Lenin Restaurant & Bar, Auckland

Lenin is still one of the busiest bars on the Viaduct, especially on a Friday or Saturday night, even though the America's Cup frenzy has died down. The bar is star-shaped in keeping with the Russian theme. A small restaurant area adjoins the bar. Vodka Cocktails are of course the specialty of the house, and they are superb. They start at around NZD10 and are well worth the price. The Lenin restaurant serves contemporary cafe-style food such as stylishly prepared pastas and steaks, from around NZD16 per main. On busy nights bookings are advised.