The epicentre of Sydney's tourist action, Circular Quay is undeniably one of the most beautiful parts of the city—and it's got the bars to match.
Tequila-focused spots, funky whisky dens and huge brewhouses are all on offer in Circular Quay for your after-work drinks, date nights with a view, and attempts to impress out-of-towners with the beauty of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House with a drink in hand.
These are the best bars in Circular Quay.
Apollonia
Young Street
Apollonia is hidden in the basement beneath Hinchcliff House, the four-storey Italian-inspired mega restaurant, this moody underground bar is inspired by Michael Corleone's Sicilian wife in The Godfather. In fact, nearly every aspect pays homage to the romantic but tragic love story between him and Apollonia, from each menu chapter to the bar's decor. You'll find Italian and Australian amari, bitters, whiskies and gins, with plenty of cocktails on offer. And don't worry if you're hungry, with a late-night menu of Sicilian snacks on offer well past 10pm.
Bar 1880
Bulletin Place
Bar 1880 is the historic home of Bulletin Magazine, which started in 1880 and was one of Australia’s longest-running publications before it ceased printing in 2008. The two-level Circular Quay bar includes The Headline Bar on the ground floor (with indoor and outdoor seating) and The Press Room upstairs. Up in The Press Room, a range of "forgotten" cocktails are on the menu, including the Old Pal which dates to Paris in the '20s, the Suffering Bastard (François Voyer VS Cognac, Hickson House Distilling Co dry gin, lime cordial, ginger beer and bitters) from Egypt in the '40s, and the rum-heavy Ancient Mariner, which was created in L.A. in the '90s.
Mary’s
Macquarie Place
The grungy dive bar vibes are few and far between in Circular Quay, but Mary’s has you sorted. Downstairs, you've got live music space Mary's Underground, where you can expect touring artists, appreciation nights and special events, while upstairs you can grab your fix of dirty burgers (including vegan stunners) to go with cold beers, a selection of whisky, and satisfying cocktails, including $10 margs every Thursday.
Bar Patron
Phillip St
Sip on crisp cocktails and premium tequilas at this bold, modern Mexican spot with breathtaking views over the Harbour Bridge and Opera House. Bar Patron is all about the agave, with a cocktail menu highlighting premium Patrón Tequila. Opt for one of the signature margaritas, and pair your drinks with a share-style menu of Mexican dishes like tacos, scallop ceviche, and birria beef shank.
Opera Bar
Lower Concourse, Sydney Opera House
It's a little walk around Circular Quay towards Sydney's most striking icon, but Opera Bar is well worth a visit, especially on a sparkling Sydney day. With world-class views of the water and Harbour Bridge and an ever-pleasing selection of cocktails, beers, wines and all-day, seafood-heavy snacks, this Circular Quay bar is a real people-pleaser—and a spot every Sydneysider or visitor needs to visit at least once.
Bar Messenger
Phillip Street
A sophisticated Circular Quay wine bar tucked below Transport House behind a secret door, Bar Messenger celebrates the fascinating history of Australian wine, including the first cuttings that were (unsuccessfully) planted in Australia in the neighbouring Botanic Gardens. Spend an evening working through the 95% Aussie wine list (with a secondary focus on champagne), throw in a classic cocktail or premium spirit, and pair it all with simple share plates, charcuterie, or cheesy toasties.
Hyde Hacienda
Macquarie St
Hyde Hacienda is a luxe yet playful bar tucked away from the typical hustle and bustle, as it overlooks Sydney Harbour in Circular Quay from a little higher up in the Pullman Quay Grand hotel. Sip on a lychee and hibiscus martini or Campari and black tea sour, or nibble on picks from the ever-changing menu with North, Central and South American flavours.
The Squire’s Landing
Overseas Passenger Terminal
The Squire's Landing is a sprawling multi-level brewhouse and restaurant that offers unparalleled views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House. Crafting exclusive small-batch brews and James Squire favourites on site, this Circular Quay bar delivers an outstanding range of beers and ciders (conveniently available as tasting paddles), as well as loads of wines and zesty cocktails. There are separate brewhouse and restaurant menus to keep you well fed whatever the occasion, too.
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Image credit: Apollonia, Apollonia, Bar Patron, Opera Bar, Bar Messenger (Tim Pascoe), Hyde Hacienda (Esteban La Tessa), The Squire's Landing