Fancy a drink? Well in Sydney you are spoilt for choice!
The Emerald city is home to its fair share of trendy bars you can head to after work or for a weekend night out.
Whether you are looking for somewhere loud and buzzy or hip and ambient, there are plenty of places you can choose to visit.
From sophisticated gin palaces and slick tequila joints to lively tiki bars and sleek cocktail parlours here are 18 of the best bars in Sydney.
1. Bulletin Place Bar
If you like choice then you’ll want to head over to the Bulletin Place Bar.
Conveniently situated on Bulletin Place within the Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel at Circular Quay, it offers a massive variety of drinks for patrons to choose from.
Best known for its exceptional cocktails the bar is set in a low-lit space with exposed light bulbs, distressed decor and interesting wall art.
It’s also very close to the station, so you won’t have to go too far to make your way home.
Address: Level 1 10-14 Bulletin Place, Sydney NSW 2000
Phone: +61 02 8069 5433
Hours: Mon – Wed 4 pm – 12 am, Thur – Sat 4 pm – 1 am, Sun Closed
2. Employees Only
Although the name suggests to the contrary, Employees Only is a place that welcomes all comers.
Residing in the heart of the CBD, this plush New York-style cocktail bar and restaurant is part of a global chain that includes outposts in Singapore, Miami and Hong Kong.
Boasting a buzzy and fashionable vibe, the venue serves upscale appetisers, entrees and mains. It also presents a menu of some of the best cocktails in Sydney as well as plenty of top-shelf spirits.
Rather unique, if you make it to closing time at 3 am, they will even give you a complimentary chicken soup.
Address: 9a Barrack St, Sydney NSW 2000
Phone: +61 02 8084 7490
Hours: Wed – Thur 5 pm – 12 am, Fri 5 pm – 3 am, Sat 5 pm – 3 am, Sun – Tues Closed
3. The Barber Shop
If you like gin then make a note of visiting The Barber Shop. No, not to get your hair cut, but for the chance to consume any of the 700 different types of gin, they offer from all over the world.
Another CBD venue, you’ll find it by walking through – yep, you got it – a barbershop.
Over the years this impressive venue has taken out a number of accolades including the Gin Bar Of The Year, the Top Ten International High Volume Cocktail Bar and the Highly Commended Bar Of The Year.
As well as the gins it offers an extensive list of cocktails including many classics. Their cheeseboards and food menu is pretty good as well.
Address: 89 York Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Hours: Tues – Wed 5 pm – 11 pm, Thur 4 pm – 12 am, Fri – Sat 4 pm – 1 am, Sun – Mon Closed
4. Love, Tilly Devine
Named after a notorious and powerful crime boss that presided over Sydney in the 1920s, Love, Tilly Devine is a funky bar in Darlinghurst that is well worth checking out.
Situated in a laneway, it’s not all that easy to locate, but once you do go there, you will find an inviting space that boasts stylish furniture and a divine food menu that pushes the envelope.
While some people might see Japanese Vegemite on parmesan toast as criminal, it’s a taste sensation you will instantly fall in love with.
Address: 91 Crown Lane, Darlinghurst NSW 2010
Phone: +02 9326 9297
Hours: Mon – Sat 5 pm – 12 am, Sun 4 pm – 10 pm
5. Maybe Sammy
Inspired by the 1950s, Maybe Sammy is an institution in The Rocks.
With staff dolled up in costume, you could be forgiven for thinking you had walked into a theatre production as the whole bar is like live performance art.
The true stars of the venue are the cocktails which are fresh, inventive and delicious and the overall vibe is infectious. So much so that you’ll want to stay here for the entire evening. Although if you arrived in time for the happy hour mini cocktails that are served half price, you’ll do well to last that long!
Address: 115 Harrington Street, The Rocks NSW 2000
Phone: +61 02 9241 4970
Hours: Tues – Sun 4:30 pm – 1 am, Mon Closed
6. Old Mate’s Place
Accessed via 102 stairs, Old Mate’s Place is an inviting 98-capacity venue that boasts brown-leather booths, rows of bookcases and lots of greenery.
Set across two levels, this speakeasy-style cocktail and rooftop bar is one of the coolest places to drink in Sydney.
Offering excellent service, lots of panache and a fabulous selection of cocktails, wines, beers and spirits, this is a terrific place to enjoy a leisurely evening, especially when the sun begins to set.
Address: Level 4, 199 Clarence St, Sydney NSW 2000
Hours: Tues – Thur 4 pm – 2 am, Fri 12 pm-2 am, Sat – Sun 2 pm – 2 am, Mon Closed
7. Bondi Liquor Co
Another top spot for gin lovers to visit is the Bondi Liquor Company.
Situated at Bondi Beach, these guys are an artisan distillery that produces the area’s first locally brewed gin.
A terrific place to people watch the beautiful folk who hit the sand, their selection of gins are unique and delicious and incorporates many different tastes and flavours.
For those who fancy something to eat, the delicious food menu here includes full meals and nibbles.
Address: 15 O’Brien St, Bondi Beach NSW 2026
Hours: Thur – Fri 4-10 pm, Sat 2 – 10 pm, Sun 2 – 9 pm
8. Little Felix
Nestled on Ash Street in the CBD, adjacent to the Felix Restaurant resides Little Felix.
A quaint 1920s, French-inspired cocktail bar, it is one of the best bars to visit in Sydney for date night.
Small and moodily lit, its decor and ambience emit a distinctly romantic vibe. It also features highly skilled bartenders who mix up some of the best cocktails in the city. These include all the classics, as well as a few inventive ones as well.
If you want to make a real night of it, be sure to order some charcuterie, cheese and asparagus tartines.
Should you be in the mood for a celebration, you can even enjoy champagne flutes that are spectacularly poured from magnum bottles.
Address: 2a Ash Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Phone: +61 02 9114 7372
Hours: Tues – Thur 5 pm – 10 pm, Fri 1:30 pm – 10 pm, Sat 5 pm – 10 pm, Sun – Mon Closed
9. Papa Gede’s Bar
Named after the voodoo spirit of laughter and lust, Papa Gede’s Bar is another popular bar in the Sydney CBD.
Small and intimate, this lively hangout embraces the origins of its name with decor that is voodoo-themed.
As well as offering an excellent range of wines and spirits, this place is also dog friendly too. Although we wouldn’t recommend giving them any.
Hosting monthly spirit tastings on a Monday night, as well as monthly stand-up comedy, there is plenty to love about this fabulous venue.
Address: 348 Kent Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Hours: Mon – Fri 4 pm – 12 am, Sat 5 pm – 12 am, Sun Closed
10. The Wine Room at The Dolphin Hotel
Are you into Italian food and wine? Then you’ll love what’s available at The Wine Room at The Dolphin Hotel.
With more than 35 wines available by the glass and 150 by the bottle, this is a terrific spot for oenophiles to try new drops.
It is also a great place to enjoy hearty Italian food served with style and the best in fresh, seasonal produce.
Whether you are starting your night here before moving on, or planning to spend all evening at the venue, you are sure to enjoy a relaxed time of it.
Address: 412 Crown Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010
Phone: +61 02 9331 4800
Hours: Wed – Fri 5 pm – 10 pm, Sat – Sun 12 pm – 10 pm, Mon – Tues Closed
11. The Baxter Inn
The top-shelf drinks at The Baxter Inn are a little higher than at most other places, which is why the bar staff have to climb ladders to reach them!
Interested to find out more? They head over to Clarence Street in the heart of the CBD to appreciate how high they have to go.
Located within the basement of an innocuous-looking building towards the back of an anonymous alleyway, it features hundreds of high-quality spirits across rows of ceiling-high shelving.
It is probably not the place to come to if you are an indecisive person. However, if you are willing to try something new, you’ll be spoilt for choice at the offerings which collectively glow like a medieval stained glass window.
Address: 156 Clarence Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Hours: Mon – Sat 4 pm – 1 am, Sun Closed
12. Jangling Jack’s
Over in Potts Point, Jangling Jack’s is one of those places you’ll find hard to leave.
Blessed with an intoxicating ambience and classy feel, this small, high-volume cocktail bar offers a killer food and drink menu,
Set within a space whose decor includes wine bottle green walls, vintage lampshades and a statement long bar, it is the kind of place you can talk to friends without being drowned out by loud music.
One of the best things about this place is that the venue stays open until one am. The kitchen also remains open at this time, so there is no need to drink on an empty stomach.
Address: 175 Victoria Street, Potts Point NSW 2011
Phone: +61 04 1702 0071
Hours: Sun – Wed 4 pm – 11 pm, Thur – Sat 4 pm – 1 am
13. The Wild Rover
It has not been confirmed whether The Wild Rover takes its name from the classic song by The Dubliners. However, it would be a suitable inspiration if it was.
Located in Surry Hills, this lively Irish bar is very easy to walk past on account of its entrance doors being unmarked.
However, once you are inside you’ll find a quirky place with red drapes and jungle-themed wallpaper.
Those who do find their way in can enjoy a fantastic selection of cocktails, beers and wines. They also offer a delicious food menu that includes lamb sausage rolls that are made to order and oysters that are so fresh you will think they have come straight from the ocean.
Address: 75 Campbell Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010
Phone: +61 02 9280 2235
Hours: Mon-Sat 4 pm – 12 am, Sun Closed
14. Mary’s Newtown
Mary’s Newtown is undoubtedly one of the coolest bars in Sydney.
Renowned for being a haven for those who love heavy metal and hard rock, it is a great place to hang out even if you are not the biggest fan of the genre.
Known for its awesome selection of craft beers and burgers, this rustic bar boasts a cool mezzanine and timber decor that works perfectly with its mood lighting.
It also has a good selection of cocktails and spirits, and a vibe that always ensures you have an enjoyable night out.
Address: 6 Mary Street, Newtown NSW 2024
Phone: +61 04 5115 4210
Hours: Mon – Fri 4 pm – 12 am, Sat 12 pm – 12 am, Sun 12 pm – 10 pm
15. The Lobo
Another worthwhile venue to visit on Clarence Street within the CBD is The Lobo rum bar.
Distinctly Caribbean, you could be forgiven for thinking you’d stumbled into a bar in Kingston or Montego Bay, when you see its rattan chairs and banana palms.
Boasting a selection of over 250 varietals of locally sourced and international rums, all of which have been hand-picked for your tasting pleasure, this is a place that conducts its business with flair.
The food here is exceptional – making it one of the best bars in Sydney to go to eat. The bartenders like to show off their skills whenever they can so be prepared to be dazzled by their moves.
Address: Basement Lot 1, 209 Clarence Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Phone: +61 04 3723 3009
Hours: Tues – Thur 5 pm – 1 am, Fri – Sat 5 pm – 2 am, Sun – Mon Closed
16. Ramblin Rascal Tavern
The Ramblin Rascal Tavern is not a destination for the faint-hearted!
Boasting walls adorned with everything from pin-ups and dildos to wrestling memorabilia and photos, there is no other place like it in Sydney.
Set within a basement level on Park Street in the CBD, its exposed-brick walls and comfortable leather booths, this venue only opened in 2014. But it has quickly forged itself a reputation for being one of the best nights out in Sydney.
Known for its superb burgers, their bar offers a range of cocktails, spirits, cans and wines. It also hosts live music every Thursday which really draws the punters in.
Address: Basement Level, 60 Park Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Hours: Mon – Wed 4 pm – 12 am, Thur 4 pm – 2 am, Fri 12 pm – 2 am, Sat 4 pm – 2 am, Sun Closed
17. Jacoby’s Tiki Bar
If you are looking for a place to visit where the good times well and truly roll, then you’ll love the vibe at Jacoby’s Tiki Bar.
A stalwart on the Newtown bar scene, this venue is set within a space that features fish and banana palm decor, across both its drinks and its walls.
Launched in 2017, it prides itself on being Sydney’s best tiki bar. Offering a cool mix of Tiki classics, local beers, natural wine and tropical-themed cocktails to its Inner West clientele.
If you are a fan of the TV show Twin Peaks, you’ll love the fact the cocktails are named after references to that iconic 90s show.
Rum lovers will also appreciate that this bar was named ‘Rum Bar of The Year’ by Australian Bartender magazine. While those who love pizza won’t be disappointed by what’s on offer here.
Address: 154 Enmore Road, Newtown NSW 2042
Hours: Tues – Wed 6pm – 12 am, Thur 6 pm – 1 am, Fri 6pm – 2 am, Sat 4 pm – 2 am, Sun 6 pm – 12 am, Mon Closed
18. Tio Cerveceria
No list of the best bars in Sydney would be complete without reference to a tequila bar.
Luckily this one doesn’t have to miss out on account of the fabulous Tio Cerveceria in Surry Hills.
Offering over 100 different varieties of tequila behind their extensive bar, many of which are only available at this establishment. So you will really be able to broaden your horizons and try something you probably haven’t had before.
If you need pointers, the knowledgeable bar staff will be only too pleased to recommend something. They’ll also give you free popcorn to munch on while you are making your choice.
Address: 4-14 Foster Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010
Hours: Wed – Sat 5 pm – 12 am, Sun 5 pm – 10 pm, Mon – Tues Closed