The consumption of alcohol is an essential part of Australian culture, and it plays a vital role in most people's social lives. Binge drinking is considered acceptable in most situations like weddings, birthday parties and even, at a funeral. One of the locals' favourite post-work activity includes a tipple to end the day, what better place to find a drink than a nearby pub or bar located in the vicinity! Let's skip to the chase and explore the best bars in Sydney CBD, starting from up north to down south of the city.
Palmer & Co
Located minutes away from the Circular Quay Wharf where the iconic Sydney Opera House sits, is a classy 1920s-themed cocktail bar in a rustic brick basement of the Establishment Hotel. Palmer & Co is an intimate underground bar best known for its excellent live jazz bands, friendly bartenders and great vibes while enjoying one's selection of tasty cocktails.
Palmer & Co
Address: Abercrombie Ln, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Open from 4pm - 1 am (Tues - Sun); Closed on Mondays
Burrow Bar
In the back alley of De Mestre Place along George Street, lies this hole-in-the-wall boutique cocktail bar that is a secret to even non-alcohol drinkers. Known to carry a substantial amount of excellent and rare whiskey selections, as well as an eclectic range of beers, Burrow Bar has been able to sustain its popularity despite being off the grid of the main public space.
Burrow Bar
Address: De Mestre Pl, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Open 5 pm - 12 am (Tues-Sun); Closed on Mondays
Uncle Mings
An oriental basement bar drenched in red located inside the Ferrier Hare building; most patrons to Uncle Mings will feel like they are walking into an opium den with the funky old-school Chinese decor adorned all over the interior. Fan favourites and must-order items include the plethora of dumplings, Japanese sake and a host of Asian-inspired cocktails like the "Bruce Lee" - a concoction of vodka, gin, pomegranate, lime and ginger beer - great for a party of 3.
Uncle Ming's Bar
Address: Basement of Ferrier Hare, 49 York St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Open 5 pm - 12 am (Weds & Thurs); 5 pm - 1 am (Fri & Sat); Closed Sun - Tues
Stitch Bar
A few metres further down south of York Street brings one to Stitch Bar, a lively yet cosy vintage bar that serves creative American-inspired cocktails. Order the Mexicano 69, a tropical tequila cocktail or the Fool's Gold, a concoction of bourbon, bacon, peanut butter cream banana and honey for some Elvis vibes. While you are here, try American diner-style bar grubs like Crispy Halloumi Fries for yummy carbs or a Classic Hot Dog - Louisiana pork sausage with sauerkraut, ketchup, onions and mustard - for your protein!
Stitch Bar
Address: 61 York St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Open 5 pm - 12 am (Tues - Sat); Closed Sunday & Monday
The Barber Shop
Lovers of Gin will take delight in this charming cocktail bar with a connected traditional barbershop, both located at the heart of Sydney's CBD. This clean and gentlemanly barbershop bar gives off a masculine vibe in its rustic interiors; leathered maroon sofa seats, crisp industrial lights and wooden bar stools perched in front of a fully tiled bar counter flourished with an intricate display of spirits. Visit The Barber Shop not just for a haircut, but for its extensive gin menu with a modest selection of beers and wines too!
The Barber Shop
Address: 89 York St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Open 4 pm - 12 am (Weds & Thurs); 8 am - 12 am (Fri & Sat); Closed Sun - Tues
The Baxter Inn
On the other side of The Barber Shop, comes The Baxter Inn on Clarence Street. Other than classic cocktails, Baxter Inn features a vast selection of whiskey which won't burn a hole in your wallet, as well as unlimited free pretzels for bar nibbles! The friendly staff here are knowledgeable in their field of work and are more than willing to offer a drink recommendation or two for your nightcap.
The Baxter Inn
Address: 152-156 Clarence St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Open 4 pm - 1 am (Mon - Sat); Closed on Sundays
Old Mate's Place
Across the street brings you to an enclave of cocktail bars, of which a chic speakeasy bar stands; At Old Mate's Place, you are in for an intimate bar experience that speaks a lot about what a classy English bar would have been like in the olden days. Settle onto the plush booths or a spot at one of the bar stools, with a glass of classic Old-fashioned. Old Mate's Place is a bar that will keep you and your friends returning for its extensive cocktail list and fantastic atmosphere that lingers past midnight.
Old Mate's Place
Address: Level 4, 199 Clarence St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Open 4pm - 2am (Tues - Thurs); 12pm - 2am (Friday); 4pm - 2am (Saturday); 2pm - 2am (Sunday); Closed on Mondays
Papa Gede's Bar
Adding on to the enclave of bars brings you to a voodoo-themed cocktail bar that is known for its monthly standup comedy session and features curated cocktails and spirits. Papa Gede's Bar gives off a Mexicana vibe probably due to its voodoo theme. Staying in line with the eerie cult theme, the bar introduces exciting mixes such as "The Zombie" - a concoction of rum, Cointreau, absinthe, apricot, grapefruit, lime and fire - so strong it can wake the dead. We dare you to try it!
Papa Gede's Bar
Address: 348 Kent St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Open 4pm - 12am (Weds - Fri); 5pm - 12am (Saturday); Closed Sunday - Tuesday
The Lobo
The bar next door of Papa Gede's invites you to a Caribbean-themed world beneath the towering skyscrapers of Sydney CBD. The Lobo features over 250 types of rum in its tropical underground bar. Fans of rum must try at least one of the eight "Rum Flights" hosted by the bar, that allows you to binge a selected range of rum and cocktails depending on your package type. Prices start from $60 per person and last for about an hour. The more expensive a package gets, the better quality your list of rum becomes.
The Lobo
Address: Basement Lot 1, 209 Clarence St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Open 5pm - 1am (Tues - Thurs); 5pm - 2am (Fri & Sat); Closed Sundays & Mondays
Grandma's Bar
And finally down south from where we started, brings us to Grandma's Bar for a chill drinking session. The laid-back basement bar serves up a weirdly good Peanut Butter Colada that sounds grossly clever for the adventurous spirit. Otherwise, you can play it safe and try the Ultimate Mai Tai, another bar favourite.
The kitchen at Grandma's cooks up a homey bar grub of piping hot jaffles - toasted pressed sandwiches filled with toppings such as chicken, spaghetti or baked beans! Vegetarian options are available as well.
Grandma's Bar
Address: Basement, 275 Clarence St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Open 3pm - 12am (Tues - Thurs); 3pm - 1am (Friday); 5pm - 1am (Saturday); Closed Sundays & Mondays
