Truth or Dare is Auckland's first experimental cocktail bar, tucked inside Snickel Lane in the heart of Auckland Central. Founded by Theo Tjandra, an Indonesian-born, Auckland-raised hospitality veteran named Outstanding Bartender of the Year in 2025, the venue blends global cocktail culture from across Asia with hyper-local execution.
The bar offers an intimate, daring space where timeless classics meet modern mixology, innovative flavours, and piquant small bites. Recognized across the region as a 2026 Regional Top 10 Honoree for Best New International Cocktail Bar in Asia Pacific, Truth or Dare operates under a walk-in-only policy celebrating hospitality, experimentation, and sustainability.
Tucked away in Auckland Central’s bustling Snickel Lane, Truth or Dare represents a dynamic new chapter for the city's craft drinking culture. Billed as Auckland's first experimental cocktail bar, the concept brings a forward-thinking mix of modern mixology, sustainability, and nostalgic culinary flavours into an intimate urban lane setting.
The venture began in August 2024 as a pop-up and passion project spearheaded by founder and creative director Theo Tjandra. An Indonesian-born, Auckland-raised veteran of the hospitality industry, Tjandra spent his career working across notable venues and travelling internationally. Inspired by the distinct cocktail scenes of Asian metropolises, he set out to translate those global perspectives into a home-grown New Zealand venue.
In June 2025, Truth or Dare opened its doors at 9/23 Commerce Street in Snickel Lane. Guided by Theo alongside Bar Manager Dewi Barbieri, the bar was designed as an ongoing space of celebration and playful experimentation. From the ambient lighting and curated music to collaborative hospitality takeovers, every detail reinforces a welcoming, community-driven ethos.
Within its first year of establishment, Truth or Dare made significant waves both locally and across the wider region. In 2025, Theo Tjandra was named Outstanding Bartender of the Year. Soon after, the bar achieved international acclaim as a 2026 Regional Top 10 Honoree for Best New International Cocktail Bar (Asia Pacific).
What sets the bar apart is its dual dedication to heritage and novelty. The drinks program balances timeless cocktail craftsmanship with cutting-edge experimental techniques. Rather than relying on standard flavour pairings, the team explores nostalgic Asian and Kiwi taste memories, local botanical elements, and sustainable bar practices. To accompany the drinks, the venue serves a selection of piquant bites designed specifically to elevate and cut through the complexities of each pour.
Operating exclusively on a walk-in basis, Truth or Dare maintains an approachable and vibrant atmosphere without the formality of reservations. Whether stopping in for a late-afternoon aperitif from 4:00 PM or enjoying late-night drinks until the early hours of the morning, guests are greeted with sincere, personal hospitality. It remains a destination for adventurous cocktail enthusiasts and industry peers alike.