Reviews Bedford Soda & Liquor

Zomato
Shannon Boyce
+4
Beef meatball sandwich smothered in tomato sauce and cheese, uhm YES PLEASE! Can't go wrong with this combo TBH, and had a yummy beetroot salad to keep me humble cause #healthychoices

The only downside for me was that the staff were not very attentive to us, I had to go inside and ask for menus and then again to ask if we could order food. Would go again though!
6 months ago
Zomato
Cristina Luces M
+4
Cool venue with friendly staff! Not much variety on the food menu but great flavours đŸ‘đŸ€© simply good!
6 months ago
Zomato
Nikki B
+5
We went there for friend’s birthday party. Menu doesn’t have much food options but the drinking menu was quite big. Fancy creations and shared big drinks are not to be missed and would highly recommend!!
7 months ago
Zomato
#fatlyfe
+5
That drink was exceptional! Also ordered the fried chicken onion rings and chips. Loved the fried chicken but I think the portion size had changed the sauce it came with was decent preferred it with the aoili from the onion rings. Good vibe good atmosphere good music
7 months ago
Zomato
Stacey
+5
Perfect for when you feel like some classic meatballs! I love having mine on top of polenta with the tomato sauce and the basil pesto - perfect combo. Coming here for food in winter is great but this place will be a year round staple thanks to their insane cocktails!! Definitely a place to check out - it’s more fun when you’re with a larger group of people.
8 months ago
Zomato
Anastasia Matiatos
+5
Damn came here for dinner the other night and was very impressed. I love the vibes and love how you choose what you want to order by ticking boxes and making your own food combos it’s so different from every other restaurant. I got Chicken meatballs with Tomato Sauce and Fettuccine and it was delish. The food is so fresh and tasty my family and I loved it. The night we went there was a dj which made the vibes so summery. Definitely recommend coming here. x
9 months ago
Zomato
Bella Williams
+4
This place is very underrated for its food! I guess it depends on how you order your meals as you build them yourself! I had the Lamb Meatballs w/ Mushroom Sauce & Risotto and I was literally shook at the first bite, the flavours were unreal and the meatballs were melt in your mouth. The chicken strips were also so good perfectly cooked, tender and moist and the sauce wasn’t too much either. Will definitely come back the service was super friendly too!
9 months ago
Zomato
Daniel Campbell
+5
Service was amazing, really made us feel at home, turned our bad day right around! Food was excellent and cocktails gorgeous!
10 months ago
Zomato
SpoonMe
+5
First time having their food and and it was great! Everything is reasonably priced and you definitely won’t be leaving hungry.
Tater tots with the cheese and gravy and fried chicken are good to share and if you get one of the meatball dishes you’re all sorted!
Loved the atmosphere and the staff were super friendly and made sure everything was going well:)
Definitely want to come back and try more stuff!
Thank you for the awesome dinner 💛
11 months ago
Zomato
Aravind S
+5
Ordered meat balls and desserts. Was really a great experience. I would recommend Bedford for great food tastes in very affordable prices. The ambiance both inside and outside is very pleasant with positive vibe
Special thanks for chef for the special and extra đŸ„°đŸ˜‰
Sep 16, 2019
Zomato
Andreea Simion
+4
This place never fails; such tasty food I could eat it over and over again. However the fries portion could be a bit bigger in my opinion. Other than that - AMAZING
Aug 29, 2019
Zomato
Chrissy Misa
+4
Really enjoyed the pasta and desert! Recommend for a fun dining experience. You can pick and choose how your meal will be with options ranging from mashed potato to salad to pasta with your meatballs and choice of sauce.
Jul 30, 2019
Zomato
Rebecca Dunham
+5
Great friendly place. The parking is nearby so convenient to get to. I have been with my friends a few time. Really love to visit in the evenings. Went to a few other places but keep going back to this one
Jul 05, 2019
Zomato
Kieran
+4
Came to Bedford Soda & Liquor for lunch. Not too busy and was able to get a table easily for a Saturday afternoon.

Wait staff are really helpful and are able to recommend good combinations of food.

We ordered beef meatballs on spaghetti with spicy tomato sauce as well as lamb meatballs on risotto with spicy tomato sauce.

Both meatballs were cooked well, soft and tender but not over cooked. Sauces were excellent, more suited to the spaghetti though. Mildly spicy and just the right amount. Both risotto and spaghetti were also not over cooked.

Enjoyed the handmade sodas which were really refreshing and not over sweetened.

Really good value meal, especially with the Zomato Gold membership.
Jun 29, 2019
Zomato
Jenny Da
+5
The service here was amazing! Popped by last night for dinner and drinks. We ordered the copper kettle, which was super refreshing and has the whole dry ice theatrics for the gram.

We got a meatball with spicy tomato on spaghetti each and shoestring fries with cheese, came with both tomato and aioli sauces.

Our server was so nice and explained the menus all so well. Very good experience!
Jun 22, 2019
Zomato
Joseph Singh
+5
Had the pleasure to visit Bedford Soda & liquor. We indulge in beef Bedford balls with spicy tomato sauce with also polenta and side of rocket cherry tomato, kumara and Parmesan salad. Also had pork balls with Parmesan sauce alongside with fettuccine topped up with quinoa, baby tomato, mozzarella and basil salad. Can confirm the food was soo exquisite and definitely delivered the flavours we anticipated. Highly recommend. Service was outstanding!
Jun 12, 2019
Zomato
Where To Next Auckland
+5
Food:  I love the unique menu style here. Its a giant laminated menu, where you essentially build your own meal by using markers to pick out the essentials. From the flavour Ball’s you want as the star of the dish (beef, chicken pork, lamb, vego or the chefs special), to choosing the base (such as mash or risotto) and the sauce you want to cover it all in (think spicy tomato or classic roast chicken gravy). This means there is always something to please everyone, even the fussiest of eaters (which is granted, is usually me). I've been here so many times, and no matter the combination - it's always amazing! The cocktails are also pretty damn good here too. 

Service: I can't fault the service at all! Super friendly, attentive without being annoying and you can ask for recommendations on menu combinations and they always have a great answer. I even asked them about the cocktails/what to order (because im super awkward) and they were incredibly helpful. 

Ambiance:  Exposed brick work, industrial style lighting, long sharing tables outside and cosy corner tables inside, the attention to detail and finishing touches all support the theme of a New York style neighborhood bar. The whole place just feels effortlessly cool, making it so easy to relax into the surroundings and soak up that Bedford energy.
May 31, 2019
Zomato
Nick
+5
Food and staff were great! There is nice outdoor bench seats which allowed us to really take advantage of the sun. Food didn't take long to come out and was really nice.
May 27, 2019
Zomato
KUIDAORE
+4
The fries were nice and crispy on the outside, soft in the middle. Piping hot, and drizzled in herby gravy. What more could you want?
May 25, 2019
Zomato
Rao
+5
Good for drinks and desserts. I do like their food but I prefer elsewhere in Ponsonby. Deep fried Oreo dessert is a must! Also check out their cocktail menu and try something new, it's all great.
May 03, 2019
Zomato
Amber Wilson
+5
I love the Vibe at Bedford Soda, provide in and outdoor seating with heating. Food is fun especially the meat ball subs which I ordered!! Will definitely be returning to this place in the heart of Ponsonby ❀
Apr 26, 2019
Zomato
Kate Linklater
+4
Great place! it's fun, inviting and great for a few drinks with the girls. I've been here a few times, love it every time I order the crispy fried chicken or mac and cheese! and for drinks I love the Gin Daisy .
Apr 07, 2019
Zomato
Reema Singh
+4
This place was really nice, there famous bowl drinks was quite over priced for what it was but food and atmosphere was nice! Staff is very helpful and really like there unique way to order food! Really cool group dinner location
Apr 04, 2019
Zomato
Jen Lee ( Zomato Gold Using JENL 8447 For 20% Discount)
+4
Great dinner out to celebrate my sis birthday.
The food was delicious and the meatballs are perfectly cooked and moist. However the spaghetti meatballs was a bit too cheesy for my liking and couldn’t finish it at the end.
We ordered a few drinks as well. It complements well with the meal. Will be back to try other food on the menu.
Overall score:
Ambience 4/5
Service 5/5
Food 4/5
Value for money 4/5
Mar 24, 2019
Zomato
Vivian C
+5
We ordered the chef’s special chicken, corn, cheese meatballs w/ parmesan cheese and roast chicken gravy on top of spaghetti for one dish, and the standard chicken meatballs w/ roast chicken gravy and special japanese mayo sauce on mash for the second dish. For sides we opted for tater tots and mac and cheese w/ bacon.

Everything was just so so so good. The meatballs had plenty of flavour and was not dry at all. Every element of the two meatball dishes were perfect and hearty. The mac and cheese was also delicious and extremely cheesy. Tater tots are my favourite sides so definitely no negatives there. The only downside to the meal was that because everything was so rich and cheesy it became harder to enjoyably eat everything towards the end. But overall a perfect meal and would love to come back again (although would order significantly less).
Mar 19, 2019
Zomato
Elle
+4
Enjoyed the meal at Bedford!
Had pork meatball on spaghetti with spicy tomato sauce.

Loved the spicy tomato sauce đŸ‘ŒđŸ»đŸ‘ŒđŸ»
And don’t let the size fool you - they are more filling than they look.

Thanks for a lovely experience.
Mar 05, 2019
Zomato
Bonnie Hu
+5
Their fried chicken is soooooooo goooood we don’t even share haha đŸ˜‚đŸ€€ All the cocktails are always tasty as! Food could come out a bit faster but worth the wait.
Mar 03, 2019
Zomato
Belinda
+5
Lovely lunch date on a Saturday! Always good service and food! Had the lamb meat balls and passionfruit soda and fried chicken. A must if you are in Ponsonby
Mar 02, 2019
Zomato
LuNa The TuNa
+4
Food quality 5/5 Quantity 5/5 service 4/5 (Try to charge us two main dishes for zomato gold buy one get one free. But supposed to charge the same price dish which is one main and one entree) environment 4/5 price 4/5
Feb 25, 2019
Zomato
Tony Ma
+4
Delicious meatballs. Dim to no lighting. No one at the door to greet you, there was only one floor staff so takes a while to get the menu and you are not allowed to get the menu yourself. But the food gets prepped pretty quickly.

Well made spaghetti. And can you zomato gold for 1+1!

The prawn and chicken bite sauces are a bit boring.

Service: 4/5
Presentation: 3/5
Environment: 3/5
Food Quality: 4.5/5
Food Quantity: 5/5
Price per person: $20–$40
Feb 25, 2019
Zomato
Aileen
+5
Food/Drinks: Great bar food selection. We ordered the sliders, tater tots and fried chicken with hickory smoked tomato sauce. They all tasted good, full of flavour! Drinks tasted good too, but the ice to drink ratio you get isn’t really worth it for the price. The whole round glass is filled with ice so you run out of the drink pretty fast.

Aesthetics & Vibes: The food is nicely presented, the design of the place is bright and vibrant. An excellent place for catching up with pals.
Feb 23, 2019
Zomato
Nikita Kumar
+4
Great food but slightly over priced with the drinks and the size of drinks - look great in pics and so beautifully presented but definitely not worth the price!! The lamb meatballs are sooo great and the sliders are a great option if you want to try a few options but still have a filling meal
Feb 08, 2019
Zomato
Giorgia
+4
Yummy drink although not very boozy for a cocktail.
Atmosphere, music, staff were friendly and super prompt. Very busy, popular seeming place.
Jan 31, 2019
Zomato
Katerina
+4
Friendly staff and good atmosphere. It's more bar place then eatery. They do have good choice sharing plates and good drinking list. I liked their chicken with smokey sauce. Parking is at the back making it hassle free.
Jan 20, 2019
Zomato
Rob
+4
Came here for leaving drinks but had previously dined at their Takapuna branch. I prefer the Takapuna branch more as it feels more family friendly/ restaurant-feel as the Ponsonby one is more bar/ clubby.

A big fan of their meatballs and pasta but their cocktails are my favourite especially the 'steaming copper kettle' where they put dry ice in it to give the effect of steam.
Dec 25, 2018
Zomato
Bronwyn Koh
+4
Of course the first thing i ordered is the prettiest item on the menu... Hawaiian time! Yes that's the vibrant blue orb drink. Taste wise, it's a standard cocktail but just looking at and the insta photo value made it worth trying.

We ordered a number of drinks from almost all sections of their drinks menu and my favourite section would be the "Bedford ballers" these are a little stronger and certainly worth the $, however I didn't get a pic of these as there are the most normal /plain looking drinks.

Food wise - carbs and booze how can you go wrong? Mmm i LOVE tater tots so a huge bowl full with melted cheese on top, so addictive! Also their mac n cheese deserves a shout out too!

Fun place to come for drinks and snacks on a hot summer afternoon! I will definitely have to come back to try their meatballs.
Oct 24, 2018
Zomato
Donna&Shane
+4
What a awesome place to have tried... friendly staff awesome atmosphere .. we popped in here for lunch bite..
Ordered:
Polynesian painkiller
Garlic herb buttered prawns
Crispy fried chicken strips
Macaroni cheese
The drink punch was awesome.. prawns were cooked perfectly and chicken very delicious and Mac cheese very yummy and cheesy/buttery
Will definitely be back to try meatballs...
Aug 21, 2018
Zomato
Dani
+5
The shared drinks and cocktails here are so yum! The Polynesian Painkiller was so-so good-cool mini theatrics before-hand with the fire and all.  The drinks to share are good if you are wanting to split it between another mate as it cuts down the price paid. Food is good as you can customize your own order to your preference. Friendly staff and love the aesthetics of the place. Highly recommend this place especially for drinks.
Aug 19, 2018
Zomato
Zac
+5
Love this place have been forgetting to review this place for a long time!! The drinks are yumm, foods tasty and great customer service! Highly recommend this place!!
Aug 06, 2018
Zomato
Brendan Chun
+5
WOW. The drinks here (especially the spherical “Hawaiian Time”) are dressed up and styled as if they’re ready to hit the World of Wearable Art. WOW. Then I take a sip and I’m even more impressed. Each drink seemed as if it were carefully conjured, not only to look good, but it tastes even better. The team here are really friendly and passionate so if you don’t fancy anything on the menu you can challenge them to mix something uniquely special. And then the food went on to wow me even more. I got myself a Spag Bol which I thought would be average - however the meatballs were unreal. They’re explosive with juicy flavours that are perfectly complimented by the Parmesan Cheese which can usually be overpowering. The balance of flavours and presentation were so good for everything we ordered, and it’s situated in Ponsonby Central so you’re bound to share awesome vibes.

Food 5/5
Service 5/5
Look & Feel 5/5
Value 4/5
Jul 22, 2018
Zomato
Lizzie
+4
The sodas and cocktails here are so yum! The meatballs are good too - especially the pork and the tuna arancini which was the chef special. Also they give you so much sauce it’s great! The calamari and fries are also yum! Def wanna come back and try the Mac n cheese, fried chicken and other meatballs!
Jun 01, 2018
Zomato
Sherrie
+5
Been wanting to go to this place for the longest time and finally had a good reason to!
Went on Saturday for lunch with my partner and even though it was a bit cold and rainy at times we really enjoyed ourselves. I think with the weather and the time we arrived was the reason it wasn't crazy but a decent amount of tables inside were filled. We decided to sit outside on these cool high benches attached the building. There was plenty of cover overhead so we didn't worry bout getting rained on.

The service was pretty prompt once we let them know where we were sitting and the waitress explained the style really well. The menus are laminated and pretty customisable so once you check off the things you want they take it away. Pretty practical and useful and you have to admire a restaraunt that knows its customer base.

We ordered homemade sodas which were soooo tasty! I got something with strawberry so very light and refreshing and my partner got passionfruit which had more of a zingy punch. I got the Board of Balls chicken and beef with pesto and spicy tomato sauces. He ordered two sliders, beef and pork with spicy tomato. We also got gravy fries, coleslaw and chicken strips. All of it was SO amazingly delicious. The meatballs melted in your mouth and full of flavour. The pesto was really nice and I really liked the slow heat that built with the spicy tomato. You get a good amount of fries so more should split with 3-4 people depending on hunger levels because we couldn't finish them. The chicken was also tasty, good crispy with a bit of a kick in flavour and still melted with tenderness. Coleslaw sauce to cabbage ratio was pretty decent and also good.

Didn't spend any time inside but good decor and atmosphere. Probably would get crowded easily though.

I was so full and for $80 I would say we got a decent amount, plus for it all to be delicious, quickly served I have no complaints. I will be back hopefully with a reason to celebrate and try all the other drinks I wanted to try but didn't have the room for. Recommend as a nice lunch or for a bunch of people!
May 27, 2018
Zomato
Mon.
+4
Taste: 🌕🌕🌕🌑🌑
Interior Deco: 🌕🌕🌕🌑🌑
Customer service: 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕
Recommend: 🌕🌕🌕🌑🌑
Amazing customer service! Stuffs were SUPER friendly and the food came up pretty fast! Actually taste good! First time finishing the whole dish haha.
May 19, 2018
Zomato
Zhou Chenhao
+5
The Hawaiian Time looks nice but it's more like a soda. I like the Canal Street Margarita more. The West Street Story is very strong and smoky.
Wanna try meatballs next time.
Apr 07, 2018
Zomato
Neelam Chandra
+4
I usually come here to have a few drinks cause let's be real their drinks are insane.
This time I came for a birthday and decided to try out their menu which was not a disappointment. Ordered their fries, chicken, Mac and cheese, squid and sliders.
Everything was delicious and the chicken slider I got was delicious and I love how you can customize you slider to your own preference.
Definately recommend
Mar 13, 2018
Zomato
Utkarsh Vora
+5
Great place to eat. The spicy tomato spaghetti and special sauce sliders were beyond good and super filling. As were the kettle cocktails. Definitely recommend
Feb 26, 2018
Zomato
Claudia Willis
+5
Went on a Wednesday afternoon, food was quick and tasty, drinks were amazing as usual and our server Sam was so friendly and on to it. Lovely experience
Feb 14, 2018
Zomato
Koyal Lal
+3.5
Food and drinks were average. There wasn’t a variety of food to choose from and the drinks weren’t worth their prices. Meatballs were the best overall.
Feb 13, 2018
Zomato
Sakshi Chadha
+4.5
I’m always skeptical about milkshakes with booze (as tempting as it sounds - is still very capable of making you sick) but this one was def a win win. We tried the Rum & Black Forest (MUST TRY, will not disappoint) and the Banana, Honey and Peanut Butter (v average, couldn’t taste the banana). The food was very satisfying as well, the tater tots were to die for. The ambience is 10/10, overall, this place has a great dining experience to offer! Must visit.
Feb 04, 2018
Zomato
Jeffie
+4
I've always wanted to come here for a feed but every time we come they're not serving food but this time it was the other way round and we just came in for drinks. We had The Admiral's Punch, really delicious and refreshing. Ambience is pretty cool and service is standard.
Nov 28, 2017
Zomato
Alexandra Hansen
+4
Went to Bedford Soda & Liquor with one of mates to try out their desserts. It wasn't as expected , but descent enough. Enjoyed the atmosphere though , the cocktails were delicious and would gladly go there again and try out all their drinks lol ! đŸč.
Oct 19, 2017
Zomato
N.S
+4.5
titled: come for the liquor, stay for the meatballs.Nothing like a laminated menu with markers to hit you in the nostalgic feels right of the bat. Dim the lights in a cosy quant setting and serve you some comfort food. Bam. BS&L. Ideal for any occasion you feel like sipping alcohol. Keep doing you Bedford, you beautiful thing.
Sep 28, 2017
Zomato
Mun Clair
+4.5
One of my absolute favourite spots! I have been here many times now and have never left disappointed. My favourite are the chicken meatballs over risotto with chicken gravy! I also enjoy the chicken meatballs over seasonal veggies with spicy tomato sauce and cheese sauce. The fried chicken, Mac and cheese, and fries with gravy are also delicious! I don't think I have had anything from here that I didn't enjoy. I love the order method as they give you a laminated sheet with a marker to tick what you would like. It is also reasonably priced for how much food you get. There are also beautiful drinks and cocktails. My favourite is the vodka daisy at $11.

The only reason I have not given a 5 is because the service is not the best. Wait staff seem uninterested and hasty. But the food makes up for it.

Would 100% recommend
Sep 19, 2017
Zomato
Aimee.
+3.5
The food here is average but this place makes the best drinks and cocktails. We ordered one of the teapot/kettle cocktails and it was sweet, tangy and strong which was perfect. Staff were accomodating and attentive towards us and the place is clean and chic.
Sep 19, 2017
Zomato
Brenda Phu
+4.5
I've heard great things about Bedford Soda and my night I here didn't disappoint. I came here with a large group for dinner. Our night was amazing.

Our server was super accommodating, exuberant and helpful even with us pesky large group consisting mainly of vegans and vegetarians. The ambience here was moody and cool.

They have an awesome drinks selection here and a mix and match menu revolving around their meatballs. You can choose from their subs, meatball trio, sauces, underballs, salads and sides.

I got their Vegetarian meatballs with spicy tomato sauce and risotto. I asked for it to be vegan and they just omitted the parmesan. The meal so warm and comforting. With moreish moreish pumpkin and pinenut meatballs that we super satiating. The spicy tomato sauce was fresh and still had a nice tang from the tomatoes over the creamy risotto. I will definitely order this again. Everyone else at the table loved their meals. My friends also got dessert and ordered the blueberry cheesecake and really enjoyed it.

This is a perfect place for dinner, especially groups which is normally tricky for some places. We ended up staying here until closing.
Sep 12, 2017
Zomato
Crackerjacker
+4.5
I always have a lovely time when I come here. My go to is definitely one of the teapot cocktails, they're always so impressive visually and also to taste. Top notch food also. Love the fries they serve!
Sep 11, 2017
Zomato
SJ
+5
Super friendly staff. Cocktails are amazing with tonnes of flavour. Food is great. The fried chicken is a must try!
Reasonably priced (even on a student budget) 👍
Aug 24, 2017
Zomato
Anthony MacLean
+4
Cool little bar that's not overly try hard. Good cocktail list, great service. Food ok, but a little disappointing in that the meatballs lacked flavour. Sauces were a touch bland. Not a disaster by any means and have been before and I recall it being better. In summary, a good place and great for a casual group dinner or drinks.
Aug 10, 2017
Zomato
Farah Mohammed
+4.5
Love it! Been here plenty of times and always satisfied. The food is great, I always get beef meatballs with mash and parmesan cheese sauce. Only negative is the staff aren't always very friendly and the seating options are limited and get filled fast at peak times.
Jul 31, 2017
Zomato
Dxlche
+4.5
We got the sliders and two cocktails.
Firstly their famous Hawaiian Time and their daisy cocktail (I think that's what it's called).
The sliders are pretty pricy.
The daisy cocktail tasted really good, the Hawaiian one not as good but that was to be expected. We got it just for the looks tbh.
The staff are really friendly here
Jul 23, 2017
Zomato
Emily
+5
Favourite place to go for drinks. best cocktails and the food is pretty good. staff are all so friendly and welcoming. prices aren't to bad either😊
Jul 11, 2017
Zomato
Justin Boswell
+4
An interesting place to visit. Quite simplistic food, serving meatballs in a few variations, but it's quite good quality. The drinks list is reasonably solid, the staff friendly and helpful. Good for a quick bite to eat or a drink.
Jun 30, 2017
Zomato
Kelsie Smith
+4
Cannot yet rate the food, but 4/5 for the cocktails! Service is excellent also and the great atmosphere you would expect from a bar in Ponsonby Central. Absolute gem and a great catch up spot!
Jun 13, 2017
Zomato
ChiChi Vareeroy
+5
Love the staff. Been there a few times and love all their drinks. Love their desserts. Favourite drink would definitely be the steaming copper kettle
Jun 12, 2017
Zomato
Rhea Kirstienne Chang
+5
Didn't get the chance to have dinner here but had dessert and drinks here for an early birthday celebration. Ordered the chocolate cheesecake, tastes good although I'm more of a baked cheesecake fan. It was very nice for the staff to give a birthday candle for me. â˜ș The overall look of the place is nice and cozy, not too loud at that time since it was a Monday. Will definitey come back to try their food.

Updated: Went back there last week (04 Apr ‘19) to celebrate my birthday with my partner, a year after our first visit. We ordered lamb meatballs on fettuccine with mushroom sauce, beef meatballs on fettucine with parmesan cheese sauce, tater tots and shoestring fries—all were sooo delicious! My partner also ordered their passion fruit homemade soda which was recommended by their staff and my partner loved it—he said it was so refreshing. Very friendly staff too! Highly recommended! đŸ‘ŒđŸŒ
Jun 10, 2017
Zomato
Annie Wilson
+4.5
I come here for their delicious cocktails extremely well presented. The bar/restaurant specialises in meat balls... don't judge the look of it as they're pretty delicious! Super busy in the weekend so book in advance
Jun 02, 2017
Zomato
Thea Betts
+4.5
Gorgeous bar and great for after work drinks on a Friday! Their cocktails are exceptional and so so beautiful. The food was delicious have had both the cheesy fries (AMAZING) and the meatballs on risotto on two seperate occasions - both were fab. Absolutely recommend, in fact popping in for a few vinos this eve! Great vibe + atmosphere all round.
May 26, 2017
Zomato
Hope
+5
One of my favourite places to go for lunch dinner or a fancy cocktail. Food is great drinks are awesome! Highly recommend for any Occassion. Love this place - great atmosphere and service is not as consistent as the food and drinks but more often then not thumbs up. Love the risotto and the sodas are so yummy!
May 24, 2017
Zomato
Bobby Anderson
+5
Stumbled here with some friends on a Friday night. The place was one of the first restaurants to start filling up at around 6.30pm. The menu comes with marker pens to tick the items you want. First you choose the type of meatball you want, then the sauce, followed by the base (carb or salad). I went with the lamb meatballs with garlic aioli sauce on spaghetti. The dish was simple yet delicious, the spag has a nice texture and 3 meatballs were a good size. I would come back here to try out other combinations. The others at the table ordered sliders which is a good way to try out all the different meatballs.
May 21, 2017
Zomato
Nina Dawn Waring
+4
Meat balls were nice. We had the pain killer cocktail and it was massive! Expensive but the proportion of it justified the price I guess, wasn't a very nice cocktail as it was super strong but that was our own fault. Staff were pretty friendly 😊
May 19, 2017
Zomato
Angel Deng Yun
+4.5
Quite a new experience of combining your own meatball dish. Yes, I am more into food than drink. However, Bedford could offer you both, with high standard. 

Tucked in Ponsonby Central back side, this place keeps a space for its own customers. You can either sit by the window watching people rushing somewhere, or, you can pick a quiet spot by the back door and feel quite secured. Even though it is full of guests, you won't be disturbed.

Really appreciated the nice stuff coming by and suggested how to order your own creative meal without pushing you too much. Kind, enthusiastic, smiling and keeping a proper distance. Well trained. You need a bit of gift doing this job, isn't it?

Chose the special meatball which was fish with herb mix, combining mushroom sauce and salad with avocado, rocket and kumara. Quite an interesting test to actually semi-cook your own dish. Newly Fun. The meatballs came out fresh, crunchy, paring the right sauce. (Even though I gave up the special sauce the waiter advised to pair, which is thai style green curry). Then a bowl of average shoestring fries then beautifully fried onion rings. As for the drink, I found lots of people try the cocktails and beer. However, I was still happy with my Riesling from Central Otago. Btw, they do provide a daily special if you have difficulties selecting drinks.

Only two days later happened to find this is Metro Top 50 bars, worth the name.

Now I have been there three times and find out every time is enjoyable. One of the waiters could even speak several mandarin to really brings the service to a new level. Good try!
May 17, 2017
Zomato
Kezia Lynch
+4.5
A favourite spot of mine! Choose from a range of innovative individual cocktails or, larger sharing sized drinks. My personal favourite is the steaming copper kettle. Meatballs and other light dishes are delicious too!

Staff are friendly and attentive. Atmosphere is funky, perfect for both a big night out or quiet afternoon drink.
May 02, 2017
Zomato
Charlotte Brown
+5
Had outstanding food, service, company and by far the best cocktail to date ( made by Sam ) @ Bedford last night đŸ‘ŒđŸœ fantastic vibe, will 100% be back.
Apr 26, 2017
Zomato
Amy Peng
+3.5
Went for a drink last night to celebrate my birthday.
This was my second time here. Wanted to have the Hawaiian time but apparently shortage of edible flowers so wasn't available â˜č
The waiter offered to make a "pretty" drink instead. We had to tell the waiter 4 times what we wanted cos he couldn't remember 😒 My drink was quite pretty indeed. However, my friend got a passionfruit and lime cocktail but we couldn't taste any hint of passionfruit in it. We got shoestring fries as well which didn't come after 30mins and had hard time trying to get staff's attention.
Thing that got to me in the end is the waiter took my drink away before I finished it!! He didn't even ask if I was finished and whisked it away quickly.
Nice atmosphere here but place seems to be overstaffed and they don't pay attention to customers . Service can definitely be improved, it seems to have slipped from a year ago when I last came!
Mar 04, 2017
Zomato
MiRi Lee
+5
It's really really nice! Nice food and nice service. Nice staff as well: ) the meal can be healthy or strong depends on your selection. The different flavor Meat balls are all nice. I tried beef, pork and prawn, chicken. Beetroot salad is my favorite. Risotto excellent! Deep fried Oreo I thought I could find it only on internet, but they do offer that! Cheesecake is quite light, but I like full-bodied. I recommend it! ć€ŒćŸ—æ„äœ“éȘŒäž€äž‹ïŒ
Mar 01, 2017
Zomato
Tan.ned
+4.5
Great place. Seemingly small portions that actually fill you up. Food coma @.@ so order wisely. I couldn't even finish my tater tots TT^TT it's not like me to not finish my food either. Highly recommend their mushroom sauce on risotto 👌 Also, book beforehand as it can get pretty crowded
Feb 25, 2017
Zomato
MiRi
+4.5
Nice food and service. Nice staff. Had a good experience here. éŁŸç‰©è›źć„œćƒçš„ 环汃侍错 æœćŠĄćŸˆć„œ è‚‰çƒé€‰æ‹©ć€šïŒŒé…èœäčŸćˆ¶äœœçČŸćżƒ ç”œć“ćŸˆæœ‰ćˆ›æ„ æˆ‘ä»Źćƒćˆ°äș†æČčç‚žć„„ćˆ©ć„„ cheesecakećŁæ„ŸèŸƒèœ»ïŒŒæČĄæœ‰çŸŽć›œé€éŠ†çš„é†‡ćŽš 鄟擁äčŸæ˜Żè¶…ć€šé€‰æ‹© èŁ…æŻćŸˆæœ‰ç‰čè‰Č äœ†æ˜Żć› äžșæˆ‘äžć–é…’æ‰€ä»„æČĄç‚č鄟擁 ćȘèŻ„èźșäž‹ć€–è§‚
Feb 22, 2017
Zomato
M & M
+4.5
Beautiful atmosphere, beautiful meatballs. I love the menu and how simple it is yet you basically create your own dish. They give you a pen to tick what you want which is fun! The beetroot salad was delicious and so were the cocktails! Cool vibes. Highly recommend.
Feb 21, 2017
Zomato
Mary Underwood
+3.5
Part of posonby central. A small alleyway swaddled by eateries and wall to wall tables outside. For a Friday evening it was quite easy to get a table. Initially we were seated with another couple.
The menu is simple and gimmicky. Select your choice of food and mark with a marker. Liked the idea of tailor making my slider.
Ordered a side of olives which were warm and yummy. Big fat olives bursting with flavour. My slider on the other hand was pretty tough. I selected the beef which seemed steamed rather than grilled. Very chewy.
My friend had warned me about the cocktails. Said they were hit and miss. Decided to try a new cocktail and waited with anticipation only find it was inpalitble. It was so strong my eyes almost watered from the alcohol.
Service however was great. Staff very attentive which was great. Asked how my meal was when I was paying I commented on the terrible cocktail only to be met with a blank stare! No point in asking really:-( overall I've been here now. Doubt I'll be back but was worth a try.
Feb 11, 2017
Zomato
LilMSunshine
+4
Great place and a wide range of drinks! Alcohol haven and drinks galore. Must try....their impressive Polynesian Killer. First time to see this flaming drink. Would definitely come back for more!! đŸčđŸžđŸ·
Jan 29, 2017
Zomato
Erin Berryman
+5
Love Bedford. It's so great on a sunny afternoon. The staff are all so lovely and passionate about what they do, especially Lori. Highly recommend the fried chicken, tater tots and of course the customizable meatballs. All the cocktails I've tried are great and the staff are happy to help you decide if you're stuck. The volcano one is always fun to share too.
Jan 19, 2017
Zomato
Disha
+4
Been wanting to try this place for forever, was so excited to visit it yesterday finally. Ponsonby is by far the best place to chill for me, love the vibe, love the cheer in the alleys. This place did not disappoint me at all, we had pitchers of cocktails- Admiral's Punch and the wine one. Please be aware their menu keeps changing hence I couldn't get what I wanted as I normally dig in zomato to find secret treasures. The person attending us was super friendly, attentive and extremely efficient. Their pitchers come in two jugs and needless to say has the most beautiful decorations. Definitely going back.
Jan 07, 2017
Zomato
EATINGUPAKL On Instagram
+4
First time visiting here and was super excited to see the menu is so customisable, such a good idea.

I ordered the vegetarian balls on mash with tomato sauce and a side salad, the portion sizes are huge I definitely didn't need the salad. Food was delicious and I will definitely be returning soon to try their cocktails!
Dec 29, 2016
Zomato
Kathy Xu
+4.5
Lives up to the hype! Great atmosphere. We didn't have any food but the drinks are really nice and unique. There's a huge range of both alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks on offer which is great.
Dec 08, 2016
Zomato
Georgie @ Georgieats
+5
One of my all-time favourite activities is making cocktails, watching other people make cocktails and of course, drinking them – whether it be a homemade margarita, a rum concoction in a coconut, or a flaming volcano. So, I was pretty excited to attend a Zomato Foodie Meetup last Sunday afternoon at Bedford Soda and Liquor where we learnt about the science of mixology and also took part in a cocktail masterclass.
Feb 24, 2017
Zomato
Stephanie Balsom
+4
I think Bedford Soda and Liquor is a great option if you're just not sure on where to go. Being able to make your own meal is quite an experience. With multiple options and ingredients it's hard to have the same thing twice!

The food itself is exceptionally good, however be wary on what you choose as your base; polenta or risotto can become a bit much after having half a bowl of it. Some of the cocktails are absolutely exceptional and presented beautifully while others make you question the price.

As for the service, it can vary. Being told the waiter would be back to take our drinks order without actually returning made us pretty antsy. Felt like we were being a nuisance when asking for service. Uncertain if the place was busy but seeing three staff members hovering around did not give me that impression.

Even so, I will definitely be returning and recommending to my friends. Great vibes, great location and great food.
Nov 28, 2016
Zomato
Mia
+4.5
Came here last night with my best friend for cocktails. We  came late (10pm) on a Tuesday so were a bit worried we wouldn't get served. Was so nice to find out they are open til midnight and the place was still comfortably busy when we got there. The staff were amazing! The girl that served us was really helpful with choosing drinks as we'd never been before as well as checking what bar snacks were vegan friendly. We ordered the vodka daisy and the rhubarb daisy. The cocktails were delicious! Probably the best I've ever had, we were so impressed. I will say that for the size of the drink, it is a little pricey but for ambience, service and taste I would definitely come back!
Nov 23, 2016
Zomato
Thegreeats
+3.5
Beautifully presented cocktail! Well my friends one anyway
Friendly service, nice to sit outside when sunny in the heart of ponsonby
Definitely a place worth visiting if you fancy yourself a treat
However i do feel that it is very over priced- my one which was tiny was $18 with no decorations whatsoever
Fries were good as well -had options of adding gravy or bacon or cheese
Nov 08, 2016
Zomato
HJ
+4
New favourite drink – Vodka daisy! One of the best drinks I’ve had, if not the best. Refreshing and sweet flavours, presented beautifully with fresh fruit and flowers. We only ordered some sides to share so can’t say too much about the food but the fries and olives were good! Service is good considering how busy they were on a Friday night. Tables fill up quickly but they have a decent amount inside and also outside too. Love the dĂ©cor and vibe to this place.
Nov 05, 2016
Zomato
Jessica
+4
Love this place! One of my go to places to go for a evening out with my girlfriends. The drinks are fun, colourful and yummy. I'm not that much of a fan of alcohol, but here I always know I can find something tasty to have. The food is also yummy. Personal must try is the smore's brulee! Service isn't bad. They are always busy when I go, so I understand. Atmosphere is great on a Friday or Saturday night (if you can get a table or seat!) Would recommended to everyone who loves cocktails and something small for a bite to eat before heading out to one of the bars/clubs on ponsonby road in the evening.
Nov 01, 2016
Zomato
Victoria
+5
This place is super fun and the famous cocktails totally live up to the hype! I love the food menu that you draw on, it makes ordering super easy! The wait staff are really good and even though the nights I have been there have been really busy and the cocktails are so amazingly presented they come out really quickly! This place has a great vibe and such a cool concept, definitely recommend it!!
Sep 27, 2016
Zomato
Wanderlust
+3.5
We went as a large group during a week night, and it was still very busy! I got the polenta, vege balls, tomato and cheese sauce with a salad. We also got chips as well. All of this was way too much and we wish the waitress had told us we had ordered way too much. But they did lets us take it home.

My meals was very nice! The menu is so simple but made very well. I was really impressed with the rocket salad, it was delicious. Everything had a lot of flavour and very well seasoned.

Beautiful cocktails! Quite dangerous you could drink them all day! I enjoyed the menus, the meals and the layout it made the evening energetic and fun.
Sep 25, 2016
Zomato
Jazmin Lee
+5
Oh my goodness! I LOVE THIS PLACE!! All the unique drinks and dishes to choose from got my heart racing, I came here with a friend for the first time and ordered the Hawaiian blue and Mac and cheese. This is a restaurant based in Ponsonby which is known for their beautiful alcoholic beverages so items being over priced was no surprise. The Mac and cheese was beautiful and I had such a good time sitting down and having a chat. I'm a light weight and react badly to certain types of alcohol (I flare up) but it was so so worth it. Another time I came here with my mother for Mother's Day and we ordered calamari, meat balls, Mexican cobbler I think? And salted caramel milkshake. The milkshake was too sickening for my liking but my mother loved it. The cobbler was great for me and the dishes were just right. Just be aware they have small portions so it's perfect if you want to pop by for a drink and chat but not if you're super duper hungry đŸ‘€đŸžđŸ·đŸč
Sep 04, 2016
Zomato
LoveEatLive
+4.5
Love the ambiance and convenient location. This place ALWAYS surprises me.. it has all the perks, good food and super reasonable prices for what they have to offer.

Personally I have a crush on this place as each time I have been here for a few drinks, it initiates a crazy adventure to follow.

Food:4/5
Service: 4.5/5
Drinks:4.5/5 they make em strong 😉
Ambiance: 4/5
Prices: very reasonable
Aug 28, 2016
Zomato
Diner8Here
+4
came here one saturday for a gathering, and very nice place and popular for  such and drinks and boring old me just had a cuppa tea (im non alcohol u see) and as we were so busy yakking we totally forgot they do serve meals. 
Did not matter as they located inside Ponsonby central food place.
Aug 10, 2016
Zomato
TazzyEatsOut
+4.5
Went here with a group of friends, we were all quite excited by the unique menu that we ordered way too much food (then tucked right in before taking any photos). Cool ambience with great service. Yummy saucy balls with equally amazeball sides - the drinks were also pretty delish.
Jul 13, 2016
Zomato
DuckieLovesToEat
+4.5
Since it was my last night in Auckland, sis and I went out for a drink. She has been here before and she did like it. This place was very busy considering it was a Thursday night. We were greeted warmly and seated pretty much almost straightaway. The staff were very helpful. I had Hawaiian Time #2 and sis had the change in fortune. Both were beautiful but I will be bias and say I thoroughly enjoyed my drink. It was pleasing in the eye and taste buds. We also had beef bedford balls with parmesan cheese and that was divine. Overall, a wonderful experience. I will definitely go back.
Jul 11, 2016
Zomato
Chris Sixt
+3.5
The food was yum, the service was good too. The one thing i cant get past is that the music was pumping far to loud for any of us to hear eachother speak, with a party of 11 people it was a tad annoying but that being said they probably cater for a different crowd than us so not for everyone.
Jun 29, 2016
Zomato
Julia Zou
+5
Absolutely a stunner in ponsonby. The cocktails here are always made to exceed my expectations and the Poutine (chips topped with gravy, bacon and cheese) gets better everytime I come here. The chicken strips and squid are heavenly tasting. This is my go to place when meeting with a friend while getting a small drink during the day.
Jun 26, 2016
Zomato
R
+5
This place has the Best Cocktail with amazing presentation.

I've tried a few of them. They are so addictive.

We also tried the bar snacks which were pretty good.

Really friendly and helpful staff.

Would highly recommend!
Jun 21, 2016
Zomato
Chell Taylor
+4.5
First time here and i enjoyed it. The place has a lovely little set up. The head chef is a uncle of mine and was very lovely aswell as the other staff that work there.

The drinks were very nice can't remember the names 😂😂😂 but they were nice. Got a beautiful tiramisu cheesecake which looked so divine.. Am yet to try the food but will eventually get to that next time.. Recommended for casual drinks and dinner..
Jun 19, 2016
Zomato
Ākanksha Rajpal
+5
Been wanting to try this place out for a while !
We ordered a salted caramel milkshake and a peanut butter chocolate milkshake.. And they were the best milkshakes my friend and I have ever tried đŸ‘đŸœđŸ‘đŸœđŸ‘đŸœđŸ‘đŸœđŸ‘đŸœ
I orders chicken meatballs with spicy tomato sauce\ garlic aioli in polenta which was really nice! My friend ordered beef meatballs with pesto & mushroom sauce on spaghetti which was really nice too! Great customer service too đŸ‘ŒđŸŒ
Jun 09, 2016
Zomato
Lilly Christine
+4
Yummy food and DELISH cocktails with a funky atmosphere to the bar!! Staff are very friendly and very attentive. would recommend for casual dinner and drinks
May 09, 2016
Zomato
Kat
+3.5
Love this place for a cocktail or two before or after dinner. They are a bit pricey but always good!! Beautiful presentation and lots of different flavours to tickle anyone's taste buds. Food menu looked pretty average though, so I just stick to the drinks
May 08, 2016
Zomato
Alisa Samountry
+4
Went for a meal last week and couldn't be happier with the service. Our waiter, Sam, was knowledgeable and friendly and guided us through ordering drinks and food. We had a meatball platter and the broccoli, which were delicious. The portion size was a bit of a let down for the price however. Our cocktails were great and well priced. #samthemvp
May 05, 2016
Zomato
Danny
+4
So I somehow made it on Zomato’s invitation list for the aptly named (and slightly tongue-in-cheek) Mixology and Meatballs event at Bedford Soda & Liquor. It’s clearly not because of my (lackadaisical) blog posts. But hey, I have been trying to stay active on Zomato and Instagram.

Anyway, I digress – the spirited (haha) folks at Bedford promise to bring some class and flair to the increasingly bustling Ponsonby bar scene with exquisite cocktails. After all, if you’re going to pay a ridiculous amount for drinks around Ponsonby, you might as well go to someone who knows how to fix you up a drink. As we found out over the afternoon – the staff here know their alcohol. And they’re not afraid to invent and experiment. After an opportunity for small talk and networking, we were taken through the philosophy behind the bar which is to be “an intimate, New York-style neighborhood bar located in the Ponsonby Central  precinct specializing in sumptuous cocktails and tasty meatballs.”
Apr 30, 2016
Zomato
Karen Chow
+5
Moved into the neighbourhood and I love this place! Don't get their cock and balls marketing thing but the drinks are yummy and really really pretty to look at (SALTY CARAMEL SHAKE WITH JW BLACK, you heard it here first). We (group of 4 girls) got a table easily tho we had to sit outside, we didn't mind that, one of us hasn't quite kicked the ciggie habit. Service was really good, we got a few drinks each and some of the meatballs and chicken strips. We really really liked our server Freddie and thought the blonde guy behind the bar was very cute (Sam? Dan? Cam? Anyway, thanks for making such good drinks!) Fantastic place to chill and relax, will be back soon :)
Apr 29, 2016
Zomato
Vivek Katial
+4.5
Went here with an old friend for a catch up. The place had a really nice vibe and an impressive list of cocktails. The meatballs were great as was the service.

The Mexican Cobbler was the one I got.
Apr 25, 2016
Zomato
Carmella @ Easy Food Hacks
+4.5
Zomato organized a bloggers’ meet at Bedford Soda & Liquor to give a sneak peek at the new (and yet unnamed) range of cocktails to be released in a month’s time. These cocktails are created by Phil Spector, Bedford’s bar manager and 2015 champion cocktail bartender. Kieran, the duty manager, introduced us to the their philosophy. Bedford found its name when the owners each independently fell in love with the eclectic cocktail bars along Bedford Avenue, Williamsburg, New York. They decided to bring the relaxed, comfortable style of cocktails back to Auckland.
Apr 22, 2016
Zomato
Georgie @ Georgieats
+5
One of my all-time favourite activities is making cocktails, watching other people make cocktails and of course, drinking them – whether it be a homemade margarita, a rum concoction in a coconut, or a flaming volcano. 

So, I was pretty excited to attend a Zomato Foodie Meetup last Sunday afternoon at Bedford Soda and Liquor where we learnt about the science of mixology and also took part in a cocktail masterclass.

To get the afternoon going, we all started with a refreshing cocktail which reminded me of summertime – a Vanilla Vodka Daisy (pictured above), with strong hints of passionfruit and decorated with lettuce leaves and edible flowers, while the manager, Kieran, talked about the history of Bedford Soda, in that their inspiration comes from the cocktail bars in Williamsburg, New York, where simplicity and creativity play the most important part in cocktail making. Bedford Soda has adopted this style and they are also passionate about serving simple food done well. It certainly doesn’t disappoint!
Apr 20, 2016
Zomato
Stephy_NakiGirl
+4.5
Great afternoon at Bedford & Soda with the #zomatomeetup
Awesome service from the whole team, particularly hearing about the philosophy of the business. Good to know that all ingredients are free range too.
Had a lesson with mixologist Phil who took us through how they make some of their favourite drinks. Interesting what goes into each one to balance the flavour - much like a recipe - White chocolate, ginger, burnt orange, agave nectar, as well as various combinations of spirits.
Food wise we tried a range of items from their menu. I had eaten there before, but great to try some new menu items.
The fried chicken has to be one of the best in Auckland - lots of flavour, crispy, but not greasy. Served with a delicious BBQ sauce. The calamari was also beautifully cooked - nice & tender & the light batter full of flavour. Again with a yummy sauce. And the meatballs - what can I say? Small morsels of deliciousness with a great range of sauces. Tried the chicken with the pesto which was great as well as the beef - yum! Also the range of sliders were a fun option. Good flavour combinations - even a vegetarian option which came with a Beetroot chutney.
Bedford & Soda does it all well - a nicely thought out seasonal menu, staff that give great service & care about food, and an interesting drinks menu too - something for anytime of the year. If you haven't visited already you're missing out.
Apr 17, 2016
Zomato
Josh Law
+4.5
Came here with the wonderful guys at Zomato for a taste of their new and old cocktails and their wonderful sharing plates too. We spent some time with Phil the manager (an acclaimed cocktail champion) to discuss his art and drunk some cocktails in the process. It's outstanding the thought that goes into some of these creations. And the guys at Bedford do this better than anyone else. The food was a good accompaniment to the lashings of alcohol. I'd just wished in could have eaten everything on their menu. If you're looking for a place to go for fancy cocktails and easy sippers in the heart of Ponsonby...this is the place to be!
Apr 17, 2016
Zomato
Yorkshire Pudding
+4
Whoever thought of opening a meatball bar is a genius.
The food here is comforting. Good size portions, lots of taste - pretty simple.
Service is good - cocktails are awesome.
Apr 11, 2016
Zomato
Jemimah
+4
Visited for lunch after wanting to try something new.

I opted for the meatballs with polenta and a cheese sauce, as well as tater tots and fried squid to share.

Food arrived promptly. The squid was quite nice however we didn't think it was quite worth the $14 spent. The tater tots were what you expected them to be, crisp and fluffy, however a bit heavy handed on the salt.

As for the main, couldn't fault it. It was a nice change to have polenta instead of starch or grains. And the meatballs weren't bad either.

Overall a nice place. Have yet to try their well known cocktails.
Apr 10, 2016
Zomato
Marggie Pascua
+4
Tad disappointed that the Hawaiian drink that I wanted to get wasn't available but this wasn't that bad at all, I think that the price I too much for a drink like this to be really honest.

Came back here for a couple of drinks with my friends. Ordered the Vodka daisy and it is really nice compared to the Hawaiian drink I had last time. Although the prices are still on the pricey side, the drinks are really nice.
Mar 27, 2016
Zomato
Alessandra Ackroyd
+5
I've been here twice now and each time has been amazing. Awesome sodas! Beautifully made. Highly recommend for and awesome lunch. Decent prices too!
Mar 22, 2016
Zomato
Manpreet Kaur
+4.5
Loved this place!! Such a chill environment, great food and amaaaaazing drinks - literally sooo good!! We tried the chicken and I think it was beef meatballs - great flavours! I love fried chicken and the the chicken at Bedford was 10/10. Lovely staff and great service too 😊
Mar 20, 2016
Zomato
Rhegan Smith
+4
Would give this little joint a 5 for cocktails alone, the food wasn't mind blowing but they're not a restaurant so I'll let it slide.

I went here for Valentine's Day and we were seated by the window, drinks and ordering took a while but it was worth the wait, quality drinks!!
Mar 07, 2016
Zomato
Sheena Kumari
+3.5
Love their presentations for their drinks, it's one of the main reasons to why I go there! And also they have such friendly and helpful staff! I like the outdoor area, and how it's nice and chill to go with friends or anyone!
Mar 01, 2016
Zomato
Winnie Luo
+4.5
Love coming to this place!

The meatballs are amazing! All of them! The sauces are amazing! The bases are amazing! They have perfect spaghetti and mash which are my two favorite bases!

I love the concept of this place, piecing your meal together is so much fun!

Some really yummy cocktails too! Amazing place to catch up with friends over a yummy jug of cocktails.

They could do with a bit more staff though, sometimes the service could be abit on the slower side.

Overall, it's a great place to dine and definitely worth trying if you haven't already!
Feb 28, 2016
Zomato
Vanessa
+4.5
Pork meatballs are delicious! Tried it with their spaghetti and it's so good. Top it up with their cocktail, the night just got really awesome.
Feb 13, 2016
Zomato
Serena-Meriana Brunt
+4.5
I visited this place last week for the first time & I had an enjoyable experience. The staff were very friendly & welcoming! The cocktail menu was impressive & the crispy chicken strips were delivered to our table piping hot & fresh and very tasty! Lovely tucked away location, I enjoyed the somewhat privacy of being seated outside in a lane, facing away from the road & forgetting traffic was racing by. The music was great, it wasn't too loud & over bearing but it was enough to make you dance in your seat! The only thing I'd like to point out is that, upon arriving it was difficult to tell who were waiter staff as none of them were in uniform? One person was in track shorts & a tee shirt which I found quite unprofessional. It would be nice to distinguish the staff from the public by having them stand out in clearly marked BedfordSoda & Liquor uniformed clothing. Other than that, loved it there I will definitely return again & recommend to friends & family! Thanks for looking after me Bedford Soda & Liquor!
Feb 09, 2016
Zomato
Michelle Hwang
+4
After waited for a long time, we got two cup of fantastic cocktails and one potatoes fried. Very satisfied with these two drinking, but the taste of potatoes fried was not equal to the price.
Feb 06, 2016
Zomato
Ivan Koay
+4
Wandered into this place having passed it several times while going into Central Ponsonby and decided to give it a go with pleasant surprise results..... These guys basically are into their balls, meatballs that is and there is a variety of pic and mix choice of the way you set your own meal up depending on how adventurous one is which is personally the best bit of the dining experience.

To start off with, we had a couple of sodas which were both an interesting mix that quenched the thirst and cooled you down especially on a sunny day.

We then decided to figure out the combinations to go with and decided on an combination of the special mealball of the day (a pork combination) with the special sauce of the day on polenta and the buffalo meatball on roast garlic aioli sauce and quinoa salad. Both arrived without much delay and got the both of us intrigued and discussing about how both the dishes and their combinations worked in odd and exciting ways. The polenta was smooth and creamy with subtle accents of rosemary in it while the meatballs were cooked and seasoned well.

Accompanied by the rocket and kumara salad and tatter tots with bacon it all mixed well and fitted fantastically with the rest of the meal.

Overall a really good surprise of a meal journey and we will definitely return for more adventures with the various balls and sauces.....
Feb 01, 2016
Zomato
Laura Hunt
+3.5
I've often passed up eating here because the thought of only having meatballs to choose kind of put me off. Well now I'm sad I didn't give it a go earlier as I recently came for lunch and really enjoyed it!
I arrived with a friend on a Friday and right away the staff were very friendly and helpful on navigating the ordering process. I decided on the vegetarian balls with mushroom sauce and quinoa salad, while my friend also got the vegetarian balls with Parmesan sauce and broccoli. Initially they brought out the wrong order for my friend, so there was a bit of a wait for her food to come out. When it did come out however they also gave her a free drink for the mistake - which was very tasty. The meals were both really delicious and we both left feeling super full.
Thumbs up Bedford!
Jan 16, 2016
Zomato
Eden Wood
+4.5
This place is authentic and unique. You tick boxes on the menus with markers to order, the cocktails are incredible and some even come in eight balls beautifully garnished with flowers and fruit, the staff are efficient and enthusiastic, the service is fantastic and best of all the music is loud and vibrant and a lovely mix of 90's and new songs. A cool, funky atmosphere.. Even I found myself grooving in my seat. We ordered a bunch of things to share: the beef, vegetarian and buffalo meatballs, the chicken sub, garden salad and tater toters with bacon and cheese. I'm not a huge fan of meatballs but these were pretty delicious. The only thing I didn't really enjoy were the buffalo meatballs, they lacked flavour in comparison with the others. An excellent location for a late night drink with friends but also great place to come for a meal. It was reasonably priced too!
Jan 10, 2016
Zomato
Aniva Huang
+4.5
Came here on a Wednesday night and it was a really good environment! Not too rowdy and not too awkwardly quiet.

The drinks were innovative and Instagram worthy and the service was good for the amount of customers there were for a week night. Had a good laugh with a few of them which added to the overall chill feel of the place.

Will definitely come back to try the food too!

Melanie Lim
Dec 19, 2015
Zomato
Louise MacNaughton
+4
Came here for drinks last night! Delicious cocktails and nice atmosphere. Service was a bit slow but didn't effect the evening. Can't wait to come back and try the meatballs!
Nov 19, 2015
Zomato
Math Tummë
+5
Came here a few weekends ago and got cocktails with the missus and boy were we impressed! The drinks are amazing and the bar staff are very friendly. I was only disappointed that my wife went home with one of the waiters, but I can hardly fault the bar for their ravishing staff. Would recommend for a friendly weekend drinks.
Nov 12, 2015
Zomato
Javier Yebenes
+4
I visited the Bedford for a drink with some friends last weekend and we enjoyed our experience. The music selection was awesome and the atmosphere was Ponsonby-cool, without too many pretentious wannabes around.

Staff were very nice and they helped us out to find a large table almost right away and different people came to the table to see everything was all right.

I had the salted caramel milkshake and it was delicious. The presentation was fantastic and the value  was very good given the price. In other bars, for the same price, you get a milkshake half the size. 

I also ordered some chips for the table and the were crispy and hot, right what you expect to get. My friends had some cocktails and a very nice Spanish wine, Barbazul. (Surprisingly good given the cheap price)

I will be back for dinner, it was a really good experience.
Nov 10, 2015
Zomato
Caitlin Snodgrass
+4.5
Came here on Saturday with friends for some end of uni exams celebrations. I had the vodka daisy first which was delicious, very "refreshing" for a summer afternoon. I then shared the Polynesian painkiller and steaming copper kettle with a friend. I found the Polynesian painkiller yummy but slightly to sweet for my liking. The steaming copper kettle was delicious! I was apprehensive as on the menu it had feijoia in the ingredients which I hate but it was my favourite drink of the night, super light and refreshing and delicious. Will definitely come back for it again. The drink my friends ordered was the Mexican cobbler I think. The cobbler using tequila. None of us liked that one as the tequila was very strong and overpowering.
Nov 09, 2015
Zomato
Christiana Malone
+5
A++++++++
Love this place! Awesome cocktails, sexy staff, and great food.
Concept of designing your own meal is interactive and fun!
Great place to bring your family and friends.
The cocktails are out of this world, definitely an Instagram moment ;) 
Highly recommend!
Oct 27, 2015
Zomato
Arthur Gillies
+5
Awesome vibe, cool music and great service. The cocktails were banging, and will be even better when the sun comes out. The meatballs complemented nicely and  the new crispy fried chicken is to die for. Definitely gonna come back soon
Oct 27, 2015
Zomato
Bulking Steerco
+4
Was here on a Friday night with a few colleagues who wanted to grab a drink and quick bite. The place was buzzing and had a great vibe which enticed me to step outside of my comfort zone. Having a huge sweet tooth, the thought of liquor in my milkshake made me sigh a little as I don't drink that often. 

I ordered the Salted Caramel Malteaser Hardshake (Whiskey) and was blown away at damn good it tasted, the lady next to me couldn't believe that I'd ordered a milkshake. I offered her a sip of my shake and she revoked her comment and commended my choice. Lols for your Friday.

Given the pleasant concoction before I tried another - the Coconut Grasshoper (Vodka) and was again blown away! I had a moment to myself and thought that this is incredibly dangerous as it could be the beginning of drinking problem.

My colleagues had stayed on the Zegroni's in which I had also sampled. Watching them being prepared was a highlight and made for great chat but then again I couldn't care less for their cocktails as my milkshakes brought all the boys to the yard.

For food we ordered the Chicken Strips and a sample tray of meatballs (all for sharing purposes).Everything complimented our drinking endeavours for the night. Overall great place! I'd like to go back for an actual meal and not just a liquid diet, so watch this space.
Oct 26, 2015
Zomato
Kiran Kanchan
+4
Had a late lunch here and it was a fantastic and a wonderful experience here... Love the food, the meatballs are yum and the options are really nice. The desert sundae too was well made, though was a bit disappointed on the ice cream options sought for.. But overall it was a good experience ... Must visit when down at ponsonby
Oct 26, 2015
Zomato
Charlene Weaver
+3.5
I personally really enjoy this place! I guess its a bit of a hit and miss sometimes, as you have to choose your own sauces, meatballs etc and some flavors work well together and others not as much! 

I usually order the pork meatballs with spicy tomato sauce on either pasta or salad and this is always tasty! I did once order meatballs with a quinoa salad and I didn't enjoy that as much. The meatballs are really soft and melt in your mouth and the shoestring fries are really good too. Overall a pleasant experience, I would recommend coming here for lunch rather than dinner (as they have lunch specials), or in the evening for drinks and snacks.
Oct 15, 2015
Zomato
Jenny Cao
+4.5
We sat down and was recommended by one of the bartenders the red lady and hawaiian time which proved to not only look pretty but tasted pretty amazing as well. I liked the Red Lady more but that's probably personal preference towards the more tangy, sour taste!
Oct 10, 2015
Zomato
Jam Taylor
+4.5
Located in Ponsonby Central, Bedford Soda & Liquor offer in my opinion Auckland's best cocktails. I have been here several times and have never been disappointed with a single drink.
I highly recommend their absinth-based cocktails as insane as that sounds, or their salted caramel malteaser shakes if you're after something non-alcoholic.
Haven't eaten from their menu yet, but they offer a very small range of tapers & meatballs.
Amazing atmosphere with both inside and outdoor seating. Staff are friendly.
Their drinks alone are an easy 5star, putty they don't have too much in the way of food.
Will be returning frequently
Oct 04, 2015
Zomato
ScorpioAR
+4.5
Best ever pacificMana nd Mango colada, the service was amasing , i soooo loved that mango colada that i have to order it twice lol,,

#Good ambiance
#Good music

I just love it .....
Cheers
Sep 28, 2015
Zomato
Crumpet King
+4
Special balls, with special sauce anyone? Know it sounds suspiciously risqué. But I assure you it is an honest play on words.

Bedford Soda & Liquor lets you order by checking boxes off the menu with a pen. I ticked the weekly specials from the categories available just to see what I'd end up with.
What came out was some Korean inspired meatballs, caramelised onion jam, and wait for it.... YAMS!

Upon reflection, choosing a classic combination of spaghetti and meatballs (like my companion) would have been a safer option. However despite my mismatched selection, each component was very tasty!

We also ordered onion rings and the Steaming Copper Kettle with dinner. The onion rings come with a generous serve of aioli, and the kettle steams theatrically with frozen CO2!

So... is Bedford Soda & Liquor worth a try?
Yes!!! ✔✔✔


Sep 24, 2015
Zomato
Rhiannon Sinfield
+4.5
The perfect little place for a light lunch and alcoholic beverages. The marking of the menu is a cute and creative idea as you can customise the meatballs exactly how you want - and expect it to come out like that! Would be better if the meals were a little larger. Overall I was very impressed, and the cocktail menus are to die for. My friend ordered the malteaser milkshake, and I the Hawaiian time. Both were very generous in alcohol - just how I like it.
Aug 25, 2015
Zomato
Britney Beeby
+5
I've been dying to go to Bedford Soda for ages now. We just had a couple of cocktails there, and didn't get a chance to taste the food, but we'll be back for sure.

I drank a Vodka Daisy and a Vodka gin, and both were absolutely beautifully and creatively presented, and also tasted fantastic!

The restaurant has a wonderful, warm, friendly atmosphere. It's laid back, casual and non-pretentious - which can't be said of all places in Ponsonby.

My fiancé drank Pilsner draughts, and enjoyed them, although he did mention they were slightly on the more expensive side. However, their cocktails are incredibly reasonable.

I'm so looking forward to returning very soon to try their meatballs!

Update to follow!!
Aug 22, 2015
Zomato
Monique Porteous
+4.5
This place has the best drinks in Auckland central, hands down! While the cost is up there compared to your usual 'bar' I am very happy and willing to pay $17 for a cocktail as well made as their selection is. These bartenders are true mixologists! They use a bunch of food science techniques to make their drinks such as the use of dry ice and even fire. I totally recommend trying the 'Hawaiian time' cocktail if you like a slightly sweeter drink. I was also impressed by the quality of food here, the meatballs were excellent, although I don't think 3 meatballs in sauce should be $14! Otherwise perfect!
Aug 19, 2015
Zomato
Seamus M.
+4.5
I love coming here for drinks!! 
They have one of the best cocktail menus! I really love their Punch Pitcher 'Polynesia Painkiller' you can share between two to four people.
You'll get a better kick if it just between two people, and it is worth $35.
The other Punch Pitchers aren't as good, beside the teapot that's yummy.
Overall their cocktails are yum and are worth the mula.
The only thing I have eaten from there is fries and they're yummy!!

Best time to go is when they aren't busy as service is much better, and I'll say during the day time is good too - especially early afternoon, atmosphere is much better. 
When they are pack their service is slow and sometimes won't serve you until 5-10 min later. 

The waiters and waitresses are very kind and always smiling and showing good customer service.

It is a great place to have a good yarn and yummy drinks!! Seriously their cocktails are the shiz!
Aug 04, 2015
Zomato
Frank
+5
Had the pleasure of trying some brand new cocktails put together by NZ’s number 1 cocktail mixologist, Phil Spector (2015 winner who represented NZ at the finals in South Africa!) - how often do you get that? Cocktail names to be announced in due course. One standout was a muscat style spritzer which dazzled with refreshingness, another a Bobby Burns inspired cocktail infused with coffee beans that was smooth and elegant. The team here are world class and like nothing more to create a unique concoction based on your mood for the evening. Insider's Tip: Be creative on the laminated menu cards, they have seen everything here, and apparently the cruder it is the more likely it will get hung on the wall 😃

Of course I have been here a fair few times now, one of my favourite bars down this end of P Rd (and in AK), with an awesome selection of drinks, cocktails, shakes, meatballs, donuts. Try the Banana Rum shake.Lots of comfy seating indoors, and outdoor bar tables if you prefer... Staff are great and plenty to see and do. In the evenings it is usually packed and they have a DJ etc... perfect place to have a drink after eating there or one of the other nearby establishments!
Aug 01, 2015
Zomato
Helena Chen
+4
I was recommended this place by a friend and have since popped in a few times for dinner and/or drinks. It’s usually quite busy and bustling during the evening, especially the latter half the week, so I often find it a bit difficult to get the staff’s attention/get a table. However, once seated, the fun part begins! Their menu’s are very unique in that you tick what you want with a whiteboard marker and get to customise your own meatball dish. They also have other dinner options if meatballs isn’t your thing. I’ve tried a few different combos and love the risotto and spaghetti as a base, along with blue cheese and basil pesto sauces. 

If you’re looking for something a bit different in the drinks department, definitely try out one of their Liquor Laden Frappes or Shakes! They’re so much fun, not to mention delicious (and dangerous!). I’ve tried the salted caramel malteaser milkshake with whisky, and i definitely think i drank it too fast!

This place is perfect for an afterwork catch up or even a night out for drinks. Will be returning for more meatballs soon!
Jul 28, 2015
Zomato
Blaine Stevenson
+5
Just a beautiful place with great service and amazing cocktails. Definitely the tastiest cocktails in Auckland too! In particular they do a mango piña colada which is better than the traditional!
Jul 23, 2015
Zomato
James Watson
+4
We enjoyed a really nice dessert here on a cold and wet Monday night. Warm, cosy atmosphere, with friendly and helpful staff. We shared the donuts with mascarpone and the smores creme brûlée along with a cheeky hot chocolate and honey and ginger tea.  Both delicious and perfect for sharing 

an ideal date night spot
Jul 08, 2015
Zomato
Shane Philiips
+4
A cool little bar part of the Ponsonby Central stable. The food menu is not outstanding but why would you eat here when you are surrounded by great eating houses . Great beer and wine selections and terrific cocktails . The place to hang out before dinner.
Jun 01, 2015
Zomato
Andrew @anjeats
+4
Set in the funky Ponsonby Central precinct, Bedford is the perfect is the perfect place to be seen but also to people watch! I went with some friends and we found a table in the outside area which was a great way to see alfresco diners from other eateries but also to soak up the relaxed vibe.

The only downside was having a smoker on the table next to us - the space within Ponsonby Central is already tight so I hope they decide to put a rule against smoking in the future.

The menu seemed gimmicky but was an easy way to select a meal. I chose the chicken meatballs with spicy tomato sauce and mash. It was tasty, well seasoned and perfect on a cool evening. I washed it down with a passionfruit soda and was very satisfied with the distinct flavours. Bedford appeared to attract patrons of the funky, hipster persuasion and I witnessed many with great looking cocktails. Drink envy indeed.

Yup, this is fun dining, Ponsonby style at its best!

May 31, 2015
Zomato
WeiTing Ashley Shyu
+3.5
Cute ideas and great location. Bedford Soda & Liquor has a promising unique menu with their meatballs mix and match as well as a wide variety of drinks. My friend and I both ordered meatballs on salad and a tea cocktail concoction. The food was good but I had higher expectations as the dishes do sound better on paper. Overall 3.5/5 just lacking that WOW factor and also portions are a bit on the small side. I would definitely come back though if I was in the mood for meatballs!
May 31, 2015
Zomato
House Of Eats
+5
TOP 10 PICK - THE BEST COCKTAILS IN NZ hands down - BedFord Soda & Co house NZs best award winning cocktail artist. The cocktails are unbelievable! We just keep coming back to this place! Must try the Steaming teapot. I love the 23yr old aged rum, the Talisker sours , Skarlett fizz and Gold fashions they are my top picks - oh what the heck I have too many to choose from - I will work my way thru the cocktail menu. ENJOY every sip people. Worth every dollar!
May 30, 2015
Zomato
Shasey
+5
Salted caramel and malteser milkshake.
Beef meatballs with cheese sauce and mash.
Order that and watch your life change for the better it's the only place I ever want to go now
May 01, 2015
Zomato
Anna Hinehou
+4
I like the way Bedford sets up its menu - choose a protein, a sauce, a base and add sides - very flexible to everyone's taste!
I had the special meatballs - Argentinian lamb w spicy tomato sauce on potato mash, amazing comfort food. Simple and delicious.
Bedford is known for their drinks and they didn't disappoint - homemade sodas are sparkling and on point, my friend raved about her warm wintery cocktail.
Definitely a great place to go when you want food that will please a lot of people.
Apr 30, 2015
Zomato
Girlygirl
+5
Yummy dinner here sides of fries, chicken wings, onion rings, with special lamb meatballs and garlic aioli, glass of Shiraz and dessert of the smores brûlée and doughnuts with mascarpone all scrumptious!!! Highly recommended! Service was great too.
Apr 27, 2015
Zomato
Madeline Boyd
+4.5
Went here for lunch. The waiter was lovely and explained the whole menu to us and gave us recommendations. My friend and I both got the salad with 3 beef balls and aioli sauce, very filling and reasonably priced. Holy moley, we both couldn't believe how delicious it was! We each got a yummy soda as well. Definitely recommend!
Apr 25, 2015
Zomato
Chloe-Mae
+4.5
Cute idea- love ponsonby Central but sadly this was a place in not likely to come back- very over priced for meat balls that are just average tasting ( could make better at home for half the cost) the cocktails were amazing but not strong enough drank about 4 and was still bone sober
Apr 19, 2015
Zomato
Lana Rose Webster
+4.5
I have visited Bedford Soda and Liquor as a drinking destination but never had a chance to try their meatballs, absolutely fantastic! I got the chicken balls with gravy and risotto. perfect! the risotto was very fragrant and was a great balance for the meatballs.

I also tried one of their hardshakes, the whisky salted caramel. Very strong taste of whisky, salted caramel was lost in there, though once you've settled into it the whiskey is enjoyable.

My friend had the doughnut balls for dessert  - gorgeous! light crunchy fluffy all at once! I had the american cheese cake - strawberry flavour. I have no words for how delicious it was. Nekk level shit. so good, I could barely finish it but I'm so glad I did! 

4.5 instead of 5 as the hardshake could've been better.
Apr 15, 2015
Zomato
UltimateOmNoms
+4
Nestled within Ponsonby Central - This is really one of those places that give Ponsonby its foodie vibe! Having visited Ponsonby Central several times, Bedford really does stand apart from the other bars and restaurants within the area - distinguished through its New York style Meatballs and drinks - Where else in Auckland would you find a place that claims to specialise in meatballs and drinks?

From walking in, to leaving - the place seems to always have a buzzing energy to it - We decided to have an early dinner - and even when the sun was still up and the place was half empty, the Ponsonby Central hustle and bustle could still be felt in Bedford - In a good way.

How it works?
Imitating New York style meatballs - you basically pick your meat, a long with your cheese, sauce, and base.
Out comes a full dish. 
Our pick: Buffalo meatballs, parmesan, risotto. We left out the sauce for some ridiculous reason. All up $18.
Along with that - we ordered a chicken sub with parmesan cheese & pesto ($14), and a macaroni & cheese side ($7).

Yes. Cheese overload indeed - but worth it! These guys definitely know their stuff about cooking meatballs - nothing overcooked. And even with the portions looking small - trust me, it will fill you up! The macaroni was also done perfect - so simple and crude - yet the taste was spot on - you'll never look at macaroni and cheese the same way again.

If you haven't noticed yet - the food seems very simple - but this is exactly what it is! Simple, homemade food taken to the next level so that it is amazing - and trying to replicate this at home? Definitely a challenge.

My Bedford perception? Simple food, with fancy drinks - though it's really the hustle and bustle that will bring you here, where everyone is talking, music playing in the background. If you're looking for some quiet fine dining - you won't find it here. The food will fill you up, but the noise and drinks will keep you going. Oh and from what I hear, we'll definitely be back for the desserts.
Apr 10, 2015
Zomato
Zhora Watson
+4
Came on a much needed date with my hubby on Easter Sunday. We had Great service, Best meatballs and cocktails ever! Will defiantly be back for more :) thank you A+++++++++
Apr 06, 2015
Zomato
Annette Wong
+5
For the amount of times I eat at Ponsonby Central (which is very regularly) I rarely visit this place. After seeing a few new pictures of their dishes on IG I was devoted to give this place a go.

Great atmosphere. Lively location and great eat! A friend and I ordered the mac and cheese, buffalo meatball with parmesan risotto and a chicken pesto parmesan sub. All were amazing! All were cooked to utter cheesy perfection!

It was definitely a tough one picking a favourite dish as all of them had a "wow" factor. But since I was particularly craving basil pesto today, the sub takes the medal

Definitely a fab eat and perfect for those times you want to treat yourself to something naughty

Apr 04, 2015
Zomato
Kezia Lobo
+4
The 4.0 is for the menu and fabulous drinks however the staff could do with an attitude adjustment. They didn't write orders down which means they came up to us 4 times to reconfirm but again didn't write the orders down. Secondly because of this they gave us two wrong orders and no apology when their error was pointed out. They just came over in a huff picked up the drinks and walked away then came back with the very same drinks plonked them on the table and said you can have these I don't know why I took them away. Leaving the staff aside the Grasshopper & the salted caramel shake are to die for.
Mar 16, 2015
Zomato
Tami T
+4
The concept here is super cool! I like restaurants with flair! In regards to the all famous meatballs, I love the variety and leeway for customising your dish. The meatballs themselves are very moist, succulent and not lacking in flavour whatsoever. For that reason, I think Bedford is especially enjoyable :-)
Mar 13, 2015
Zomato
Ulrich Frerk
+4
Imagine this. A homely feel, with trend, emotion, smiles and great beer. Mixed with amazing food matched to an amazing wine. This is completely what you get here. As an "amateur dinner", I would love to invite Lauraine Jacobs to come here be try it out. Really amazing. Well done!!
Feb 26, 2015
Zomato
Fila Bruland
+4
Best spot in Ponsonby for a good night or even afternoon out with friends to have drinks and nibbles....so many choices of drinks that taste as good as they all look!
Feb 05, 2015
Zomato
Vivien @ KJAS Blog
+4.5
As always, Bedford is a great spot in Ponsonby for excellent drinks. They do really great milkshakes laced with alcohol, but I'm also particularly fond of the sodas they do. My absolute favourite would be the peach tea soda, which was garnished with a lemon slice. The mango soda is marginally less preferable, but also really nice, pictured garnished with a mandarin slice. They look very similar, but the peach is slightly darker. The mango seemed a bit sweet to me in comparison to the peach, hence why I prefer the latter for long term. Also pictured is the blueberry tea soda. It is a shocking shade of red which was slightly confusing, and you could barely taste any blueberry. There were a lot of red berries in there which was nice. I think the peach tea is definitely the best.

Their lunch combos are also really good value for money although sadly their new menu now doesn't allow pastas for lunch combos. I'm not a salads kind of girl, so I definitely would prefer a spaghetti or risotto as the base, but since we were there I opted for a seasonal vegetables salad base and hoped it wouldn't be too leafy. The pork meatballs with a cheesy sauce went well with the beans, although I was slightly surprised with the portion size. It's surprisingly filling though, perhaps because of the cheese, so for a $15 Ponsonby meal it's great value. The pork meatballs are slightly spicier than I expected, but the cheese sauce was on point. Some places do the cheese sauce too runny or bland, but this was perfect, and it sort of crusted slightly on the meatball which made for a less messy experience when eating. The long beans were great, but they hadn't peeled the strings off like I would at home, which made cutting into pieces difficult. The pine nuts strewn in the salad were a nice touch though.

I feel like their sliders are average. The buns were overly soft and lukewarm. It's a good way of sampling meatballs first before deciding what to have for lunch I think. I had the beef and tomato. Tomato went really well with pastas in the past, but it was weird in the slider. I think beef and cheese with a seasonal vegetables salad would have been am excellent lunch though. I liked it more than the pork.

Also pictured is a chicken meatball in spicy tomato sauce on Caesar salad, and the weekly special meatball in the special blue cheese and mushroom sauce. I thought the sauce was excellently done and should become a regular addition to the menu personally. The chicken meatball was good and had a lovely texture, but I think the beef ones are more flavoursome.

Overall, a nice dining experience in the heart of Ponsonby. Their drinks and beef meatballs are stellar. I was also impressed by the service, with two to three people holding down the fort. They communicated frequently to make sure all the tables were fine and were attentive to requests. Great service and ambiance plus food you want to introduce friends to.

EDIT: They've added spaghetti back to the lunch menu since and it is the best al dense spaghetti tossed in olive oil in Auckland. So impressed.
Jan 28, 2015
Zomato
Heartshrooms
+3.5
Once again, I have joined the bandwagon many months too late and only recently tried this place out. The menus are on a laminated sheet with markers provided for you to tick your options. There’s not a wide range as their specialties lie in meatballs and drinks. We decided to try the Lunch Combos ($15.00) to get the best of both worlds. I ordered the Peach black tea, lemon, honey, soda. Yum. That is really the best word to describe it. It’s fizzy, not overly sweet and just plain, refreshingly YUM. 

I also ordered the Vegetarian Meatballs with Spicy Tomato Sauce on Seasonal Vegetables which I was informed to be long beans, with candied pecans or walnuts (and some other things. Vague memory now, but it sounded really enticing). The meatballs were great, moist, flavoursome, and perfectly accompanied by the spicy tomato sauce which gave it extra pizzazz. However, the seasonal vegetable “salad” was rather boring, it just consisted of long beans with a sprinkle of salt and olive oil. The difference between the description we were given and the actual product was rather palpable. It wasn’t bad, it was just
 well, unexciting and felt like not much effort was put in.

Overall, Bedford Soda & Liquor is a great, relaxing place to catch up over. As their name suggests, there is a bigger focus on the drinks, so I would return for a more thorough exploration of the sodas and maybe a cocktail if the mood is adventurous.

EDIT: Returned quite a few more times and their cocktail menu is amazing!
Dec 11, 2014
Zomato
Jessica Mckenzie
+5
Amaze balls! 
My husband and i came in for dinner last night and had such an amazing night, couldn't fault anything. We were so well looked after by the staff who went above and beyond to make sure that we had an exceptional experience both in terms of service and the quality of the food and cocktails.
Simple concept but very well executed, I loved my pork meatballs with spicy tomato sauce over polenta .The meatballs were soft, tender and juicy with just a little bit of spice, and the polenta was creamy and melded so well with the spicy tomato sauce. 
We also went with the watermelon and basil punch and the creaming soda float. Everything was fresh, yummy and satisfying. i will definitely return to try more of their stuff especially since the options are numerous and each sounds better than the next. This place is a must!
Oct 14, 2014
Zomato
Clarke Bovaird
+3.5
I first visited Bedford sodas on spring market day, it was horribly busy and I could see that the staff was under pressure but when my slider didn't come out after an hour and two waiters not putting it through twice i gave up. After having a quiet chat to the manager and a follow up email I returned tonight and had a wonderful experience the cocktails are fantastic and the staff are full of knowledge! will be back for more drinks
Sep 25, 2014
Zomato
Food Adventures With AnnaJ
+3.5
After having heard great things, I was excited to try Bedford. We started with a pitcher of alcoholic ice tea, which was flavorsome but pretty sure it had zero alcohol. The write on menus was a cute idea. We each order three sliders with various meats and sauces. I honestly couldnt have told which kind of meat was in each, no flavor in the meat at all, completely over powered by the sauces - which were yummy at least. We had a second round of cocktails which were all delicious.
The service was ok. Good explanation of menus from our waitress but we had to flag someone down to order more drinks and our plates were not cleared very quickly.
I did really enjoy the decor of the place but the lighting was too low and had to read our menus by the candlelight on our table. the music was also too loud and we struggled to hear each other from across the table.
Aug 30, 2014
Zomato
Tessa Hall
+4
Such a cool happening place! Pretty busy but good food and drinks! We had the sliders and meatballs. Recommend chicken and pesto slider and beef and tomato meatballs!!
Aug 16, 2014
Zomato
Courtney @ A Food Awakening
+3.5
I have named Bedford Soda & Liquor a Quick Bite as it follows a similar idea as Burger Burger (Casual, quick eating). Also found in Ponsonby Central, its a place specialising in meatballs. Although this place seams original - which it is in Auckland, after some research, Bedford is a follow on from a place in America. 

The idea is simple, each person is given a menu thats usable with whiteboard markers. Another place thats specialising in Organic, FR, and GF. I like how you are able to choose what meat, what sauce and what size. It opens up the options to a wider clientele and you don't need to feel awkward about asking to change something on the menu.

I don't think I can tell you what to or not to order when the choice is yours. It covers a range of sauces that appeal to most such as 'pesto, tomato, gravy etc and each meat plus vege option. From what I have had, the first time I went I think the meat was slightly undercooked - but if you are having premium mince then you should be able to eat your meatballs slightly MR - not chicken obviously. Second time i went, it was much better. Everything should come out piping hot so thats something to be aware of. If your a soda fan, try the Mandarin sodas, as shown below - super tasty and prob one of the better ones i have tried from most places. The menu is nothing too amazing or special but its extensive and good for a cheapish quick bite. Go on - go try it!

Rating
Food: 6.5/10
Service: 6/10
Value for Money: Good
Aug 10, 2014
Zomato
Linny
+3.5
I went here with a friend of mine after talking about it for ages.  She is from Canada and I have lived in the States for years so we were dying to try this place with their take on American meatballs and drinks.

Firstly, its such a cool location and has a nice clean look to it, we were happy to find a little corner to chat.  The waiter was there immediately and offering us his suggestions on cocktails and I took his suggestion and I can honestly say that I have not tasted a cocktail in NZ in comparison to theirs.  The flavours worked well together and not altogether too sweet and I thoroughly enjoyed mine and so did my friend.  

Onto the food, we got 6 sliders between us and some side dishes and when they came out we were a bit underwhelmed once we tried it.  Sizes were good but we found the flavour to be slightly lacking on some of the sauces, it was pleasant enough but not what we were hoping for since we were used to very bold flavours in most American eateries. 

Overall, it was a good experience, my biggest thing to rave about was the amazing cocktails and customer service.  It was so busy in there but we never had to wait long for someone to help us or ask if we needed anything else.  I would definitely come back again for the drinks one day.
Aug 09, 2014
Zomato
Roanne Cochrane
+5
I went here on saturday for lunch,

Don't know why Bedford has such bad reviews? I found the staff super friendly, was served by a man with a beard and all wait staff and staff when paying were really friendly, maybe they've upped their game based on reviews?

I had chicken meatballs on risotto with pesto sauce. Was so delicious. So, what you do is you get given a menu and tick what type of meat you want, sauce and whether you want it on spaghetti,mash, risotto and something else i forget or as a slider. I found it really filling! I did find it quite pricey though like $20.

Had cocktails and they were great too, overall I enjoyed my experience and would go again. Give it a go and those who had bad experiences I urge you to give it another try.
Jul 20, 2014
Zomato
Leslie
+5
Love your style. Food is really good, different which is always a plus in Ponsonby. Service was also very good, very professional yet friendly. We ordered the chicken meatballs on spaghettii and it was amazing. Definitely will be coming back with friends.
Jul 19, 2014
Zomato
Dave
+5
beford soda and liquor
The meatballs on the other hand where amazing
really cool concept with the menu
you get a marker pen and a laminated menu and choose/build your own meal :)
my food was out very fast which I was surprised about
it took less than 10 minutes

I had the chicken and cheese slider as well as onion rings (AMAZING) .with a main of mash potato beef balls and SPICY tomato sauce which I enjoyed so much
the floor staff were very friendly and helpful even though it was quite busy.

Will recommend to all my friends
ill be back to try the new special this week sometime
thanks BEDFORD :)
Jun 28, 2014
Zomato
Lydia Kerrigan
+4
Great, we had lunch here yesterday for the first time, and loved the concept, awesome staff and very cool decor, Kids loved the meatball subs, and I loved the chicken and spicy tomato sauce sliders. Def will be back
Jun 26, 2014
Zomato
Charles C
+4
Our family of four (2 oldies and 2 kids) called in here for lunch mid-week.
The food and drinks were fantastic and we loved the experience.
The staff were knowledge, friendly and showed great patience as our kids bounced from one pick to another on the menus.
We each had a different type of meatball selection which were then shared amount us all and they were all tasty and delightful unlike my homemade ones which invariably end up dry and somewhat tasteless. We finished off with a round of sundaes which went down well with the kids and adults alike.
We will definitely be back.
Jun 25, 2014
Zomato
Karl Dixon
+4
Stopped in twice with 3 kids and had a great experience. We all loved the meat balls & the cocktails were amazing. Had a steaming copper kettle thing which was really good. Staff were very friendly and professional. My partner is super critical being ex hospo and very opinionated (read big P.I.T.A) - she had no complaints, which in itself is a tall order.
Jun 20, 2014
Zomato
Tony Pilkington
+4
Great place to call in for a nice meal (quick service and tasty food) and then catch up with friends for a drink in the bar. Relaxed atmosphere and a perfect place for socialising!
Jun 20, 2014
Zomato
Kristian T
+5
Love the new spot there in Ponsonby Central, last Friday Night the team at Bedford Soda & Liquor ran a smooth operation delivering us a full set of gourmet treats coupled with the DJs selection of tasty beats. Interior fitout's off the chain, meatballs any way you like and the chef puts some serious love into the mash. Go there, get some! A+++
Jun 19, 2014
Zomato
Nick Hutchinson
+4
They had me with the Soda water on tap. I have been here a few times it’s a great place to meet, mid afternoon. The meatballs and Fries are perfect snack size and all the drinks really well made. Emerson’s London Porter on tap also!
Jun 16, 2014
Zomato
Wolfie W
+4
We wandered down to try the Bedford early evening last Saturday night, without a booking, and snaffled the last available table. The place was buzzing, and it had a nice busy vibe without being overly loud or hectic. Our waitress who was very pleasant and welcoming explained how the system works, to tick the boxes on the laminated menu card with a marker pen etc, and we ordered in due course. I had the veggie balls with pesto and Parmesan, and my husband had the beef balls with spicy tomato and Parmesan, plus a side of onion rings washed down with the Steaming Copper Kettle cocktail pitcher. The food came in a timely fashion, the service from our waitress and all the other staff we engaged with was welcoming and very friendly. Ok the food might be simple, but it was good. I don't think it was particularly overpriced, it depends on your out look. I like having the option of small meals, and I enjoyed the overall experience and ambience and would most definitely go back again. Since when has Ponsonby dining been all about quantity anyway? Go to Valentines or Denny's if that's what is most important to you.
May 19, 2014
Zomato
Miria Black
+5
Loved the atmosphere the decor and the friendly staff who offered great service. A relaxing venue in a great position in Ponsonby. A wonderful array of innovative and mouth watering drinks and very tasty organic food sourced locally. My absolute favourite the vegie balls with pesto but also very tasty the chicken and shrimp balls. The Bedford Bloody Mary was an amazing drink - almost a meal with the interesting inclusion of basil and capsicum to add colour and flavour. Also found the Gin Pink Daisy most refreshing. A great selection of non alcoholic sodas as well.
Jan 26, 2014
Zomato
Two Dark Coffees
+4
Taking inspiration from New York Cities finest precincts comes Ponsonby's Bedford Soda and Liquor.
Well renowned some of the best cocktails in the city, Bedford impresses the causal drinker and connoisseur. 

The industrial elements of Bedford extend further than it's exposed brick and steel beam interior. With a build your own meal approach, your menu has become the blueprint to your meatball construction. From Beef, Chicken, Pork or Vegetarian meatballs to vapour pouring over your every own cocktail, Bedford offers a night you're bound to remember. 

The menu offers seven different bites to complement your creation and six liquor laden shakes if you're looking to try something a little different. 

Bedford's doors are open for you're midday hunger bust right up until you get your midnight craving - both will be more than satisfied, trust me. 

It's a special uniqueness that separates Bedford apart from ordinary cocktail bars. A uniqueness that stems from focusing on the finer details, creating a seamless experience simply be enjoyed.
Jun 25, 2014
Zomato
Auckland Food Tours
+4
Bedford is a great concept - Meatballs and liquor, can you really go wrong?

Bedford is a very now and happening bar/restaurant located in Ponsonby Central and I could kiss their feet for allowing bookings, because lord help me, I can't deal with popular joints that refuse to take bookings. It's a very popular night spot for both locals and foodies alike, so if you're set on Bedford definitely book.

In terms of ordering, I think you really can't go wrong, as long as you stick to your own food and drink preferences, I think Bedford will delivery some pretty great chow for you.
May 23, 2014
Zomato
Rebecca Smith
+4
I finally got around to going to Belford Soda & Liquor on Saturday for lunch, the sun was shining and it was the perfect weather for meatballs and soda. The menu is meatballs anyway you want it (that's you way you need it...). Choose your meatballs, your sauce and your canvas (in a sub, on a slider, with pasta, mash potato, polenta or salad). I wanted to try every combination but landed on the sliders with a beef meatball and special sauce (monterey jack and jalapeno) and the special meatball (chicken and bacon with brie in the middle) with pesto sauce. My friends ordered the sub with pork meatballs and spicy tomato sauce and slider with chicken meatball and spicy sauce. Everything was delicious but I think I liked the sub more than the sliders. The baguette was beautifully soft in the middle and lightly crunchy on the outside. For drinks we had the Mango, mandarin, lemon, ginger, honey soda and the peanut butter milkshakes, one with caramel and one with chocolate. The drinks were all really good, I can't wait to go back in the evening and try their liquor laden shakes and soda cocktails. Their desserts sounded delicious and include a pie which changes daily, they had key lime pie and cherry pie the day I was there.
May 06, 2014
Zomato
Rebecca MacDonald
+4
I was super excited to try Bedford Soda as I had heard such great things about it, so I caught up with two friends there this week. The ambiance was good, with a lot of hipster type guy waiters. Your menu comes with tick boxes and felt tip menus, once selected you pass it to your waiter, child's play! The main choice on the menu is meatballs, beef, chicken, pork, vege or special. Next you choose your sauce and then finally your base - spaghetti, risotto, mash and polenta.

For smaller options you have a slider (one ball, plus sauce in a bun), salads or subs.

I tried the special balls with tomato sauce and spaghetti, it was amazing, we also shared a side of fries and salad. In line with my current salted caramel obsession I had the sundae for dessert, delish.

As well as the awesome food they have a great list of cocktails, I tried the Vodka daisy and Gin daisy, both fantastic drinks.

Now I want to go back and try some more of the menu!
May 02, 2014
Zomato
Frequency
+4
We went to Bedford the other night, I had the gold fashioned, it was really tasty and dressed with a bit of theatre with a cover and some smoke, the girls had a few of the different Daisys off the menu which were pretty average to be honest but generally we had a pretty good time..
Mar 13, 2014
Zomato
Vaughan Borcovsky
+4
Stumbled across Bedford last night. Has been open about 4.5 weeks. At first we sat outside ands the waitress was ok explaining the menu but not the specials. Then before ordering we moved inside and got a different waitress who was an absolute delight. We never asked her name which is a shame as she was excellent. She explained the concept behind the restaurant being an american style restaurant that just serves meatball dishes and subs, sandwiches.

At first this doesn't seem appealing but you get a menu and you chose the type of meat ball, the sauce and what it is going to be served on. I had beef, gravy and mashed potatoes. Not very adventurous but was in a comfort food mood. My wife had chicken and prawn meat ball with béarnaise sauce on risotto. We also chose a couple of side, one being green beans and asparagus. You choose your options by using a felt tip pen and ticking the menu. Quite a of fun when you can't make up your mind.

The food was simple but fantastic. Full of flavour and the with two sides was more than enough to feel satisfied.

Will be back for another round soon.
Jan 16, 2014
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