While it's easy to assume that the CBD is awash with great spots to sink a beer, clink a cocktail or wind down with a wine, it can be a challenge to settle on a bar when you find yourself smack-bang in the middle of Sydney/Eora.
Urban List has sipped through the Sydney CBD to uncover the best cocktail spots, basement boozers and sleek wine bars worth visiting when you're a little thirsty in the heart of our fair city. For everything from knockoffs to kick-ons, here are the best bars in Sydney's CBD.
Know what you want? Skip to:
- The Best New Sydney CBD Bars
- The Best Sydney CBD Rooftop Bars
- The Best Sydney CBD Bars With A View
- The Best Sydney CBD Cocktail Bars
- More Of The Best Sydney CBD Bars
The Best New Sydney CBD Bars
Herbs Taverne
213 Clarence Street, Sydney CBD
Image credit: Herbs Taverne | Instagram
There’s no doubt that the Mucho Group hosts some of the hottest venues in town: Tio’s, Centro 86, Cantina Ok!, Bar Planet, and now Herbs Taverne—a sultry negroni bar set in a CBD basement.
Herbs Taverne is all about flavour and profile when it comes to their experimental sips. Their signature Herbs negroni takes prime real estate on the menu, alongside an aromatic gold negroni with chinola and gentian, and a fresh green negroni with white vermouth and parsley. For aperitif, think a campari spritz with dried iris and lemon ice—or try their meadow cocktail with bison grass (yes, grass) vodka, brandy, lemon and fennel. Drink your greens.
Insider Intel:
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Just like all Mucho venues, free bags of popcorn flow hard and fast at this spot.
Joji
Level 5/388 George Street, Sydney
Image credit: Joji | Instagram
When the bar is set atop Sydney’s glitzy Cartier flagship, you know you are in good hands. Joji is a Japanese inspired rooftop dining room and terrace, boasting live DJs spinning vinyl and late–night bites—making not only this list, but also our picks for the best Japanese restaurants in Sydney, and the most beautiful rooftop bars. In other words, it ticks the boxes for an all-round luxe night out in Sydney’s CBD.
For food, take your pick between their raw (perfect for lovers of fresh seafood and beef tartare) and not raw menus (for those who prefer their meat charcoaled, charred or crumbed). Drinks wise, try their dry martini with fresh yuzu gin and belvedere vodka, or a roasted banana negroni with jasmine tea.
Insider intel:
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Their Social Saturdays are a 90–minute bottomless session, and hit the Urban List radar once again as one of the best bottomless lunches in Sydney.
Panorama Bar at The International
25 Martin Place, Sydney
Image credit: Panorama Bar | Instagram
What goes better with a post-work tipple than a banging view of the city skyline? Panorama Bar takes top-floor real estate at The International, offering all-day dining and late night sips (along with the opportunity to have a little boogie, now and again). Fire pits and sunken lounges make this the perfect spot to settle in for the evening, with a program of Sydney’s best DJs for when you are rolling deep.
Small plates include their popcorn lobster roll with togarashi, skewers of char siu pork belly, and scallop ceviche with green chilli, radish and sesame crackers. For drinks, think slushie takes on cocktail faves (Pina Colada and Tommy’s Marg) and freshly-juiced whiskey apples.
Insider Intel:
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Their sips-and-sticks happy hour runs from 7pm to 9pm, Tuesday through Saturday—perfect for late night finishers or kickers-on.
The Best Sydney CBD Rooftop Bars
Jacksons On George
176 George Street, Sydney CBD
Image credit: Jacksons on George | Instagram
The revamp of the notorious nightlife spot has turned it into a multi-level, multi-format affair—but if it's just a drink (and maybe some nibbles) you're chasing, we suggest you head up to Jacksons On George's open-air terrace/rooftop bar.
The breezy spot has a cocktail list developed in collaboration with renowned Sydney drinks creator Matt Whiley with sips like the Summer Negroni (white rum, coconut, Campari, Dolin Rouge, and strawberry) and plenty of wines perfect for your sunset moment. On the food front, it's elevated bar bites like a Spencer Gulf king prawn cocktail, jamon and manchego croquettes, and fancy burgers.
Insider Intel:
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Very accommodating of dietary requirements.
The Bristol
81 Sussex Street, Sydney
Image credit: The Bristol | Instagram
In terms of nightlife variety, The Bristol is spoilt for choice—this five-storey CBD pub boasts a sports bar, restaurant Ela Ela, a cocktail lounge, one of Sydney's best nightclubs, Calypso, and a stunning rooftop bar.
Dining here is greek-focused snacks and share plates—pita, marinated olives, baby calamari, beef souvlaki and prawn saganaki with feta lead salad. For drinks, cocktail classics perch alongside an approachable wine list—for the more adventurous, signatures like their sour cherry and mint bramble or pina colada with a lychee twist are sure to impress.
Insider intel:
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Golden hour here is not one to miss: $15 margs and aperols and $9 wines and beers, 4:30–6:30pm Monday through Friday.
Looking for more? Check out:
- The Best Wine Bars In Sydney
- Barangaroo's Best Restaurants Right Now
- The Best Bottomless Brunches In Sydney
Sky Bar Shell House
37 Margaret Street, Sydney CBD
Image credit: Shell House | Instagram
At the top of the heritage Shell House Clocktower is Sky Bar, a breezy terrace with rich '70s-inspired decor. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors offer a panoramic outlook no matter the weather, and plush interiors are complemented by a menu full of mood-setting snacks and sips.
If you are someone who enjoys a late-night picky bit with your bev, try their seafood crudo, sourdough with cultured butter, mozzarella fritti, or three different takes on caviar. For cocktails, expect decadent creations on par with the view—their carrot cake manhattan is made with cacao butter and white miso, and rested with carrot cake for 72 hours.
Insider intel:
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Golden hour is Tuesday–Saturday, 4–6pm. Think $15 margies, prawn katsu sandos, and $2 oysters.
The Best Sydney CBD Bars With A View
Dean And Nancy On 22
Level 22, 2 Hunter Street, Sydney CBD
Image credit: Dean and Nancy on 22 | Instagram
From the Maybe Sammy team, Dean and Nancy is a sleek and stylish bar that positions you eye-to-eye with the Sydney CBD skyscrapers. Expect a black and gold palette, a baby grand piano, low leather banquettes, intimate lamp-lit tables and world-class cocktails.
There are signature concoctions written into a journey of a menu, including some high roller creations made with super premium spirits, and non-alcoholic cocktails too. The dining menu is generous for a bar, with nibbles like oysters, caviar, and truffle fries through to plates of mafaldine pasta, lobster rolls, and a brisket burger.
Insider Intel:
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For the early-birds, they also open for brekkie—so you can catch the view in daylight.
Bar 83
Entry via Westfield Sydney, Level 4/108 Market Street, Sydney CBD
Image credit: Bar 83 | Supplied
Sydney's highest bar—enough said? Bar 83 is a retro-futuristic dream 245 metres above the ground with an unmistakable red and white interior, 260-degree view of Sydney, and a cocktail and food menu that features Australian ingredients.
Try the sunset-hued Aurora, with gin, rockmelon, vermouth, native bitters, lemon, salt and Peychaud’s paired with nibbles like steak tartare with lemon myrtle crackers, or tempura zucchini flowers with yuzu kosho.
Insider intel:
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Great for landmark spotting and impressing out-of-towners—the view offers a glimpse of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House.
The Best Sydney CBD Cocktail Bars
Double Deuce Lounge
6 Bridge Street, Sydney CBD
Image credit: Double Deuce Lounge | Instagram
Double Deuce Lounge is the retro-themed watering hole that is self-described as '70s porno chic—with timber-panelled walls, leather booths and bulb-framed mirrors—so the décor alone is worth a visit.
Cocktails are the main event at this Sydney CBD bar and continue the retro theme, with picks like the Full Bush blending Maker’s Mark, yuzu, grapefruit, rooibos and maple. There's also a snack menu with house-made French onion dip and Jatz. '70s goals.
Insider intel:
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The playlist makes this retro spot even better—expect great tunes that will have you in a timewarp.
Disco Pantera
11 Young Street, Sydney CBD
Image credit: Disco Pantera | Instagram
Sydney loves ‘70s-inspired cocktail bars—and Disco Pantera is certainly no exception. An elevated New York nightlife setting, the interior is fitted with vintage lighting and tiles, alongside splashes of royal blue, and late-night DJs light up the dancefloor on Fridays and Saturdays.
Cocktails feature inventive combinations of global flavours, with highlights like a chimichurri margarita, a play on milk punch topped with fragrant oils to evoke ‘70s cologne, and the Cleopatra’s Martini with goat’s milk washed gin and vibrant spirulina oil.
Insider Intel:
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Happy hour martinis and negronis? Yes please. Head in from 4 to 6pm, with deals running all week long.
Cantina OK!
Council Place, Sydney CBD
Image credit: Cantina OK! | Instagram
Set up in a single garage space that’s now shades of lemonade pink, mauve, gold and emerald, Cantina OK! is a small (seriously small) spot with a passion for agave-based spirits that makes it a must-visit in the Sydney CBD—just don't expect a seat.
There are about 100 mezcals and tequilas expressions on show, including rare and vintage selections and the menu changes often, but if you're not sure where to start, we love the house staple Margarita OK! with both tequila and mezcal, lime and orange oil.
Insider intel:
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Keep your eyes peeled for this one: it’s on our list as one of the best hidden bars in Sydney.
Apollonia
Basement, Hinchcliff House, 5–7 Young Street, Sydney CBD
Image credit: Apollonia | Instagram
Hidden in the basement beneath Hinchcliff House, the four-storey Italian-inspired mega restaurant, Apollonia is a moody bar inspired by Michael Corleone's wife in The Godfather—and one of the best bars in Circular Quay.
You'll find Italian and Australian amari, bitters, whiskies, and gins, with plenty of cocktails on offer like the Polka Dot Dress with pear vodka, eucalyptus, fino sherry and rhubarb, and the signature Apollonia Negroni, which comes off tap to impart a silky mouthfeel. There's a menu of Sicilian-style snacks available until 10pm, with a smaller offering through until late.
Insider intel:
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We rate the vibe—Apollonia is one of our fave date night spots in Sydney.
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More Of The Best Sydney CBD Bars
Centro 86
86-88 Pitt Street, Sydney CBD
Image credit: Centro 86 | Dexter Kim
Centro 86 is a basement tequila bar, inspired by a fancy Mexican cantina, from the award-winning crew behind Cantina OK!, Bar Planet and Tio's. It's all about agave here, with a 100-strong selection of rare and delicious tequilas, including a couple you'd be hard-pressed to find anywhere else in Australia.
Dressed in green waistcoats, the team delivers their signature low-key cocktail theatre, pouring drinks over fresh fruit and shaved-to-order ice. Grab a bag of complimentary popcorn laced with a new secret spice (yes, different to Bar Planet and Tio's) and order a few of our fave: the Royale, with Herradura Plata, champagne, lemon and yuzu.
Insider intel:
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They run a daily happy hour between 4pm and 6pm, where you can snag $12 spicy margs.
Eau-de-Vie
285 George Street, Sydney CBD
Image credit: Eau-de-Vie | Instagram
One of Sydney's most awarded cocktail bars, Eau-de-Vie relocated to the CBD from Darlinghurst for a new era of late nights and whisky flights.
Led by the Speakeasy Group, the new space doesn't reinvent the wheel; instead, you'll find a similar dimly lit and jazz-soaked atmosphere, the signature whisky room, and private lockers for keeping your precious bottles. Cocktails are creative and extra, with favourites from the past lineup still hitting hard, like the Espresso Zabaione blending your choice of vodka, rum, or tequila, with cold drip coffee and a touch of maple syrup topped with a saffron and vanilla mousse, super chilled and frozen with liquid nitrogen—basically the best espresso martini... ever.
Insider intel:
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This speakeasy is a little hard to find—ask the doorman if you need a hand.
Old Mate’s Place
Level 4/199 Clarence Street, Sydney CBD
Image credit: Old Mate's Place | Instagram
Old Mate’s Place is a saloon-style speakeasy with cool vibes and plenty of drinks to go around. The walk-in-only venue has space for 98 guests, and serves unique cocktails, charcuterie, and Philly-style cheesesteaks, including veggie, jamon iberico and spicy chorizo versions.
Wander up further and you’ll find a secret rooftop with 360-degree city views, or head downstairs to Old Love’s, a small tiki bar with heaps of rum-based beauties on the drinks roster.
Insider Intel:
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Get ready for some cardio—this hidden bar sits at the top of four flights of stairs.
Maybe Sammy
115 Harrington Street, The Rocks
Image credit: Maybe Sammy | Supplied
Having been named the #29 bar in the world, the best bar in Australasia and the most influential bar in the world, Maybe Sammy is a standout among Sydney CBD bars. Decked out with a '60s Palm Springs aesthetic, including bartenders in white jackets with a single red carnation, this spot's all about the glitz and glam.
The details change regularly, but you can expect bubbles, foams, washes and more on the cocktail menu that's centred around themes and developed by the whole team.
Insider intel:
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Maybe Sammy also does $7 mini cocktails (including martinis, jasmine Negronis and eucalyptus gimlets) 4.30pm–5.30pm every day and $2 oysters on Saturdays.
Jam Record Bar
320C George Street, Sydney CBD
Image credit: Jam Record Bar | Instagram
Tucked away in the Ivy Precinct, Jam Record Bar is a pink-lit, East-Asian inspired listening spot with a vinyl collection 15,000 labels strong. With a rotating lineup of DJs spinning tunes every night of the week, 40-seats, and a walk-in-only policy, this bar is often a full-house for pre-dinner drinkers and music-lovers alike.
The menu is finger-food central—fillet-o-fish spring rolls, chicken skewers, prawn sandos, and crispy rice cakes take centre stage. Drinks wise, think signature cocktails straight out of Tokyo—highlights include a yuzu highball, an umami martini, and a matcha fizz.
Insider Intel:
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For those craving a post-Tottis sweet treat, their daily rotation of flavoured soft-serve is sure to impress.
Vinabar
332 Kent Street, Sydney CBD
Image credit: Vinabar | Instagram
Hidden behind a decoy banh mi shop frontage, Vinabar is a small CBD bar that packs big Vietnamese-inspired flavours, a gorgeous interior thanks to 60 handmade silk lanterns from Hoi An, and the cutest baby banh mi in Sydney.
Cocktails look like a Vietnamese iced coffee martini with Viet coffee, vodka, condensed milk and shaved coconut, the Vinagroni with smoked pecan, gin, Campari and vermouth, and a signature rambutan martini with vodka, rambutan, lychee and forest fruits. Best of all, Vinabar stays open until 2am, every night of the week.
Insider Intel:
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Find a rotating list of monthly specials on their website.
Rockpool Bar
66 Hunter Street, Sydney CBD
Image credit: Rockpool Bar and Grill | Instagram
While Rockpool Bar & Grill is an iconic Sydney restaurant, the attached walk-in-only Rockpool Bar is also well worth a visit for a knockoff, luxe bar eats, or nightcap in an elegant CBD setting.
Signature cocktails (we are big fans of the martinis), a neat selection of wines by the glass, plenty of whisky and a few beers are on offer, plus Rockpool's extensive bottled wine program, plus the full restaurant menu and dedicated bar snacks. Rockpool Sydney also offers one of Sydney’s best happy hours; swing by between 4pm and 6pm, Monday–Friday for $12 cocktails, a $15 bar snacks menu and $4 fries.
Insider intel:
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The full restaurant menu can also be ordered in the bar space—basically a hack for nabbing a table when the dining room is full.
Mary's
7 Macquarie Place, Circular Quay
Image credit: Mary's | Instagram
Waving the grimy-but-great Sydney CBD bar flag since Frankie's closed, Mary's is a dive bar that turns everything up to 100, with cold beers, a selection of whisky and satisfying cocktails.
Food looks like the iconic dirty burgers, buttermilk fried chicken pieces or nuggets, fries, mash with chicken gravy, and a huge selection of completely vegan offerings of the same ilk. Downstairs, you've got live music space Mary's Underground, where you can expect touring artists, appreciation nights and special events.
Insider intel:
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Don’t miss their $10 margarita special on Thursdays.
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