From eclectic margarita bars below Pitt Street to Japanese-inspired jazz spots in Surry Hills, here’s our pick of Sydney’s best bars.
One thing’s clear: when it comes to the perfect night out, Sydney’s got plenty of spirit. Whether it’s bold, old or served ice-cold, the city’s diversity and iron-clad commitment to mixological excellence means there’s a spot for every type of patron, with tiki bars, negroni dens, soda spots and even a Victorian-era speakeasy making the cut. Read on to discover our list of Sydney’s best bars.
The best rooftop bars in Sydney
Old Mate’s Place
It’s all in the name: Old Mate’s Place is a brilliantly innovative cocktail joint that never stops feeling like a second home. The decor alone demands a visit: the words ‘rooftop Jumanji speakeasy’ don’t come close to covering it.
Aster
The sky’s the limit at InterContinental Sydney’s premier rooftop bar Aster. Expect sweeping harbour views and an inventive cocktail menu that audaciously charts the emergence of the Big Bang.
Watsons Bay Hotel
Sun-kissed days drinking spritzes by the harbour: Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel delivers the dream and more. Best followed with an Italian-inspired classic cocktail and a stack of fresh rock oysters.
The best jazz bars in Sydney
ANTE
Drawing inspiration from the sake-slinging jazz bars of Tokyo, ANTE offers a compelling package, spinning vinyl and shaking cocktails all night long.
Charlie Parker’s
Charlie Parker’s approach to mixology is inspired by the successes of its upstairs neighbour, acclaimed farm-to-fork restaurant Fred. Don’t miss the bar’s drink-or-you'll-miss-it limited-edition cocktails, crafted to match its seasonal jazz sessions.
Lazybones Lounge
Don’t let the name fool you – there’s nothing lazy about a lounge that hosts live jazz performances six nights a week. Old-school decor and a large selection of microbrews on tap make Lazybones Lounge a beloved Marrickville institution.
Jazushi
Pair live jazz and delicious sushi and you get Jazushi, still one of Surry Hills’ coolest bars after two decades of service. Add a large collection of Japanese whiskey and things get even better.
The best bars with a view in Sydney
Nick & Noras
This 26th floor speakeasy towers over Paramatta, with a view that stretches from the Blue Mountains to Sydney’s harbour. Noir-inspired cocktails, lavish cigars, champagne and a caviar service mean you’ll have everything you need for an unforgettable night.
Dean & Nancy on 22
This marble-and-brass restaurant and bar – taking the penthouse floor of the sophisticated A by Adina Sydney – offers spectacular views over the city skyline and an outrageously delicious martini, elaborately poured tableside.
Hyde Hacienda
Watch the world drift by at this hidden oasis of pastels and palm fronds, wonderfully positioned high above Circular Quay. Latin America-inspired eats and tiki-adjacent drinks make it the perfect way to enjoy the afternoon.
Blu Bar on 36
Positioned high above the sophisticated Shangri-La Sydney, this happening cocktail spot features an unrivalled location, with sweeping views over Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
The best unique bars in Sydney
Apollonia
A living homage to one of The Godfather’s most endearing characters, Apollonia brings the romance – and the cocktails – of old Sicily to the streets of Sydney. As you’d expect, the house negroni (gin, house vermouth and Italian bitters) is to die for.
Centro 86
The first thing that grabs your attention at Centro 86 is the look: whimsical, eclectic and a touch psychedelic, it’s unlike any other margarita bar in Australia. The second thing? The margaritas, shaken with freshly shaved ice and extraordinarily delicious.
Jacoby’s Tiki Bar
Since opening in 2017, this Twin Peaks-inspired tiki bar has quickly become an Enmore favourite. As befitting a venue inspired by primetime television, drinks are mixed spectacularly on the bar counter and often spectacularly garnished with fire.
Marble Bar
Victorian in style yet debonaire in spirit, this 130-year-old bar – tucked below the five-star Hilton Sydney, to which it was painstakingly transplanted in 1973 – remains timeless.
Maybe Sammy
Maybe Sammy draws inspiration from Las Vegas and Hollywood in the 1950s, with a themed cocktail menu that delicately balances originality and golden age glamour.
#15 in The World’s 50 Best Bars 2023
Goros
If there’s a surefire recipe for success in Sydney’s competitive nightlife scene, it’s this: izakaya (informal Japanese bar) kitsch with a free karaoke room attached. Throw in some Nintendo 64s and an extensive collection of fine Japanese whiskeys and you’re onto a winner.
The best laneway bars in Sydney
Cantina OK!
Cantina OK! describes itself as a ‘micro mezcal mecca,’ and it’s hard to disagree. Despite leaning more coffee shop than cocktail bar in size, this hand-sourced tequila bar packs a punch, with specials rotating weekly.
Love, Tilly Devine
This Darlinghurst wine bar has been showcasing Australia’s up-and-coming wine producers for more than a decade. A sustainability-focused food menu makes the perfect match.
PS40
Married to a working soft drink plant, this high-concept soda-and-spirit bar is dedicated to the humble art of the long drink. The menu changes nightly, but PS40’s signature cocktail, the Africola (coffee liqueur, native-infused cola and coconut foam) is a mainstay.
The Lobo
Rattan, rum and a rousing good time – The Lobo delivers all three in spades. As befitting a Caribbean-inspired bar, it’s the daiquiris that truly shine, but the Cuban sandwiches and expansive rum collection – with dozens of impossible-to-find bottles – are also well worth exploring.
After more inspiration? Check out Deliciousness Down Under: Sydney's Best Restaurants.
Featured image: Aster, InterContinental Sydney's rooftop bar (supplied).
