Whether you’re on the hunt for a new gin and tonic, a cosmopolitan cocktail, or just an ice-cold beer, these cocktail bars in Sydney have everything you need. Plus, some of them have their own juke boxes.
Cantina OK!
Cantina OK is a mezcal and cocktail bar in Sydney’s CBD. The small bar has been in the making for two years. This slickly designed space, complete with an ornate Nepalese ice-carving machine and dozens of mezcals, is one of the newest and hippest places to snag a drink in town.
What sets Cantina OK apart from the rest of the pack is its esoteric apotheosis of mezcal. You will find dozens of mezcals on display, along with a handful of home-made liqueurs. There is also a fine wine list and a beer list, including a surprisingly large number of mezcal-based seltzers.
The most impressive aspect of the Cantina OK is its ability to source and display the most exotic agave based spirits available in the world. It has become the first and only licensed distributor of a range of rare agave distillates in Australia. They are also on the leading edge of a trend where small businesses sell liquor that is made from lesser known, and even more rare agave varieties.
Employees Only
Employees Only is one of the world’s most famous cocktail bars. The bar has gained a worldwide following for its well-crafted cocktails, as well as its burlesque dancers.
In addition to its original New York location, Employees Only has opened in Miami, Singapore, Hong Kong and more. It has also planted its flag in Sydney.
The New York speakeasy has a reputation for serving sophisticated cocktails, as well as delicious food and a wide selection of wine. On Friday nights, the bar is home to DJ performances.
The restaurant has a menu that features classic dishes from the East Village. From prawn and crab linguine to barbecued spatchcock, guests can enjoy a taste of New York in Australia.
Employees Only has a unique charm, with dark timber and brass highlights. The walls and tables are lined with velvet booths, which give the place a glamorous vibe. Also, a psychic sign hangs over the door, a hint that this is a secretive spot.
Arcadia Liquors
Arcadia Liquors is a cosy and friendly bar in Redfern, Sydney. Located near Redfern Station, this tavern offers a wide range of drinks. From a classic cocktail to a craft beer, Arcadia offers an array of options. Its menu also features reasonable food.
A new wave of creative bars has started to reinvigorate the city’s nightlife scene. These bars are often hidden, but are worth seeking out. They are not as glitzy as the mega-clubs of the past, and offer the chance to enjoy a low-key drink.
The bar is open from Mon to Sun, and closes at midnight. There are also pop-up food vendors on occasion. In addition, it is a pet-friendly venue.
The bar is located in a small, unassuming space, surrounded by greenery and exposed brick. The venue is partly sheltered against the sky, and allows smoking in the courtyard.
If you’re looking for an unusual bar in Sydney, Arcadia is one to consider. The venue has a funky, Rat Pack-inspired drinks parlour. The menu contains clever, signature drinks. Also, the staff are very friendly.
Ramblin’ Rascal Tavern
Ramblin’ Rascal Tavern is a dive bar located in Sydney’s CBD. It was established in 2014 by ex-Baxter Inn owner Charlie Lehmann. The bar is located in the basement of a nondescript city office building.
Ramblin’ Rascal offers a unique drinking experience. The bar is tucked away in a corner of the CBD. You’ll be able to escape the crowds of the city and enjoy the cozy and dark atmosphere.
Ramblin’ Rascal Tavern serves craft beer, burgers and cognac. They also host live music every Thursday.
This bar is known for its great drinks, especially its cocktails. For instance, their cocktail, the Pegu Club, is made with Beefeater gin, lime and Cointreau. Other cocktails include the Twelve Gauge Grog, made with overproof rum, and the Tombstone, which is made with Jim Beam rye.
Rambling Rascal’s is a hub of fun, good times and great drinks. It’s an ode to the cocktail scene in Australia. It’s a favourite with Sydneysiders.
Double Deuce Lounge
Double Deuce is a bar that serves up cocktails and good beer. The bar is located in Potts Point, on the northern side of the CBD. Known for its 70s-inspired design, the bar has moody lighting, blond timber, and a “kissing booth”.
This cocktail bar is the result of a collaboration between two award-winning Sydney bars. Ramblin’ Rascal and Double Deuce Lounge are owned by the same team. They’re both a few minutes away from each other, and they share a similar aesthetic.
Both bars are run by a bartending crew with serious chops. They’ve earned awards for their work, and they’re known for their t-shirts. In addition to their drinks, they also offer free Goldfish crackers and a local wine list.
The name of the Double Deuce Lounge comes from the Patrick Swayze movie Road House. It’s also a riff on the Stinger. But this is no ordinary riff. Instead, it’s a drink that packs a serious punch.
Matt Whiley’s
Matt Whiley is a UK expat who has made his mark on the world of drinks, and he is set to open a new bar in Sydney in 2021. His new venture will be called RE- bar, and it will feature an avant-garde cocktail menu and a sustainable approach to drinking.
RE- bar is the brainchild of two hospitality heavyweights, Matt Whiley and Maurice Terzini. Its ethos is to recycle and repurpose everything. In fact, every aspect of the bar is considered in terms of its sustainability.
Re- bar uses recycled milk bottles to create tabletops, and a pineapple-leaf fibre ‘leather’ on its banquettes. Guests will also enjoy a number of bespoke cocktails.
The bar will have an 80 seat capacity, and will offer a regenerative drinking experience. Its innovative approach to waste will make it one of the world’s first permanent no-waste bars.
Whiley is a mixologist and global bar consultant. He has worked in some of the best London bars and restaurants, and his latest project, RE- bar, is set to make waves in Sydney.
Earl’s Juke Joint
Earl’s Juke Joint is a popular cocktail bar in Sydney. It’s named after the famous New Orleans drummer, Earl Palmer. He is credited with creating the backbeat for rock’n’roll. Besides serving a wide variety of craft beers and natural wines, the bar serves up classic cocktails.
The atmosphere is casual and casual music is played throughout the day. If you’re looking for a date night, this is the place for you. You can enjoy a wide variety of drinks and batched cocktails, while listening to live music.
The menu is a mix of prohibition classics and bespoke cocktails. The drinks are mixed to perfection. This is one of the best Sydney bars, and the staff knows how to make tasty drinks.
Earl’s Juke Joint has an eclectic crowd. It’s open Tuesday-Sunday. They’ve been around for years, but it’s also one of the newest. Owner Pasan Wijesena wanted to open a bar that had a good vibe and served up great drinks.
Newtown’s HQ for dynamite cold cuts, killer cheeses and canned cocktails
If you’re looking for the best in class cocktail bar, there are a few options to choose from. Among them is the venerable Pinkerton’s in the heart of Leslieville. Aside from its famous martinis and sangria, Pinkerton’s boasts a fun and interactive environment where patrons can watch the pros make cocktails and sing along to some of the city’s finest. Alternatively, you can enjoy some of the more formal dining experiences on the a la carte menu, which ranges from sushi to seafood to steaks.
While you are at it, you might as well try a few of the more inventive beverages on offer, like the one-of-a-kind scotch ice cream concoctions. During the warmer months, you can also take in some of the area’s most refreshing brews on tap. As for the rest of the year, if you’re not in the mood for full-service a la carte dining, you can also take in the tasty fare at the adjacent Bodega, which is operated by the Porteno Group.
Frankie’s Pizza
If you’re looking for a place to start your night or wind down after a busy day, Frankie’s Pizza is the place for you. It offers a range of Italian wines and craft beers and has a karaoke machine – a must if you’re into music.
The bar is located on Hunter Street in Sydney. You can find the venue by using its website or contact information. This venue isn’t open all the time, so be sure to call or email to check the hours.
There are two areas within Frankie’s, the front and the back. The front is a bit more bare bones and the back is much more exclusive. It was once used by bands and has the feel of a dive bar.
The bar has a small number of seats, but there is plenty of exposure. It’s also the perfect spot for a cocktail. They have a selection of wine and beer on tap, and you can order a frozen margarita.
