The Best Bars in The Rocks for Every Occasion

Sydney’s most iconic tourist precinct blends the city’s humble beginnings with a modern and continuously changing skyline. And, with the beautiful Sydney Harbour as its backdrop, The Rocks is naturally brimming with sleek cocktail bars, historic pubs, and alfresco lounges boasting some of the best views around. Whatever you’re in the mood for, The Rocks will have it. 

To help you with your scenic selection, we’ve narrowed down the best bars in The Rocks to nab a table. 

Best Bars in The Rocks: Cocktail Bars

Maybe Sammy

Maybe Sammy is constantly scoring new accolades with the help of their award-winning bartending team. You can expect exceptional hotel bar-style service, interiors influenced by 1950s Hollywood and Vegas glamour, and a cocktail list that oozes elegance. 

Eight signature cocktails lead the main drinks list; all a modern interpretation of classic cocktails delivered with theatrical flair, and each named after some of the Rat Pack’s favourite haunts. Vintage Champagnes make their mark on the wine list alongside an international assortment of tasty blends. The beers are an all-Australian line-up and there’s also a healthy selection of spirits to choose from, too. 

115 Harrington Street, The Rocks

Frank Mac’s

Frank Mac’s is a vibrant gin-obsessed cocktail haunt with a bar stocked with well over one hundred juniper blends from all corners of the globe. The bar itself is a nod to co-owner Ciara’s great uncle Frank Mac, a cheeky colourful chap who was a staple at his village bar in Ireland. 

83 George Street, The Rocks

Apollonia

Descend a blackened staircase, push through velvet curtains and find yourself in a candlelit Sicilian cave hand-carved into the sandstone of Hinchcliff House. Apollonia is one of Sydney’s most dramatic bars. The aesthetics are all red leather banquettes, brass and gold trimmings and a marble bar top, with a cocktail list divided into chapters of a Godfather love story. At midnight, the bartenders pour everyone a house Negroni, put on a song and toast the room. Open until 3am, six nights a week.

Level/5-7 Young St, Sydney NSW 2000

Tailor Room

Though it may have just twenty seats, this 24-square-metre room tucked under the historic arches of the Argyle building is doing a lot with it. Serving some of the most technically impressive cocktails in The Rocks, Tailor Room’s signature menu takes its cues from the building’s wool and textile heritage, with each cocktail evoking a different fabric through flavour and mouthfeel. Order the Velvet Martini at the red marble bar and let the bartenders do the rest.

Argyle Stores, 16b Argyle St, The Rocks NSW 2000

Bar 1880

You need to know where you’re going to find Bar 1880, and that’s the whole fun of it. Hidden in Bulletin Place, in one of Sydney’s oldest buildings, this is a cocktail bar in the purest sense. Follow the golden arrows upstairs to The Press Room, settle into a plush velvet seat and work your way through a menu of carefully conceived classics and signatures.

Sitchu Tip: Try the Smoking Revolver or the Paperboy Colada… they’ve become cult orders.

10 Bulletin Pl, Sydney NSW 2000

Grain

Four Seasons’ very moody, dimly-lit bar, Grain, is a frequented watering hole near Circular Quay. Based beside the entrance of the hotel, the humble bar boasts bespoke craft beers and an impressive organic and biodynamic wine list. For those desiring a more potent dash of alcohol, there’s a wide range of international whiskies and classic cocktails with contemporary twists.

199 George Street, Sydney

The Doss House

Giving life to its historic digs, this ex-boarding house and opium den is now a cosy underground bar known as The Doss House. With a range of over 150 whiskies, you can decide to pair your drink with a delectable morsel from the share plate menu. This character-filled bar is a must-visit for history buffs, whisky enthusiasts and bar lovers alike.

77 – 79 George Street, The Rocks

Best Bars in The Rocks: Pubs

The Squire’s Landing

What better way to spend a Sydney evening, than getting stuck into beer and cheeses against the backdrop of the city’s finest landmarks? Offering Quayside views (without the Quay price tag), The Squire’s Landing is one of the best bars in The Rocks to indulge in batch beers, brewed on-site in their microbrewery. Swing by Thursday to Sunday if you fancy a side of live music with your brew or Monday to Friday between 5pm and 7pm for happy hour. 

Overseas Passenger Terminal, Circular Quay Way, The Rocks

Fortune of War

Sydney’s oldest pub (which has clocked up nearly 200 years in business) came back swinging in 2025 after a major renovation that somehow managed to make the old girl look better than ever. The 100-year-old red oak bar has been lovingly restored, a new 60-seat Bistro 1828 has been added, and live music runs Wednesday to Sunday in the original main bar. Despite the facelift, Fortune of War is still a country pub in the heart of the city. Long may it reign.

137 George St, The Rocks NSW 2000

The Glenmore Hotel

This oldie boasts some of the best harbour views in the area and is one of our favourite rooftop bars in all of Sydney. The Glenmore Hotel offers gourmet pub grub that will satiate all cravings as they live and breathe the mantra, ‘classic pub food with a twist’. But it’s the electric atmosphere that you really can’t beat with tourists and locals alike all flocking here for a golden hour bevvie and good times. 

96 Cumberland Street, The Rocks

Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel

An oldie but a goodie, Sydney’s oldest continuously licensed pub, the Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel, is now also an award-winning brewery. Historic and trendy at once, the pub has an old-world English charm, harbour views, and a loyal bunch of locals.

Sip on one of the six 100% natural award-winning mainstay ales or sample one of their smaller batch seasonal pours – all of which have been brewed in-house. If beer isn’t your thing, opt for the fruity Nelson Nudie cocktail instead.

19 Kent St, The Rocks

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