SYDNEY PUBS AND BARS
Eau De Vie, 229 Darlinghurst Rd, Darlinghurst +61 2 9357 2470
Dark, quiet, high-end cocktail bar for people who are serious about their drinks or molecular mixology! Think liquid nitrogen martinis and bills ending with two zeros after the first number.
The Flinders Hotel, 63 Flinders St, Darlinghurst +61 2 9356 3622
A YOLO favourite. Sydney’s answer to a NYC dive bar where you feel at home whether there are 2 or 200 people surrounding you. One of the only good places open late (till 5am).
The Norfolk, 305 Cleveland Street Surry Hills +61 2 9699 31773
From the same family as the Flinders, this place follows on with a similar vibe to its big brother. Perfect for pre-Porteno drinks or weekend boozing with friends. Beautiful courtyard out the back for summertime, and south of America inspired drink and snacks. Try the Lagerita (beer and margarita) It’s a winner.
Porteno (upstairs), 358 Cleveland Street, Surry Hills +61 2 8399 1440
It would be a crime to go to this place without eating some meat downstairs but if you are not that way inclined then you will definitely enjoy the substitute of drinking in the upstairs bar or tables in the adjoining lounge. A huge cocktail list that puts a twist on old classics.
The Passage, 231A Victoria Street, Darlinghurst +61 2 9358 6116
A relevant name, considering this bar will be the narrowest one you’ve ever stepped foot in. It is cozy and intimate though, with a communal dining table at the front (serving tapas till late), and a cocktail bar in the back, boasting one of the most original cocktail lists in Sydney. Try the Pork Margarita with a pork-crackling rim, a Beetnik, made with spiced beetroot puree and served with a baby carrot, or for the sweet tooths, the Machine Gun Jubblies – spiced rum, espresso, maple syrup and macadamia nut butter.
Icebergs Dining Room and Bar, 1 Notts Avenue +61 2 9365 9000
Not only is the Icebergs one of Sydney’s finest restaurants, it also has one of Sydney’s finest bars. The view from this place cannot be beaten, rain, hail or shine. But add in an afternoon breeze, a selection of classic cocktails and a crab sandwich from the bar, and you are now winning.
Shady Pines Saloon, 256 Crown St, Darlinghurst
Like your favourite old western shirt, this USA themed beer and whiskey den is perfect for drinking, cussing, and picking up a partner and putting them in the back of your truck.
Hemmesphere, 252 George Street, Sydney +61 2 9240 3040
Upstairs at the Establishment, this is one super sophisticated cocktail bar. Have dinner first at Sushi e, the fanciest sushi bar in Sydney, then stroll into the Hemmesphere lounge for a seemingly endless list of delicious cocktails.
Pocket Bar, 13 Burton Street, Darlinghurst +61 2 9380 7002
Hip and urban with lots of places to park your fixed gear bike outside. Yum French crepes, impressive cocktails and a chilled vibe, except for when it’s so busy that you can’t get in the door.
Miss G’s, 155 Victoria Street, Potts Point +61 2 9240 3000
Dan Hong’s (Lotus) new joint. Asian/Vietnamese share food and a Brookln-esque cocktail bar with quirky cocktails. Try the awesome slushies.
Ching-a-lings, 133 Oxford St Darlinghurst +61 2 9360 3333
Fun, young hipster crowd, good music, good drinks, a no-stress place to be whether it’s for one hour or five.
Hotel Hollywood, 2 Foster Street, Surry Hills +61 2 9281 2765
One of the only untouched art deco pubs left in Sydney. A beautiful old building for which this place deserves a medal. Right across the road from Longrain and around the corner from Spice I am, the perfect spot for a pre or post dinner bevy.
Grasshopper, Temperance Lane, Sydney +61 2 9947 9025
A mid city hotspot. Not many places in town cater for cool after work drinks, but this place does. The food is great (try the pork 5 ways). The cocktail bar is downstairs where all of the drinks are served in jars.
