“Beer, if drunk in moderation, softens the temper, cheers the spirit and promotes health.” —Thomas Jefferson
When you are on a working holiday in Sydney, to say that you become familiar with the pubs, bars and nightclubs would be an understatement.
In no particular order, here are my favourite bars in Sydney.
Opera Bar, Sydney Harbour
Opera Bar is the most iconic bar in Sydney that offers a wide selection of beer, wine and food for different cravings and tastes. This al fresco bar has unmatched views of the Opera House and the Harbor Bridge, plus creative cocktails and high-end Champagne.
Cruise Bar, Circular Quay
Cruise Bar Sydney is a premier Circular Quay bar with spectacular views, a sumptuous cocktail lounge and world class wharfside drinks and dining.
The Argyle, The Rocks
The Argyle is the ultimate Sydney dining & nightlife destination with the best food, a huge drinks selection and top DJs & live entertainment every week.
El Camino Cantina, The Rocks
Located in The Rocks (just above The Argyle), El Camino Cantina is a large & loud Tex-Mex bar filled with classic and frozen margaritas, delicious Tex-Mex feasts and awesome tunes! Enjoy loud 80s rock, 90s RnB and 2000s pop with a frozen margarita in your hand and one of our colourful sombreros on your head!
Tokio Hotel, Darling Harbour
If you’re after a delicious dinner, a few cocktails and a memorable night out, Tokio Hotel can provide. This multifaceted venue serves all the breakfast classics and barista-made coffee in the morning and a delicious Italian/Australian menu in the evening. At night, it transforms into a harbourside cocktail and live music den, hosting some of the best local and international talent. Happy Hour runs until 8pm.
Cargo Bar, Darling Harbour
Cargo Bar has been Darling Harbour’s most iconic party venue for two decades. This cocktail bar channels 80s NYC vibes and always delivers a fun night out. Visit and enjoy the long list of cocktails, local wines and beers, friendly staff and the stunning seaside location on the promenade.
The Cliff Dive, Darlinghurst
The Cliff Dive experience starts at our tropical golden doors. Follow the tropical neon downstairs into an expansive tiki wonderland fit for any event. Grind up and down on the sunken under the sea dance floor to hip hop and RnB tunes by Sydney’s best DJ’s. Quench your thirst on some tropical cocktails and beers while chilling in a tiki booth.
Lord Robert’s Hotel, Darlinghurst
The Lord Roberts Hotel consists of a first floor restaurant and a large outside balcony area. Great spot for some quiet drinks and a catch up with friends.
Surley’s American Tavern, Surry Hills
Everybody’s favourite all-American Tavern, opened in 2015, offering Sydney an authentic slice of Nashville. Located in the beating heart of Surry Hills, this dive bar is a well-needed escape from the daily grind; where big kids go to play, & the food makes them stay.
Surly’s serves up soul food from the Ole Hickory, a famous commercial fire-box smoker flown in straight from Missouri. Hearty plates of beef brisket, chicken thighs and pulled pork – smoked in-house over wood – are dished up alongside an epic range of local boutique beers. You’ll also find an impressive cocktail list, where the Old Fashioned and Bloody Caesars sit alongside house creations.
Upstairs, past the epic mural by Sydney Artist, Sindy Sinn, you’ll find Smokey’s Cabin, with shuffleboards and free arcade games against the dark interior, wood panelling and charismatic brown sofas – a perfect place to dance off the BBQ and crunchy, coveted hot wings.
The Porterhouse, Surry Hills
The Porterhouse Irish pub is situated in the heart of Surry Hills only 2 minutes from Oxford Street and a 5 minute stroll from Central. This cosy traditional Irish Pub will make you feel right at home regardless of where you come from. Enjoy the best pint of Guinness in Sydney along with award winning food specialising in fresh local caught seafood. The Porterhouse does a great 3-in-1.
P.J. O’Briens, CBD
Located on the corner of King & Clarence Street, P.J.O’Brien’s offers a taste of Ireland in the heart of the CBD. The warm glow of the open fire and traditional Irish music drowning out the hustle and bustle of city life. As daylight fades the ‘craic’ begins, settle in with a creamy pint of Guinness or one of the many beers, wines and spirits. The kitchen offers a variety of savoury Irish dishes and contemporary pub meals. Let the friendly staff at P.J.O’Brien’s make your day or night an occasion to remember, come in, kick back and discover the ‘Craic’ that P.J.O’Brien’s is famous for!
Paragon Hotel, CBD
On the ground floor of the Paragon you’ll find our Sports Bar, outdoor courtyard and TAB. Whatever sport is on, they’re showing it! With multiple screens showing every game, just ask the friendly bar staff what’s coming up. Some of the freshest beer in Sydney is back, with unpasteurised Carlton Draught piped straight from the huge copper tanks sitting in our Sports Bar front windows.
Upstairs at Paragon you’ll find the Garden Bar, with soaring green walls opening up to the city skyline, a covered dining area which looks out over Jessie Street Gardens, and a retractable roof over the main garden bar which makes the Paragon the perfect spot for any event, in any weather.
Bar Luca, CBD
Bar Luca is home to Sydney’s best burgers & home of the Blame Canada! The bar also has a great selection of craft beers, cocktails & shakes.
Jackson on George, CBD
Housed within the Jacksons on George complex, the Rooftop Bar creates a relaxed, open space amidst the bustle of one of Sydney’s busiest streets where the heritage of the venue once began. Equipped with Pool tables, comfy cocktail bar seating and Harbour Bridge Glimpses, this bar space is the ideal drinking retreat for after work drinks and celebrations.
Located on the ground floor of the complex, Gallagher Hotels has opened PJ’s Irish Whiskey Bar – with over 100 whiskeys from around the world on offer – where the authentic Irish flair the hotelier group is known for, spills out onto George Street.
Level 1 is now known as Temple Bar and offers Sydney-siders a lounge bar and dance floor for those looking to party in a stylish and relaxed atmosphere. DJs perform every Friday and Saturday night with a mix of the best commercial dance and RnB.
Frankie’s Pizza by the Slice, CBD
The heart of the business district is not where you’d expect to find an underground heavy metal pizza party, but Frankie’s Pizza by the Slice doesn’t much go in for the expected. The front room feels like a pizza parlour from a movie set, but it’s more Ninja Turtles than Sopranos. There are postcards and old photos tacked to the walls; red and white tablecloths and candles in bottles; and they sure can bake the heck out of a pepperoni pizza. They’ll also sell you a slice of whatever is hot for $6 – a night here is one you should prime for.
They’re open until 3am, seven nights a week, which means Mondays can redeem themselves with a set from the famous house band, a frozen Margarita and a tin of Pistonhead lager. Tuesdays is for karaoke, which is followed by two nights of live gigs at the heart of the working week. Fridays and Saturdays hit peak party, but there’s no rest for the wicked on Sundays – just more live bands.
Ivy, CBD
Ivy is a destination that houses some of the best restaurants, venues and event spaces in Australia. Venues include Palings, Ash St. Cellar, Felix, uccello, Pool Club and Changeroom and The Royal George. Our unique event spaces are ivy ballroom, ivy sunroom, ivy penthouse, the den and the terrace.
The Treehouse Hotel, North Sydney
The Treehouse is a restaurant and bar which offers a distinctly premium experience to Sydneysiders. The contemporary Australian menu, classically driven cocktail list, ever rotating tap beers and extensive wine selection will compliment every experience.
The Treehouse provides a sanctuary for locals and workers alike where guests can flock to eat, drink and play. The restaurant is open for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and with our bar being a popular spot for after-work drinks, it offers something for everyone!
Inside you’ll be greeted to a medley of exposed brick, florals and eye catching artwork, opening out to a leafy terrace festooned with colourful umbrellas and banquettes, garden chairs and fresh greenery. Come day or night, it’s a perfect spot to kick back and chat over share plates, cocktails, or a main meal in the private dining area…
Firehouse Hotel, North Sydney
Located in the heart of North Sydney, this 1895 heritage listed fire station has been remodelled into a reputable and stylish two-level venue.
Downstairs features an impressive bar, exposed brick walls, recycled tables, a high exposed ceiling, American style booths and a separate lounge area and fireplace. Try your luck in the VIP room or sit back and enjoy the vast array of sports shown on our large TV screens.
Upstairs has recently undergone a major refurbishment and offers comfy leather banquets and stylish booths. The new bar opens out onto an expansive semi-covered terrace which invites you to sit in the sun or cosy up under the heaters on colder nights.
Rag and Famish, North Sydney
The Rag & Famish is a hotel dripping in history, with the hotel occupying it’s current site since 1860; it is North Sydney’s oldest pub still trading today! This original single storey structure, with a steep thatched roof, was known as the Sailors Return, however the eccentric Charles Bullivant purchased it in 1866 and renamed it The Rag & Famish Hotel.
George Calligeros purchased it on 25th, May 1975 and it remains in the family today. In the late 1980’s it became only the 2nd venue in NSW to be granted a 24 hour licence. Although extensive renovation and restoration work has been carried out in the last 100 years, few changes have been made to the external façade, which remains much as it were at the turn of the nineteenth century.
Tea Gardens, Bondi Junction
Originated from its sporting connections, the hotel has extended its clientele from trendy Sydney-siders and sports fans to become one of Sydney’s internationally recognised hot spots for entertainment. The only pub in Bondi Junction now proudly serving Carlton Fresh Tank Beer.
Located in the heart of Bondi Junction (near Bondi Beach), the Tea Gardens Hotel is the Eastern Suburbs premier venue for good times. Capture the essence of Australian life by immersing yourself in our fantastic facilities.
The Eastern, Bondi Juction
The Eastern has a lively atmosphere, that offers four unique levels of experiences.
GOODTIME BURGERS SPORTS BAR
Taking inspiration from an American diner, this sports bar offers a casual yet lively setting. They have awesome specials and a huge range of beers available on tap. Be sure to join them on Wednesday for their $5 burger which changes every week!
EL TOPO MEXICAN
El Topo Mexican retains its crown as one of Sydney’s most authentic Mexican restaurants. Grab a booth, order a cocktail and within minutes you’re in Mexico deliberating your feast across a range of Mexican snacks, tacos, seafood, and quesadillas.
EL TOPO BASEMENT
Situated in the heart of Bondi Junction, El Topo Basement is the place to be every Wednesday Friday & Saturday night! Featuring a state of the art sound system, unique live music set up and it is also the latest venue open in Bondi.
FUNCTION LEVEL
From corporate functions to 21’st birthdays, The Eastern’s function space located on level 1 is equipped with a large 360 degrees wrap around bar, multiple booths and sitting area as well as a level wide sound system.
The Bavarian Café, Entertainment Quarter
Whether you’re gearing up for a show or sporting match, wandering out of the movies, or just meandering through the markets working up an appetite, there’s no more satisfying venue than The Bavarian Café Entertainment Quarter.
With the location being a hive of activity in itself, The Bavarian have vibrancy in spades. A perfect family-friendly dining destination, consider your needs sorted.
The two huge levels and large alfresco dining area also cater for functions of all sizes. With space for up to 200 on our Upper Deck above the restaurant, The Bavarian is the perfect place for conferences and meetings. Featuring a wraparound outdoor terrace so you can enjoy the fresh air, as well as a dedicated private bar, it’s ideal for drinks or break-out sessions.
The Golden Sheaf, Double Bay
An iconic entertainment venue set in the heart of Sydney’s stunning Eastern Suburbs, The Golden Sheaf is a nightlife institution.
Serving as a magnet for generations of party-goers, Double Bay’s premier drinking, dining, pet friendly, sport and late-night party destination is steeped in history, our leafy oasis always providing the perfect escape from city life.
Dig into delicious food with your mates from our award-winning kitchen, grab a cold beer and get comfy with your furry friend under the giant fig tree in the Beer Garden or step it up with cocktails on the Rooftop and dance the night away to DJ-curated tunes and live bands.
Coogee Bay Hotel, Coogee
Coogee Bay Hotel’s idyllic location beside sundrenched Coogee Beach sets it apart from the rest. This award-winning venue features delicious brasserie dining, the beautiful alfresco Garden which is heated in winter, numerous bars, state-of-the-art function and conference facilities, a 1,700-capacity live entertainment venue as well as two liquor outlets. Plus those spectacular ocean views.
The Bank, Newtown
The Bank is at the centre of its community in Newtown. Meters from Newtown Station and around the corner from Erskineville, Enmore, Camperdown, and Alexandria, everyone in town has stopped by for a beer, a bite, or to see a band.
One group that The Bank takes a lot of pride in hosting is the Harbour City Bears. They’ve held their weekly gathering in The Bank for years.
The Mindful Traveller 