saturday evenings, the restaurant becomes a stage. Local artists, acoustic sessions, and soft indie beats give the place a whole different feel. It’s not a rave. It’s not a wild party. It’s something more meaningful: an atmosphere where music brings people together.
You’ll find friends swaying gently to the rhythm, families clapping along, and travelers realizing they might’ve just stumbled upon the best night of their trip.
There is one thing locals adore about The Porch and that is that they never have to wonder if the food will be great. It always is.
This is not over-the-top “foodie” cuisine. This is comfort food at its best. Every dish on the menu is a sort of hug—something that you do not always receive at refined tourist areas.
And the cool thing? No need to dress up or wear airs. Show up with toes full of sand or a surfboard out front, and you’ll be greeted with the same friendliness.
Whether it’s a birthday, an intimate wedding, or even a corporate brunch, The Porch does it all. Their venue is accommodating, their staff is always attentive, and they have the magic touch to make every event just a little bit more special.
Want it indoors with low lights and intimate nooks? Done. Want something more airy, with a coastal breeze? They’ve got that too.
They also do catering, so even if your party is not on their premises, you can still get a taste of The Porch wherever you celebrate.
There’s more than one name in town, naturally. If you’d like to venture further out into the scene:
These places all have their moments, but none pack as much consistency, warmth, grub, tipples, tunes, and community spirit as The Porch does every day.
You don’t require flashy lighting or hip cocktails to enjoy a night out. What you require is a spot that feels like home, even if you just stepped in.
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.
So if you’re in Bar Waihi Beach, skip the guesswork. Grab a table at The Porch, let the music play, and settle in. You’ll get more than just food—you’ll get a taste of what this town is really about.
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