The 5 Best Cocktail Bars in Sydney for the Finest Pints and Punchlines
Grabbing a cold drink in this city is always an adventure when you’re hanging out with friends and exploring new spots. But finding the best cocktail bar in Sydney really depends on what kind of night you want.
The local scene here has everything from packed nightclubs with loud music to cosy lounges that feel hidden away. Even local party planners often suggest exploring different neighbourhoods to find your perfect vibe.
With so many options, it can feel overwhelming to choose. That’s why we’ve rounded up the top spots across town to help you plan an unforgettable night out!
How much does a cocktail cost in Sydney?
A standard cocktail in Sydney typically costs around AU$18 to AU$26, although happy-hour drinks may be cheaper and premium cocktails can cost considerably more.
| Drink / Service Type | Average Price Range (AUD) |
| Happy-Hour Specials | AU$7-AU$16 |
| Standard Cocktails | AU$18-AU$25 |
| Premium / Rooftop Cocktails | AU$26-AU$35+ |
| Private-Event Packages | AU$47-AU$80 per person |
1. The Baxter Inn
Website: https://www.swillhouse.com/
Address: 152-156 Clarence St.
Contact: (02) 8302 2317 | [email protected]
Hours: Sunday-Wednesday, 4:00 PM-3:00 AM; Thursday-Saturday, 3:00 PM-3:00 AM.
The Baxter Inn is a basement bar that puts whisky and blues at the heart of the experience. Their back bar features bottles from the Highlands, Lowlands, Speyside, and the islands, and the staff can share stories behind many of them.
We spoke with a client who visited last month with friends, and they said the team guided them through a tasting that made the wide selection easier to understand.
While whisky is the main attraction, cocktails, beer, wine, and pretzels also give mixed groups other options. Plus, the bar stays open until 3:00 AM every night.
However, this bar is walk-in only and doesn’t accept reservations, so you can’t secure a table before a busy night. Their whisky-heavy focus may also be less appealing for groups mainly looking for cocktails.
Customer Reviews
Highly recommended for cocktail lovers
If you’re looking for a truly special spot, this hidden bar is a must-visit. The cocktail menu is impressively diverse, offering everything from creative signatures to perfectly crafted classics. Each drink is beautifully presented and thoughtfully balanced in flavor.
The atmosphere inside is intimate and inviting — low lighting, cozy seating, and music that sets just the right mood without overpowering conversation. It’s the kind of place where you can easily lose track of time, whether you’re out with friends or just enjoying a quiet night.
Highly recommended for cocktail lovers and anyone who appreciates a great hidden gem.
— Toffee | Google Review
The Baxter Inn feels like a secret worth discovering
Tucked away in a hidden Sydney basement, The Baxter Inn feels like a secret worth discovering. Step inside and you’re transported to a dimly lit world of vintage charm, blues music, and one of the most impressive whiskey collections on the planet. The bartenders are true artisans—fast, friendly, and fiercely knowledgeable. Whether you’re a cocktail connoisseur or a curious newcomer, every drink is crafted with care and delivered with flair. It’s not just a bar; it’s an underground adventure that leaves you buzzing with discovery.
— Mohammed Junaid | Google Review
2. Old Love’s
Website: https://www.oldloves.sydney/
Address: Basement, 199 Clarence St
Contact: Not publicly listed
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 5:00 PM-2:00 AM
Rum takes the spotlight at this cosy basement bar below Old Mate’s Place. Old Love’s menu treats rum as a spirit to enjoy on its own or in cocktails, while Caribbean-inspired snacks are served late into the night.
You can pair a curated rum pour with mini Cubanos, jerk chicken rolls, or a jerk mushroom quesadilla. Meanwhile, beer and wine give mixed groups a few more options.
Unlike some cocktail bars, this spot accepts online reservations and stays open until 2:00 AM from Tuesday through Sunday.
The main limitation is the weekly schedule, as they’re closed on Mondays. Their strong rum focus may also be less suited to guests looking for a broad whisky selection or classic cocktail menu.
Customer Reviews
This is the best bar in Sydney!
This is the best bar in Sydney! A small one, specialising in Rum cocktails, it has a great vibe and groovy music that is not to loud.
Tailored to all palettes, the cocktail menu is very diverse.
We sat at the bar and the owner/manager/bartender served us throughout the evening. He is super-friendly, passionate and so knowledgeable (as are his staff) about his trade!
Try the Rumbuie! It’s his own take on Drambuie and is delicious 😋
A great night was had by us 3 mature ladies!
— Cindi V | Google Review
An absolutely amazing little cocktail bar
An absolutely amazing little cocktail bar that has some really cool rims to try but they also have beer, wine and all the usual cocktails so don’t worry if your not into rum as it’s a great stop nonetheless. The staff are really what make this place, it’s rare to find bartenders that are so passionate about their jobs and ensuring your having a great time, they are so knowledgeable about their menu and it just feels like they just want you to hang out and have a good time regardless if your drinking or not…
— Zane | Google Review
3. Eau De Vie Sydney
Website: https://eaudevie.com.au/
Address: Wynyard Lane, 285 George Street
Contact: (02) 7225 5559 | [email protected]
Hours: Tuesday-Wednesday, 5:00 PM-midnight; Thursday, 4:30 PM-midnight; Friday-Saturday, 4:30 PM-2:00 AM
Eau De Vie Sydney is a fully seated, 1920s-inspired speakeasy that combines table service with signature cocktails, newer creations, and a dedicated Whisky Room.
We spoke with a regular who visits the bar, and they recommended reserving the Whisky Room for a more focused spirits experience.
For drinks, familiar ones like the Smoky Rob Roy and Yuzu Mule sit alongside rare whiskies and private bottle lockers. The bar also makes their syrups, shrubs, and cordials in-house.
Plus, some signature cocktails can be prepared as mocktails, with non-alcoholic options available for selected experiences. Best of all, you can book standard reservations up to six months in advance.
However, bookings are limited to 90 minutes, with a maximum party size of 14. Late cancellations and no-shows may also incur a AU$25-per-person charge.
Customer Reviews
The cocktail selection was second to none
This place ticked all the boxes! Had great ambience but wasn’t overly crowded, the cocktail selection was second to none, the service was on point, very attentive and welcoming but not insipid. Would highly recommend this place for the drinks and bar food, it made for a great night out and will definitely be going back many times.
— Rosie McAlary | Google Review
One of the best cocktail bars we’ve been to anywhere in the world
This is 100% one of the best cocktail bars we’ve been to anywhere in the world. Josh, was an absolutely top class waiter who new the ingredients of every drink and perfectly tailored our cocktails to our taste. Don’t lose him as he’s an exceptional employee who went above and beyond to ensure we had an excellent experience.
— Matt Cameron | Google Review
4. Bar 1880
Website: https://www.bar1880.com/
Address: 10 Bulletin Place
Contact: 0415 414 654 | [email protected]
Hours: Tuesday-Thursday, 5:00 PM-Closing; Friday-Saturday, 4:00 PM-Closing
At Bar 1880, a typewriter and gold door mark the entrance, giving you a fun first impression. Inside, the bar serves original signatures alongside familiar classics, while their Monthly Barrel programme adds a new barrel-aged cocktail each month.
If you’re looking for a deal, Tipple Hour runs during the first hour of service, with discounts on selected cocktails, house wines, and beers. Forgotten Thursdays also brings back one lesser-known classic each week.
Walk-ins are welcome, too, while groups can book online or contact the venue.
However, the bar is closed on Sundays and Mondays, leaving only five operating days each week.
Customer Reviews
Hidden gem of a wine and cocktail bar
Nestled in the little laneway of bulletin place near circular quay is this hidden gem of a wine and cocktail bar. Bar 1880 has a vintage style reminiscent of a 1920s speakeasy. You enter a small reception leading up to a brass door to the press bar. The door open to reveal a retro candle lit bar with vintage typewriters, old school leather couches and vintage dial phones. This is a wonderful cosy bar serving a broad range of classic and signature cocktails. The bartender is really excellent and the service top notch.
— Adrian Kwa | Google Review
Let me tell you, it’s a truly hidden gem
Visited Bar 1880 for a girls date night and let me tell you its a truly hidden gem! Tucked away discreetly in an alleyway, this 1800s-style bar transports you to another era the moment you step inside with its dim lighting, plush velvet seating, and vintage décor.
But here’s the best part: the cocktails! They took classic drinks and gave them a playful, modern twist. There was a cocktail to suit everyone’s preference. My favourite was the Copywriter’s Cosmo and it came with a Blue Curacoa foam!
— Therese Lum | Google Review
5. Burrow Bar
Website: https://www.burrowbar.com.au/
Address: Basement, 96 Clarence St
Contact: 0450 466 674 | [email protected]
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 4:00 PM-midnight
Burrow Bar combines craft cocktails, rare boutique spirits, beer, and wine in an intimate setting. The bar also serves simple snacks like house-made beef jerky and a house nut mix.
If you’re looking for a good deal, their happy hour runs from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, Tuesday to Sunday. For larger groups, you can book online and arrange bespoke menus and full-venue hire.
However, remember that cancellations within 24 hours or no-shows may result in the booking deposit being charged. There’s also a discretionary 10% service charge for bookings of seven or more.
Plus, the fully licensed venue doesn’t allow BYO alcohol, so check these conditions before planning a larger night out.
Customer Reviews
Absolutely one of the best Cocktail Bars in Sydney
They have one of Australia’s top 20 Bartenders and on a quiet night he will make you a cocktail just based on what you’re feeling.
Have been before and will go again. Absolutely one of the best Cocktail Bars in Sydney based on quality of drink, venue and definitely the best service in town.
— Lachy Hine | Google Review
Amazing little hole in the wall bar
Amazing little hole in the wall bar. Elliott was so warm and welcoming, sat with us to help us pick our cocktails and was so obviously enthused and passionate about his business. Beautiful decor, killer music, and the cocktails! My partner loves Old Fashioneds, and said it was the best he’d had. I had the Pina Colada inspired cocktail, well, 2 actually- you need to try it! Thanks Elliott, looking forward to our next visit
— Sarah Rhiannon | Google Review