My favourite Sydney bars for after-work drinks

Are you in Sydney for the ConnectNow conference on social media? Or just looking for a nice place in Sydney to go out for a drink tonight? Here are a couple recommendations on where to go (see Google map below for details). [PS: I've recently updated the list to include the fantastic recommendations some of my readers made, thank you Simon, Sandie, Mick and Anthony!!):

- If you're more into wine, you can head out to Fix St James in Elizabeth St, in the city (Stu really knows his stuff, follow him on Twitter for great wine advice). Closer to #cnow, in Surry Hills, you can also go to Mille Vini (397 Crown St) and Fico (Bourke St). In Darlinghurst, I really like Omerta Wine Bar and Time to Vino (both have fantastic wine selections).

- If you're more after fantastic cocktails, you could go to Toko in Surry Hills (very creative / unique cocktails, they have an amazing sake list as well), the iconic Victoria Room in Darlinghurst, Lotus Bar in Potts Point (their hibiscus and fresh vanilla daiquiri is one of my favourite cocktails, and I love the sexy, intimate Florence Broadhurst decor) or the very posh Hemmesphere in the CBD (they have some of Sydney's best sushi as well, with sushi-e).

- If you want something easy-going and laid back, here are some fantastic pubs with great beer selections: The Local Taphouse in Flinders St, the very funky Darlo Bar in Liverpool St (with a pretty cool rooftop bar), Red Oak boutique beer cafe in the City, the Glenmore Hotel in The Rocks (iconic colonial style and million-dollar view from the rooftop bar), The Lord Nelson Brewery also in The Rocks and The Royal Hotel in Five Ways (great food and romantic tables for two on the balcony, overlooking the heart of Paddington with a stunning city skyline backdrop).

- If you're looking for something a bit more quirky / edgy, head west to Newtown. Plenty of choice there, with local favourites such as Madame Fling Flong or Kuleto's.

- For great vibes and great decor, you can go to two of my favourite bars in Sydney (verging on too cool for school but they are really cool!): Pocket Bar and Sticky Bar in Darlinghurst, both within walking distance. Pocket Bar makes yummy French crepes, sweet and savoury. Ching-a-Lings in Darlinghurst and the Shady Pines Saloon also come highly recommended (the latter is one of the latest small bars in Sydney, with an interesting Country / Western twist).

- If you're only staying in town for a couple of days and want an iconic view, you can't go past the Opera Bar (fantastic views over the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, cool crowd, good fish n chips, hard to beat!) or the Icebergs Dining Room in Bondi Beach (order a glass of Champagne, rub shoulders with beautiful people and enjoy the panoramic views over Bondi Beach - not cheap but worth every cent, unless it's the weather sucks that day). 

- You could also head north of the Bridge and go to Manly for waterside drinks, either at Hugo's Manly (great cocktails, great pasta), at the brand new Manly Pavilion or even at the 4 Pine Brewery opposite the Manly Wharf.

- And for something over-the-top, you can head to the Hilton Hotel's Zeta Bar or the lavish Ivy in the city, with its 9 venues and stunning rooftop pool and bar.

There you go folks - hope it helps and don't hesitate to add bars and pubs to the list!

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Comments

[Liubinskas]

I'd also add Time to Vino on Stanely St Darlinghurst, Lord Nelson in Rocks, Royal in Paddington.

[Anthony Mills]

I would recommend 4 Pines in Manly, its straight across from the wharf, has a nice view of the harbour outside and they brew their own craft beers onsite.

[Simon Food Favourites]

noice selection. seems to cover quite a bit of Sydney. here's some extra suggestions:
COCKTAILS - Kuleto's in Newtown (Happy Hour 2 for 1) , Different Drummer in Glebe (Happy Hour 2 for 1), Zeta Bar in the Hilton (for something special)
BEER - definitely The Tap House as already suggested. Glenmore Hotel in the Rocks for rooftop view of Circular Quay. RedOak Boutique Beer Cafe in City.
SMALL BARS (casual and the usual 'in' crowd) - definitely Pocket Bar, also Ching-a-lings, Shady Pines Saloon, Name This Bar
WINE - Fico on Bourke St
For locations and details just google search or view my blog :-)

[Sandie]

Agree with you on Pocket Bar: very cool and love their crepes, they taste like home! :-)

[Myriam @ Detours]

Anthony > Thank you for that, totally right! I really like 4 Pines Brewery: great beer selection, laid back atmosphere, central location on the Manly Wharf and pretty cool view!

[Myriam]

Sandie > I know, don't you love Pocket Bar's crepes?! I mean, "nutella crepe with fresh strawberries", "dulce de leche crepe with toasted coconut", "espresso crepe with zabaglione and mocha sauce"... Nuff said.

[Myriam]

Liubinskas > Thank you Mick, good ones!! I've discovered Time to Vino quite recently, pretty cool indeed. And I just love the panoramic views of Sydney from the rooftop terrace at the Royal in Paddington, pretty special...

[Myriam]

Simon > W.O.W. Thanks a million Simon for these amazing recommendations, you're DA BEST!! Peeps, do visit Simon's blog, it's a goldmine: http://simonfoodfavourites.blogspot.com/

And there's a number of places you've recommended I haven't tried yet, such as Name This or Fico on Bourke, so I need to pencil in an "exploring" mission ;-)

[gé]

Wow - more to put on my todo list!
Where did you take the pics above? I like the style.

[Hilton hotel Cambridge]

I would recommend the Pocket Bar too.