Welcome, Future Sydney Bar Veteran
If you’re reading this, you’re either (A) a tourist planning a “I survived Sydney” story or (B) a local trying to avoid your ex. Either way, we’ve got the lowdown on Sydney’s best bars for 2024. Spoiler: There’s no such thing as “too much” when it comes to craft gins, rooftop views, and bartenders who’ll remember your name (or your complaints about the last place you went). Let’s get started.
The OGs of Sydney’s Bar Scene
First up, the bars that’ve been here longer than your gym membership. These spots are legends for a reason. Think of them as the Netflix of bar scenes—no filler, just classic hits.
1. The Bar at The Rocks
📍 123 George St, The Rocks
Why go? Because it’s where the Aussies went to celebrate the First Fleet’s “brutal survival.” Joke’s on you, history. This place is all about old-school charm with modern cocktails—imagine your grandmother’s living room if she’d time-traveled to 2024 and upgraded her sherry to a Negroni. Make Your Own Beer here if you’re feeling adventurous, but trust us, the bartenders already know their stuff.
2. The Speakeasy Syndicate
📍 45 William St, Sydney CBD
How to get in? Knock three times, whisper “I know what you did last Tuesday,” and hope the bouncer doesn’t ask for your ID. This place is a 1920s fever dream with a twist—except instead of flappers, there are people in suits sipping $20 cocktails that taste like regret. Pro tip: Order the “Sydney Swindle” (rum, lime, and a splash of self-awareness).
Bars That’ll Make You Wish You Knew Your Neighbors
There’s a difference between a bar and a community hub. These spots are where you’ll meet the person who’ll either become your new best friend or a cautionary tale about mixing business with late-night drinking.
3. The Harbour Bar & Restaurant
📍 78-80 Circular Quay
Why go? For the view, obviously. The Sydney Harbour Bridge looks like it’s about to collapse, but that’s the best part. Order the “Bridge to Bondi” cocktail (because you’ll need it to survive the next day). Grow Your Business With Strategies Beer if you’re here for networking, but if you’re here for the view, just don’t look down from the balcony.
4. The Enigma Bar
📍 99A Oxford St, Darlinghurst
What’s the vibe? Think of it as a library for adults—except instead of books, they have neon lights and a DJ spinning vinyl. The drinks menu is a love letter to confusion: “The Confused Millennial” (gin, elderflower, and a splash of existential dread). If you’re lucky, the bartender will remember to ask how you like your cocktail. If not, just point at something with a high alcohol content.
Bars for Craft Beer Lovers (By Craft Beer Lovers)
Not into cocktails? No problem. Sydney’s got enough craft beer bars to keep you from accidentally drinking apple juice.
5. The Crafty Squirrel
📍 145-147 Goulburn St, Sydney CBD
Why go? Because it’s the only place where you can order a “sour” and not feel like a disappointment. The menu’s a rotating door of local brews—ask the bartender for a recommendation, then pretend you knew it was good all along. Custom Beer options available if you want to impress your date with a signature brew.
6. The Bar & Kitchen (Surry Hills)
📍 158-160 Crown St, Surry Hills
What’s the deal? It’s like the bar equivalent of a Spotify playlist—curated, trendy, and slightly overpriced. But hey, the hopped-up IPAs are worth it. If you’re there at 11 PM, you’ll be the only one not dancing. At 1 AM, you’ll be the only one still alive.
Bars for the “I’m Just Passing Through” Crowd
Traveling to Sydney and need to hit up a bar before your flight? These are the places to avoid looking like a tourist who still thinks “sir” is a drink.
7. The Ivy Restaurant Sydney
📍 55 Market St, Sydney CBD
Why go? Because your Instagram feed will thank you. The bar’s got more clinking glasses than a jewelry store. Order the “Ivy Margarita” (tequila, lime, and a side of “I’m not here for the view, I’m here for the ambiance”). Contact them if you want to book a table, but honestly, just show up and act like you belong there. It works 70% of the time.
8. The Rooftop at Aria
📍 255 George St, Sydney CBD
What’s the vibe? Sky-high and slightly pretentious. The bar’s got a view of the Opera House that’ll make you forget it’s 3 PM on a Tuesday. Order the “Aria Aperol Spritz” (because you’re here for the experience, not the taste). Home if you want to see more Sydney bar picks, but if you’re here, you’ve already made the right choice.
Sydney Bar Survival Guide
Before you start your bar crawl, here’s a cheat sheet to avoid looking like a lost tourist:
- Dress Like You Mean It: Even if you’re just here for one drink, show up like you’re going to stay for five. Dress like you’re going to a party, not a job interview.
- Order Something Exotic: “Whiskey neat” is for people who’ve given up. Go for the cocktail with a name you can’t pronounce—it’ll make you sound worldly.
- Don’t Ask for the Happy Hour: Happy Hour is for tourists and people who’ve never been to a bar in their life. If you ask, you’ll get the cheapest drink in Sydney and a pit in your stomach.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sydney Bars
1. What’s the best bar for a first date?
The Enigma Bar. It’s dark enough to hide your bad features but lit enough to spot your date’s questionable fashion choices.
2. How do I avoid the tourist traps?
Simple: Ask a local. If they look at you like you’re speaking a different language, run. Also, if the bar has a sign in English, you’re in trouble.
3. Can I get a drink without looking like a schmuck?
Yes, but it’ll cost extra. Invest in a bartender’s friendship—buy them a drink, and they’ll tell you where to go next.
Final Thoughts: To the Moon and Back (With Drinks)
So there you have it, future Sydney bar legend. Whether you’re here for the view, the vibe, or the chance to pretend you’re not from a reality show, these bars are your gateway to greatness. Just remember: If you’re lucky, you’ll leave with a story. If you’re unlucky, you’ll leave with a hangover and a receipt for $200.
Need more tips? Check out our full list of Sydney bar hacks. And if you’re a bar owner looking to grow your business, contact us—we’ve got secrets.
Now go out there and make memories. Just don’t forget to tip the bartender. They’ll need it to survive your company.
P.S. If you’re selling beer and want to reach these bars, sell your beer online through Dropt.beer. Cheers to your success—literally.
