Sports fans rejoice! A brand-spanking new bar has opened on Symonds Street in Eden Terrace and it’s serving up the best in live sport, beer and wine, and American-style fare. It’s the latest creation from Otis Schapiro, the mastermind behind popular restaurant Lilian, located in Grey Lynn.

Otis, who moved to Aotearoa from the States at 11, grew up watching sport with his dad and cooking alongside his mother, who was a chef. He’s now combined these foundational experiences to create Schapiro’s Sports Bar & Diner.

The bar opened its doors in early April; a bold move, as Otis was forced to navigate the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic in order to entice punters back into the city. Despite this, Schapiro’s has proven to be a huge success and, with its multitude of screens, has become a destination for sports fans. “I knew the bar would be popular. New Zealanders love sport, we take food seriously and there’s nothing else like it in Auckland,” says Otis.

Otis, who is a hardcore Golden State Warriors supporter, can’t wait to screen the NBA Finals (starting Friday, June 3) at the restaurant. “We’re fully booked for game one,” he says, “and if it’s anything like the Champions League final a couple of weeks ago, the place will be packed with punters in supporters’ jerseys. It’s a real party atmosphere.”

The creativity and design behind the fit-out can’t be overlooked. Stereotypical bar stools and pool tables have been replaced with red booths, large screens and enough signed sports memorabilia to wow the fans. “It took me about nine months to collect all the pieces, with some signed by the likes of Muhammad Ali, Serena Williams, Steph Curry and Conor McGregor,” says Otis. With legends like this dotted around the place, you’re in the presence of sporting greatness.

“I love watching people’s reaction to the memorabilia when they walk in, you can tell who the true sports fans are.”

The size of the venue is equally as impressive, with capacity to host up to 180 revellers. But it’s the food and booze that take the cake. Inspired by Otis’s San Francisco roots, the cheeseburger is a must-try. The delicious beef patty is cooked to perfection and topped with American cheese, pickles, white onion and plenty of sauce. Pair this with a generous serving of fries and a cold beer and you’ve got yourself a winning combination.

So, whether you’re a diehard sports fan like me, or just enjoy a cold one in front of the footy from time to time, there’s something for everyone at Schapiro’s. Its central location and laid-back atmosphere make it a go-to after a long day at work, but I recommend getting there early to secure your table.