When it comes to drinks, Sydney has it all. The city is home to some of the world’s best bars, with stellar bartenders and mixologists serving quirky cocktails, organic wines, and craft beers into the early hours of the morning. There are romantic rooftops to start the night, intimate whisky dens to end the night, plus world-class wine bars and al fresco beer gardens for the in-between, the best bars in Sydney promise some unforgettable times.
Expect dazzling 360-degree views at one of Sydney’s best rooftop bars that’s perfect for a romantic date night or a special occasion in the CBD. In the Rocks, an old bookmaker’s workshop converted into a cosy whisky bar serves rare Japanese and Scottish flights. In Woolloomoolloo, a picture-perfect restaurant doubles up as a bar packed with creative cocktails and plant-based plates that will wow vegans and meat lovers alike.
Start ticking off this list of the best bars in Sydney and book a memorable night out at a must-visit watering hole on OpenTable.
The best bars in Sydney to book for stellar cocktails, wine, sake and pints
For one of the best whisky bars in Sydney – visit The Doss House in The Rocks
In its 170-year history, The Doss House has been a bootmaker’s workshop, a pub and an opium den. Today it’s a whisky bar in The Rocks, serving 150 options, including rare Japanese and Scottish whiskies, plus whisky flights that highlight the best regional spirits. Choose from myriad cosy, private spots in this underground bar and sample Scottish flights, peaty flights and a flight that celebrates Australia’s most skilled distillers. Aware that whisky isn’t for everyone, The Doss House has a succinct list of cocktails, wine and beer, and food that’s inspired by the Old World, like the ploughman’s platter of glazed ham and cheddar, sandwiches filled with black pudding, goat’s cheese and caramelized onions, hummus and sourdough, and an optional scotch egg on the side. Whisky lovers rejoice, there’s a whisky masterclass featuring a tasting of worldwide labels paired with cheese boards.
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For one of the best cocktail and wine bars in Sydney – try the Door Knock in Sydney CBD
The long underground corridor leading to Door Knock is so long, you might wonder if you’re lost, but the brass pineapple door knocker means you’ve made it. Knock three times and enter the underground space where excellent hospitality (symbolised by the pineapple) is at the heart. Affable bartenders mix kiwi gin spritzes finished with a dash of vermouth and sparkling wine, and coconut-milk-and-espresso-infused whisky cocktails, and pour glasses of biodynamic, low-intervention natural and fortified wines. The short food menu runs the gamut from snacks like truffle popcorn, mac and cheese croquettes and prawn rolls to salads like radicchio and buffalo mozzarella salad, to substantial meals like sirloin with mezcal chimichurri.
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For a getaway in a jungle oasis – book at Saga Bar in Chippendale
Saga Bar is all about drama. Ornately carved timber double doors open to a space that’s a technicolour jungle, complete with vines and roots hanging from the walls, palm trees and a water feature with an enormous Buddha head at the centre. The backlit bar beckons, where skilled bartenders wield fire, charring limes and cinnamon sticks, and filling bell jars with smoke to flavour and present drinks like the smoked old fashioned. Much of the food has South-east Asian and Chinese influences. Bao is served with crisp-skinned pork belly and slaw, grilled cauliflower comes with date-sweetened satay sauce, and cider-marinated Cape Malay lamb chops come with spring onion dressing.
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For one of the best sake bars in Sydney with Japanese whisky – try Tokyo Bird in Surry Hills
Tokyo Bird’s sleek 60-seater brings a bit of Japanese bar culture to Surry Hills. The fit-out is industrial but minimal, bartenders wear waistcoats over white shirts and ties, and there’s an extensive yakitori menu that includes all the classics – chicken thigh and shallots, meatballs, and crispy chicken skin – cooked over charcoal. Other highlights from the menu include scallops, miso-cured salmon, mushroom and eggplant skewers, crispy cauliflower and crab croquettes. The venue is serious about spirits. Classic cocktails are served alongside a well-curated whisky offering. Order a premium whisky and it’s poured over an ice-ball carefully hand-sculpted by the bartenders.
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For a warm and cosy date at a vintage gin bar – try Frank Mac’s in The Rocks
Step back in time at Frank Mac’s, a handsome two-storey gin and cocktail bar in a heritage-listed sandstone building on George Street. The bar is reminiscent of a cosy Irish pub and offers old-school hospitality, along with one of the biggest botanical collections in Sydney. Or skip the gin and grab a seat in the sunny courtyard for an Irish coffee, served warm or cold. Frank Mac’s hearty beef and Guinness pies with stout gravy, truffle-infused cheese paninis, baked camemberts and meat, smoked salmon and cheese boards are the ideal foils to the comprehensive beverage menu.
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For a 100% plant-based spot – try Alibi Bar & Dining in Woolloomoolloo
In Woolloomooloo’s iconic Finger Wharf, Alibi Bar & Dining is Australia’s first 100% plant-based hotel bar and restaurant. The bar boasts an extensive wine list, but Alibi’s seasonal cocktails steal the show. The Verano daiquiri with Havana rum, lime, pineapple and absinthe packs a punch, while the fruity I am so Rosé features vodka, Lillet rosé, watermelon, strawberry and pink peppercorns. Pari seasonal gin and tonics and spritzes with bar snacks such as padrón croquettes, patatas bravas with chilli sauce and garlic aioli, polenta meatballs and vegetables and cheese spanakopita filo pastries. If you’re in the mood for a more substantial meal, grab a sit in the stunning dining room and tuck into vegetarian parms, lasagna, stews, pasta and a stellar fried eggplant with fig caramel and toasted hazelnuts. Don’t leave without trying the quince-filled doughnuts or the sangria crumble with saffron custard.
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For one of the best rooftop bars in Sydney with stunning views – book at Dean & Nancy on 22 in Sydney CBD
With playful cocktails, bold flare, and timeless service, Dean & Nancy on 22 transports guests to the grand 1960s hotel bars of New York. The fancy bar from the team behind the hit Maybe Sammy sits 22 floors high and offers 360-degree views of the Sydney skyline. Watch the sunset as you sip on a signature amaretto sour with Disaronno, Campari, whey syrup, coconut, orange, and Peychaud’s bitter, or trust the bartenders to choose for you from their around-the-world list. For food, choose between snacky items and larger plates such as oscietra caviar with tapioca crisps, charred scampi with fermented chilli, Wagyu brisket burger, lobster rolls and cacio e pepe mafaldine pasta. Book a sunset aperitivo for an unforgettable happy hour experience with spritzes, non-alcoholic Italian bitters, martinis, negronis, and sweeping views over the city.
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For one of the best bars in Chinatown, Sydney – don’t miss Banchō in Haymarket
The team behind Tokyo Bird and other hits has done it again with Banchō, Chinatown’s first cocktail spot located in Thomas Lane, Haymarket. The 100-seat drinking den features Japanese, Chinese, Korean, and Thai beverages such as Ojisan with oolong tea infused Koyomi shochu, maraschino, chocolate bitters, and honey or Bipton Fizz with Roku gin, fig and peach liqueur, spiced peach puree, soda, and torched cinnamon. There’s also an extensive list of Scotch, American, and Australian whiskies. Paris it with gyozas, soft shell crab baos with yuzu kosho mayonnaise, karaage chicken and potato croquettes. Banchō offers one perk you’re unlikely to find elsewhere in Sydney: a liquor locker that can store up to 38 bottles for returning customers between visits.
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For unlimited margaritas – book a table at Tommy’s in Darlinghurst and Manly
At Tommy’s, a welcoming Mexican and South American restaurant and cocktail bar with airy interiors and a breezy courtyard awaits. This Darlinghurst and Manly gem focuses on freshness: all of the juices in the drinks are squeezed daily before they make their way into syrups, cordials, margaritas, and mezcal-based drinks. Order the baya lichi with tequila, lychee, and edible smoke, or the noche rosa with coconut-washed tequila blanco, watermelon, raspberry and volcanic salt. Experience the best of Tommy’s every Friday to Sunday with the restaurant’s bottomless brunch. It features a seven-course sharing feast paired with unlimited spicy and classic tequila margaritas.
📍 Darlinghurst — Check Availability
📍 Manly — Check Availability
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For one of the best bars in Sydney with a view – visit Sweethearts Rooftop in Potts Point
Four floors above the bustle of Darlinghurst Road is Sydney’s most beloved rooftop bar, Sweethearts Rooftop. Come here for the relaxed and fun vibe that offers up views of the skyline and a DJ spinning funky tunes. Sweethearts specialises in light and fresh cocktails spiked with pineapple, mint or cucumber. Drinks are accompanied by a casual menu of tacos, quesadillas, and nachos. With a retractable awning to keep the rain off and heaters to cosy up to, Sweethearts Rooftop is the place to drink and dance, come rain or shine.
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Still can’t decide? Explore more great restaurants to try in Sydney on OpenTable.
Keen for more of Sydney’s best bars and restaurants? Check out the below guides:
- 6 unique restaurants and bars reshaping Sydney’s dining scene
- Celebrate your special occasions at these 12 top Sydney restaurants
- The best 10 Italian restaurants in Sydney to book now
- The 10 best Japanese restaurants Sydney loves right now
- The 10 best seafood restaurants in Sydney to book ASAP
- Sydney’s 12 most exciting vegan-friendly restaurants to try right now
- 12 Barangaroo restaurants that locals can’t get enough of
- 10 of the best steak restaurants Sydney locals love
- 7 of the very best Indian restaurants in Sydney
- The most romantic restaurants in Sydney for any kind of date
