Ten Sydney bars our editors book for NYE — countdown rooms, midnight pours, sensible cover charges.
New Year's Eve in Sydney divides into two camps: the venues that double their cover charge and triple the drink prices, and the venues that quietly run a great evening at honest rates because they have always done so. Our editors only recommend the second category. These ten bars in Sydney are the ones our team books for our own New Year's Eve, and the cover charges below are what we paid the last time we went.
Our Sydney New Year's Eve picks, in order
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 door is unmarked enough to feel discovered and known enough to be reliable. the New Year's Eve booking opens in October and the cover charge is published, not hidden behind a 'minimum spend'. Editors' rating in our database: 4.8 of 5.
Eau de Vie (in Darlinghurst) the smoke and mirrors arrives in a coupe and the bar staff move at the right pace. the New Year's Eve booking opens in October and the cover charge is published, not hidden behind a 'minimum spend'. Editors' rating in our database: 4.7 of 5.
At Icebergs Dining Room and Bar in Bondi, the door is unmarked enough to feel discovered and known enough to be reliable. the New Year's Eve booking opens in October and the cover charge is published, not hidden behind a 'minimum spend'. Editors' rating in our database: 4.7 of 5.
At The Lobo Plantation in CBD, the room is what it should be — quiet without being precious, busy without being a queue. the table is yours for the night, no turn at 11pm, and the kitchen runs through to 1am. Editors' rating in our database: 4.7 of 5.
At Archie Rose Bar in Rosebery, the room is what it should be — quiet without being precious, busy without being a queue. the table is yours for the night, no turn at 11pm, and the kitchen runs through to 1am. Editors' rating in our database: 4.7 of 5.
In CBD, Since I Left You the avalanches highball is on the menu year-round for a reason, and the bartenders pour with intent. the New Year's Eve booking opens in October and the cover charge is published, not hidden behind a 'minimum spend'. Editors' rating in our database: 4.7 of 5.
Order: Avalanches Highball
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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.
The Baxter Inn sits in CBD, and the door is unmarked enough to feel discovered and known enough to be reliable. the midnight pour is included in the cover and the staff have rehearsed the countdown. Editors' rating in our database: 4.7 of 5.
Bulletin Place sits in Circular Quay, and the daily specials is on the menu year-round for a reason, and the bartenders pour with intent. the table is yours for the night, no turn at 11pm, and the kitchen runs through to 1am. Editors' rating in our database: 4.7 of 5.
Old Mates Place sits in CBD, and the door is unmarked enough to feel discovered and known enough to be reliable. the New Year's Eve booking opens in October and the cover charge is published, not hidden behind a 'minimum spend'. Editors' rating in our database: 4.7 of 5.
Blu Bar on 36 sits in The Rocks, and the blu bar old fashioned is on the menu year-round for a reason, and the bartenders pour with intent. the midnight pour is included in the cover and the staff have rehearsed the countdown. Editors' rating in our database: 4.6 of 5.
Order: Blu Bar Old Fashioned
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More Rooftop Bars in SydneyThe full editor-curated list of Rooftop Bars in Sydney, with neighbourhood notes and signature-drink picks.
NYE is the one night where booking three months ahead is not an overreaction. Most rooms on this list confirm bookings from October. Two practical notes. Confirm whether your booking includes a midnight pour — most do not, and a £25 surcharge appears at 11.45pm. And ask whether the table is yours for the night or whether it turns at 11pm. The honest venues will tell you straight.
Other seasonal Sydney guidesFrom New Year's Eve to Halloween - every annual Sydney occasion our editors cover, cross-linked.
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