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
Li'l Darlin
Locations: 420 Elizabeth St, Surry Hills & 23 Willoughby Rd, Crows Nest.
Meet your new local. A 5 minute walk from Central Station, Li’l Darlin is a vibrant bar and restaurant made for making memories. With its lively atmosphere, $12.50 Happy Hour cocktails and delicious tapas, pizza and share plate menu; it’s easy to see why its an inner-city fave for after work drinks, hen’s parties, birthdays and more.
After the runaway success of its Surry location, Li’l Darlin has opened a new venue in Crow’s Nest on the North Shore. Way to spread the love!
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
Cantina OK!
Location: Council Pl, Sydney.
Tucked down an alleyway and hidden behind a roller door, Cantina Ok! is hard to find but easy to love. This standing-room-only tequila bar feels a lot like hanging out in your coolest friend’s garage. It specialises in Mezcal and Margaritas which are recognised worldwide, with the bar earning awards on the World’s 50 Best Bars list.
04
Bar Morris
Location: 412 Pitt St, Haymarket.
Nestled on the ground floor of a charming, heritage-listed boutique hotel, Bar Morris is one of the CBD’s sweetest hidden gems. The intimate, mood-lit wine bar is designed to stimulate the senses, with its eye-catching Italian palazzo design and Art Deco charm the perfect setting to journey through the curated wine list and cocktail menu.
Pair your tipple with an Italian-inspired shared menu for lunch, or the à la carte menu of antipasti, pasta and more in the evening.
05
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.
06
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.
07
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.
08
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.
