Ten Sydney bars our editors book for Mother's Day brunch — civilised pours, no DJ, an honest mimosa list.
Mother's Day brunch in Sydney is its own genre. Half the venues that pitch for it run a deafening DJ set and a £45 bottomless mimosa scheme; the other half quietly serve the best brunch in the room with no surcharge. Our editors only book the second category. These are the ten Sydney bars our team takes our own mothers to.
The Sydney brunch picks our editors actually use
The first six picks below are the editors' default — the rooms we send a friend to first when they ask. Each is followed by a recommendation we have ordered ourselves at least three times. Click any bar name to read the full review, signature drink notes, neighbourhood guide and how to book.
Maybe Sammy sits in The Rocks, and the sammy spritz arrives in a coupe and the bar staff move at the right pace. Mother's Day brunch runs the regular menu with a small Mother's Day cocktail addition — no surcharge, no DJ. Editors' rating in our database: 4.8 of 5.
Cantina OK! (in CBD) the mezcal margarita is on the menu year-round for a reason, and the bartenders pour with intent. the corner table is held back for family bookings and the staff bring an extra glass of sparkling on the house. Editors' rating in our database: 4.7 of 5.
The Baxter Inn sits in CBD, and the room is what it should be — quiet without being precious, busy without being a queue. the 11am and 2pm slots are the picks; book either one as soon as the calendar opens. Editors' rating in our database: 4.7 of 5.
In Circular Quay, Bulletin Place the daily specials arrives in a coupe and the bar staff move at the right pace. the corner table is held back for family bookings and the staff bring an extra glass of sparkling on the house. Editors' rating in our database: 4.7 of 5.
The Lobo Plantation sits in CBD, and the door is unmarked enough to feel discovered and known enough to be reliable. the 11am and 2pm slots are the picks; book either one as soon as the calendar opens. Editors' rating in our database: 4.7 of 5.
At Shady Pines Saloon in Darlinghurst, the room is what it should be — quiet without being precious, busy without being a queue. Mother's Day brunch runs the regular menu with a small Mother's Day cocktail addition — no surcharge, no DJ. Editors' rating in our database: 4.7 of 5.
Order: Old Fashioned
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These last four are the editors' deeper-cut picks. Smaller rooms, more specific energy. If the first six feel obvious to you — meaning you have already been — start here.
Archie Rose Bar sits in Rosebery, and the archie rose gin sour is on the menu year-round for a reason, and the bartenders pour with intent. the corner table is held back for family bookings and the staff bring an extra glass of sparkling on the house. Editors' rating in our database: 4.7 of 5.
At Since I Left You in CBD, the avalanches highball is on the menu year-round for a reason, and the bartenders pour with intent. the 11am and 2pm slots are the picks; book either one as soon as the calendar opens. Editors' rating in our database: 4.7 of 5.
Opera Bar sits in Sydney Harbour, and the opera 75 arrives in a coupe and the bar staff move at the right pace. Mother's Day brunch runs the regular menu with a small Mother's Day cocktail addition — no surcharge, no DJ. Editors' rating in our database: 4.6 of 5.
At Untied in Surry Hills, the untied highball arrives in a coupe and the bar staff move at the right pace. Mother's Day brunch runs the regular menu with a small Mother's Day cocktail addition — no surcharge, no DJ. Editors' rating in our database: 4.6 of 5.
Order: Untied Highball
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Three Mother's Day rules. Book the 11am or 2pm slot — the noon-to-1pm window is loud. Skip the 'bottomless' offers; the picks on this list pour properly and the bill ends up the same. And ask the manager about a corner table when you book — most rooms on this list keep one back for family bookings.
Other seasonal Sydney guidesFrom New Year's Eve to Halloween - every annual Sydney occasion our editors cover, cross-linked.
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