A subjective topic if ever there was one, “the best bar” means something different to all Sydney-siders, we even argue between ourselves. But someone’s gotta make the call and it might as well be us! We’ve taken into consideration vibe, service, location, price and food (although we normally wind up getting Oporto). And with that, here’s our top 5 bars so far...
No. 5:
The Bar At The End Of The Wharf
This bar has 2 huge things going for it, it’s well hidden (ups the cool factor) and it’s the prettiest place we’ve reviewed yet. First ish is location, it’s quite a trek from circular quay station. Next, it aint cheap at $8 a beer and has no happy hour. Finally the food is a little too fancy for a regular hang out place. All that being said, look at it it’s gorgeous and yes the beer is pricy but it’s Young Henrys.
No. 4:
The Glenmore
Another Rocks bar with a fantastic view from the open air top floor but this time with more tap options and pub food we know and love. With a pool table and other places to grab your drink on lower levels, the Glenmore has more of a fun vibe too aided by great staff. Only thing to watch out for is how quickly it all fills up because everyone in the whole world loves that view. Also a bit of a walk.
No. 3:
The Clock Hotel – Surry Hills
Great vibe. Good happy hour. Easy to find a place to sit down. The Clock has personality, it’s fun and huge but also makes you feel comfortable. As we’ve said before it’s like 4 bars smushed together with a different style in every area, craft beer, whisky room, cocktail bar, beer garden it’s all good. It’s only downfall – they have no schnitzel and it’s a hike up Foveaux street from central but 5-7pm local beers are $4.50 and Messina is across the street so it’s forgiven.
No. 2:
The Bank – Newtown
The Bank is beautiful inside and out. The interior is really well done and thought through and the beer garden, which is double level, is green and great. It just managed to edge out the Clock because it’s literally next to Newtown station so it’s a great meeting place too. Sadly Solotel who own both the Clock and Bank must hate chicken schnitzel because there isn’t one here either! But similarly 5-7pm beers are $4.50. Fine.
No. 1:
The Dove & Olive – Surry Hills
They got number 1 bar from Time Out but this is the big one, number 1 from Sydney On Tap. NOW you’ve made it guys. “Why do they get first place?!” – Every Other Bar. Because they are a rock solid all-rounder. First of all they have 22 taps, nearly all of which are craft beer. The interior has a great rustic wooden saloon-y feel with all the mounted animal heads. It’s a good size too, not to small not too big. The food is great and they have $10 meals most days. They have $4 beer during the 5-7pm happy hour and on Thursday you can get a jug for $10. The vibe is great. And it’s relatively close to Central station, the most central of all the stations.
Honourable mentions:
Strawberry Hills – Surry Hills
The Coopers Hotel – Newtown
Zanzibar – Newtown
The Botany View Hotel – Newtown
No. 5:
The Bar At The End Of The Wharf
This bar has 2 huge things going for it, it’s well hidden (ups the cool factor) and it’s the prettiest place we’ve reviewed yet. First ish is location, it’s quite a trek from circular quay station. Next, it aint cheap at $8 a beer and has no happy hour. Finally the food is a little too fancy for a regular hang out place. All that being said, look at it it’s gorgeous and yes the beer is pricy but it’s Young Henrys.
No. 4:
The Glenmore
Another Rocks bar with a fantastic view from the open air top floor but this time with more tap options and pub food we know and love. With a pool table and other places to grab your drink on lower levels, the Glenmore has more of a fun vibe too aided by great staff. Only thing to watch out for is how quickly it all fills up because everyone in the whole world loves that view. Also a bit of a walk.
No. 3:
The Clock Hotel – Surry Hills
Great vibe. Good happy hour. Easy to find a place to sit down. The Clock has personality, it’s fun and huge but also makes you feel comfortable. As we’ve said before it’s like 4 bars smushed together with a different style in every area, craft beer, whisky room, cocktail bar, beer garden it’s all good. It’s only downfall – they have no schnitzel and it’s a hike up Foveaux street from central but 5-7pm local beers are $4.50 and Messina is across the street so it’s forgiven.
No. 2:
The Bank – Newtown
The Bank is beautiful inside and out. The interior is really well done and thought through and the beer garden, which is double level, is green and great. It just managed to edge out the Clock because it’s literally next to Newtown station so it’s a great meeting place too. Sadly Solotel who own both the Clock and Bank must hate chicken schnitzel because there isn’t one here either! But similarly 5-7pm beers are $4.50. Fine.
No. 1:
The Dove & Olive – Surry Hills
They got number 1 bar from Time Out but this is the big one, number 1 from Sydney On Tap. NOW you’ve made it guys. “Why do they get first place?!” – Every Other Bar. Because they are a rock solid all-rounder. First of all they have 22 taps, nearly all of which are craft beer. The interior has a great rustic wooden saloon-y feel with all the mounted animal heads. It’s a good size too, not to small not too big. The food is great and they have $10 meals most days. They have $4 beer during the 5-7pm happy hour and on Thursday you can get a jug for $10. The vibe is great. And it’s relatively close to Central station, the most central of all the stations.
Honourable mentions:
Strawberry Hills – Surry Hills
The Coopers Hotel – Newtown
Zanzibar – Newtown
The Botany View Hotel – Newtown
