Sydney’s Best Places to Drink
Despite strong headwinds from lock-out laws, Sydney’s bar scene is growing at an impressive rate. Whether you’re on the hunt for a nice cold beer, a glass of wine or a cocktail, there’s a bar for you.
Bulletin Place, Circular Quay
I often like to tout that consistency is key, yet this does not appear to be the case at Bulletin Place. Their everchanging cocktail menu sports just 5 cocktails at a time – it you want to drink cocktails in the city, this is the place to do it!
Slim’s Rooftop, Darlinghurst
This cute little rooftop space boasts stunning, uninterrupted views of Hyde Park and the City. The drinks menu is complemented by a great array of Izakaya-style, Japanese dishes. Great for a low-key date night or drinks with the girls!
Coogee Pavilion, Coogee
The Coogee Pav is a nostalgic venue for me – my first ever gig was played there. It is also my favourite place for a Sunday drink and dance; but be careful, this place can get crazy!
Smoke Bar, Barangaroo
There are few places quite as spectacular as this rooftop bar to watch the Sydney sunset. This bar is a standout due to its exquisite design and waterfront views. It’s a classy place, with cocktails to match – chuck on a pair of heels and check it out.
The Royal Paddington, Paddington
If what you’re after is some good vibes and a whole lot of sports, this is the place for you. The Royal televises all the major sporting events and has a cracking pub menu too!
Hacienda, Circular Quay
Another bar with exquisite views, this is a combined drinking, dancing and dinner venue. The interior vibe is Cuban X Miami, so as you can imagine, it’s an inner-city oasis!
Opera Bar, Circular Quay
A must for any visitor to Sydney – what an iconic experience it is to sip a cold drink in the beer garden whilst looking up at both of our most spectacular landmarks.
East Village, Darlinghurst
This banging rooftop is a yellow and white striped spring oasis with views that dreams are made of. They also throw an epic weekday happy hour – how could you say no to $6 drinks?!
Icebergs, Bondi
Icebergs is the place to go for panoramic views of Bondi Beach and the historic Icebergs pool. This is a great venue for brunches and long lunches – and an awesome escape from the city.
Watsons Bay Hotel, Watsons Bay
Another amazing city escape, this is one of my favourite places to adventure to. A short (and scenic) ferry ride from Circular Quay, the Watson’s Bay Hotel is perched on the waterfront and offers a bloody good time – great for a sunset or a weekend sesh!
North Bondi Fish, Bondi
This venue is a staple of mine when I’m looking for a place to settle in for a long lunch or weekend hangout. Great cocktails and scrumptious food – what a combination!
Double Deuce, CBD
A bar that has been self-dubbed ‘70s porno chic’ – it’s a little bit dirty, a little bit sleek. Sporting a menu of 10 epic cocktails to choose from, this venue is a great little hidden gem.