Whether you’re looking for a haunt for date night, after work drinks or a girl’s night out; when it comes to bars, Sydneysiders are truly spoilt for choice.
The city has plenty to offer in terms of scenery and why not drink in a view with a cocktail or two? Local hospitality mavens have made the most of their setting, with venues often inspired by their surrounds, or overlooking a harbour, skyline, park or beach.
Scroll on for the Sydney bars sure to please tourists and locals alike, as chosen by Cosmopolitan Australia editors.
best bars in sydney cbd & surrounds
01
Jam
Location: 320 George St, Sydney.
A relatively new addition to the Merivale portfolio, Jam Record Bar is already winning favour with Sydneysiders. Despite being situated on the edge of a laneway, the haunt is hard to miss with it’s red and orange lighting and retro décor. As its name suggests, Jam is inspired by Japanese listening bars and houses some 15,000 records, which revellers can enjoy while tucking into a Japanese-inspired menu and cocktails.
02
Tequila Mockingbird
Location: 6 Healy St, Paddington.
If you’re a fan of margaritas (who isn’t?) this Sydney bar is a must. Filling two levels inside a restored terrace on Paddington’s trendy Five Ways, Tequila Mockingbird boasts an expansive tequila menu and is a top choice for weekend drinks. We recommend heading in on a Sunday—their Classic Margaritas and Tequila Mockingbird cocktails are only $12 between 12-3pm. Oh, and the Latin American-inspired menu goes down a treat, too.
03
Caterpillar Club
Location: 92 Pitt St, Sydney.
Another newbie that has quickly become a go-to for locals: It only opened late last year but the CBD’s Caterpillar Club already boasts regular long lines and superstar status. On weekends, the late-night haunt gets busy fast, so be sure to head in early or make it a week night venue for post-work G&Ts.
04
Hyde Hacienda
Location: 61 Macquarie St, Circular Quay.
In this writer’s opinion, this is one of Circular Quay’s most underrated haunts. Accessed vie the Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour, the Hyde Hacienda Bar and Lounge boasts panoramic views of the water and Harbour Bridge—as well as a killer South American-style menu.
05
Cafe Fredas
Location: 191-195 Oxford St, Darlinghurst.
Situated on the edge of Darlinghurst’s Taylor Square, the artsy (and absolutely charming) Cafe Fredas is a prime spot for an end-of-week tipple. Settle in for drinks on the pavement outside its recognisable yellow facade, and watch the city come to life as night falls. As a bonus, some of Sydney’s best clubs are a hop, skip and a jump away down the adjunct Oxford and Flinders Streets—so it’s a prime spot to start a night out.
06
Old Mate's Place
Location: Level 4, 199 Clarence St, Sydney.
If you want to seem like a local with some knowledge of ‘secret’ Sydney bars, this is where to head. While relatively well-known by Sydneysiders, Old Mate’s Place has no street signage and requires you to seek it out through what almost resembles a fire escape. Enter on the fourth floor and settle in among its vintage furnishing, or head up again to the rooftop, which boasts a view of the city that’s nearly as killer s its cocktails.
07
Promenade Bondi Beach
Location: Level 4, 199 Clarence St, Sydney.
Yes, okay, this is a bit of a trek from the CBD… but if you’re only spending a few days in Sydney, it’s certainly worth checking out the iconic Bondi Beach. Catch the 333 bus from the city straight to Promenade, a relatively new addition to the suburb’s seaside dining scene. Tucked inside the heritage Bondi Pavilion, drink in views of the famous beach while enjoying a beer and pizza beneath Promenade’s stunning, Spanish-style arches.
