Overview
Although we've been out and about for a while now, for many of us a night out with the crew is still overdue. Thankfully our fair city has plenty of top-notch bars to hit, including a heap of new venues that are well worth checking out. But that doesn't exactly make it easy when it comes to picking the ideal spot.
We've teamed up with The Rocks to help you prep for your next night out with mates. Whether you're after pints on a rooftop with superb Sydney Opera House views or keen to be some of the first punters in a soon-to-open distillery, these harbourside haunts will not disappoint. It's time to round up the gang and hightail it to the historic CBD precinct for a cold one and plenty of good times.
HICKSON HOUSE DISTILLING CO
Hickson House Distilling Co is the latest offering from the crew behind much-loved haunts The Duke of Clarence and The Barber Shop, so you just know it's gonna be good. For the soon-to-open venue, the boys (Mikey Enright and Julian Train) have shifted the focus to all things distillation and brought ex-Manly Spirits legend Tim Stones on board. Set to open soon, the 450-square-metre distillery will house a bar, kitchen and mezzanine cocktail lounge, as well as distilling vats filled with gins, whiskies, aperitifs and specialist liquors that are all made on site. Once it swing open its doors, you can head on a tour to learn about history, processes and, of course, do some tasting. Or, simply sip a cocktail in the New York-style loft bar.
THE GLENMORE
Chances are you've hit up this heritage-listed pub at least once in your life. The three-storey, historic hotel features a smartly refurbished cocktail bar with some of the best harbour views in towns, making it a crowd-pleaser among locals and tourists alike. The interiors ooze classic Aussie pub charm (but with some modern accents) and it has a decent selection of brews, too. Hungry? The kitchen serves up good ol' fashioned pub grub like fish and chips, steaks, burgers and schnitzels. Whatever sort of night out you're after, kick things off on this rooftop for a couple of sundowners is always a good idea.
Steven Woodburn
FRANK MAC'S
Fans of subterranean whisky bar The Doss House will be pleased to hear that the same team is at the helm of this slick new gin emporium. The 120-seater boasts over 100 different varieties of the juniper liquor, both local and imported. Like many bars and pubs in The Rocks, Frank Mac's is housed in a heritage-listed sandstone building, with its interiors charmingly accentuated with old-world charm. It's also got a courtyard, so be sure to head here for a sunset cocktail or two, stat.
TAP ROOMS
If beer is your thing then be sure to hit up the Tap Rooms on your next night out in The Rocks. This brewpub serves up approachable, sessionable froths alongside hearty gastropub fare. Hot tip: the XPA makes for a superb summer schooner. For the beer nerds, there are a number of guest taps, as well as an in-house special and a staff-pick tap, on regular rotation.
Alana Dimou
THE DOSS HOUSE
The aforementioned Doss House has been a frequent haunt for Sydney whisky lovers. The 1840s sandstone building this renowned whisky bar calls home has, over its time, been a bootmaker's shop, a boarding house, a doctor's surgery and an opium dealer's den — if only these walls could talk, hey? Its latest iteration pays homage to the building's storied past, so if you want to escape for a few hours, this is the spot. The moody basement bar boasts an enormous whisky collection, showcased in American oak cabinets, and dark leather armchairs. However, if it's a nice evening, you'll want to nab a spot in the airy courtyard. Then order yourself a dram or a cocktail if that's more your speed.
Anna Kucera
THE KEEL
The brainchild of three mates, The Keel is George Street new drinking den. But what sets it apart from other watering holes is its philanthropic foundations; it promises to donate 20 percent of its profits back to the community and charitable. The sophisticated fit-out has a nautical-inspired theme — think hardwood timbers and cosy booths that are ideal for small groups. There's also a balcony area overlooking Sydney Harbour and Circular Quay that's great for a sunny afternoon bev. Unsurprisingly, rum is the hero here, and you can expect many idiosyncratic cocktails to be shaken and stirred behind the bar. This is a hot new ticket where you can raise a glass for a good cause.
MRS JONES
Named in honour of Jane Jones, the licensee of the well-loved The Orient Hotel back in 1897, Mrs Jones is a modern nod to the pub's lively history. Many of us know The Orient as a solid, dependable spot for a few pints of perfectly poured Guinness, but this smart, openair cocktail terrace adds an element of sophistication to the stalwart. Overlooking the pub's interior courtyard, Mrs Jones offers a mixture of high and low chairs and is decked out with lush plants. It's the ideal spot to sip a cold one or cocktail on a warm springtime evening.
Anna Kucera
CHATEAU TANUNDA
While the Barossa is a touch far to travel for a single night out, you can get a taste of its world-class wines right in the heart of Sydney. Renowned Barossa Valley vineyard Chateau Tanunda winery has opened a wine enthusiast's dream in The Rocks, set inside a stunning 1860s heritage building. The vibe is concept bar meets cellar door, while everything you sip is a celebration of the world-famous wine region. The space offers private tasting sessions, where you and a small group can sample wines from vines that are up to 150 years old guided by the experienced hand of fine wine specialist Justin Lambert. You can even book in for private event for up to 18 people — so if you have lots of wine lovers in your life, this is sure to impress.
THE ARGYLE
A mainstay of Sydney's nightlife scene since 2007, The Argyle has outlasted lockout laws and lockdowns for good reason — it's smack-bang in the middle of the city, and it has something for everyone. The venue is as multifaceted as they come: it's home to six separate bars, sprawling cobblestoned courtyard and a nightclub, all spread across two floors of a former post office on the historic street from which it takes its name. On the menu, you'll find a great range of classic and signature cocktails, wines and tap beers. House-made pizzas are also available to line your stomach as you set yourself up in the crowning jewel of casual drinking and dining in The Rocks.
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Top image: Anna Kucera