Sydney. It’s a bustling place full of fun, good times, and laughter. It’s without a doubt what makes it home to a great night out and that’s why you need to visit a few of the best bars in the city.
There are a few key factors that come into consideration when narrowing down the best bars and we’re here to take you through them.
Not only do you want a good drink and food but you want a great atmosphere, friendly bartenders, and lively music to keep you dancing all night. So, let’s dive in!
Little Felix
2a Ash Street, Sydney 2000 NSW
We’re kicking the list off with this little 1920s themed bar located on Ash Street. As it’s such a small space, it’s perfect for date nights rather than big night-outs.
You’ll find a range of traditional cocktails on the menu, as well as an array of their own creations exclusive to Little Felix. You’ll also find an exhaustive wine list with a range of champagne, white wine, red wine, rose, and vins prestiges.
They also offer a delightful little snack menu with les hors d’oeuvres, les charcuteries, and les fromages. They’re open till late through the week and on weekends and you can reserve a table up to 3 months in advance.
Not to worry if you haven’t booked however as walk-ins are always welcome.
PS40
Shop 2, 40 King Street, Sydney 2000 NSW
Located on King Street, and winner of 2020 Bar of the Year, this little hidden alleyway cocktail gem is more than worth a visit.
Serving combinations you can only dream of from a Breakfast Negroni infused with banana bread, to a Rye Whiskey spiked with sage and sweet potato, PS40 promises to provide its customers with a unique concept combining experience, flavor, and great service all night long.
Bookings are advised and you can even book onto their recently launched Takeover Tuesday where local chefs plate up menus with matching cocktails.
Palmer & Co
Abercrombie Lane, Sydney NSW 2000
You’ll find this themed bar on Abercrombie Lane and it is easily one of the best-themed bars in the city. Their famous theme is prohibition and for those who are unsure of this term, it means lots of jazz and funky 1920s costumes.
They offer live music, an electric atmosphere, and a full food menu that specializes in melted cheese. If you fancy a cheese-dipped pretzel with your cocktail, look no further than Palmer & Co.
Papa Gede’s
348 Kent Street, Sydney, 2000 NSW
This neighborhood bar located on Kent Street offers cocktails with a twist. Named after the voodoo spirit of lust and laughter, you’re guaranteed a fun night out.
Infused with the spirit of witch-doctor apothecary, classic and tiki cocktails, homemade elixirs, absinthes, and beers, the drinks will never disappoint. They’re all served up with plenty of soul and rituals of relaxation.
Booking is advised but for smaller groups, Papa Gede’s does hold tables every night for walk-ins so if you forget to book, don’t be afraid to try it out anyway. You can even bring along your pooch!
Earl’s Juke Joint
407 King Street, Newtown, NSW, 2042
Located in Newtown, which is actually a suburb of Sydney’s inner west, this bar is worth the four-kilometer trip outside of the city. This is a favorite with those wanting a taste of America, as it tips its hat to New Orleans.
You are promised a warm welcome and great atmosphere all evening at Earl’s Juke Joint. Whether you’re after a fancy cocktail, a tall glass of wine, or a fresh craft brew, look no further.
The bartenders are more than happy to recommend their favorites and you won’t find more accommodating staff elsewhere in the city.
It does however get busy quickly and so we recommend avoiding it on the weekend if you don’t want to stand in line for hours. Its popularity can only be a good thing, right?
Frankie’s Pizza
50 Hunter Street, Sydney, 2000 NSW
Chances are if you’re looking for a bar that also does great pizza to pair with your beer, you’re going to be headed to Frankie’s Pizza.
Their two main features are live music and pizza by the slice and that’s why they live by the motto that their beer is cold, their pizza is hot and the rock is hard.
The classic pizzeria opens up onto Sydney’s favorite hard rock dive and so you really get the best of both worlds. It’s open 4 pm-3 am daily so pop on down and get yourself a slice of pizza before dancing the night away.
Continental Deli Bar Bistro
210 Australia Street, Newtown NSW 2042
This delightful bistro can be found in Newtown and is both a deli and a bar. From canned margaritas to canned cosmos that are made fresh and canned on-site, to some of the greatest antipasti in Sydney, killer cheeses, and tinned fish.
This bar offers a unique twist and an old-world atmosphere and we promise you’ll end up going back for more.
Double Deuce Lounge
6 Bridge Street, Sydney, NSW, 2000
Offering a wide selection of cocktails from a Jimmy Jazz Bellini to a Bambi Woods, this lounge bar in Sydney was named after a dive bar in a cult Patrick Swayzee flick and promises a good time as you boogie down to Boogie Nights with all your friends and favorite drinks.
They even offer the chance of a dealer’s choice where you tell the bartender what you feel like and they’ll mix you up something based on their recommendation.
The Duke Of Clarence
152-156 Clarence Street, Sydney NSW 2000
This bar takes you back to 18th century London and resembles more of a traditional tavern. In the winter, they offer seats right by the fireplace where you can sip on a pint and get cozy with your loved one.
They have all the brews you’d expect to find in a pub in Britain as well as a few great cocktails if you feel like going fancy. Their food menu represents traditional British ‘pub grub’, and includes items on the menu such as fish butties and Sunday roasts.
The Bearded Tit
183 Regent Street, Redfern, NSW 2016
Located in Redfern, an inner-city suburb, The Bearded Tit has a huge community feel and praises inclusivity. The stereogamous spinning tunes, drag shows, and crazy decor are just some of the reasons why it’s so great.
You can kiki all through the night and you know you’re in for a wild time. Flying the free-spirited flag and promising a warm welcome to everyone, The Bearded Tit is the place to be.
Love, Tilly Devine
91 Crown Lane, Darlinghurst NSW 2010
Although Love, Tilly Devine is one of our recommendations in an inner-city suburb, we promise it’s not too far out and is more than worth the travel. The name comes from one of the country’s foremost crime bosses and their food is just as good as their drinks selection.
A firm favorite to pair with that long glass of wine is the Japanese vegemite on parmesan toast, promising a fusion of flavors you never thought you needed until now.
If vegetime isn’t your thing, the Sydney Rock Oysters are also incredible as well as the fried halloumi with chilli jam.
Old Mate’s Place
Level 4, 199 Clarence St, Sydney NSW 2000
Old Mate’s Place is arguably one of Sydney’s best-kept secrets. Navigate up the flight of stairs and find the warm and welcoming staff at the door ready to help you have a great night out.
They’ll be able to offer either an upstairs or inside table. Upstairs is where you’ll find one of Sydney’s favorite rooftop bars where you can sip your cocktails, dine on great food and cheer with some champagne, all day long in the Australian sun.
Poly
74-76 Commonwealth Street, Surry Hills, NSW 2000
Like your wine? Head to Poly and you won’t be disappointed. With such an extensive wine list and staff to guide you through it, you’ll be sipping it by the glass all evening.
No need to worry if wine isn’t your thing as a range of cocktails, beers, or non-alcoholic drinks can also be found on the menu. They also offer a range of woodfired snacks and main courses meaning you can wine and dine in style.
Door Knock
B2/70 Pitt Street, Sydney, 2000
Nestled in the heart of Sydney CBD, this leading cocktail and wine bar is more than worth the visit. Hidden below the busy life above, this bar offers everything from biodynamic wines to fancy cocktails such as a Cantaloupe Island or a Chloe Amour.
It’s a great place to impress a date or if you fancy a cocktail night at home, they even offer delivery so you can get their great tasting food and drink delivered right to your door.
Grandma’s Bar
275 Clarence Street, Sydney, 2000 NSW
Our final recommendation would be Grandma’s Bar which is located on Clarence Street.
Offering a truly authentic vintage dining experience, you can step back in time to enjoy a cocktail that’s served in patterned crockery, whilst also being surrounded by vintage lamps, rocking chairs, and that floral wallpaper you’d find at Granny’s house.
It’s a small tucked-away bar but offers good times and great Tiki and Rum style cocktails, so be sure to check them out.
This is why I decided to set up my blog, Eatability, to share the best food and drink spots in Australia with as many people as possible. Hi, my name is Dylan Cole, and I moved to Australia five years ago from England, UK.
Through this blog, I will be sharing and recommending some of my favorite places you need to visit, such as where to find the best pizza in Adelaide, and the best bakery in Brisbane. Whatever food you are fancying, I have got you covered!
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