5 Best Bars in Sydney (2026)

The Baxter Inn is an underground whisky bar tucked behind an unmarked entrance on Clarence Street, run by Swillhouse and stocked with an extensive collection of Highland, Lowland, Speyside, and island whiskies alongside cocktails, beer, and wine. It's walk-in only, no bookings, seven days a week, and free pretzels are something of a running joke among regulars.

Bar 83 at Sydney Tower sits 83 floors above street level, offering a panoramic view of the city alongside specialty cocktails and bar fare, with an Infinity revolving restaurant on the floor below. It's a bookings-recommended spot, especially around sunset, with tiered packages that include champagne and small plates.

The Gidley is an opulent steakhouse and lounge bar found down an unmarked basement staircase on the corner of King and Elizabeth Streets, known equally for its dry-aged steaks and its now-famous burger. The Lounge Bar operates as a proper cocktail destination in its own right before guests move through to the dining room.

Babylon Rooftop & Garden Bar sits above Pitt Street Mall, combining modern Middle Eastern dining with an open-air rooftop bar inspired by the Hanging Gardens of ancient Babylon. The venue runs both a full restaurant and a standalone bar space, with regular entertainment including belly dancing on weekend nights.

Burrow Bar is a small, boutique cocktail and spirits bar hidden in a Sydney basement, nominated for Australian Bartender Magazine's Bar of the Year and NSW Bar of the Year. It runs a daily happy hour, a rotating merch line, and a rare-spirits list, positioning itself as a nostalgic escape from the surrounding city.