Caluzzi Bar and Cabaret is a complete evening filled with fun, laughter, and a delicious dinner in Auckland, New Zealand. If you are like me before I went, and not really sure what to expect from a drag queen show, read on. Also note that the show changes seasonally, and the menu is subject to change. The story and photos below represent our first-time experience at Caluzzi.
From the moment we entered Caluzzi our lives were temporarily transformed into one with a bit more flamboyant energy, jubilant laughter, and energetic fun.
Restaurant, bar, and cabaret, it’s all here, rolled up into one full evening of themed entertainment. The “girls” are larger than life, animated, hilarious, warm, and friendly. Drag Queens are like that, I had been told before we arrived.
The club is intimate, seating a maximum of 60 guests at large tables containing groups of friends. As a couple, we were the smallest group and had our own table. Yet, we were equally part of the interactive fun that began at the entrance, “Welcome Darlings, are you here for the show?”
First, we met our MC for the evening, a vibrant “girl” named Kola Gin, with a fiery personality and height enough to tackle an All Black.
She and the other girls kept us giggling through dinner, often with the type of humour that has the manager recommending the club for adults (16+).
Welcome to Caluzzi Bar and Cabaret
Dressed in a stunning black, strappy dress, Kola Gin started off the evening.
What to expect at Caluzzi
We felt welcomed the moment we walked in. The entire evening is an interactive experience.
They are the hosts, the entertainers, the servers, and by the end, your dancing partners and friends.
The evening starts out with drinks. Then a three-course dinner.
Between each course, some randomness, games, other entertainment, and photo ops were intermixed. Regardless, there was always hearty laughter.
This is followed by non-stop laughter and entertainment from incredibly talented drag queens.
Finally, after the show ends, the floor opens for dancing.
Plan to be here a while, as the entire evening runs from about 7pm when doors open until nearly midnight when they close.
Our meal at Caluzzi
The Caluzzi experience includes a delicious 3-course dinner.
The meal started with perfectly prepared garlic bread, followed by soup. Then we each chose one of five main courses: chicken, beef, salmon, lamb, or a vegetarian option.
I had the steak and mushrooms, while Jeff chose the lamb.
Photo highlights of the Caluzzi cabaret
After the meal, the entertainment kicked into an even higher gear. The energy level never dipped. I imagine the girls are completely exhausted by the end of each evening.
Our job was only to laugh. This was easy to accomplish.
To prevent 125 kg of dancing drag queen in stiletto heels from stepping on our feet, we were instructed to stay in our seats during the after-dinner show.
We all danced the night away after the cabaret show. The bar stayed open and the fun continued until about midnight.
What you need to know
- Caluzzi Bar and Cabaret is at 461 Karangahape Rd in Auckland. While it’s easy to find, parking can take a while. We found a free spot on a close-by side street.
- Bookings are essential and can be made via email or via the phone: 09 357 0778.
- This is not a show for children.
- After the show, there are plenty of late-night things to do on K-road.
- An evening at Caluzzi is one of many fun things to do at night in Auckland and a unique dining experience.
Overall impressions and final thoughts
If you are easily offended by sexual innuendo, this might not be the show for you. However, if you can look at a carrot differently for even a moment, then be prepared to laugh.
From the moment we entered until the end of our evening, we were absorbed into a different world. We were both entertained and welcomed.
It is obvious that the “girls” love being there and that they genuinely care about each other. That warm family feeling carries through, enhancing the experience for everyone.
And the food is great too, so overall a perfect evening.
If I had to find fault, which isn’t easy in this case, it would be within our choice to go as just a couple rather than with friends.
While we had a great time, I think it would have been even more fun in a larger group, which is the norm for Caluzzi. If you are going as a couple, consider asking if they have a communal table.
The bottom line for me: I haven’t laughed this hard in ages. Caluzzi Bar and Cabaret is more than a dinner theatre with a drag queen show, it’s just plain fun.
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Disclaimer: We were guests of Caluzzi for the evening. However, the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
Debbie
Hi, Your review sounds great! What fun! I am looking to book this for my friends hens party but can’t find any information on what time the show finishes – do you remember by chance?
Kindest regards!
Rhonda Albom
I think it ended about 11pm, and after the show there is dancing until midnight. It would be a great place for hen party.
Eli@CoachDaddy
I’ve never been, but I’d go. If only all of us could be so comfortable in the skin we’re in.
Rhonda Albom
Very true. The “girls” were totally themselves, and they all have regular day jobs, where they can be their male selves.
indah nuria Savitri
what a great show…I bet you all have such a great time. I love the outfit..and the food looks suuuupeer yuuum..
Meg Jerrard
Sounds fabulous Rhonda!! I would love to get to a Cabaret – my favorite film was Connie and Carla, if you havent seen it I highly recommend it, it’s HILARIOUS! Plot line are two women who are failing at being broadway singers, and they witness a murder, they then have to go into hiding so they become drag queens and become stars on the cabaret – women pretending to be men dressed as women. It’s HILARIOUS!!
Andy C
visited caluzzi’s back in June for the wife’s 65th birthday and had a ball, never laughed so much in all my life, when they knew it was the wifes birthday they made the whole room sing happy birthday, all the queens interacted with the diners and although some of the jokes were a bit close to the bone no one was offended, and it seemed as though everybody and i mean everybody had so much fun. i am led to believe that they make most of their own costumes. Loved the place and will go again.
Sally@Toddlers on Tour
What a fun night that would surely be filled with laughter. I love these boisterous shows.
SJ
What a hoot!!! This seriously looks like so much fun!!!!!
Tony McGurk
I’ve never been to one of these shows but it sure looks like fun Rhonda.
Did they have Drag Racing?
Rhonda Albom
LOL – Drag Queens and Drag Racing are quite a bit different.
Paula McInerney
Nothing beats a good drag queen show, so I am more than ready for Caluzzi
Rhonda Albom
You and Gordon will love it.
Marcia
Sounds like you had a rip roaring good time, Rhonda! I had almost the identical experience at a drag show here in New York. It was a laugh a minute.
Reading this, I remember that my friends and I said we’d go back but we haven’t. Thanks!
Rhonda Albom
Maybe it’s time to go back now.
Quirky Homemaker
That looks like a great place for a fun night out!
Rhonda Albom
It is 🙂
Paul F. Pietrangelo
What a wonderful evening. The food looks fantastic and just by looking at the photos, it had to funny. What a happy evening. I’ve never been to such a type of show. I don’t even know if we even have shows in Windsor. I’ll have to check. Once again your photos are great.
Have a wonderful Wednesday Rhonda. See ya.
Cruisin Paul
Lyn (aka) The Travelling Lindfields
This looks like tremendous fun. i have never been to a drag show. Maybe next time we are in NZ I should add this to the itinerary.
Rhonda Albom
If you want a night of laughs and great food, I would highly recommend it.
Anda
I think I could use a little fun right now. Your night-out at Caluzzi Bar is right up my alley and that food looks absolutely delicious. What can be better for your health than laughter and entertainment?
Rhonda Albom
Anda, you guys will love the show, and the food.
Rhonda Albom
It was great! The soup too 🙂
Jay @CraftySpices
This looks like so much fun, I am happy you had a great time. It’s been such a long time since we don’t do something that does not involve children.
Have a nice Thanksgiving.
Rhonda Albom
We have only just started going out regularly without our girls. May I recommend a babysitter, it’s really nice to get out just as a couple.
Dominique Goh
Yummy foods and nice show. I have yet to watch a Drag Queen show. Will have to do it one day
Rhonda Albom
Caluzzi is one I would recommend.
Cath
Looks like a great night of entertainment…..and the food doesn’t look half bad either!!!
Rhonda Albom
That’s exactly what it was, an entire night of fun.
Alissa Apel
I bet that was really fun! I’ve been to a few drag shows. They were great!
Rhonda Albom
I know it’s a stereotype, but the drag queens here were just larger than life and happy.
genie robinson
I have been to drag queen show both in the US and in Canada and they were well worth the time. I had the best time. One time the girls picked me out of the audience and really made me laugh.
Rhonda Albom
Because our show was small and intimate, they seemed to be able to personalise it for everyone.
Parent Club
That looks like such fun!
Rhonda Albom
You are so right.
Robyn Engel
You certainly got your money’s worth, and lots of individual attention. The food looks divine, and the Drag Queens, loudly stunning.
Have a great week, my friend.
Rhonda Albom
I think it is the individual attention that make it so fun. The “girls” seem to be real experts at reading the crowd and knowing just how far to go with people.
Comedy Plus
I’ve never been to one of these shows. We don’t even go to movies anymore. Why? We just don’t.
I’m glad you had a great time. Looks like fun.
Have a fabulous day. ☺
Rhonda Albom
Caluzzi is really special, not an everyday event like a movie.
betty
I would have to see if at least one time; it would fascinate me. Food looked delicious too!
betty
Rhonda Albom
The food was wonderful, every course. The garlic bread was quite garlicy, just the way I love it. The soup was great too, it just wasn’t interesting enough for a photo.
stephanie@stephsjoy
Looks like you had a fun night out! Did you dance the night away?
Rhonda Albom
Yes, after the show we stayed about an hour and enjoyed some dancing. We don’t do that often enough.
Linda Blatchford
That really does look like a fun time. Looks like the “girls” did a great job. Glad you had fun.
Rhonda Albom
They sure did!
Hilary
Hi Rhonda – it looks like you’re having the most amazing time .. and what a fun experience. Wonderful the girls dressed up for the evening .. at least I presume it was them in the photo – mind you they are good at that sort of thing … I guess from Goths to Caluzzi isn’t too difficult in the 21st century. The food looks wonderful and how great you’re writing these travel books .. makes absolute sense … cheers Hilary
Rhonda Albom
LOL – Hilary, those are not my girls, those are drag queens. I didn’t bring my girls, as Sarah is only 15. It was just a date night with hubby.
Hilary
Hi Rhonda – ah well! Another laugh .. I sort of wondered … but didn’t revisit to compare faces …. thanks for letting me down gently though. Date night looks to have been a great success … cheers Hilary
Rhonda Albom
It was loads of fun 🙂
Joyce
I guess if hubby ever gets tired of being a rocket scientist, he could start a new career.
Rhonda Albom
LOL – at one point on of the ladies asked us what we do, and I said he was a “rocket scientist” and everyone laughed. I’ll be they would be surprised to find it is the truth 🙂
Alex J. Cavanaugh
The food looks good. Otherwise, I’m a bit disturbed…
Rhonda Albom
It was actually really fun. Honestly, I haven’t laughed that hard in years. Now that I am writing the Auckland edition of Choose-A-Way series of books, I am discovering all sorts of slightly off the beaten path places in Auckland that I never knew existed. Caluzzi is most definitely the most fun so far, but I do know it’s not for everyone.
Kelleyn
The food looks fantastic! Went to one of these in Sydney once! Fun!
Rhonda Albom
The food was really delicious, and the kitchen was spotless.
Nancy
That looks fantastic – such fun! I’m unaware of anything similar in our area but it would be a blast to see it!
Rhonda Albom
It was a blast, maybe next time you are in Auckland?
Karren Haller
What fun—they do dress well—it looks like a really fun time with lots of entertainment!!
Have a great week!
Rhonda Albom
They were dressed better than I was. 🙂
stevebethere
Oh! brilliant and fab photos drag shows are always fun and a brilliant night 🙂
Have a dragtastic week 🙂
Rhonda Albom
Wish you could have joined us, it was, as you say, a brilliant night.