Best Bars in Sydney

Esteban is a CBD restaurant and bar well known for exceptional Mexican cuisine and cocktails in a dark, romantic fine-dining ambience. It’s one of the best bars in Sydney for mezcal and tequila lovers alike.

Employees Only is an award-winning cocktail bar hidden behind an unassuming psychic sign. It combines flawlessly executed cocktails with delicious food in a beautiful space.

O Bar is Sydney’s only revolving cocktail bar. Graze on the delicious food menu and take in the spectacular 360-degree views, 47 floors above the city. It’s one of the best bars in the Sydney CBD for a date night.

Hickson House in The Rocks is home to Hickson House Gin — the first of many spirits to be distilled here. An impressive bar stocks over 600 bottles from all over the world, with a strong focus on Australian-made spirits, including hard-to-find whiskies. With its ever-evolving cocktail list, it’s a definite must-visit for liquor lovers wanting to enjoy something new.

Dean and Nancy offer views of Sydney’s skyline in the surrounds of mid-century decadence with gold-veined marble and a curved brass staircase and some of the best cocktails in town. Perched high in the sky at A by Adina Hotel, this 1950s-inspired bar delivers old-school hospitality with a modern twist.

Filled with lush greenery and florals, this newly transformed rooftop terrace space in the heart of the Sydney CBD, is an idyllic escape for after-work drinks at the 5-7pm happy hour, or Saturday afternoons with live music.

Bridges Lane Bar is housed within a heritage-listed building in Sydney’s CBD and offers a private bar and event space with marble, customised velvet and an opulent cocktail bar. Its moody interiors make it one of the best bars in Sydney’s CBD for small events, private bookings or an intimate night out.

Located in the heart of Sydney's CBD, Menzies Bar & Bistro pays homage to the legendary Menzies Hotel. This European-inspired venue offers a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere, featuring a menu that showcases modern, produce-forward dishes alongside a curated selection of cocktails and wines.

The Bar at the Intercontinental Hotel in Double Bay is a glamorous venue. The Bar has curated a masterpiece series of cocktails with something for everyone’s desire to be enjoyed with exceptional food, including Kaluga caviar.

Bright, breezy and full of tropical energy, Cabana Bar brings a splash of coastal charm to the CBD. Its large terrace, vibrant décor and upbeat vibe make it one of the best bars in Sydney for alfresco cocktails and lively catch-ups.

Highland Whiskey Bar is full of old-world charm, with polished oak and marble, and welcomes both hotel guests and those looking for a place to relax and unwind in elegant surroundings.

The Baxter Inn is a Sydney icon known for its staggering whiskey collection and hidden basement location. It’s dimly lit, always buzzing and hands-down one of the best bars in the Sydney CBD for a dram or three.

Rover Bar is a bustling neighbourhood bar and bistro in Surry Hills serving world-class cocktails, freshly shucked oysters and bistro classics that can be enjoyed at their copper-topped bar. It’s one of the best bars in Surry Hills for its personality and produce-driven drinks, bringing London pub meets New York Bistro energy to this vibrant inner-city neighbourhood.

A love letter to Australian produce and native ingredients, The Waratah combines heritage pub charm with rooftop energy. Enjoy house cocktails with a local twist and a food menu that supports small producers, all in one of the Inner East’s most inviting settings.

Playful, stylish and consistently ranked among the world’s best, Maybe Sammy is a cocktail bar like no other. Expect tuxedo-clad bartenders, award-winning drinks and spontaneous entertainment. A true gem in the Sydney bar scene.

With a hidden entrance and vintage decor, Old Mates Place is one of the best rooftop bars in the city. This bar blends classic cocktails with modern concoctions — perfect for a relaxed evening or an impromptu night out.