When it comes to pubs Sydney leads the way in Australia, boasting over 2000 establishments. Which is twice as many as Brisbane and Melbourne have to offer.
So you can appreciate that coming up with a list of the best pubs in Sydney is quite a difficult task.
That said, there are some establishments that stand out for their decor, ambience and entertainment. As well, of course, as the range and quality of its alcohol and food options.
From small, old-world pubs that have been around for over 150 years, to trendy multi-level venues that present quaint beer gardens and spectacular rooftop terraces, here are some drinking venues you should make the effort to go to.
Frequent any of these places, and you are sure to enjoy a wonderful experience.
Royal Albert Hotel
A little gem situated in the vibrant heart of the inner city, the Royal Albert Hotel has been a stalwart in Surry Hills since it first opened in 1927.
Traditionally the watering hole of choice for naval officers, the pub has put a lot of thought and effort into becoming one of the best modern pubs in Sydney.
Presenting a cosy and casual old-world feel, the venue specialises in a delicious selection of craft beers and a terrific menu of pan-Asian dishes and classic pub food.
Address: 140 Commonwealth Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010
Phone: +61 2 9281 2522
Hours: Mon – Tue 12 pm – 11 pm, Wed 12 pm – 11:30 pm, Thu – Sat 12 pm -12 am, Sun 12 pm – 10 pm
PJ O’Brien’s
You can’t go wrong with a good Irish pub and PJ O’Brien’s is one of the best in town.
Like most Irish pubs it has a buzzy and congenial atmosphere, as well as Guinness on tap and a number of other beers and spirits from the mother country.
If you are into Premier League football, you will be able to watch games live on the TV screens here.
Address: 57 King Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Phone: +61 2 9290 1811
Hours: Mon – Wed 12 pm – 12 am, Thu 12 pm- 1 am, Fri 12 pm – 2 am, Sat 1 pm – 2 am, Sun 1 pm – 12 am
The Newport
Sometimes you just want to sit and have a beer or wine with a stunning view, and one of the best places to do this in Sydney is at The Newport.
Located in Newport, (which is handy for those who can’t remember the name of the venue) the pub showcases lovely coastal vistas.
It is also known for its outstanding pub food – the Grilled Swordfish at The Shack is amazing – and has a massive selection of beers, wines, spirits and cocktails.
Address: 2 Kalinya Street, Newport NSW 2106
Phone: +61 2 9114 7337
Hours: Mon – Fri 9:30 am – 12 am, Sat 9 am-12 am, Sun 9 am – 11 pm
The Duke of Clarence
Tucked away in a hidden part of the CBD, The Duke of Clarence is a charming 18th-century inspired Victorian-era tavern that is rich in character.
Offering a good selection of cask ales, European wines, spirits and cocktails, their award-winning menu of top-notch share plates and British pub grub is a major drawcard too.
Address: Laneway, 152-156 Clarence Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Phone: +61 2 8999 3850
Hours: Mon – Tue 12 pm – 12 am, Wed 12 pm – 1 am, Thu – Sat 12 pm – 2 am
The Cricketers Arms Hotel
If you are off to the Sydney test match, then a visit to The Cricketers Arms Hotel is a must.
A Surry Hills favourite, this lively pub is full of cricket and sports-related memorabilia, as well as big-screen TVs.
However, it’s not all about the sport here, this venue is also a great place to head to for live local DJs, free live jazz, pool competitions and Rock n Roll bingo.
Address: 106 Fitzroy Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010
Phone: +61 2 9331 3301
Hours: Mon – Wed 3 pm – 12 am, Thu – Fri 12 pm – 12 am, Sat 2 pm – 12 am, Sun 2 pm – 10 pm
The Erko
Over in Erskineville, The Erko is renowned for being one of the Inner West’s finest pubs.
A place where something is always happening, you can enjoy free pool on Mondays and Tuesdays and other events throughout the week like vinyl DJs, quiz nights and meat raffles.
If you are up for it, be sure to try their legendary ‘wing challenge’ too, for the opportunity to make their ‘wall of flame’.
Address: 102 Erskineville Road, Erskineville NSW 2043
Phone: +61 2 9565 1608
Hours: Mon – Thu 12 pm -3 pm & 5 pm – 9:30 pm, Fri – Sat 12 pm – 10 pm, Sun 12 pm – 9 pm
The Baxter Inn
For the last three years, The Baxter Inn has been included in a list of one of the world’s leading ‘hidden’ bars.
Located on Clarence Street, very close to the Duke of Clarence, this venue is noted for its mood lighting, cool decor and an excellent range of drinks.
A sophisticated bar that has a distinct 1920s vibe to it, this is a lovely place to come for date night or to enjoy a leisurely catch-up with friends.
Address: 152-156 Clarence Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Hours: Mon – Sat 4 pm – 1 am
Harts Pub
Due to its location within The Rocks, The Harts Pub is always busy. With very good reason too.
Set within a delightful heritage-listed building, this pub serves up some of Sydney’s best pub food.
Their chicken wings are nothing short of amazing, and perfect to have with any one of their fantastic range of local hand-crafted beers.
Address: Cnr Essex and Gloucester Street, The Rocks NSW 2000
Phone: +61 2 9251 6030
Hours: Mon – Wed 11:30 am – 11 pm, Thu – Sat 11:30 am – 11:45 pm, Sun 11:30 am – 10 pm
The Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel
Another popular venue within The Rocks, The Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel is proud to be one of the city’s oldest hotels that have been continually licensed.
Situated on its first floor, its airy and inviting bar offers a wonderful selection of award-winning beers and a robust wine list.
Its menu of modern Australian cuisine is also very accomplished.
Address: 19 Kent Street, The Rocks NSW 2000
Phone: +61 2 9251 4044
Hours: Mon – Sat 11 am – 11 pm, Sun 12 pm -10 pm
The Glenmore Hotel
For its incredible rooftop views of the city, The Glenmore Hotel has to be included in any list of the best pubs in Sydney.
Situated in The Rocks, it is a popular destination with locals and tourists alike, partly because of its reputation for serving up the best steak in town.
While its rooftop bar makes it the perfect place to enjoy a relaxed summer’s evening, it huge range of beers on tap, ensures it’s also a place where you can visit all year round.
Address: 96 Cumberland St, The Rocks NSW 2000
Phone: (02) 9395 5151
The Welcome Hotel
In recent years, Rozelle has developed a reputation for being one of the city’s trendiest suburbs for cafes, restaurants and pubs.
Known for its lively ambience and charming, leafy terraced beer garden, The Welcome Hotel is a big contributing reason for this.
Dating back to the 1890s, the historic venue is known for its impressive range of craft beers and wines, as well as for dishing up an exceptional menu of Italian cuisine.
Address: 91 Evans Street, Rozelle NSW 2039
Phone: +61 2 9810 1323
Hours: Mon – Sat 11:30 am- 12 am, Sun 12 pm – 10 pm
Bondi Beach Public Bar
Bondi is an iconic suburb with a number of very good watering holes to frequent. One of the best of them, undoubtedly, is the Bondi Beach Public Bar.
Drawing inspiration from the Aussie pub culture that was prevalent in the 1970s and 1980s, this lively venue regularly presents live music, as well as local art and other events.
Their happy ‘hours’, are the perfect opportunity to try their interesting and varied range of local craft beers.
Address: 203/180 Campbell Parade, Bondi Beach NSW 2026
Phone: +61 2 9132 5777
Hours: Mon – Sat 11:30 am – 1 am, Sun 11:30 am – 12 am
The Dolphin Hotel
As well as being considered one of the city’s best pubs, The Dolphin Hotel can also be considered one of the biggest too.
In fact, the pub has so many rooms, across three floors, you can easily get lost. So be sure to take your drink with you wherever you go.
If you are a fan of the Sydney Swans you will love the opportunity to watch one of their games whilst enjoying a meal.
The venue also has a lovely outdoor terrace, should you prefer to drink or eat al fresco.
Service options: Dine-in · Takeaway · No delivery
Address: 412 Crown St, Surry Hills NSW 2010
Hours: Mon – Fri: 12 pm –12 am, Sat: 11:30 am–12 am, Sun: 11:30 am – 10 pm
Phone: (02) 9331 4800
The Lord Dudley
If you are into English pubs then Sydney is blessed with a decent selection of them. But few can match The Lord Dudley for its charm and old-school feel.
Replete with quaint fireplaces, classic board games and welcoming staff who are warm and friendly, the food menu here is a big drawcard. (The roast dinners are delicious!)
Throw in a terrific range of beers, wines and cocktails and an atmospheric garden space and this venue ticks plenty of boxes.
Address: 236 Jersey Road, Woollahra NSW 2025
Phone: +61 2 9327 5399
Hours: Mon – Wed 11 am – 11 pm, Thu – Sat 11 am-12 am, Sun 12 pm – 10 pm
The Hero of Waterloo
If it’s the atmosphere and character you look for in a pub then be sure to pay a visit to The Hero of Waterloo.
Nestled in Millers Point, the sandstone walls of the venue have stood for over 170 years and contain within them plenty of log fires to warm you up on the cool nights of winter.
A place that is reputed to be haunted – which you can explore further on one of their ghost tours – the pub also lays on live bands.
Their splendid range of beer and wines and excellent food menu is another good reason to come here.
Address: 81 Lower Fort Street, Millers Point NSW 2000
Phone: +61 2 9252 4553
Hours: Mon – Wed 11 am – 11:30 pm, Thu – Sat 11 am-12 am, Sun 11 am – 10 pm
Edinburgh Castle Hotel
Another CBD pub that dates back to the 19th century (1885 to be precise), The Edinburgh Castle Hotel has a rich history.
Reputed to have been Henry Lawson’s venue of choice for writing, ‘The Eddy’ as it is affectionately known by locals, is spread across two floors.
Headlined by a stunning rooftop deck and a chic lounge bar, this iconic venue is known for its inventive cocktails and bistro food menu.
Address: 294 Pitt Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Phone: +61 2 9264 8616
Hours: Mon – Fri 10 am-2 am, Sat 12 pm – 2 am, Sun 12 pm- 10 pm
The Imperial Hotel
An institution in Sydney since 1983, The Imperial Hotel is a well-known LGBTQIA+ pub that recently enjoyed a makeover.
Back and even more raucous than before, this place is home to Drag N Dine, Priscillas and Imperial UP. It also has a fabulous rooftop bar which is a great spot to enjoy one of their delicious cocktails.
In terms of cuisine, quality Italian food is the go.
Address: 35 Erskineville Road, Erskineville NSW 2043
Phone: +61 2 9516 1766
Hours: Mon – Thu 4 pm -12 am, Fri-Sat 11:30 am – 3 am, Sun 11:30 am – 12 am
Keg & Brew
When it comes to choice, Keg & Brew doesn’t disappoint.
Offering over 30 beers on tap, including different specials every night, this Surry Hills pub gives you plenty of reasons to keep coming back.
Known for pouring some of the best bourbon in the city, their bistro serves up a mouthwatering selection of southern-style bites too.
They also have an events floor that puts on regular entertainment.
Address: 26 Foveaux Street, Surry Hills NSW 2000
Phone: +61 2 9212 1740
Hours: Mon – Thu 10 am – 12 am, Fri – Sat 10 am – 3 am, Sun 10 am – 11 pm
Public House Petersham
If you ever find yourself in the Inner West head then do yourself a favour and head on over to the Public House Petersham.
A rustic and unpretentious pub that possesses a relaxed outdoor beer garden, the establishment is much loved for its incredible handmade pizzas and an excellent range of rotating craft beers.
If you are a vegan or vegetarian you’ll be impressed by the food options they provide, while if you are into play pool, the tables here are of a very good standard.
Address: 292 Stanmore Road, Petersham NSW 2049
Phone: +61 2 9568 3703
Hours: Mon – Fri 11 am – 12 am, Sat 12 pm – 12 am, Sun 12 pm – 10 pm
Beer DeLuxe
The name says a lot about what you can expect at Beer DeLuxe.
Situated on Lime Street within King Street Wharf, this venue offers a whopping 150+ craft beers from all over the world.
It is also renowned as being a magnificent live music venue – showcasing some of the city’s best up-and-coming talent – as well as being a terrific place to enjoy an al fresco dining experience with breathtaking harbour views.
Address: 9 Lime Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Phone: +61 2 8322 2020
Hours: Mon – Thu 11 am-11:30 pm, Fri – Sat 11 am – 1:30 am, Sun 11 am – 10:30 pm
The Henson
Situated in Marrickville, The Henson is the perfect place to go if you like pubs that focus on sustainability and quality.
Featuring a signature art deco bar at the back of its premises, as well as a cosy front bar, this venue has something for everyone. Including a beer garden with plenty of greenery and an adjacent kids’ area.
Their signature range of craft beers and seasonal food menu focuses very much on local suppliers and produce. Which, considering they offer a completely different event or deal every single day, provides you with all the incentive you need to come back on a regular basis.
Address: 91 Illawarra Road, Marrickville NSW 2204
Phone: +61 2 9569 5858
Hours: Mon – Sat 11:30 am-12 am, Sun 11:30 am -10 pm
The Ramblin’ Rascal Tavern
For those who want a good time whilst in the CBD, it’s hard to go past The Ramblin’ Rascal Tavern.
A place to eat and drink (within reason!) until your heart’s content, they pretty much offer every kind of alcoholic drink you can think of. As well as some of the best-fried chicken and burgers you can order in a pub in Sydney.
If you are in the area, try and pop in on a Thursday when they put on live music performances that showcase some of the city’s best bands and solo artists.
Address: Cnr of Park and Elizabeth Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Hours: Mon – Wed 4 pm-12 am, Thu & Sat 4 pm – 2 am, Fri 12 pm – 2 am