The best bars in Sydney
Hidden basements, harbourside rooftops, the wine bars worth queuing for. Sydney's drinking scene, properly mapped.
Sydney's bar scene has truly come into its own, shedding its lockout law hangover to reveal a landscape as diverse as it is delicious. Forget the days of neon lights and sticky floors; we're talking about world-class cocktails, subterranean whisky dens, and rooftops that make you feel like you're floating above the harbour. This city knows how to craft a drink, and more importantly, how to create an experience.
From sophisticated speakeasies tucked away down unsuspecting laneways to high-energy dive bars where the pizza is as good as the live music, there's a vibe for every mood, every occasion, and every obscure liquor preference.
We've scoured the city, from the bustling CBD to the eclectic inner west, to bring you a definitive guide to where you should be pulling up a stool right now. These aren't just bars; they're institutions, pioneers, and purveyors of damn good times. Get ready to drink Sydney.
Maybe Sammy
Stepping into Maybe Sammy is like walking onto the set of a Mad Men episode, if Don Draper had a penchant for perfectly balanced negronis and live jazz. This isn't just a cocktail bar; it's a performance. Expect theatrical pours, immaculate service, and a cocktail list that consistently ranks among the world's best. Their mini-martinis at happy hour are legendary.
Grab a seat at the bar to watch the maestros at work; their signature Mini Martini is a must-try for happy hour.
- Address:
- 115 Harrington St
The Baxter Inn
Descend into this dimly lit, brick-lined basement and you'll find Sydney's undisputed temple of whisky. The Baxter Inn boasts an incredible selection – hundreds of bottles line the walls, from rare Scottish malts to obscure American bourbons. It's loud, it's boisterous, and the bartenders really know their stuff. Don't leave without a classic Sazerac.
Ask the knowledgeable bartenders for a recommendation; they'll guide you to your perfect dram.
- Address:
- 152-156 Clarence St
Bulletin Place
This intimate, upstairs bar near Circular Quay changes its cocktail menu daily, scribbling the fresh sheet on a roll of paper behind the bar. It’s an exercise in fresh produce and creative mixology, offering truly unique and seasonal drinks. Expect a tight, perfectly curated list and a vibe that feels like catching up with a very cool friend who happens to be a world-class bartender. Pull up a stool at the bar.
Trust the daily changing menu; you won't find a standard Mojito here, but you'll get something better.
- Address:
- 10 Bulletin Pl
Frankie's Pizza
Frankie's is a glorious, unpretentious dive bar institution where good times, cheap slices, and live rock 'n' roll reign supreme. It’s loud, it's messy, and it’s unapologetically fun. Grab a New York-style slice (or a whole pie) and a cold beer, then head towards the back for bands until late. It's the perfect antidote to Sydney's more polished establishments.
Don't skip the pizza; a slice after a few beers is essential Frankie's etiquette.
- Address:
- 50 Hunter St
Cantina OK!
Tucked into a tiny former garage down a Sydney laneway, Cantina OK! is a mezcal micro-bar that makes a massive impression. It's standing room only, serving up an exceptional, rotating list of rare mezcals and perfectly crafted margaritas. The vibe is electric, friendly, and genuinely transportive. Expect to get very acquainted with excellent agave spirits in an unbelievably small space.
Embrace the standing-room-only policy and ask for their daily special margarita.
- Address:
- Council Pl (behind the Establishment Hotel)
Continental Deli Bar & Bistro
More than just a bar, Continental is a charcuterie and wine bar that channels old-school European charm with a hefty dose of Newtown cool. The 'Can-Tinis' – cocktails served in their own house-canned brine – are a genius stroke. Think Martinis and Manhattans in a tin. Pair it with some excellent cured meats and cheeses for a truly unique experience. The wine list is equally impressive.
Order a Can-Tini; it's a novelty that delivers on flavour.
- Address:
- 210 Australia St
Old Mate's Place
Navigate four floors of office building, then climb one more flight of stairs, and you'll find Old Mate's Place – a lush, warm bar with an inviting rooftop terrace. It’s an ideal spot for a post-work negroni or a late-night chat. The cocktails are sharp, the beer list solid, and the views of the surrounding CBD skyscrapers are wonderfully atmospheric. It's approachable, sophisticated, and genuinely good fun.
Head straight for the rooftop terrace for the best views and open-air vibes.
- Address:
- Level 4/199 Clarence St
PS40
PS40 is a soda factory that moonlights as one of Sydney’s most innovative cocktail bars. They craft their own bespoke sodas and use them as the backbone for exceptionally creative drinks. Expect unexpected flavour combinations, beautifully presented, and a clean, minimalist fit-out that lets the drinks do the talking. It's a must for anyone keen on cutting-edge mixology and unique thirst-quenchers.
Try a gin and tonic featuring one of their house-made sodas – the Bush Tonic is excellent.
- Address:
- Skittle Ln
The Lobo Plantation
Escape to a tropical haven dedicated to all things rum at The Lobo Plantation. This subterranean bar offers an encyclopaedic list of rums, from spiced Caribbean favourites to smooth South American sippers. The decor is lush and colonial, the service is impeccable, and the cocktails – especially their daiquiris – are legendary. It’s a guaranteed good time, full of vibrant energy and Caribbean warmth.
Their daiquiris are world-class; ask for a classic or something more adventurous.
- Address:
- 189 Kent St
Door Knock
Finding Door Knock is half the fun; step through a fake fire door and down a corridor to uncover this intimate, wood-panelled speakeasy. Expect excellent cocktails with a focus on dark spirits, a cracking playlist, and a genuinely cosy atmosphere. It feels like a secret you're glad you found, offering a sophisticated escape from the hustle of the CBD above. Their signature drinks are always a good bet.
Keep an eye out for the brass pineapple door knocker near the Loftus Street entrance.
- Address:
- B/2-10 Loftus St
Restaurant Hubert
While primarily a French restaurant, Hubert's bar area is a destination in itself. Descend into its opulent, subterranean world that evokes a timeless Parisian bistro. Enjoy classic cocktails, an extensive wine list, and live jazz often playing from the Baby Grand piano. It’s the perfect spot for a pre-dinner aperitif that feels unbelievably glamorous, or a late-night digestif that screams sophistication. The ambiance is unparalleled.
Swing by for a late-night drink and catch some live jazz, it transforms the entire experience.
- Address:
- 15 Bligh St
Eau de Vie
Hidden behind an unmarked door, Eau de Vie is a quintessential speakeasy experience, delivering high-end cocktails with a playful, theatrical twist. The setting is intimate and luxurious, reminiscent of a 1920s jazz club. Their bartenders are true alchemists, crafting visually stunning and incredibly delicious drinks. It's a place for special occasions, where every drink tells a story and the service is next-level.
Ask about their 'Dealer's Choice' and let the bartender craft something bespoke for you.
- Address:
- 229 Darlinghurst Rd
Shady Pines Saloon
Descend into the raucous world of Shady Pines, an American dive bar plucked straight from a Coen Brothers film. Expect taxidermy, peanut shells littering the concrete floor, and country and Americana tunes blasting from the jukebox. Their whiskey selection is legendary, but don't sleep on their bespoke cocktails like the 'Pickleback' or a classic 'Old Fashioned'. It's loud, it's boisterous, and it's always a good time for a cold beer or a stiff drink. Come as you are, leave with a story.
Grab a handful of peanuts from the bucket and toss the shells on the floor – it's encouraged.
- Address:
- 40 Reservoir St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010
Earl's Juke Joint
Behind the facade of what looks like a butcher shop lies Earl's Juke Joint, a Newtown institution serving up serious cocktails with a laid-back vibe. This place oozes cool without trying too hard, a local favourite for its dark, intimate setting and unpretentious approach to expertly crafted drinks. The bartenders here really know their craft, able to whip up anything you desire, but their focus on high-quality spirits and classic recipes shines through. It's the perfect spot for a quiet, sophisticated drink without the stuffiness.
Ask the bartender for their favourite seasonal special; they always have something unique up their sleeve.
- Address:
- 40 Buffalo Way, Newtown NSW 2042
Love Tilly Devine
Nestled away down a laneway, Love Tilly Devine is Sydney's quintessential wine bar experience. This cozy, dimly lit spot is famed for its extensive and thoughtfully curated wine list, focusing on natural, biodynamic, and interesting small-producer wines from around the globe. The knowledgeable staff are always on hand to guide you through the selection, making it an approachable experience for novices and connoisseurs alike. Pair your glass with their excellent charcuterie and cheese boards for a truly sublime evening.
Arrive early if you want a table, especially on weekends, as it fills up quickly.
- Address:
- 91 Crown Ln, Darlinghurst NSW 2010
This Must Be The Place
This Must Be The Place has cemented its status as one of Sydney's premier cocktail bars, celebrated for its innovative approach to classic drinks and its focus on spritzes. The clean, minimalist aesthetic provides a sophisticated backdrop for their inventive menu, which always offers exciting twists on familiar favourites. Their spritzes, often featuring house-made tinctures and seasonal ingredients, are a revelation – light, complex, and incredibly refreshing. It's the perfect spot for pre-dinner drinks or an elegant catch-up with friends.
Don't leave without trying one of their signature Spritzes; they're the best in the city.
- Address:
- 239 Oxford St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010
Re
Re is not just a bar; it's a statement about sustainability and innovation in the hospitality industry. Located in the Steamship Terminal, this sleek, future-forward bar crafts exceptional cocktails using 'waste' products from other venues and produce markets. Think banana peel rum, spent coffee martinis, and citrus hull cordials. The drinks are incredibly complex and delicious, proving that conscious consumption doesn't mean compromising on flavour or experience. It’s a truly unique concept that pushes the boundaries of what a bar can be.
Engage with the bartenders; they are passionate about their zero-waste philosophy and love to explain the ingredients.
- Address:
- Shop 8/200 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo NSW 2000
The Wild Rover
Stepping into The Wild Rover is like finding a slice of Dublin in Surry Hills. This Irish-themed bar, without being kitschy, serves up an impressive array of whiskies, craft beers, and well-made cocktails. The atmosphere is always convivial and buzzing, with live folk music often filling the air. It’s an ideal spot for a proper pint, a perfectly poured cocktail, or a dram of something special. The focus here is on quality drinks, hearty craic, and a genuine, warm welcome that keeps regulars coming back.
Head upstairs for a slightly quieter corner if the main bar gets too rowdy, and check their schedule for live music nights.
- Address:
- 75 Campbell St, Surry Hills NSW 2010
The Doss House
Hidden beneath the historic streets of The Rocks, The Doss House offers an unparalleled whisky experience. Spanning several cosy, dimly lit sandstone rooms, this atmospheric bar boasts an epic collection of whiskies from around the world, alongside a well-curated list of cocktails and fine spirits. The heritage setting, complete with crackling fireplaces and Chesterfield sofas, makes it feel like a step back in time. It's the perfect sanctuary for deep conversations and savouring exceptional spirits.
Book ahead if you plan to visit on a weekend evening, as it's a popular spot.
- Address:
- 77/79 George St, The Rocks NSW 2000
Caterpillar Club
Caterpillar Club is a subterranean haven in Surry Hills, bringing a distinct New York jazz club sensibility to Sydney. This intimate bar specialises in sophisticated cocktails, with a particular nod to classic concoctions and inventive twists on them. The low lighting, plush velvet seating, and live jazz performances create an incredibly chic and immersive experience. It's the kind of place where you can lose track of time, sip on a perfectly stirred martini, and feel transported to another era. Ideal for a refined night out.
Check their schedule for live jazz nights; it enhances the entire experience.
- Address:
- 44 Foveaux St, Surry Hills NSW 2010