The best cocktail bars in Sydney operate like kitchens. The menus at these cocktail bars can change weekly depending on what ingredients are available. This means every mixologist needs to experiment and elevate their mixing skills.
Top 10 Best Cocktail Bars in Sydney CBD
If you’re on the hunt for an impeccably crafted drink, Sydney has plenty of options to spoil you. But how do you distinguish the great from the just OKAY?
Whether you’re visiting this beautiful city or searching for weekend fun, we’ve put together a list of the top 10 cocktail bars in Sydney CBD to make your choice easier.
1. Maybe Sammy
Once you step into Maybe Sammy, you quickly realise it’s not just a spot for a quick drink – it’s more like a fantastic hotel bar, but without the hotel attached. Every little thing has been carefully thought out, the service is super friendly, and the bartenders are really, really good at what they do. Maybe Sammy gives you an experience that can compete with those big places. Once you’re in, you’ll find it hard to leave because it’s just that awesome!
Address: 115 Harrington St, The Rocks
Menu: Maybe Sammy Menu
Hours:
Sun – Mon | Closed
Tue – Thu | 4:30 PM–12 AM
Fri – Sat | 4:30 PM–1 AM
2. Dean & Nancy on 22
The team from Maybe Sammy is also behind this place. They drew inspiration from the classic hotel bars of New York, Paris, and London. The city skylines will be your backdrop plus the ambience is sleek, with a focus on black, marble, and gold. This lets the food, drinks, and view shine.
Maybe Sammy’s creative director, Stefano Filardi, crafted an exceptional cocktail menu with meticulous care. As the overseer of drinks at one of the world’s best bars, his passion and playfulness shine through in every concoction.
Address: 2 Hunter St, Sydney NSW
Menu: Dean & Nancy on 22 Menu
Hours:
Sun – Tue | 4:30–10 PM
Wed – Thur | 4:30–11:30 PM
Fri – Sat | 4:30 PM–12:30 AM
3. Double Deuce Lounge
Walk down the stairs and into an underground space with dark timber tones, red leather banquettes, a dark-brown furry wall, and a “kissing booth”, an intimate spot for two people. Double Deuce Lounge ain’t no dive bar. While it takes inspiration from a decade that’s known for questionable fashion choices, what sets it apart are the exceptional cocktails, top-notch service, and relaxed atmosphere. That’s why it’s one of Sydney’s go-to bars!
Fun fact: You might sense a vibe reminiscent of The Continental Hotel, minus the assassins. If you’re a John Wick fan then, you can consider them as one of the best cocktail bars in town.
Address: 6 Bridge St, Sydney NSW
Menu: Double Deuce Lounge Menu
Hours:
Sun – Mon | Closed
Tue – Wed | 5 PM–12 AM
Fri – Sat | 5 PM–2 AM
Oh, you’re in for a treat! Just when you thought we were finished sharing details about the best cocktail bars in Sydney CBD, buckle up because we’ve got even more in store for you.
4. Stitch Bar
You will find every visit is a flavourful adventure in this hidden gem on York Street in Sydney’s CBD, inspired by late-night diners in New York’s backstreets. Tucked behind a tailor shop, find this quirky basement bar down a grand staircase. Indulge in delicious burgers, hot dogs, and innovative cocktails with top-shelf spirits. Relax in a booth, soak in the speakeasy vibe, and enjoy the sounds of Louisiana’s guitar greats.
Address: 61 York St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Menu: Stitch Bar Menu
Hours:
Fri – Sat | 4 PM–2 AM
Sun – Thu | 4 PM–12 AM
5. Cantina Ok!
This place is unique. The folks running it not only love what they serve but also know how to turn that love into a good time.
Imagine a cosy 20-seat cocktail bar tucked in a small garage at the end of a delivery lane. Here, you’ll find a treasure trove of rare spirits from Mexico. Picture three friendly, bearded bartenders clad in white aprons, ready to craft your drink. Cool isn’t it?
Wait till you try their margaritas and cocktails. This is the spot where you can enjoy one-of-a-kind, one-in-a-million, and once-in-a-lifetime spirits.
Address: Council Pl, Sydney NSW
Menu: Cantina Ok! Menu
Hours:
Mon-Sun | 4 PM–2 AM
6. Old Mate’s Place
This is a hidden gem in the heart of Sydney – Old Mate’s Place, a speakeasy-style rooftop bar. Tucked away in a run-down office building, it’s a bit tricky to find, but totally worth it. While they offer beer and wine on the rooftop, it’s the ever-changing list of signature cocktails that steals the show and each drink is a delight.
You should visit to experience the magic of Old Mate’s Place.
Address: 4/199 Clarence St, Sydney NSW
Menu: Old Mate’s Menu
Hours:
Monday | Closed
Tue – Sun | 4PM – 2AM
7. Gin Lane
It’s the newest small bar on Kensington Street, they have used the luxurious gin palaces of the 18th century as their inspiration. Their menu changes regularly, but you can always expect a choice of about 80 gins served in classic G&Ts or unique cocktails. The terrace is like a maze of cosy rooms with comfy tables and leather couches. Feeling hungry? There’s a small food menu too.
For those eager to delve deeper, there’s Gin School – they offer a 90-minute personalised experience for small groups. It covers history, tastings, and mixology.
Address: 16 Kensington St Chippendale NSW
Menu: Gin Lane Menu
Hours:
Sun | 3:15–11 PM
Mon-Wed | 4–11:30 PM
Thur | 3 PM–12 AM
Fri | 2 PM–12 AM
Sat | 1 PM–12 AM
Get ready to uncover the last three gems! We can’t wait to share the final additions to the top ten list of the best cocktail bars in Sydney CBD with you.
8. The Fox Hole
Visit The Fox Hole in Sydney’s CBD for a cosy and enjoyable experience. Walk through an unmarked door, descend the stairs, and you’ll find a warm spot with a New York speakeasy vibe – think exposed brick and cool decor. Once you step in, you’ll see why the name fits so well. The place is perfect for a fun evening, thanks to a great drinks menu and friendly service. Don’t miss their special High Tea on Saturdays and Sundays. Instead of regular teapots, they serve amazing gin cocktail-filled teapots, making it a fantastic Gin & Tea experience for everyone to enjoy!
Address: 117 Harrington St, The Rocks NSW
Menu: The Fox Hole Menu
Hours:
Mon | Closed
Tue – Wed | 12–9 PM
Thu | 12–11 PM
Fri – Sat | 12 PM–1 AM
Sun | 12–6 PM
9. PS40
Since 2016, creativity has been the driving force at this place. It’s not just about alcoholic beverages; soft drinks play a significant role too. This happens to be a soda factory, and as the focus on non-alcoholic options grows, PS40 has been a trailblazer from the start. The $15 soda flight, offering a taste of every housemade creation, stands out as one of the most thrilling ways to explore flavours in town.
These folks wake up every morning eager to redefine what a drink can be. Their creations aren’t to be taken lightly – they’re serious about crafting beverages that will amaze you.
Address: 40 King St Enter, Skittle Ln, Sydney NSW
Menu: PS40 Menu
Hours:
Sun – Mon | Closed
Tue | 5 PM–10:30 PM
Wed | 5 PM–12 AM
Thu – Sat | 5 PM–12 AM
10. The Baxter Inn
Though they may be ranked 10th on our list of the best cocktail bars in Sydney, don’t let the number fool you. Their ranking doesn’t limit the exceptional experience they bring to the table.
This underground whisky cellar is Shady Pines Saloon’s little brother. Their whisky collection is so impressive that it could easily make the strongest person weak at the knees. The Baxter Inn has whiskey for every taste and budget, starting from a modest $10 per nip to a luxurious option priced at nearly $900 per shot. Who wouldn’t love an old-school cool vibe? Guys in suspenders serve drinks, a beautifully lit bar showcases 360 premium whiskies, and there’s also an impressive Australian wine list with top-notch Shiraz options.
Address: 152/156 Clarence St, Sydney NSW
Menu: The Baxter Inn Menu
Hours:
Mon – Sun | 4PM – 3AM
