Seven Sydney Bars That'll Take Your Friday Night Drinks to the Next Level

Whether it’s the blush pink velvet lounges, the white-suited waiters or the cocktail-making theatrics, there’s bound to be something to catch your eye at Maybe Sammy. This swinging bar, inspired by hotel lobby bars of yesteryear, has made its mark on Sydney gaining both international accolades and a fierce local following. Find out exactly why and head in and order an inventive (yet classic) cocktail, be it a mini martini (yep, that’s a super cute half-serve martini) or go all out on a Flame of Love Martini (with Grey Goose VX Vodka, fino sherry and flamed orange zest).

Make like you’re living it up in Ibiza and head to this harbourfront bar. The open-air terrace bar regularly hosts international DJs, meaning the soundtrack for your Friday night is always going to be a party-starting mix of house, lounge-music and disco. Boogie under the nautical-striped canopies, or kick back on one of the luxe round lounges with a Le Grand Fizz (a refreshing mix of Grey Goose Vodka, St Germain liqueur, fresh lime and soda) in hand, all before diving into the menu of Mediterranean-inspired snacks and mains.

Mrs Sippy is the ultimate progressive end-of–the-week send-off venue. Start with dinner or snacks in the front. Then head to the middle bar for cocktails (we’d opt for a Le Grand Fizz) all before shaking it down when DJs take over the decks later in the evening. Add in a summer-ready openair courtyard, gorgeous pastel interiors and slick service and you’ve got a Friday evening you’ll be hanging out for as soon as humpday rolls around.

It doesn’t get more Sydney that scoring a prime seat at Opera Bar and taking in the glittering harbour and Opera House in all its glory. An old favourite is a favourite for a reason – and at Opera Bar, the perennially good looking openair bar is a surefire way to kick off your Friday night drinks. Switch out your usual glass of wine and try the summer-punch inspired Goose Gander, with Grey Goose, Pimms, limoncello, ginger, strawberry and mint. It also has live music to set the mood, a gentle way to coax you to the dance floor (if you needed a reason).

If you really want to take your Friday night drinks to the next level, it’s all about getting personal and Black Bar and Grill does just this with its custom martini menu. Choose Grey Goose vodka, followed by how much vermouth (‘from bone dry’ to ‘very wet’) then select your garnish (olives — with brine or without? — or keep it simple with a lemon peel). Finally, request shaken or stirred, and get ready to dive into your very own personalised martini. You can keep the luxe feels going and order shucked oysters, caviar or charcoal-grilled beef, all before heading into the restaurant to enjoy some of Sydney’s fanciest steaks.

Kick off Friday night by heading to Glasshouse, the Hotel Steyne’s new elevated botanical-inspired bar. With sweeping views out to Manly Beach, Glasshouse is a far cry from the Steyne’s well-loved (but charming) courtyard. There are sprawling hanging plants, lush dark green leather banquets, charcuterie plates and just-shucked oysters. Our pick from the sprawling and spiffy cocktail menu is Berry Planifolia (named after the botanist species name for the flat leaf vanilla plant), with sweet vermouth, Grey Goose vodka, lemon, vanilla and berries.

If you want to step up your Friday night drinks, one way to do it is by heading up to a rooftop bar, and Smoke is one of Sydney’s finest. Perched on the third level of Barangaroo House, this long, slick outdoor terrace has panoramic views of Darling Harbour merging into Pyrmont Bay. Add in a temporary menu of four different Grey Goose martinis – from the saline and savoury Ocean Martini with Grey Goose Vodka, Martini Bianco, celery bitters and a seaweed square to the citrus-forward Sunset Martini with vodka, Regal Rogue bold red, orange bitters and orange blossom, and you’ve got the perfect way to see out a Sydney sunset and kick off a Friday night in the city.