D.O.S.E on High is a narrow coffee bar in central Auckland, near the Shortland Street end of High Street. Black walls, a long counter and small tables give it the look of a cocktail bar. Seating is scarce, but it is worth taking a place if you want to watch a signature drink being prepared and ask about the beans.
Coffee
Espresso and flat whites sit alongside a changing selection of single-origin coffees for pour-over. Guest roasters have included SL.OW and Manhattan, with beans also available to take home. Ask what is brewing before choosing: a filter coffee is a good way to explore the guest selection without added flavours.
Seasonal signature drinks combine cold brew with fruit, herbs, spice, foam or carbonation; recent combinations have included quince and cinnamon with a citron float, and plum, basil and oolong. These are seasonal drinks, so choose from the current menu. Matcha and hōjicha get similar attention, including a toasted macadamia and white-chocolate hōjicha.
Service & Room
Reinaldo and Connie run the bar, talking customers through the drinks while preparing each order. There is bench seating, but little room to spread out. Allow time for the more involved drinks, especially when several orders arrive together. A takeaway is possible; a hurried stop gives you less chance to explore the menu.
Drinks often arrive with a miniature canelé or another small sweet accompaniment. Treat this as a coffee-and-a-bite visit, with a second cup if a seat is free.
Why Filter Notes shortlisted D.O.S.E on High
D.O.S.E earns a central Auckland stop for its changing guest coffees and seasonal drinks made with cocktail techniques. Come for a pour-over followed by a signature, and leave enough time for both.