7 Cool Sydney Bars to Grab a Drink this Month

By Marie-Antoinette Issa.

Check out these seven Sydney bars doing cool things with drinks this month:

 

Zeta Bar at The Hilton is back and it’s as stylish as ever! With iconic city views and boundary-pushing cocktails designed by mixology maestro Grant Collins, this rooftop spot has everything you need for a dreamy evening out. The all-new ‘Renaissance’ menu offers creations like the ‘Salary Man,’ a playful vodka-yuzu concoction served with edible dollar bills. Stop by for Happy Hour between 5 pm and 7 pm, where $15 cocktails and stunning sunsets await. Or, come on Thursdays for ‘Martini & Vinyl’ nights, where Martinis meet vinyl classics for the ultimate retro-chic experience.

 

The Woollahra Hotel is in full fiesta mode with its Festival of Tequila! Running until December 1, this pop-up terrace is a paradise for Mexican lovers - with frozen Margarita Slushies and $15 Don Julio cocktails. Weekends are extra special with a $89 pp Mexican-Asian bottomless brunch, including bottomless Mimosas, beers and wines and plates like charred bavette baos and chipotle chicken tingas. For the ultimate Mex mood, don’t miss the live Mariachi band performances. 

 

Wine meets a waterside paradise at Wine Island 2024 at Gap Bluff, Watsons Bay. From November 29 to December 1, explore cellar doors from iconic wineries, sip coastal gins and tequilas and enjoy bites from the Flavour Fiesta. Wine Island also brings a "Pottery & Plonk” class, yoga sessions and a silent disco - because why just sip when you can salsa, right? If you’re feeling fancy, grab a First-class ticket for VIP treatment, complete with oyster tastings and prime views over the harbour.

As well as the introduction of the ‘All You Can Spritz’ bottomless lunch at Pier Dining (almost - exactly as it sounds - with the opportunity to indulge in a decadent lunch and four spritz cocktails), this month Pier One Sydney Harbour is transforming its private pontoon into the Pool by Pier Bar. Located on the hotel’s private pontoon - and featuring a swimmable, netted pool and floating lounge chairs - it’s the ideal setting to enjoy the sweeping views of Walsh Bay and immerse yourself in the Sydney Summer. With a selection of fresh seafood dishes and signature cocktails (like the Pier Iced Vovo and Pier Margarita) on the menu, it's a different way to do drinks with a view.

 

After a multi-million-dollar makeover, Bungalow 8 is back on the wharf and better than ever! Following its recent reopening, this two-level waterfront venue now features reservable cabanas, an upstairs cocktail lounge and unbeatable views of Darling Harbour. Whether you’re unwinding with a few friends or kicking off a night out, Bungalow 8’s got your back with delicious drinks and a fresh, glamorous vibe that’s perfect for both day and night.

Perched atop the Cartier flagship at George and King Streets, Joji is a stunning rooftop gem all its own. One that merges the Japanese principles of shibui (simple), wabi sabi (perfectly imperfect), datsuzoku (beyond ordinary) into a lively cocktail menu, featuring playful interpretations of Japanese-inspired dishes. As the sun sets, Joji transforms from a tranquil lounge to a vibrant nightlife spot with live DJ sets and vinyl sessions. Treat yourself to innovative cocktails like the Bamboo, a refreshing blend of tequila, tomato and apricot, or delight in the late-night menu, which features a bold Wagyu Bolognese burger. 

 

Surry Hills staple Li'l Darlin is crossing the bridge and bringing its playful cocktails to Crows Nest, making it a must-visit this month. With the recent expansion, this vibrant venue offers a stellar cocktail menu featuring fan favourites like the original Fairy Floss Martini, along with new creations such as the ‘Gin There Done That’ and ‘Better the Devil You Know’. The bar also boasts a lively atmosphere with a variety of promotions, including Taco Tuesdays and Wine Down Wednesdays.