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Sydney’s Best Nightlife Areas

Sydney’s nightlife is largely segmented into a series of distinct nightlife precincts, each offering different aesthetics and venue styles. When going out for the night, it’s best to pick one precinct in advance and stick to it, as moving around the city can be expensive and kill the momentum on a night out. The good news is that most precincts are fairly diverse, so if you’re after laid-back bars, pulsing nightclubs, or intimate live music venues, Sydney has a precinct to match your mood. With Bardar, navigating these areas and discovering the best spots is easier than ever. Here’s a guide to Sydney’s best nightlife areas.

1. Enmore Road, Enmore/Newtown

Enmore Road, a top-20 coolest neighbourhood in the world according to TimeOut, offers live music, quirky bars, and a vibrant alternative nightlife scene.

Enmore Road is the lifeline of the inner west’s alternative culture, famous for its live music scene and high density of restaurants, bars and pubs. The street is dotted with iconic venues like the Enmore Theatre, which hosts everything from rock concerts to comedy shows. Alongside these are an array of quirky bars, late-night eateries, and independent shops, creating a unique and lively atmosphere, and making it one of Sydney’s best nightlife areas.

Venues we love: Bar Planet, Jakobi’s Tiki Bar, Cairo Takeout, The Trocadero Room, the Vic

2. Hollywood Quarter, Surry Hills

The criminally underrated Hollywood Quarter stuffs a wide variety of first-class venues into a tiny amount of surface area.

Hollywood Quarter in Surry Hills is a lesser-known gem, blending an eclectic mix of really cool venues in a cityside corner of Surry Hills. Exemplifying the uniqueness of the area is the Golden Age Cinema & Bar, a combined (as the name suggests) cocktail bar and cinema, showing new indie productions and classic films. Plus, being walking distance of both Crown and Oxford St puts the Hollywood Quarter in a prime location for any night out.

Venues we love: The Rover, Hollywood Hotel, Tio’s Cervicerria, Chin Chin, Hotel Harry, Golden Age Bar

3. Crown Street, Surry Hills

Crown Street is Surry Hills’ vibrant hub, offering an eclectic mix of trendy bars, pubs and restaurants perfect for a lively night out.

Crown Street is the beating heart of Surry Hills, one of Sydney’s liveliest areas. Surry Hills is best from around 7-11:30pm, when legendary pubs like The Clock and The Dolphin are packed and super fun. As you move up Crown St, you’ll find more late-night bars like Low302 and Tucanos, before you hit the clubs of Oxford St. Crown St is also home to tonnes of great restaurants, making it a vibrant street with lots of positive energy, and one of Sydney’s best nightlife areas.

Venues we love: The Clock, The Dolphin, Forrester’s, Bad Mama

4. Stanley Street, Darlinghurst

The Stanley Street nightlife precinct packs a lot into a small area, with a selection of extremely groovy bars, pubs and restaurants that bring life to the street.

Stanley Street is a charming precinct that combines European-style alfresco dining with cozy bars. The street is home to a variety of venues, from traditional Italian eateries to hidden speakeasies like The Long Goodbye. Stanley Street is usually full of beautiful people having a beautiful time and especially comes alive when they have their bi-annual bloc parties, which take over the whole street and go absolutely wild.

Venues we love: Stanley’s On Stanley, The Long Goodbye, La Farmacia, Club 77 (not technically on Stanley but just around the corner).

5. YCK Laneways, Sydney CBD

YCK Laneways offers a bar-hopping adventure through Sydney’s historic laneways, featuring craft cocktails and live music.

YCK Laneways is Sydney’s newest nightlife precinct, a cluster of small bars tucked away in the CBD’s historic laneways. The area has quickly become a favourite for after-work drinks and late-night adventures, with bars like Since I Left You and Uncle Ming’s offering everything from craft cocktails to live music. It’s the perfect spot for bar hopping with a group of friends.

Venues we love: The Lobo, Old Mate’s Place, Uncle Mings, Since I Left You

6. King Street, Newtown

Taking the baton from Enmore Road as you come East, King Street is Newtown’s alternative hub, offering an eclectic mix of bars, cafes, and cultural experience.

King Street in Newtown is the (as well as Enmore Rd) heart of Sydney’s alternative scene, famous for its diverse range of bars, cafes, and vintage shops. The street is lined with venues that cater to every taste, from the hipster hangouts to classic pubs. It’s also a cultural melting pot, reflecting the eclectic and inclusive spirit of the area.

Venues we love: The Courty, Coopers, The Newtown Hotel, Mary’s

7. Oxford Street, Darlinghurst

Oxford Street is Sydney’s iconic nightlife strip, celebrated for its vibrant, inclusive atmosphere and legendary clubs.

Oxford Street is Sydney’s most famous nightlife strip, known for its LGBTQ+ friendly venues and vibrant party atmosphere. The street is home to legendary clubs like ARQ and Stonewall, which have been at the centre of Sydney’s nightlife for decades, making it undoubtedly one of Sydney’s best nightlife areas. It’s a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the city’s dynamic and inclusive party scene.

Venues we love: Ching-a-lings, Carousel, The Oxford Art Factory, The Beresford, Universal

8. George Street, Sydney/Circular Quay

George Street combines Sydney’s historic charm with modern nightlife, offering a blend of iconic venues and sophisticated bars.

George Street runs through the heart of Sydney’s CBD, linking some of the city’s most historic and iconic venues. From the sophisticated bars near Circular Quay to the lively pubs in The Rocks, this area offers a mix of old and new. It’s ideal for those looking to experience Sydney’s rich history alongside its contemporary nightlife.

Venues we love: Miu Miu, Mary’s Underground, The Republic Hotel, Palmer & Co

9. The Rocks

Sydney’s most historic and most touristy nightlife district is home to a number of great bars and pubs.

Particularly lively around St. Paddy’s Day and NYE, the Rocks is a stalwart after-work drinks destination, and most of the historic pubs in this area get a lively crowd on Friday nights. One of the best parts of the Rocks is just walking around, absorbing the ambience and watching the harbour late at night.

Venues we love: Maybe Sammy, Frank Mack’s, The Orient

Conclusion

Sydney’s nightlife precincts offer something for everyone, whether you’re after a quiet drink in a hidden bar or a night of dancing on the city’s busiest strips. With Bardar, you can easily explore these diverse districts and find the perfect spot to suit your mood. So grab your friends, plan your night, and dive into the vibrant nightlife that Sydney has to offer. Cheers to unforgettable nights out!

Sydney’s Best Happy Hours

Sydney is bloody expensive, however, if you put your ear to the ground and lock in slots at a few of these top-notch happy hours you can figure out ways to consume an appropriate number of beverages without causing a Venezuala-level economic crisis. Whether you’re looking to unwind after a long day at work or kickstart your night out, here are some of the best happy hours around the place. Check out our guide to Sydney’s best happy hours below.

1. The Rover

The Rover’s daily happy hour offers $6 drinks and $2 oysters in a charming, nautical setting.

Located in Surry Hills, The Rover is a cozy bar that brings a touch of old-world charm to Sydney’s nightlife. During happy hour, which runs daily from 4 pm to 6 pm, you can indulge in $6 wines, beers, and G&Ts, along with freshly shucked $2 oysters. It’s the perfect spot to start the evening in sophistication, before sinking into depravity.

2. The Beresford

The Beresford serves up $7 drinks daily in one of Sydney’s most popular beer gardens.

The Beresford in Surry Hills is a favourite among locals, thanks to its vibrant atmosphere and beautiful beer garden. Their happy hour runs every day from 6 pm to 8 pm, offering $7 schooners, wines, and spirits along with $9 pints and $14 Aperols. It’s an ideal spot to catch up with friends or enjoy a casual drink after work. On Sundays in summer, the Bero becomes one of Sydney’s premier LGBTQ+ party spots and hosts the famous Laneway party during Mardis Gras.

3. Tucano’s

Tucano’s offers $12 cocktails and snacks in a vibrant, tropical setting that’s perfect for a midweek pick-me-up.

Tucano’s brings some zesty tiki energy to Surry Hills with its colourful décor and lively ambience. Their happy hour runs from 4 pm to 6 pm, Tuesday to Friday, featuring $12 house cocktails, $12 snacks and $8 beers and wines. Warming up with a few happy-hour drinks is especially advisable on Fridays, when DJs fire the place up later in the evening, fostering an energetic and fun dance floor.

4. Hotel Harry

Hotel Harry’s slings $6 schooners and $10 cocktails from 4-6pm in a relaxed spot that’s reliably busy throughout the week.

Harpoon Harry, located in Surry Hills, combines vintage flair with a modern twist. Their happy hour runs from 4 pm to 6 pm daily, offering $6 house beers, $8 wines and spirits and $10 cocktails. The Bardar team are particularly big fans of the Harry’s whiskey sour. This place’s eclectic design and laid-back vibe make it a great spot to start your evening, and if you’re hanging around there for a particularly busy Friday or Saturday night, to finish it too at Harry’s House Party – their weekend house and disco event.

5. Shady Pines

Shady Pines is among Sydney’s best (and most well hidden) bars – delivering one of Sydney’s best happy hours with $6.50 tinnies, mixed drinks and house wines, plus $12.50 margs and negronis from 4-6pm every day.

Shady Pines Saloon in Darlinghurst is a Sydney institution and Bardar team favourite known for its Nashville honkey-tonk aesthetic and welcoming atmosphere. Their happy hour runs from 4 pm to 6 pm daily, featuring $6.50 house mixers and $12.50 Margaritas and Negronis. It’s a place where you can kick back with a whiskey and enjoy some old-school charm.

6. Queens Hotel Enmore

Queens Hotel sets itself apart with one of Sydney’s best late-night happy hours, giving you the chance to reload on $7 schooners, wine and mixed drinks from 10pm-midnight.

Queens Hotel in Enmore is a stylish pub that combines modern design with a touch of heritage charm. Their happy hour runs from 5 pm to 7 pm daily and then again from 10 to midnight, offering $7 beers, mixed drinks and house wines. It’s a first-class drop in for a few cheap power-up bevvies on a night out in Enmore.

7. Corridor Newtown

Corridor Newtown’s nightly $10 pints, $15 jugs and $14 cocktails make it a lovely spot to sit back, polish a few off and watch Newtown’s eclectic denizens slide by on a Friday night.

Corridor, a cozy bar on King Street, Newtown, boasts one of the happiest happy hours in the area, which is saying something given the density of pubs in the area. Every night from 5 pm to 7 pm, you can enjoy $10 pints, $15 jugs, and $14 cocktails, with different specials throughout the week. The intimate atmosphere makes it a lovely spot for a date, a relaxed catch-up with a mate or somewhere to just vibe out.

8. Tequila Mockingbird

If you’re looking for a solid happy hour in the East, you could do a lot worse than Paddo’s Tequila Mockingbird’s $12 Margaritas

Tequila Mockingbird in Paddington is a South American-inspired restaurant and bar with a focus on fresh, vibrant flavors. Their happy hour runs from 4:30 pm to 6 pm, Tuesday to Friday, featuring $12 Margaritas and a selection of Latin-American snacks starting at $9. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a few pre-dinner drinks and snacks in the inner-East.

Conclusion

You do not have to empty the coffers to get absolutely hammered on a night out in Syd. Whether you’re looking for a glass of wine, a tropical cocktail, or a craft beer. So, grab your friends, head to one of these fantastic venues, and get happier with Sydney’s best happy hours, whatever that means.

The Best Date-Night Spots in Sydney

Sydney’s nightlife offers a plethora of venues perfect for a memorable date night. Whether you’re looking for an intimate cocktail bar, a lively pub, or a unique drinking experience, it’s all out there. With Bardar, finding the perfect spot for your next date is a breeze. Here’s our guide to some of the best date-night spots in Sydney.

1. Bar Planet

Bar Planet offers a cosmic date-night experience with its celestial-themed décor and inventive cocktails.

Bar Planet is an otherworldly experience, with its celestial-themed décor and inventive cocktails. Located in Enmore, this bar is often busy, and despite the space theme, the ambience is warm and bubbling, with groovy tunes pumping and background conversations filling up this dimly-lit bar nicely. Among the signature drinks are their martinis, as well as the Scorpino – a slushie cocktail made with a weekly rotating gelato.

2. Apollonia

Apollonia is a hidden gem offering a romantic, old-world charm with its Sicilian-inspired cocktails and ambience.

Hidden beneath the streets of Circular Quay, Apollonia is a Sicilian-inspired bar that transports you to another time and place. The bar’s intimate, dimly lit setting and carefully crafted cocktails are perfect for a romantic evening. The old-world charm and luxurious ambience make it a standout as one of the best date-night spots in Sydney.

3. The Dolphin

The Dolphin has great energy, excellent food and decent cocktails, along with all the standard pub options, making it a great option for a more casual date.

The Dolphin in Surry Hills is a modern pub with a stylish edge. It features multiple spaces, including a mini cocktail bar (Bar Red), street seating and a rooftop area. The Dolphin is known for its excellent pizza and standout menu of pub food, as well as better-than-usual cocktails for a pub. The laid-back vibe paired with quality drinks and food ensures a great evening.

4. Bad Mama’s

Bad Mama’s is a funky and eclectic Asian fusion bar with unreal food, live music and great cocktails.

Fitting right into the perfect middle ground of casual and high-end, Bad Mama’s is an unreal bar and restaurant. Pumping old-school hip-hop most of the time, with various live music acts on different days and neon, blade-runner-esque styling, Bad Mama sick setting for a date night of any kind.

5. Alcatraz

Alcatraz is a Spanish bar in Annandale that gives you fantastic options for having a bit of a boogie after a few cocktails and tapas bites.

For a date night that transports you straight to the heart of Spain, look no further than Alcatraz in Annandale. The ‘Traz offers delicious tapas along with a mix of Spanish and Australian wines, and cocktails inspired by Spanish wine mixers like Calimocho and Albariño Mint. Thursdays are particularly special, with Sultry and Sample sessions filling the air with jazz, Latin, and R&B tunes under dim red lights. It’s a sultry setting that’s ideal for an intimate date. On Saturdays, the energy ramps up with El Pazo Mercado, a night of DJs, dancing, and solid party energy. This variety of options makes Alcatraz easily one of the best date-night spots in Sydney.

6. Shady Pines

Shady Pines offers a cozy and rustic date-night spot with its Wild West décor and relaxed atmosphere.

Shady Pines Saloon in Darlinghurst is a Sydney institution, known for its Wild West-inspired décor and welcoming vibe. The bar’s rustic charm, complete with wooden barrels and taxidermy, creates a warm and cozy atmosphere. It’s a laid-back spot where you can enjoy a whiskey or two with your date while soaking in the unique ambience.

7. Cantina OK!

Cantina OK! offers an authentic and vibrant mezcal experience in an intimate, standing-room-only setting.

Cantina OK! is a tiny, 20-cap standing-room-only mezcal bar tucked away in a CBD laneway. Despite its small size, it packs a big punch with its authentic Mexican drinks and vibrant atmosphere. The bartenders are passionate about their craft, creating unique cocktails that showcase the rich flavours of mezcal. It’s a great spot for a quick, lively drink before heading off to your next destination.

8. Menzies Bar

Menzies Bar provides a refined, elegant setting for a sophisticated date night in the heart of the CBD.

Menzies Bar, located within the historic Shell House in the CBD, offers a refined and elegant setting for a sophisticated date night. The bar’s plush interiors and classic cocktails evoke a sense of timeless luxury. It’s the perfect spot for couples looking to enjoy a quiet, upscale evening with excellent service and a touch of old-world charm, which is why we love it as one of the best date-night spots in Sydney.

9. The Courty

The Courty offers a relaxed, no-frills date-night experience with its casual beer garden and friendly atmosphere.

The Courty, short for The Courthouse Hotel, is a beloved Newtown institution with a laid-back, friendly atmosphere. The large beer garden is perfect for a relaxed date, offering a casual setting where you can enjoy craft beers and pub fare under the stars. It’s a great spot for couples who prefer a more chilled evening.

10. Ante

Ante provides a tranquil, minimalist setting for an intimate date night with a focus on Sake, whiskey and quality music.

Ante is a minimalist Japanese-inspired bar that offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Located in Newtown, this bar is known for its curated selection of sake and Japanese whiskies. The simple yet elegant design creates a calming ambience, making it an ideal spot for a quiet, intimate date night focused on good drinks and better conversation.

11. Freda’s

Freda’s offers delicious food and cocktails to go with vibey music and one of Sydney’s finest people-watching destinations.

At Freda’s, everything is delicious. That’s the baseline. Add to that sick tunes from DJs spinning Fri and Sat, and an outdoor seating area that offers a view of Oxford St. and therefore some of Sydney’s finest people-watching, and you’ve got a date-night winner on your hands.

Conclusion

There’s a venue to suit every couple’s taste. With Bardar as your guide, finding the perfect spot for your next date night is simple and stress-free. So, plan your night out, and enjoy the best of what Sydney’s nightlife has to offer. More dates, less stress.

The Bardar Guide to Sydney’s Best Pubs

About this Guide to Sydney’s Pubs

While no guide to Sydney’s pubs could cover all of the phenomenal venues around town, we’ve nonetheless put together a short list of the Bardar favourites to get you started.

In this guide, we’ve tried to include the best pubs of all styles from different areas – from live music hotspots to raucous Irish pubs to laid-back watering holes. But don’t just take it from us – the depth of Sydney’s pub scene is best experienced rather than read about.

The Guide

1. The Clock

The Clock is a Surry Hills staple offering great views, a diverse drink selection, and a relaxed atmosphere.

Perched on Crown Street in Surry Hills, The Clock is a beloved institution that perfectly captures the essence of a great pub. With its sprawling balconies overlooking the bustling Crown Street, it’s a best-in-class spot for getting into some serious people-watching over a cold drink or ten. Additionally, the Clock has a very pleasant beer courtyard and develops a lively vibe on the weekend when DJs spin on both levels of this fantastic venue.

2. The Vic on the Park

The Vic on the Park is an Inner West stalwart that’s always pumping and possesses perhaps the finest beer garden in Sydney.

The inevitable final destination of any inner-west pub crawl worth its salt is the Vic. The Vic’s main drawcard is its expansive beer garden, featuring a basketball court and grandstand seating. The Vic’s beer garden is among the most raucous in town, often buzzing late into the evening – as befitting a venue with a 3 am license. The Vic also hosts live music regularly, and projects live sport onto a massive screen in the beer garden

3. Coogee Pavilion

Coogee Pav combines beachside charm with a versatile venue offering stunning views and a vibrant atmosphere.

Affectionately known as the Coogee Pav, this beachside pub offers stunning views of Coogee Beach. It’s a multi-level venue with something for everyone: a rooftop bar, a ground-floor restaurant, and even a games area. The rooftop is especially energetic on the weekends, with live DJs keeping it pumping all night. Coogee Pav is also one of Sydney’s most popular Sunday arvo destinations, especially in summer.

4. Beach Road Hotel

Beach Road Hotel captures Bondi’s laid-back spirit with its spacious beer garden, live music, and great food.

Located in Bondi, the Beach Road Hotel is the quintessential Sydney pub; boasting a relaxed vibe, spacious beer garden, regular live music, busy dance floors and a menu featuring everything from pub classics to fresh seafood. It’s a favourite among locals and visitors alike.

5. Forrester’s

At Forrester’s you will find a combination of historic charm with a modern twist, offering a refined pub experience in Surry Hills.

Forrester’s in Surry Hills is a pub that effortlessly blends the old with the new. Its historic façade houses a modern interior where you can enjoy a wide range of beers, wines, and cocktails. The food menu is a step above typical pub fare, featuring a mix of comfort food and more refined dishes.

6. Burdekin

The Burdekin is one of the most versatile pubs in town, offering everything from a sophisticated rooftop bar to proper rave and live music spaces.

Situated on Sydney’s ex-party thoroughfare, Oxford St, the Burdekin is known for its vibrant nightlife and eclectic crowd. This multi-level pub features different atmospheres on each floor, including a rooftop bar, standard pub space and live music/club rooms. The Burdekin hosts a diverse array of events from emo nights to house and techno parties. It’s a great spot for those looking to start their night with a casual drink and see where the evening takes them.

7. PJ O’Brien’s

PJ O’Brien’s is the crown jewel of Sydney’s Irish pub scene.

Step into PJ O’Brien’s, and you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to a traditional Irish pub. Located in the heart of the CBD, this pub is known for its warm, welcoming atmosphere and hearty Irish fare. With a great selection of beers and whiskeys, PJ O’Brien’s is the place to go for a taste of Ireland in Sydney. PJ’s truly comes alive Thursday through Saturday, when live music transforms this pub into one of the most boisterous spots in town.

8. Courty (The Courthouse Hotel)

The Courty offers a laid-back vibe and an unbelievably pleasant beer garden, making a stong case for one of the most relaxed spots in Sydney.

Affectionately known as the Courty, this Newtown institution is beloved for its chill energy and expansive beer garden. It’s the perfect place to unwind with friends over a few drinks and some pub grub – the Nachos are a Bardar team favourite. The Courty is also known for its dog-friendly policy, making it a hit with pet owners.

9. Darlo Bar

Darlo Bar is a colourful Darlinghurst pub with eclectic décor and a cozy rooftop terrace.

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You will find Darlo Bar is an inner-city classic with an eccentric aesthetic and casual atmosphere making it a favourite among locals looking for a place to unwind. The rooftop terrace is a particularly top spot to enjoy a beverage or two while taking in the views of the city.

10. The Dolphin

The Dolphin blends a modern aesthetic with great food and well-made cocktails, offering a sophisticated pub experience in Surry Hills.

The recently renovated Dolphin in Surry Hills prides itself on its contemporary design and innovative menu. With multiple spaces, including a wine room and a dining area, The Dolphin offers a sophisticated yet relaxed setting. The food and drink options are all top-notch, making it a must-visit. We recommend snagging a seat in the balcony space and indulging in one of the Dolphin’s excellent espresso martinis.

11. The White Cockatoo Hotel

Another laid-back inner west staple, the White Cockatoo is a great spot to settle in for a night of tasty drinks and great chats with your pals.

Known for its friendly vibe, extensive craft beer selection and tasty tucker, The White Cockatoo Hotel in Petersham is an absolute gem. With spacious and comfortable seating both inside and in their lovely beer garden it’s a versatile spot that can be happily enjoyed year-round.

12. The Chippo

The Chippo is a haven for live music enthusiasts, offering a vibrant downstairs band room and a cozy upstairs pub.

If you want a pub with a strong focus on live music you’ll love the Chippo. The downstairs band room has seen many up-and-coming artists perform, and hosts both live bands and DJs. Upstairs, you’ll find a more traditional pub setting, perfect for a relaxing drink and a chat.

Sydney Pub Crawl Guides

The Crown St Crawl

The Crown St Crawl takes you on a journey through the many pumping pubs that line Surry Hills’ main drag.

Plan: Trinity → The Clock → Forrester’s → The Dolphin → The Beresford

The King St Crawl

The Newtown/Enmore strip of King St is one of Sydney’s densest pub hotspots and a solid selection for a relaxed evening with your pals.

Plan: The Newtown Hotel → Coopers → The Courty → The Vic

The Oxford St Crawl

Oxford St starts off pretty chill but gets livelier as you get closer to the city. There are many great afters spots like Carousel or Universal available at the end of this crawl.

Plan: Paddo Inn → Unicorn → Kinselas → Burdekin → ?

Outro

When it comes to Sydney’s pubs, there are a staggering variety of venues to sample and enjoy. We’ve provided a selection of our favourites, but there are so many other great spots around town! We highly recommend that you get out there and start exploring for yourself.

For a more comprehensive guide to Sydney’s pubs, check out the Bardar app, now on iOS. Get real-time data on how busy every pub in Sydney is, along with info about events, live music and what’s on.

Thanks for reading our guide to Sydney’s best pubs.