Sydney's Most Popular Bars of 2020
These are the old-school whisky bars, adults-only arcades and underground pizza joints you flocked to last year.
Whether you're craving a decadent cocktail or a well-executed classic, Sydney has the answer. From old favourites to new spots, this fair city of ours knows how to cater to your beverage dreams. And, at some of them, they might even cook you up a feast while you sip inventive concoctions, local brews or world-class wines.
That's the type of fun you went searching for in 2020, and these are the results. Our most-viewed bars and pubs of the year provides a snapshot of your recent faves and a roadmap of places to visit if you haven't yet. This year we have a familiar face at the top spot for the second year in a row and a lineup of boozers that provided us with a respite from the year's chaos. Mosey along to a new one or head back to your pick of the bunch and say cheers to Sydney's most popular watering holes as chosen by your busily clicking fingers.
Image: Cantina OK! by Kimberley Low
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BarOld Mate's Place
Level 4, 199 Clarence Street, Sydney
Creative cocktails, Philly cheesesteaks and old-school library vibes tucked away in a Clarence Street office building.
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BarB. Lucky & Sons
Entertainment Quarter, 122 Lang Road, Sydney
An adults-only arcade bar from the Holey Moley team.
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BarFrankie's - CLOSED
50 Hunter Street, Sydney
Part dive bar, part New York-style pizza parlour, part blast from the past in the form of 80s metal.
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BarThe Cumberland
17–19 Central Avenue, Manly
This Manly cocktail bar is hidden behind a fridge — with 250 different whiskies, creative cocktails and plenty of snacks.
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BarThe Royal Hotel
Five Ways, 237 Glenmore Road, Paddington
Rise to the top of this Five Ways pub for incredible views over the city.
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BarCLOSED - Nikkei Bar & Restaurant
216 Commonwealth Street, Surry Hills
The Tokyo Bird team is serving up a Japanese-Peruvian menu at its newest Surry Hills restaurant.
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BarEmployees Only
9A Barrack Street, Sydney
Visit NYC's world-class cocktail bar's first late-night Australian outpost for cocktails and cabaret.
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BarBarangaroo House
35 Barangaroo Avenue, Barangaroo
The jewel in Barangaroo’s ever-growing crown, Barangaroo House is made up of three levels.
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BarThe Doss House
77/79 George Street, The Rocks
This old-world whisky bar pouring more than 150 varieties is also a fascinating journey into the shady past of The Rocks.
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BarNakano Darling
14 Steam Mill Lane, Haymarket
This Haymarket izakaya serves up highballs and free karaage chicken during happy hour.
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BarMary's Underground
29 Reiby Place, Sydney
This underground venue from the Mary’s crew plays host to regular live music and comedy nights.
