Sydney CBD Bars & Pubs

When it comes to an evening of drinking few cities in the world can match the Sydney CBD for its sheer quality of pubs and bars. From trendy cocktail bars and rooftop gin joints, to hip gastropubs and secluded rum dens, the best bars and pubs in the Sydney CBD are a guaranteed good night out. There are so many venues in the CBD to choose from and they all offer something different in terms of alcoholic beverages, decor and vibe. Here is a list of some of our favourite places to visit.

Angel Hotel

The Victorian Gothic architecture combined with the dimly-lit interior transports patrons to a time of centuries past. Reading lights accompany tall bookcases befitting a library, lending itself to a mostly domestic wine menu. This rarefied character is paired with an extensive live sports schedule, as the bar regularly shows AFL, NBA and A-League Soccer.

125 Pitt St Sydney CBD 2000

Burrow Bar

This basement bar was nominated for Australian Bartender Magazine's Bar of the Year, which speaks of its pedigree when serving up exceptional cocktails. Indeed, other drinks are available, but the ever-growing spirit collection (usually as wide as the interior wall) is enough to tempt any hardened beer drinker.

96 Clarence St Sydney CBD 2000

Cantina OK!

A small container situated a few streets from SEA LIFE, Cantina OK! particularises in agave spirits and subsidiary Mexican cocktails. Drinks come in all shapes and sizes as the menu changes at pace. Offerings seldom sit on their laurels and neither will you as there are no seats as guests are encouraged to stand and mingle with one another.

Council Pl Sydney CBD 2000

Establishment Bar

Walking into Establishment Bar is quite the experience, the central pillars, vaulted ceiling and marbled interior give it a distinct Ancient Rome feeling. The architecture alone is worth visiting but the menu will make you stay considering the incredible Thai-Australian fusion menu which has produced such favourites as the chicken schnitzel.

Ground Floor, 252 George St Sydney CBD 2000

Grandma's Bar

Who doesn't love visiting Grandma's? Groovy decorations from yesteryear, enough biscuits as you want and delicious cocktails. Ok, maybe there's a distinction between your grandma's house and Grandma's bar - but the same principles apply. There are kitsch unchallenging cocktails and side dishes to ensure you are suitably watered and fed.

Basement/275 Clarence St Sydney CBD 2000

Jackalberry

Just a few steps from Darling Harbour, Jackalberry has imported culture from around the world to assemble a refined yet diverse offering. Explore flavours from across multiple continents as this high-end interior offers great comfort. Make sure to visit during the happy hour for scrumptious $8 cocktails!

161 Sussex St Sydney CBD 2000

Old Mate's Place

What else could want than a library-saloon rooftop cocktail bar? Old Mate's Place offers all such pleasantries with an ever-growing collection of plants to delight any budding botanist. The cocktails are vibrant and the meats are varied. Many however tip the Devil's Three-Way Cheese Steak as a solid choice.

level 4/199 Clarence St Sydney CBD 2000

Papa Gede's Bar

Want a coffee? Want a cocktail? Given the opening hours, you can join York Lane for your morning flat white then an espresso martini after work. Eco-conscious owners have made an effort to repurpose old materials; with effective use of old salad bowls as lampshades! The food menu is known for its heavy cheese content with favorites including the nachos.

348 Kent St Sydney CBD 2000

PS40

If you're looking for juicy innovative cocktails then PS40 might be the place for you. The sleek monochrome design adds to the mystique hidden in the daily changing menu. Look out for the Breakfast Negroni, a cocktail that gained great popularity it now has its line of merchandise!

Skittle Ln Sydney CBD 2000

RAMBLIN RASCAL

Want to sink into a leather booth with inventive cocktails? Ramblin Rascal is a self-proclaimed dive bar that has a speciality menu dedicated to the award-winning whisky distillery, Balvenie from Aberdeen in Scotland. Ease into your seat as you ponder the 20 or 30-year reserve while the band tune-up for the next number in this lively whisky bar.

Basement/60 Park St Sydney CBD 2000

Redoak Boutique Beer Cafe

Looking for a craft beer straight from the source? Redoak has you covered. The brewery pours its beer from multiple taps with a delightful variety including the critically acclaimed Aussie Lager which took awards in the 2016 Sydney Royal Beer Show. Feeling peckish? Try out the beer-and-food tasting session which promotes the best in local produce.

Since I Left You

Since I Left You is tucked between heritage status buildings in the central business district. Once uncovered there's more than meets the eye as this urban courtyard not only serves up gourmet toasties; but has hip-and-happening events illuminated by distinct fairy lights. Expect bougie cocktails to accompany poetry slams and disco nights.

338 Kent St Sydney CBD 2000

Stitch Bar

Stitch Bar blends the locality of the cool harbour drinking culture of Wynyard with inspiration from late-night New York diners, giving a unique Australian-American experience. The shelves boast an impressive amount of liquor - and if you're hungry, take a bite from the US-led menu containing hot dogs and burgers.

61 York St Sydney CBD 2000

The Baxter Inn

Looking for a cultured drink with vintage Americana? The Baxter Inn gives off an aura of 1920s American prohibition from its design and its playlist containing exclusively blues and jazz. Whisky is the preferred drink here with many to choose from. The Baxter Inn believes in living in the moment - so just turn up as there's a 'no booking' policy.

152-156 Clarence St Sydney CBD 2000

The Captains Balcony

What this snug three-storey bar lacks in size, is more than made up by a collection of liquors to make any mixologist drool with excitement. The Captain's Balcony emphasizes its vast collection of whisky with over 20 Japanese whiskies alone. If that's not your tipple, then there's a lot more available including a hunger-inducing burger menu.

46 Erskine St Sydney CBD 2000

The Fox Hole

After-work drinks in downtown Sydney might never as been sophisticated until the Fox Hole opened its doors on Erskine Street. The extensive menu is complemented by knowledgeable staff who take pride in having over 100 gins behind the bar. The weekend takes a slant on afternoon tea, with its infamous Gin and Tea experiences.

68A Erskine St Sydney CBD 2000

The Lobo

Enjoy your rum? Look no further than the Caribbean-themed bar, the Lobo. The welcoming interior speaks of riches from across the seas; comfort is most welcomed considering there are over 250 types of rum to choose from - the decision is worth considering. In addition, you can peck at the offerings from the Cuban kitchen with sandwiches and cured meats available.

basement lot 1/209 Clarence St Sydney CBD 2000

The Occidental Hotel

Down by Wynyard station, the Occidental Hotel offers a cozy home from home whether you're in one of the two bars or the Fairmont restaurant. The d'cor lacks pretention, adding to the overall charm as it effortlessly provides an authentic hospitality experience with an extensive food and drink menu.

43 York St Sydney CBD 2000

The Royal George

Enter this mood-lit exposed brick to get that 'old English' pub vibe, with true rustic grub including hearty burgers, pan-fried salmon and gloriously loaded fries. The interior boasts vintage leather loungers overlooking d'cor including a mounted deer head, for that true 'drinking for drinkers' experience.

320 George St Sydney CBD 2000

Uncle Mings

Have you entered an underground realm from Blade Runner? Uncle Mings is a gateway to oriental hedonism with dumplings, tempura prawns and spring rolls to whet any appetite. Of course, you'll need something to drink, here you can board a shinkansen of Japanese alcohol with sake, plum wine and yuzu liqueurs.

Basement/49 York St Sydney CBD 2000

York Lane

Want a coffee? Want a cocktail? Given the opening hours, you can join York Lane for your morning flat white then an espresso martini after work. Eco-conscious owners have made an effort to repurpose old materials; with effective use of old salad bowls as lampshades! The food menu is known for its heavy cheese content with favorites including the nachos.

York Ln Sydney CBD 2000

Zephyr

How does a sky-high harbour view with oysters and a rum cocktail sound? Zephyr might be the place for you should you desire such pleasures. Situated on the twelfth floor of the Hyatt Regency Hotel, this rooftop cocktail bar has crafted experimental cocktails to match the stunning views. Bookings are suggested for all events, including the popular Yoga mornings!

Level 12/161 Sussex St Sydney CBD 2000