By Marie-Antoinette Issa.
Sydney’s bar scene is shaking things up and serving a splash of something special for every mood, moment and mate. Whether you’re raising a glass to dazzling harbour views, clocking off with a well-earned ‘pour-formance review’ alongside work pals or treating your four-legged bestie to a howlin’ good time on a rooftop, these eight hotspots have you covered.
From date-night delights to Sunday session stunners, you’ll find the perfect sip to match your vibe. Bottoms up!
For a Romantic Date Night: Sax
By day Sax at Barrangaroo doubles as a cafe serving strong coffee and brunch classics, but the real magic happens at night, when it transforms from a cosy caffeine joint into an intimate lounge bar with an unmistakable charm. The sultry sounds of live music, low lighting and expertly crafted cocktails make it a no-brainer for date night. The signature sharing plates - think lobster ravioli and perfectly crisp zucchini flowers - are best enjoyed with someone special. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch a live saxophonist serenading the room while you sip on one of Sydney’s best Martinis.
For After-work Drinks: Verandah Bar
Nestled in the heart of Sydney’s CBD, Verandah Bar is your after-work sanctuary. An inner-city jungle oasis that serves up refreshing tap beers, handcrafted cocktails and elevated pub fare, so you can catch up with colleagues and let your hair down.
While office politics may be rife between 9-5, come 5.30 pm almost everyone will agree that Verandah’s steak sandwich deserves a promotion. Think, a tender sirloin steak, caramelised onion and a touch of aioli that makes it the ultimate pub snack.
For Harbour Views: Solaré
There’s no shortage of bars with brilliant harbour views in Sydney. Like The Glenmore at the Rocks, Zephyr Sky Bar in the Hyatt Regency and Arturos’s Rooftop atop Sydney’s historic Woolly Bay. However, for one that offers breathtaking vistas from all angles, head into - or should that be onto - Solaré - the new three-level 150-foot superyacht floating in the middle of Sydney Harbour.
Dine in the elegant dining room for coastal Italian cuisine by Executive Chef Pablo Tordesillas, sip cocktails on the terrace or lounge on the sun deck with daybeds and channel a Euro escape with an inimitable Aussie edge. On any level, Solaré is set to combine Mediterranean-inspired sophistication with spectacular Sydney Harbour views when it launches next month.
For Vacation Vibes: Hacienda
If you’re craving a mini tropical escape with a dash of Latin American flair, head to Hacienda in Circular Quay.
Hacienda’s lush, tropical aesthetic - with its pastel pinks, greenery-draped interiors and retro-chic decor - instantly transports you to a Cuban-inspired paradise. The lively atmosphere, complete with Latin beats and an inviting buzz, makes it the perfect spot for sunset drinks or a fun night out with friends. Pair your cocktails with delectable share plates, such as zesty ceviche or Manchego arepas, for a complete vacation vibe. Whether it’s a casual date or a special celebration, Hacienda brings the charm of Havana to the heart of Sydney.
For Your Four-legged Friend: Harper Rooftop Bar at The Kimpton Margot
Sydney’s most pet-friendly rooftop bar is the Harper. Perched atop the Kimpton Margot hotel, this art deco-inspired escape welcomes furry friends of all shapes and sizes. In fact, according to its official motto, ‘If it fits in the lift, it’s welcome to stay!’
Indulge in playfully crafted cocktails and cater to your poochie pals with pup lounges, pet beds, food bowls and a concierge list of nearby pet-friendly spots. Who said the paw-fect spot to drink with your doggy didn’t exist?
For Authentic Drinks: Buckle Café & Distillery and Depot Brewery
At Buckle Café & Distillery, craft spirits take centre stage. This venue distills its own vodka, gin and whisky onsite, ensuring that every cocktail is infused with authenticity and expertise. Highlights from the cocktail menu include the irresistible Buckle x Black Market Espresso Martini (featuring Buckle Vodka, Black Market Cold Brew and Coffee Liqueur) and the zesty Spiced Honey Daiquiri (crafted with Spiced Black Rum, honey and lime).
Right next door is Buckle’s ‘big brother’, Depot Brewery - an expansive 250-seat venue with house-brewed beers, handcrafted pizzas and a bistro-style menu. Helmed by award-winning brewers Ady Fitter and Ian Roxburgh and housed in a thoughtfully renovated heritage space, Depot pays homage to its industrial roots with exposed brick, open rafters and six towering 3000 L fermenters.
For Big Groups: Lady Banks
Bankstown may be better known for its football team, but Lady Banks Rooftop Bar offers another winning reason to head west. Here, perched 10 stories above the bustling streets of the city, this rooftop oasis officially stands as Sydney’s largest, offering panoramic views that stretch all the way to the Blue Mountains. With its vintage-inspired touches, cascading blooms, twinkling festoon lights and ceiling of suspended greenery, the space exudes understated elegance, inspired by its namesake Lady Banks rose.
At the heart of Lady Banks is a sprawling 390 sq m terrace on the southeast side - specifically designed to accommodate large gatherings. Whether you're planning a milestone celebration, corporate event, private party or cocktail reception, this versatile space can be tailored to meet your vision.
For Sunday Sessions: The Light Brigade
If your preferred sipping timeslot is on a Sunday afternoon, we suggest pulling up a seat at The Light Brigade in Woollahra. Head to the Ground Level’s Brigade Bar and catch the last footy match of the weekend alongside a tasty pub classic. Lock in a late lunch with casual share plates as well as more substantial mains at Brigade Bistro on Level 1; or, place your order for your preferred let's-pretend-it's-not-Monday-tomorrow drink on the leafy Rooftop Terrace. Sitting 83 metres above sea level, it offers views of the Sydney skyline, day or night.
