Five Bars to Try in The Rocks

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It's a well-known fact that The Rocks is home to some of Australia's oldest and most classic pubs; and the city's growing interest in small bars, craft beers and boutique wines has been hitting its historic heart, too. Here are five bars worth a visit — whether you're after dazzling harbour views, adventurous drinks lists or quality live music.

THE PUSH

The Push is named after a legendary Rocks music venue, which, back in the bohemian ‘70s, hosted the city’s best jazz and blues players. The modern-day Push occupies the ground floor of the 19th-century Russell Hotel and is one of the area’s most intimate-feeling bars. Head there for beautifully mixed classic cocktails, as well as a proudly Australian selection of excellent wines and craft beers. Pop in on Friday and Saturday nights to hear the baby grand piano in action.

143 George Street

GRAIN

You’d be hard-pressed to find a more geographically diverse whisky selection anywhere in Sydney. Spanning the windswept isles of Scotland, the mountains of Japan and the steamy cities of India, Grain’s shelves allow you travel around the planet in one flight. If you’re not sure where you’re headed, the expert staff will sort you out. Attached to the Four Seasons Hotel, Grain delivers 5-star service and is fitted out with a sleek interior, blending golden lighting with dark wood. A central fireplace keeps things cosy when the weather’s cold.

199 George Street

THE ARGYLE

Housing five bars across two levels, The Argyle is The Rocks bar with it all. Hide in a comfy booth for a quiet drink, meet a bunch of mates around one of the communal tables or soak up some sunshine, or evening ambiance, in the sandstone courtyard. The 1820s, heritage-listed building, with its high archways and timber beams, is big on atmosphere. Head down on Friday nights for DJs, Sunday afternoons for live acoustic sessions, and Wednesday evenings for salsa.

18 Argyle Street

BLU BAR ON 36

If you’re in the market for killer views, Blu Bar on 36 has you covered. Situated on the 36th floor of the Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney, it affords stunning panoramas of Sydney Harbour, the Opera House and Darling Harbour. The cocktail menu is impressive, featuring a long list of signature works, and, if you’re flush, you can splash out on a Martini on the Rock, which comes with a diamond and a room. Blu Bar is definitely your go-to for a post-lottery win sunset beverage.

Level 36, Shangri-La Hotel, 176 Cumberland Street

THE BAR, PARK HYATT SYDNEY

The soft, warm lighting and stylish interiors of The Bar at Park Hyatt Sydney make it the perfect place for a nightcap or a classy night with your most sophisticated friends. A healthy range of beers, wines and ciders is only the warmup act for a killer list of cocktails. Even if you're only there for a short while you simply must sample the bar menu – or if you plan on staying longer, why not step into The Dining Room for a meal?

Park Hyatt Sydney, 7 Hickson Road

Top image: Grain.