Sydney's bar scene transformed when small-bar laws relaxed in 2008. Ten years on, the city has one of Asia-Pacific's most consistent drinking scenes. Maybe Sammy has won World's Best Bar; Eau de Vie has been on the list since 2013. The 10 below cover the CBD, Surry Hills and Bondi — Sydney's three drinking quadrants. Most are walkable in pairs.
Part of our 50 Best Bars in the World listThis article is one chapter in our larger global guide. See the full pillar with every featured city.
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The 10 best bars in Sydney
01 · Sydney
The Rocks
$$$
Pastel · Showmanship
Stefano Catino and Andrea Gualdi's Vegas-meets-Sydney room. The choreography is the show, but the drinks are technically excellent.
Order: Sammy Special (vodka, lime, prosecco)
02 · Sydney
Circular Quay
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Daily-changing menu
The menu changes every day based on whatever produce arrives. Tim Philips's room is a model of seasonal cocktailing.
Order: Whatever's on today — they pour confidently
03 · Sydney
Darlinghurst
$$$
Speakeasy · Reservations
Through the Kirketon Hotel. Sven Almenning's room. Reservation-only. Classics-driven menu, exceptional spirits cellar.
Order: Bartender's choice with rye
04 · Sydney
CBD
$$
Down an alley · 800+ whiskies
At the back of an alley off York Street. Australia's most encyclopaedic whisky list — over 800 expressions.
Order: A Japanese whisky neat
05 · Sydney
CBD
$$
Tiki-leaning · Cuban
Cuban-inspired tropical cocktail bar. Rum-deep program, late hours, the Sydney rum specialist.
Order: A Mai Tai or a Cuba Libre with their reserve aged rum
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06 · Sydney
CBD
$$
Speakeasy · Through a stairwell
At the top of an unmarked stairwell. Multi-room layout, classics-led menu, the Sydney CBD speakeasy template.
Order: Bartender's choice
07 · Sydney
CBD
$$
Tiny · Mezcal-led
Sister bar to Tio's. Tiny, mezcal-led, intimate. The Mexican-spirit specialist of Sydney.
Order: A flight of mezcals + a Margarita al Pastor
08 · Sydney
CBD
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Cocktail bar · Modern
Modern CBD cocktail bar with a sister soda factory. House-made syrups and tonics built into a serious modern menu.
Order: A drink built around their house-made tonic
09 · Sydney
Circular Quay
$$
Open-air · Bridge view
Outdoor bar directly underneath the Sydney Opera House sails. Direct view of the Harbour Bridge. Touristy because it deserves to be.
Order: An icy beer, bridge side
10 · Sydney
Bondi
$$$$
Pool view · Ocean front
On top of the iconic Bondi Icebergs swimming pool, with the entire Bondi sweep below. The bar is its own room separate from the restaurant.
Order: A spritz, looking at the Pacific
More Sydney bars by categoryCocktail, rooftop, hidden gem — the full Sydney index.
See the full list
How Sydney drinks at world-class level
Sydney's small-bar revolution produced a generation of bartenders who now compete globally. Maybe Sammy and Eau de Vie are the technical bookends. The Baxter Inn delivers the encyclopaedic whisky experience. The harbour-side rooms (Opera Bar, Icebergs) are the view-bars worth a separate evening. Most cocktail bars peak between 9 and 11 PM; CBD rooms run until 3 AM weekends.
