ABOUT US
Welcome to Cousin Scott’s.
Takapuna’s go-to family restaurant & American sports bar with a honky-tonk twist.
We’re serving up bold Southern-inspired flavours, ice-cold brews, and cocktails that'll have your tastebuds two-stepping. From Nashville hot fried chicken to wings, house pickles, smoked BBQ, and our legendary Philly Cheese Steak, it’s comfort food done right.
Feeling brave? Turn up the heat with six levels of spice — or take on the hottest Nashville chicken sandwich on the Shore (maybe even in NZ) if you dare.
With wall-to-wall TVs, you’ll never miss a game. Add pool tables, arcade games, and a team that feels like family — it’s the perfect spot for catch-ups, date nights, or a good old-fashioned yarn. Just don’t ask us about that one time in Vegas...
Kick back with classic American tunes, from country and Southern rock to sing-along anthems — and on weekends, we crank it up with live bands and DJs.
At Cousin Scott’s — everyone’s family.
HEAD COACH SCOTT RUDDOCK
Say hello to our Head Coach, Scott Ruddock — the man behind the madness at Cousin Scott’s.
Scott’s hospitality journey began on his 18th birthday, pulling pints at his father’s bar, Liberties American Bar & Brasserie in Arbroath, Scotland. Fittingly, his first venue of his own is also an American-themed bar and restaurant — and the irony isn’t lost on him.
Hospitality runs in the blood, but so does entertainment. Scott is the grandson of legendary All Black Ron Bryers, son of award-winning recording artist Rhonda “The Voice of New Zealand”, and professional wrestler Jock Ruddock of On the Mat fame. It only makes sense that Scott would blend hospitality, sport, and music into something uniquely his own.
Having lived and worked in Hawaii, Scotland, New York, and New Zealand, Scott dreamed of creating more than just a bar or restaurant — he wanted a community hangout where families, friends, and total strangers could gather, connect, and feel at home.
After returning to Auckland, Scott helped launch some of the city’s most iconic spots — including Crab Shack, HeadQuarters, Long Bay Surf Club, and The Lodge Bar by Rodd & Gunn. But Cousin Scott’s is the dream he always wanted to build: a venue inspired by the places that brought people together — where everyone knows your name, or soon will.
Because here at Cousin Scott’s — everyone’s family.