Five Cool Bars in Australia Reinventing the Bartending Experience
From immersive ice-cold experiences to vintage-inspired, mood-lit settings, bars across Australia are pushing the boundaries of traditional bartending and creating unique experiences you won’t find at your local pub. Whether you’re a cocktail connoisseur or curious about the world of mixology, a night out at any of these venues promises to be one-of-a-kind.
Read on to discover our top picks to fun bars in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, each offering a bartending experience that’s far from ordinary.
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Inspired by the moody, underground bars of London and Paris, stepping into Death and Taxes is like entering a hidden gem where time stands still. The dim lighting creates a perfectly intimate atmosphere and the grand back bar displays an impressive collection of over 1000 spirit bottles, with something for every taste. Flip through the pages of the signature cocktail menu and you’ll find dozens of artfully crafted drinks, from classics reinvented to contemporary mixes.Read more -
It's perfect for a date that might end in a lock-in.You need to try the steak tartare, hand-chopped and totally iconic.Look out for the hidden entrance behind the glowing psychic sign.What if you could travel to New York without having to step foot on a plane? Nestled in the midst of Sydney’s CBD, Employees Only is an award-winning bar where timeless cocktail craftsmanship meets an intimate, yet vibrant ambience. Boasting a touch of theatre, the cocktail menu features NYC classics like the Amelia, along with Aussie-inspired creations for the adventurous drinker. Feeling hungry? The steak tartare is a must-try, but if sharing’s your thing, grab one of the many delicious share platters and feast with friends!Read more -
Read moreBuddy's Bar Newtown is Sydney's first self-serve boozer, where you pour your own pints, wines, and cocktails from over 40 taps. Set across two levels on King Street in Newtown, it’s a neon-lit spot with regular DJ sets that feel like a house party, only with better drinks and no queues. Expect a rotating lineup of local craft beers, natural wines, and house-made cocktails, plus a menu of crowd-pleasers like ribs, nachos, and snacky sides. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel like you belong.
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It's perfect for impressing out-of-towners and first dates you hope to keep.You need to try the kingfish sashimi, light, zesty and pretty as a picture.Look out for the 360-degree skyline view that slowly spins while you sip.What makes O Bar and Dining such a cool bar in Sydney is its unmatched location, perched 47 floors high, offering a breathtaking bird’s-eye view of the CBD. Equally as incredible? The range of creative mixed drinks, which you can sip on while enjoying 360° views stretching over the harbour. Boasting a collection of over 400 expertly selected spirits, as well as an Australian-focused wine menu, O Bar and Dining offers an unforgettable drinking experience as the circular dining room slowly revolves revealing stunning panoramic vistas.You spin me right round, baby, right round!Read more -
If it’s a vintage flair you’re after, look no further than The Everleigh, located in the heart of Melbourne's trendiest suburb. The soft candlelight and smooth jazz tunes will take you right back in time to the golden age of cocktails. Unsure what you’re after? A seasoned bartender can guide you through the extensive collection of handcrafted mixes to discover exactly what you're in the mood for – for the ultimate bespoke mixology journey.Read more