Top Bars in Sydney – Most Viewed (2025)

Stepping into The Caterpillar Club is like sneaking into a beloved secret of Sydney’s nightlife—something both timeless and freshly thrilling. This subterranean music bar and venue, tucked beneath 92 Pitt Street near Martin Place, is Swillhouse's latest offering: part nostalgia-fueled den, part sonic sanctuary. Wander through the entrance to find yourself bathed in dim, auburn light. Walls are lined with framed album art, and plush red booths beckon. Stretching through the space is a sprawling bar staffed by multiple bartenders—behind them, one of the world’s largest private record collections turns iconic. Music is at the heart of the experience. Sunday to Thursday, local jazz or soul bands perform live, while when the stage is quiet, vinyl DJs take over with carefully curated sets that resonate through a meticulously designed Martin Audio sound system. A hidden tiki bar—called the Bamboo Room—adds a twist: on weekends, you can drift between two distinct party vibes under one roof. The vibe is retro-chic with an edge of cinematic flair. Time Out Sydney paints a picture of frilly lights, burgundy-hued décor, abstract wall pieces by Allie Webb, and a layout that curves like its namesake caterpillar. Packed with energy, one visitor admits “there is no better place in town right now… wriggle on over and see for yourself.” Cocktails lean into 90s fun—think Mango Martinis, Piña Coladas with blue Curaçao swirls, and nostalgic not-so-average classics served with flair. Expect a playful menu and polished staff in bowties and blazers, perhaps a touch too proper—but always stylish. Together, the music, design, and service blend into an immersive underground playground—where vinyl warmth and late-night revelry become something sacred and new.

The Baxter Inn is one of Sydney’s most iconic hidden bars, tucked away in a basement off Clarence Street. With no signage and an entrance through an alley and down a fire escape, it feels like stepping into a secret. Inside, you’ll find a warm, candlelit space with exposed brick, vintage boxing posters, and a towering wall of over 800 whiskies from around the world.​ The bar is known for its encyclopedic whisky selection, including rare and vintage bottlings, and bartenders who climb library ladders to retrieve bottles. But it’s not just about whisky—the cocktail list is equally impressive, featuring classics like the Old Fashioned (on tap) and creative house specials like “A History of Violets.” There’s also a solid beer and wine selection, plus free pretzels to snack on.​ Opened in 2011 by the team behind Shady Pines Saloon, The Baxter Inn has earned international acclaim, including multiple appearances on the World’s 50 Best Bars list. It’s walk-in only, so expect a line during peak hours—but the experience is well worth the wait.​

Nestled in Sydney's historic The Rocks district, Maybe Sammy transports patrons to the glamour of 1950s Hollywood and Las Vegas. Established in early 2019, this award-winning cocktail bar is renowned for its opulent interior, featuring pink velvet banquettes, gold and brass fittings, and marble tiles, all bathed in abundant natural light. The ambiance is further elevated by bartenders donned in signature pastel pink jackets, delivering a blend of theatrics and attentive service that has made Maybe Sammy one of Australia's most celebrated bars. The cocktail menu at Maybe Sammy offers modern twists on classic drinks, infused with a touch of theatrical flair. Highlights include coffee-infused creations, mini martinis, and cocktails crafted from vintage and limited-edition spirits. Complementing the drinks is a curated food menu featuring oysters with mandarin granita, cheese, charcuterie, and tacos. Since its inception, Maybe Sammy has garnered numerous accolades, including being named Best International Bar Team at the 2022 Tales of the Cocktail in New Orleans and securing a spot on The World's 50 Best Bars list.

Nestled at the end of Council Place off Clarence Street, Cantina OK! is a micro‑mezcal shrine that transforms a former car‑parking garage into one of Sydney’s most dynamic cocktail experiences. Seating just ~20 patrons in a standing‑room‑only layout, this mezcal bar thrives on its passion for agave: bartenders import rare, hand‑sourced tequilas and mezcals from Mexico, each bottle a chapter in their travelogue of hospitality and discovery. The design is earthy‑pink and pine‑lined, with handmade ceramics, handmade woodwork, and even a Nepalese shaved‑ice machine—all tucked beneath mirrors that glint at street‑level to catch your eye. Drop‑in agility is at this bar’s core: no booking, no seats—just lean in and chat mezcal, or let the team surprise you with rotating specials like their bartender‑featured "Bath Bomb" Oaxaca mezcal cocktail or margarita riffs. Despite its pint‑size footprint, Cantina OK! has risen to international acclaim, ranking in the World’s 50 Best Bars list and consistently praised for its creative cocktails (avg. $16 each), warm hospitality, and boundary‑pushing approach to agave spirits. Pop in for world-class margaritas, mezcal flights, and an atmosphere that’s as cosy as it is electric—from 4 pm daily into the early hours.

Beneath the bustling 488 George Street lies Marble Bar, a slice of Victorian opulence that transports you back in time—but with a modern nightlife twist. Originally built in 1893 for the Adams Hotel, the ornate bar was dismantled in 1969, then painstakingly reconstructed in 1973 in the basement of the Hilton Sydney. Marble Bar is all about atmosphere: rich marble walls and pilasters, mosaic floors, cedar and walnut woodwork, stained glass and plate-glass mirrors frame every corner. Fourteen of the original Julian Ashton paintings still grace the interior, giving art lovers something to pore over between drinks. By evening, the space comes alive with cocktails, live music, and a dress code that nudges toward smart casual. There are regular music nights (jazz, R&B, DJs), and the drinks list includes premium spirits, classic cocktails, wine and beers. The food is bar snacks & sharing platters that match the elegance of the surroundings. The bar’s schedule tilts toward late evenings—open around 4-5pm (or 5pm per some sources) most nights, with the later ending times on Thursday through Saturday. The door beneath the Hilton’s grandeur makes it both accessible to tourists staying nearby, and a gem for locals wanting historic elegance without the tourist-trap vibe. It’s ideal for after-work drinks, dates, or a music night with friends when you want something elevated but not over the top.

Nestled in the basement under 70 Pitt Street in Sydney’s CBD, Door Knock is a beautifully concealed cocktail and wine bar that channels the allure of a Parisian neighbourhood haunt fused with underground speakeasy charm. The entry ritual itself sets the tone: follow a corridor to a red door adorned with a brass pineapple doorknocker—knock three times, and you’re transported into another world. Once inside, the atmosphere shifts to one of hushed elegance—dim lighting, leather seating, marble-topped tables, vintage mirrors, herringbone panelling, and cozy nooks that feel more like an intimate drawing room than a bar . The décor is tactile and layered, with greenery, corrugated metal, rope accents, and timber creating a warm, textured embrace. The menu strikes a delightful balance between the refined and the approachable. Crafted cocktails like Kiwi As, Caskhopper, and Sunny Leone combine unexpected ingredients with precision—think kiwi‑infused vermouth spritzes, coconut-milk espresso whisky blends, and flamboyant tropical concoctions. Beyond drinks, head chef Joe Slakey introduces shareable Mediterranean and North African–inspired small plates. Offerings such as stracciatella with grape confit, fried cauliflower with zaatar and labneh, flank steak with Paris butter, and Moroccan lamb tagine bring bold yet comforting flavours—many priced under A$28, making elevated dining surprisingly accessible. Natural and minimal-intervention wines, fortifieds, and sherries also feature prominently, rounding out the beverage program thoughtfully. Whether you're sinking into a sultry night after work, toasting in an intimate date setting, or simply seeking to escape into a clandestine enclave, Door Knock delivers a theatrical, refined, and ultimately unforgettable experience.

Ascend two curved brass staircases and step into Dean & Nancy on 22, a glamorous rooftop cocktail lounge where mid‑century decadence meets modern flair. Atop the A by Adina hotel, this 22nd‑floor hideaway captivates with black, marble, and gold interiors, leather banquettes, and floor‑to‑ceiling windows offering panoramic views of Sydney’s skyline and harbour beyond. The creative minds behind Maybe Sammy—renowned among the world’s best bars—bring an imaginative and playful touch to the menu. Think signature cocktails inspired by global icons like “The Gherkin” (gin with watermelon and jasmine soda), and the indulgent “Dean & Nancy Caviar Martini.” You’ll also find Martinis, “brown, bitter, and stirred” classics, highballs, and inventive non‑alcoholic fare. Dean & Nancy isn’t just about atmosphere—it’s geared for all-day indulgence. Start with breakfast classics like Swing Easy Eggs or Cloudy Ricotta Hotcakes, enjoy lunch (Thursday & Friday only), and stay on for Happy Hour Aperitivo and dinner into the night. The “World of Dreams” cocktail menu adds immersive fun—dive into Wonderland Sour or King Arthur’s Gimlet for whimsically themed sips. Every visit is elevated by intimate service, a skyline soundtrack, and elevated share‑style menus—expect oysters, prawn toast, Nepali tacos, caviar, charcuterie, and more.

Tucked into a basement on Clarence Street, The Lobo (formerly known as The Lobo Plantation) transports you straight into a mid-century Caribbean dreamscape. The journey begins with a heavy wooden door and a winding staircase that sets a secretive, immersive mood. Inside, the dimly lit space envelops you in vintage elegance—lush banana palms, rattan furniture, art deco touches, and plush red Chesterfield banquettes evoke a tropical colonial retreat in the heart of Sydney’s CBD. The star of the show? A staggering collection of over 250 (some say 300) rums from across the globe—Barbados, Cuba, Martinique, Panama, Dominican Republic, and beyond—some dating back decades. Whether you sip it neat or in inventive cocktails like "The Floor Is Guava" or the fiery "Old Grogram," each drink is a crafted journey through Caribbean flavors. Pair your drink with hearty Caribbean-inspired snacks—empanadas, croquetas, papas rellenas, or the famed Cuban sandwich—and don’t forget those addictive banana chips scattered across the bar. With its tropical foliage, vintage décor, theatrical cocktails, and attentive hospitality, The Lobo strikes the perfect balance between sophistication and fun. It’s cozy, immersive, and ideal for rum aficionados looking to while away the evening.

Tucked behind the unassuming Skittle Lane in Sydney’s CBD, PS40 is anything but ordinary. Conceived by visionary bartenders Thor Bergquist and Michael Chiem, with design led by Livia Lima, it brings together industrial elegance and experimental genius in one playful, passionate package. As Sydney’s first soda factory–bar mashup, PS40 produces its own fresh, preservative-free sodas—from Bush Tonic made with red Peruvian cinchona bark and lemon myrtle, to Wattle Cola, Smoked Lemonade and more—all paired with recommended spirits to deliver cocktails in a way you’ve never tasted before. Inside, the 60-seat venue evokes a monochrome dream: warehouse-high ceilings, white-dipped interiors that fade into bold black, bespoke furniture, cast ceramics and industrial lighting—all handcrafted to evoke artistic minimalism that doesn’t forget soul . But PS40 is never static. Its festivals‑inspired cocktail menu, Festivus, continually reinvents itself, transforming familiar tastes into conceptual symphonies (Burning Man, anyone?). Signature cocktails like the mind-bending Africola—a cold coffee liqueur with native cola and warm coconut foam poured upside-down—and the banana‑bread‑hinted Breakfast Negroni show how they literally turn convention on its head Tuesdays are extra special here. Takeover Tuesdays turn the bar into a dining lab, where up-and-coming chefs and established talents whip up pop-up menus—$65 gets you a curated set plus a free cocktail. It's creative hospitality at its most collaborative and delicious. Recently, PS40 even went mobile. Their retro-chic cocktail van, PSGO, brings their signature drinks, like the Africola, to festivals and events around town. In short, PS40 is more than a bar—it’s an immersive experience melding cocktail artistry, design innovation, and culinary collaboration. A place that challenges taste Buds—and expectations—while wrapping it all in effortless style.

Nestled in the heart of Sydney's CBD, Double Deuce Lounge transports patrons back to the sultry vibes of the 1970s. Inspired by the era's "porn chic" aesthetic, this basement bar features plush burgundy booths, geometric wallpaper, vintage film posters, and even a furry-walled "kissing booth" for an authentic retro experience. Broadsheet The bar's ambiance is further elevated by a curated playlist of soul and funk legends like Curtis Mayfield, James Brown, and Marvin Gaye, setting the perfect backdrop for an evening of indulgence. Double Deuce's cocktail menu is a playful nod to the past, with drinks like the "Full Bush" (Maker’s Mark, yuzu, grapefruit, rooibos, maple) and the "Stinger" (Hennessy VS Cognac, peppermint, Fernet Branca, Branca Menta, mint oil). Each concoction is crafted with precision, blending classic ingredients with modern twists. Complementing the drinks are nostalgic bar snacks, including bowls of cabanossi, cheese cubes, and French onion dip served with Jatz crackers. The venue's commitment to theme and quality has earned it accolades, including TimeOut Sydney's Cocktail Bar of the Year in 2020. Whether you're seeking a unique date night spot or a lively place to unwind with friends, Double Deuce Lounge offers a memorable journey into a bygone era, all while delivering top-notch service and libations.

Part of MUCHO Group’s vibrant bar family (Cantina OK!, Centro 86, Bar Planet, Tio’s…), Herbs Taverne is a subterranean homage to the Negroni. Launched May 2025 beneath 213 Clarence St, this cozy, red‑lit space fuses mid‑century European charm with a psychedelic, ’70s‑diner vibe—checkerboard ceiling, mirrored panels, disco balls, vinyl stools, and trippy art accents. The bar’s 12‑drink core menu comprises three Negroni riffs (classic, tropical Gold, herbaceous Green), three aperitifs, three frozen house‑blended digestifs, and three rotating original cocktails—plus a monthly Spritz special. Highlights include the Gold Negroni (gin + Lillet Blanc, Cocchi, gentian, Chinola), the herb-laced Green Negroni with parsley amaro, the “Fernando” aperitif riffing Fernet & Coke, and digestifs like the raspberry‑cola “Handshake” and chocolate‑Fernet “Mozart”. Behind the bar, creative director Jeremy Blackmore and manager Jacob D’Esposito (of Cantina OK! fame) prioritize theatrical pour techniques—like cider‑style aerating spouts—and playful design details (ice‑cream‑cup candle holders, orange neon, disco flair). The back-bar is stocked with over 45 amaros from Italy, Japan, and beyond, with every drink accompanied by a unique popcorn pairing—like hot‑honey deep‑dish style. Open daily from 4 pm till 2 am, Herbs Taverne offers a rich, immersive experience perfect for aperitivo lovers, late-night explorers, or anyone drawn to bold, bitter cocktails in a moody, artistic setting.

Peering past the silver barber‑shop door on York Street, you enter The Barber Shop—a clandestine cocktail haven crowned “Australia’s Best Gin Bar” four years running. Since opening in 2013, this speakeasy‑style gem has captivated Sydney’s gin lovers with its encyclopedic collection: over 700 gins sourced worldwide, lining the back bar in all their juniper-rich glory. Step inside and you’re met with a warmly lit, intimate retreat where skilled bartenders guide curious patrons through gin “flights” (four half serves with tonic and ice), ten inventive signature gin cocktails, and elegant martinis. Whether you're a gin purist or an adventurous sipper, the team is ready to curate something unforgettable. It’s not just the drinks that are thoughtfully crafted. The Barber Shop is part bar, part experience—hidden behind a real barber storefront, blending grooming and cocktail artistry in one. Beneath the sleek veneer lies a cozy hideaway perfect for date nights, after‑work retreats, or relaxed catch-ups. A concise but delicious food menu complements the drinks: charcuterie and cheese boards, artisan sausage rolls, and house-made dips with fresh bread offer easy pairings to your gin indulgences. Late-night atmosphere meets warm hospitality here. Operating from late afternoon into the early hours (typically 4 PM to 1–2 AM), The Barber Shop is a haven for evening explorers—even in a bustling CBD, it feels like a secret found. Every sip here tells a story—from rare gins to bespoke creations. And while the barber door might suggest a trim, what you’ll really walk away with is a night framed by spirited discovery and urban intrigue.

Opened in 2012 by three passionate bartenders, Bulletin Place emerged as a “shoe‑box sized” speakeasy (around 45 seats) celebrating the culture of great cocktails—no unnecessary gimmickry, just crisp execution and genuine hospitality. Found behind an unmarked door next to Cabrito Coffee Traders, you'll climb into a compact, warmly decorated room where the mood is one part polished, one part unpretentious. Constantly evolving menus are handwritten each day on butcher's paper, offering seasonal cocktails and a curated whisky list displayed similarly on rolls of paper. Bartenders shine as personalized guides rather than servers, crafting unique drinks based on what’s fresh, unexpected, or tailored to your preferences. Cocktails like the “Strawberry Bee”—a mix of gin, smashed strawberry, Montenegro, lemon, and honey in a charming stemmed glass—or inventive takes such as a tequila‑Penicillin with mezcal float, reaffirm that this bar blends playful inventiveness with steadfast technique. Regulars and critics alike credit Bulletin Place for setting the tone of Sydney’s modern cocktail scene—a pioneer known for creativity rooted in simplicity.

Nestled below Fred’s restaurant on Oxford Street, Charlie Parker’s is a cocktail bar that treats every drink as a craft project. You descend into a warmly lit basement space with exposed brick, industrial touches (pipes, beams), plush leather and wood — intimate, moody, somewhere between speakeasy and art-studio. The bar has serious botanical chops: its drink menu is divided into four “herbal / plant sections” (Nut & Fruit, Stem & Branch, Leaf & Flower, Root & Soil), each offering creative cocktails that go way beyond straightforward flavour. Think citrus, herbs, nuts, flowers, bark, soil, even moss — the team makes distillates, infusions, uses unusual parts of botanicals, and pushes texture and aroma as much as taste. Food is small-but-top-tier: share plates, flatbreads, olives, baked feta, wood-fired things and more, often with a twist. The service is knowledgeable and down-to-earth, guiding you through odd-ball ingredients and helping you pick something unexpected or restrained, depending on mood. It’s not the place for bright lights or loud music. Instead the vibe is low conversation, ritual-driven sipping, slow-evenings. Perfect for date nights, serious cocktail lovers, or those wanting something special out-of-the-ordinary in Sydney’s eastern suburbs. Happy Hour early evenings. Sundays are calmer and earlier-ending.