It must feel good to be a pub. Everyone’s always excited to visit you, you’re always in good company, and your taps have beer coming out of them. Here at Urban List, we know that the best pubs in the world are in Australia—and though Melbourne will try to fight us on this—the best of the best pubs are definitely in Sydney/Eora.
From Newtown to Darlinghurst and over the bridge to the Northern Beaches, there are heaps of cherished pubs in Sydney, including dog-friendly boozers, waterfront breweries and stylish taphouses.
Raise a schooner (or two), cause these are the 35 best pubs in Sydney right now.
Know what you want? Skip to
- Best Pubs In The Inner West
- Best Pubs In Surry Hills
- Best Pubs In The Rocks
- Best Dog-Friendly Pubs In Sydney
- Best Pubs In The Sydney CBD
- Best Pubs In Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs
- Best Northern Beaches Pubs
- More Of The Best Pubs In Sydney
Best Pubs In The Inner West
The Dry Dock
22 Cameron Street, Balmain
Image credit: The Dry Dock | Supplied
The historic Dry Dock is an absolutely stunning Sydney pub that ticks all the boxes. It has a dog-friendly public bar, a cruisey sports lounge to catch your favourite games on the big screen, a sleek lounge area with a wood-burning fireplace, and a Euro-style bistro run by acclaimed chef Ben Sitton—not to mention the sit-up oyster bar. Try steak frites from the Josper oven, chilli crab mafaldine, or the classic DD cheeseburger with sour pickles and fries.
The Imperial Erskineville
35 Erskineville Road, Erskineville
Image credit: The Imperial | Anson Smart
Erskineville’s famous LGBTQI+ friendly pub The Imperial offers good times and fabulous food via the ground floor restaurant Priscillas, epic pizza from the Pizza Bros at the open-air rooftop bar, and debaucherous party vibes by way of The Basement.
In April 2025, it was even added to the NSW State Heritage Register for its deep cultural and historical significance—you only need to catch the Saturday night drag show inspired by Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (which has scenes shot at the pub) to see why. If you’re heading for a night at the Imperial, be prepared to dance, sing, and drag your heart out.
The Erko Hotel
102 Erskineville Road, Erskineville
Image credit: The Erko Hotel | Facebook
Tucked just off bustling King Street, The Erko is a tried-and-true local's joint, and you can immediately see why. There’s loads of beer garden space to stretch out, a bunch of furry friends roaming about, a solid lineup of craft beers on tap, a friendly crew behind the bar, top-tier modern pub fare, and fun events on all the time.
Courthouse Hotel
202 Australia Street, Newtown
Image credit: Courthouse Hotel | Facebook
Affectionately dubbed The Courty, this Inner West pub is one of Newtown’s most cherished taphouses, complete with one of Sydney's best beer gardens. The Courty serves up a classic pub menu with generous portions and a host of lunch and dinner deals, too. But the best part is, it welcomes all walks of life, including four-legged friends.
The Vic On The Park
2 Addison Road, Marrickville
Image credit: The Vic On The Park | Facebook
The Vic On The Park is one of the Inner West's most loved pubs. The dog-friendly Addison Road joint is cosy on the inside, open on the outside, pours fresh craft brews from neighbouring Grifter Brewery, has a usable basketball court, a smorgasbord of live music gigs, a killer bottle shop, and an outstanding menu. Choose between the usual pub feed or the rotisserie aromatising the courtyard out the back. There's even a late-night menu on weekends serving up grub ‘til 1am.
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Henson Park Hotel
91 Illawarra Road, Marrickville
Image credit: Henson Park Hotel | Destination NSW
The Henson belongs in the upper echelon of any “locals' pubs" conversation and certainly deserves a spot on this list. The family-friendly, community-driven pub is tucked away in Marrickville's back streets, just a stone's throw from Henson Park—making it the perfect before-and-after stop for any and all footy matches.
The pub sports a pool table, a relaxed bistro area, and loads of space out back in the beer garden. The Henson also replaced their pokie room with a bunch of vintage arcade games, like Jurassic Park shooter games, Daytona racing cars, and more—big vibes.
Best Pubs In Surry Hills
The Cricketers Arms Hotel
106 Fitzroy Street, Surry Hills
Image credit: The Cricketers Arms Hotel | Facebook
The Crix is an iconic, no-frills boozer in the heart of Surry Hills with plenty of personality—and something for just about everyone. Depending on when you visit, you might find a game of Two-up out the back on ANZAC Day, a lively round of pool with strangers-turned-mates, or a local DJ setting the tone in the front bar. On tap, there's a neat handful of craft beers and familiar favourites. And to eat, wander upstairs to Chez Crix for French-leaning fare like steak frites, pâté, and terrine served alongside natural wine.
The Dolphin Hotel
412 Crown Street, Surry Hills
Image credit: The Dolphin | Facebook
Few pubs can offer such a variety of vibes while remaining as true to themselves as The Dolphin Hotel. A Crown Street fixture for many years, The Dolphin hovers somewhere between a modern pub and a multi-storey bar and restaurant, delivering top-notch woodfired pizza and pasta in a breezy atmosphere.
Groups will love the shared mezze dishes, which include whipped ricotta and San Daniele prosciutto. There’s also a buffet of beers on tap and a hefty wine list with orange options as well as smashable cocktails.
The Carrington
565 Bourke Street, Surry Hills
Image credit: The Carrington | Facebook
Down Bourke Street, you’ll stumble across The Carro—an adored Surry Hills staple. The gastropub has ample indoor and outdoor space, a dog-friendly policy, locally brewed beers, and a menu filled with pub favourites like a chicken schnitty, burgers, pasta and more. There are even plates for your pup, including beef tartare, steak and veg, and pup-cakes.
The Clock Hotel
470 Crown Street, Surry Hills
Image credit: The Clock Hotel | Supplied
Whether it’s a post-work wine, a lazy mid-week dinner or a weekend bevvy with mates, The Clock covers all bases. There are a number of different spaces where you can kick back with some friends, a date, or even your dog. And when good weather hits, the courtyard is the perfectly sun-dappled spot to enjoy an ice-cold beer (or your beverage of choice) and a classic pub feed. For lovers of whisky and good times, The Whisky Room serves up (you guessed it) a huge range of whiskies and whisky flights—ideal for the curious and indecisive.
See more of the best pubs in Surry Hills
Best Pubs In The Rocks
The Glenmore Hotel
96 Cumberland Street, The Rocks
Image credit: The Glenmore Hotel | Facebook
Tons of pubs can claim to have one of the best views in the city, but The Glenmore Hotel in The Rocks may actually have THE best view in all of Sydney. We suppose it must be nice (must be very nice) to directly overlook Sydney Harbour and offer people the chance to drink a schooner in view of the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House.
Keep an eye out because the rooftop also sometimes hosts live DJ sets and other fun events. But if you haven't booked a spot upstairs, nestle in at the cocktail bar or find a spot downstairs at the main bar and sprawl out onto the street.
Fortune Of War
137 George Street, The Rocks
Image credit: Fortune of War | Facebook
It’s pretty wild that Sydney’s oldest pub, the Fortune of War, has been running since 1828—that’s nearly 200 years. The building has worn many hats over the decades, including a watering hole for sailors and troops before heading off to war, and even a police station at one point, with former holding cells now transformed into dining rooms, kitchens, and cosy cocktail corners. Today there’s even a sprawling alfresco area that’s perfect for soaking up sunny afternoons with a pub feast, cold beer, and glimpses of the Sydney Harbour Bridge at the end of the street.
The Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel
19 Kent Street, The Rocks
Image credit: The Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel | Facebook
The Lord Nelson is an oldie but a goodie, established in 1841. Located in the historic Rocks precinct, the brewpub is famous for its award-winning natural ales, which are brewed on-site in the cellar. Upstairs, the restaurant offers true modern Australian cuisine, with refined bites and bigger share plates, with great wines to match. Or, take a seat in the warm and welcoming pub area, open seven days a week.
Best Dog-Friendly Pubs In Sydney
Public House Petersham
292 Stanmore Road, Petersham
Image credit: Public House Petersham | Instagram
If you’re looking for a pub that screams community, head to Public House in Petersham. With a big focus on craft beer and classic rock tunes, this dog-friendly spot is a favourite among laid-back Inner West locals. The spacious courtyard is where the action’s at, lined with striped umbrellas and a wood-fired pizza oven pumping out some of Sydney’s best cheesy pies. Feeling the heat? Allow the outdoor mist machines to cool you down as you sip on something by Marrickville's Batch Brewing Company, located out the back.
Darlo Bar
306 Liverpool Street, Darlinghurst
Image credit: Darlo Bar | Facebook
You’d be hard-pressed to find a Sydneysider who hasn’t started or ended a night at Darlo Bar. It’s a classic "what-you-see-is-what-you-get" style pub, with tables and chairs scattered out onto the bustling sidewalk of Darlinghurst Road. Prepare to mix with some colourful clientele if you take a seat here—otherwise, head to the open-air rooftop bar for a cocktail, feast on deli snacks or toasties, or order takeaway from Gino’s Pizza and Thai Tharee straight to your table.
The Beresford
354 Bourke Street, Surry Hills
Image credit: The Beresford | Facebook
The leafy dog-friendly courtyard at The Beresford is the perfect place to pass a lazy afternoon. The Italian-inspired menu features pizza and pasta, alongside share plates, pub classics and loaded burgers. Booze-wise, there’s over ten beers on tap, and more in the fridge, alongside vino, cocktails and champagne for special occasions (or just cause). And make sure to keep your eyes peeled for one-off events, and food and drink deals to get the most bang for your buck.
The Australian Heritage Hotel
100 Cumberland Street, The Rocks
Image credit: The Australian Heritage Hotel | Steven Woodburn
Among Sydney’s oldest pubs, The Australian Heritage Hotel is a welcoming spot for you and your dog. The classic pub menu features tried-and-true favourites like fish and chips, schnitzels, and parmis, but be sure to take a gander at the pizza menu too, which includes traditional picks alongside uniquely Aussie creations topped with crocodile and kangaroo. The venue is often pretty packed on any given day, making it a great place for your pup to make some new furry friends.
See more of Sydney’s best dog-friendly pubs
Best Pubs In The Sydney CBD
The Bristol
81 Sussex Street, Sydney CBD
Image credit: The Bristol | Supplied
The Bristol is not your average Sydney CBD pub, spanning five storeys with a rooftop bar, sports bar, cocktail lounge, nightclub, and sleek Greek restaurant, Ela Ela. Formerly known as The Bristol Arms, the heritage-listed pub has sat on Sussex Street for over 120 years before revealing a whole new look in 2024. Hang out at the public and sports bars downstairs, try top-shelf whisky at the old-world cocktail lounge, or head up to the rooftop for 180-degree city skyline views, signature cocktails, and a laidback mezze menu.
The Duke Of Clarence
152/156 Clarence Street, Sydney CBD
Image credit: The Duke of Clarence | Facebook
The Duke of Clarence is a classic 19th-century-inspired English pub featuring a 12-metre-long oak wood bar stocked with a 500-strong lineup of spirits, plus sherry and port. The kitchen also keeps things classic with British eats like scotch egg with hot English mustard mayo, and a Sunday roast with salt and malt vinegar potatoes, Yorkshire pudding and pigs in blankets that you can add on ‘til your heart’s content. And to really top off the experience, there’s also a wood-burning fireplace and a cosy library nook.
The Sussex Hotel
20 Sussex Street, Sydney CBD
Image credit: The Sussex Hotel | Website
Right in the thick of the Sydney CBD on Sussex Street, you’ll stumble upon The Sussex Hotel. Centrally located between Barangaroo and Darling Harbour, this popular inner-city pub is definitely worth a spot on your city pub crawl list. Built in 1915, the historic haunt has since upgraded to include a chatty public bar, a leafy beer garden, a casual Thai bistro called Suriya, and a Mediterranean-inspired rooftop that's practically made for after-work drinks.
Best Pubs In Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs
The Lord Dudley Hotel
236 Jersey Road, Woollahra
Image credit: Lord Dudley | Facebook
Essentially, the Lord Dudley is the legendary great-grandfather of Woollahra. Founded in 1896, the Dudley is about as old-timey England as a pub can get, with mahogany wood and open fireplaces scattered throughout its maze-like floor plan.
Ivy climbs the walls out front, while Rugby-loving locals fill its suburban sidewalk with a smoke in one hand and a pint in the other. The food is rustic and hearty—think meaty steaks, schnitties, and pies—and the atmosphere is cosy and familiar, like sharing Sunday dinner with your folks.
The Old Fitzroy Hotel
129 Dowling Street, Woolloomooloo
Image credit: The Old Fitz | Instagram
Tucked into a quiet corner of Woolloomooloo, somewhere beneath the sparkly lights of Kings Cross, The Old Fitz delivers on maximum character. The old-timer has passed through a few owners over the years but now rests safely in the hands of the Odd Culture hospitality group, whose collection of top-notch drinking spots also includes Bistro Grenier, Pleasure Club, Spön, The Duke Of Enmore and Odd Culture. The character comes from the pub's classic interior, its storied past, and its theatre, which to this day hosts a lineup of Sydney's best underground theatre. And for food, expect a menu full of pub faves with a French-British twist.
Woolly Bay Hotel
2 Bourke Street, Woolloomooloo
Image credit: The Woolly Bay Hotel | Supplied
The Woolly Bay Hotel has stood strong through Woolloomooloo's docklands heyday and into its current, more glamorous era. On the ground floor, you'll find the breezy waterfront public bar, with a 100-person casual dining restaurant upstairs featuring a modern Mediterranean menu. And if you head further upstairs, you’ll find Arturo’s Rooftop—a glass-enclosed bar serving up share plates, martinis, and slick city skyline views.
East Sydney Hotel
111–113 Cathedral Street, Woolloomooloo
Image credit: East Sydney Hotel | Facebook
One of Sydney’s last remaining country pubs, East Sydney Hotel is exactly where you should head if you’re sick of the loud pokie sounds and huge screens with this week’s sport. Here, it’s all about good beer, banter and delicious food, with plenty of weekly specials, live jazz nights, and more. And it's easy to find, just look for the buttery yellow exterior.
The Golden Sheaf
429 New South Head Road, Double Bay
Image credit: The Golden Sheaf | Facebook
A long-standing Double Bay institution, The Sheaf boasts an upstairs lounge bar and terrace, a downstairs sports bar—complete with TV screens and pool tables—and a vast courtyard-style beer garden. The bar is fully stocked with everything from classic cocktails to local wines and a few cellar picks, plus an excellent tap list of boutique and premium beers. There’s also a plethora of live gigs and events happening here, all centred around the iconic 80-year-old fig tree wrapped in twinkling fairy lights.
Best Northern Beaches Pubs
The Newport
2 Kalinya Street, Newport
Image credit: The Newport | Facebook
Over the bridge towards Palm Beach, The Newport (previously The Newport Arms) offers incredible views out to Pittwater and a modern Australian menu in a chic waterfront setting. The Merivale-owned pub has pockets of open kitchens and bars, including a pizzeria, burger shack, coffee kiosk and a seafood market, with heaps of open and covered outdoor dining areas to enjoy your meal, plus a bottle shop out front. And if you’ve got cash to splash—or are celebrating a special occasion—hit up Bert’s Bar & Brasserie for a classy European meal with incredible service.
Harbord Hotel
29 Moore Road, Freshwater
Image credit: Harbord Hotel | Instagram
If you live on or near Sydney's Northern Beaches, you’ve most certainly heard of the Harbord Hotel. Formerly known as the Harbord Beach Hotel or the Harbord Hilton (IYKYK), the century-old pub had a major refurb in 2020 after being bought by local Northern Beaches resident Glenn Piper. The result? A surfy, California-inspired pub that soaks up the sun, pours fresh local beers, and sits just 200 metres away from Freshwater Beach—what more could you ask for?
The Collaroy
1064 Pittwater Road, Collaroy
Image credit: The Collaroy | Facebook
The Collaroy might call itself a pub, but this Merivale venue is the kind of pub that didn’t really exist until a few years ago. No grimy floors and stubbies of VB here—instead, a welcoming, family-friendly establishment with stylish décor and a menu specifically designed to keep everyone happy.
Nevertheless, you can still find pub faves like schnitties and burgers, but they're happily sharing space with the likes of rigatoni alla vodka, braised lamb ragu pappardelle and kingfish carpaccio—that’s without even mentioning there’s an entire pizzeria with enough variety to charm even the surliest Neapolitan. And while you're there, check out The Collaroy's Tiki-inspired offshoot, The Surf Deck for a pina colada or banana split.
The Mona Vale Hotel
2 Park Street, Mona Vale
Image credit: The Mona Vale Hotel | Jared Lyons
Northern Beaches favourite Park House returned to its roots in 2024, reopening as The Mona with a fresh look, reimagined beer garden, and spacious backyard featuring a 1950s Airstream bar serving beers on tap, a deck for live music, a large screen TV for watching sports games and a custom-made playground that kids love.
The menu features tacos, share plates and elevated surf and turf mains, with Ben’s Bakery Café and Pizzeria providing morning bites and coffee before switching to deli sandwiches and wood-fired pizzas from midday.
Felons Brewing Co. Manly
East Esplanade, Manly
Image credit: Felons Brewing Co. | Facebook
You just can’t beat the views at this local Manly drinking hole. With a sweeping 180-degree outlook over the harbour, there’s no better spot to soak up the afternoon sun with a drink in hand. Sitting in the old Manly Wharf Bar digs, Felons Brewing Co. is a waterfront brewery with a breezy vibe, a lineup of crisp, inventive beers, and a Mediterranean-inspired menu loaded with fresh seafood. Keep an eye out for live music gigs, DJ sets, trivia nights, run clubs, and weekly food specials like bougie champagne and lobster frites offers.
More Of The Best Pubs In Sydney
The Fiddler
Commercial Road, Rouse Hill
Image credit: The Fiddler | Website
The Fiddler is a beautifully restored Irish pub that’s been serving up good times in Sydney’s west since the 1820s. There’s no shortage of spots to settle in here, including rustic and modern bars, a lush courtyard, a sprawling beer garden with an overhanging balcony, and stunning event spaces.
The Guinness pie is a menu standout, with house-made puff pastry packed with chunky beef cooked in Guinness and served with mushy peas, creamy mash, and gravy on the side. But if that’s not your thing, there’s also bistro classics like burgers, steaks, and pizzeria slinging crowd-pleasing pies.
Northies Cronulla Hotel
Kingsway and Elouera Road, Cronulla
Image credit: Northies Cronulla Hotel | Facebook
Northies has been blessing the Shire with great pub food and carefree seaside ambiance for over two decades now. As soon as you step inside, it feels like a summer holiday, with a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces perfect for lounging. Order up a mezze plate and a glass of bubbly while you watch the sun go down or look into their quirky cocktails—we highly recommend the Chilli Gonzales: a chilli mango twist on the classic margarita.
The Lord Gladstone Hotel
115 Regent Street, Chippendale
Image credit: The Lord Gladstone Hotel | Pat Stevenson
Proudly calling itself “your favourite pub’s favourite pub”, Chippendale’s Lord Gladstone has an almost cult-like following. Renowned for its boozy, wild live music nights and its endless support of local artists, it comes as no surprise that this is where all the cool kids congregate. With cheap eats and an event on almost every night of the week, the Glady is most definitely where the party’s at.
The Lansdowne Hotel
2-6 City Road, Chippendale
Image credit: The Lansdowne Hotel | Facebook
The rebirth of Sydney live-music institution The Lansdowne in 2017 was both a blessing and a curse for this town. On the one hand, we finally have a place to completely let loose while watching some incredible bands, but it’s also single-handedly responsible for 75% of Sydneysiders’ weekly hangovers. Big names like Billie Eilish and Spacey Jane have even played here, so you never know—the next show you see might just feature the next global sensation.
Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel
10 Marine Parade, Watsons Bay
Image credit: Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel | Facebook
Nestled on the harbour near Vaucluse, Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel is a Sydney institution known for its Hamptons-chic fit-out, fresh seafood, and sweeping harbour views. Just a quick ferry from Circular Quay and Manly, the luxe “pub” boasts boutique accommodation, slick waterfront dining fit quick nibbles or long lunches, and a beach club where all the action takes place.
For more of Sydney's best, check out
- The Best Steak Restaurants In Sydney
- The Best Long Lunch Spots In Sydney
- The Best Waterfront Restaurants In Sydney
Main image credit: The Imperial Erskineville | Website
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