2024's Best New Bars in Sydney for Cocktails & Good Times

The late-night scene in Sydney is undergoing the resurgence it deserves and naturally, it involves a swathe of new and exciting venues making their debuts. 2023 saw variety and abundance and 2024 is heading in the same direction. Huzzah! 

From artsy musical haunts to afternoon aperitivo bars, there's somewhere new to head every week. So gather the gang and make your way through this edit of the best new bars in Sydney where you might just find your new local. 

Bar Julius 

First, there was Bistecca, The Gidley, Alfie’s and The Rover, now, the good people at Liquid & Larder have sorted Sydneysiders for a European-style hotel bar by the name of Bar Julius. The Euro influences don't stop with the decor (which is incredible, btw) but extend to the all-day dining ethos. Textural elements are woven throughout the design which features an original artwork by Dinosaur Design Co-founder and Creative Director Louise Olsen. 

The drinks menu boasts a specially crafted crystal mimosa alongside classic cocktails, wine sourced from small, family-owned wineries and an Archie Rose whiskey blend created exclusively for brand new boutique hotel, The EVE Hotel, within which Bar Julius is located. Don't forget, you're welcome all-day so tee up a time to swing by. 

8 Baptist Street, Redfern 

Letra House (Image Credits: Nikki To)

Letra House 

Our arms are always wide open to welcome a new wine bar to the city. The welcome is even warmer for Letra House as this late-night spot has been brought to us by the Love Tilly Group. 

Enter the underground bar via cobblestoned Kent Street and emerge into a haven of exposed brick, walnut-stained timber and mood lighting. Over 50 bottles of wine are available by the glass on any given day with a focus on lesser-known regions such as Lebanon, USE and Greece. As for bites, Letra House's menu revolves around Spanish-style plates with tapas, cured meats and larger plates 

346 Kent Street, Sydney 

Little Cooler 

From the creators of one of the world's favourite cocktail bars, Maybe Sammy, comes this cheeky younger sibling. Little Cooler is set to be a dive bar with a difference. Think 90s rock, hip-hop and post-punk with a sustainable twist. With materials repurposed from past Maybe Group projects, this is a concept we can very much get behind. While the soundtrack and interiors remain edgy, the twist to this elevated dive bar comes in the form of the refined, yet unpretentious, beverage list. Just like the interiors, the cocktail list will be a shakeup of things that have come before. We've got our eye on the breakfast martini — gin, orange wine triple sec, whipped avocado oil and lemon.

275 Clarence Street, Sydney 

The Wine Bar

The Wine Bar is the second of three openings by The Point Group as part of CBD destination The International. As the name suggests, this brand-new gathering place will offer a wine list spanning the globe with an incredible array of options by the glass. There is also a space for every occasion, whether you fancy settling into the courtyard, intimate wine bar or circular dining room. Light and fluffy pizzettes, antipasti and bowls of pasta round out the offering. 

25 Martin Place, Sydney 

The Panorama Bar 

Next time you find yourself wandering around Martin Place after work in search of a glam rooftop bar, head to The Panorama Bar. From the same people that brought us Shell House, this 'sip and snack' focussed spot is ideal for a post-work morsel. As an informal all-rounder, there's space for every mood with nooks, fire pits and lounges just a few spots to settle. 

Snacky foods include crispy fried prawn toast, popcorn lobster rolls and freshly shucked oysters. On the drink side, you've got an extensive lineup of Champagne, Chablis and classic cocktails. 

25 Martin Place, Sydney 

 JŌJI

From the good people who brought us one of our favourite restaurants of 2023, Itō, comes this Japanese-inspired rooftop bar. Soak up views from the fifth floor of the Cartier flagship store whilst you sip on creative cocktails inspired by Shibui (simplicity), Wabi Sabi (imperfection) and Datsuzoku (creativity). The food offering is equally well thought out by Executive Chef Paul Farag. The menu is divided into three sections — raw, not raw and robata — with the addition of a late-night menu featuring a Japanese wagyu bolognese burger. 

Level 5, 388 George Street, Sydney 

Bar Tilda (Image Credits: Jason Loucas) 

Bar Tilda

There's something extra special about this luxury hotel bar that goes beyond your average. All aboard the old-world charm train, details here are curated to perfection — from the staff uniforms to the cosy nooks — and the menu itself is bursting with creativity. You'll also find a whisky armoire — a 100-strong collection of Australia whiskies — as well as 'the Bar Tilda martini experience, which involves a martini made to your specifications tableside. As for eats, the Bar Tilda menu is polished yet relaxed with a delicious cheeseburger, cacio e pepe popcorn and a chopped salad among the snacks on offer. 

61-101 Phillip Street, Sydney 

Dry Martini 

Martinis are having a moment, and now internationally renowned mixologist Grant Collins and Gin Lane Sydney have teamed up to launch a dedicated spot to savour this classic libation. Dry Martini will offer vintage recipes from the 1920s and 1930s, alongside inventive espresso martinis like the salted caramel espresso with nitro-frozen foam. Inspired by London's sophisticated martini bars and Spain’s relaxed cocktail scene, Dry Martini will also serve a delicious food menu with curated pairings, including ‘Oyster shell gin martini’ and ‘Truffle & jamon toasties.’

44 Kensington Street, Chippendale

The Bristol (Image Credits: Steven Woodburn) 

The Bristol 

Whilst the heritage build and impeccable vibes are not new, The Bristol, formerly known as The Bristol Arms, has had a major glow-up. Elevated is an understatement with the five-storey build decked out with some rather swish interiors. A chic sports bar, complete with private booths and chicken and souvlaki wraps, a pastel rooftop bar, a studio 54-inspired nightclub and a cocktail bar are just a few of the delights waiting to be discovered. Designed as a progressive venue, each level will offer guests something a little different depending on the vibe they're seeking. 

81 Sussex Street, Sydney 

Village 

Mountain Culture and Wildflower have long been two of our favourite breweries in the country. Yes, Australia. The news that the two of them have collaborated on a joint taproom is music to our ears. The shared space is the perfect spot to enjoy the best of both breweries with 10 beers from each on tap. Hw much do we love creative business types supporting other creative business types?! As for food, you can expect a tight curation of the perfect beer accompaniments. Think pickles, nuts, cheese, tater tots and grilled Goldstreet Dairy cheese. The perfect spot to while away a weekend afternoon. 

11-13 Brompton Street, Marrickville 

The Hook

Some combinations stand the test of time and that's surely the case for live piano, oysters and cold martinis. Inspired by the old-school oyster bars of New Orleans and San Francisco, The Hook has brought this classic blend to the heart of Kings Cross. Enjoy indoor and outdoor seating, impeccable retro vibes and nautical design elements. Pure delight. 

13-15 Bayswater Road, Kings Cross 

JAM Record Bar (Image Credit: Chad Konik) 

JAM Record Bar

What happens when 15,000 vinyl records meet a menu of Japanese-inspired snacks and jazzy cocktails? A very, very good time indeed. The latest addition to George Street's ivy precinct, JAM Record Bar is a homage to the low-key listening bars of Tokyo. You'll find every genre, era and artist amongst the collection as well as pink plywood walls and an all-round cruisey atmosphere. 

320C George Street, Sydney 

Lumière on Thirty Five

Your new late-night go-to has arrived thanks to this stunning new sky-high venue in the heart of Darling Harbour, Lumière on Thirty Five boasts breathtaking views of the sparkling Sydney skyline in an intimate and luxurious setting.

Expect world-class cocktails courtesy of expert mixologists who fuse innovative methods with classic techniques, and delectable desserts inspired by the very best of French cuisine  

12 Darling Drive, Sydney

Pleasure Club 

Live music is a thing to be cherished and that's exactly what Pleasure Club, the newest hospitality venue from Odd Culture Group, aims to deliver. The late-night, cutting-edge cocktail bar is an inclusive space where you can escape the world for a hot minute and delve into the fever-dream revelry of performance and experimental concoctions. Find the glowing purple eye on Newtown's Wilson Street, descend the staircase and discover an unmatched late-night entertainment experience with plush booths, nooks and crannies to hide away in and a corner pool table. The state-of-the-art cocktail lab is worth a try, with a seasonal cocktail program that changes cyclically. The debut story, 'Nostalgia Machine', hones in on the essence of growing up in Australia with creations like Mr Whippy, Cheese TV and even Vegemite.

6 Wilson Street, Newtown 

If knowing all about the best new bars in Sydney is your thing, we have just the articles for you to read! From bars with beautiful interiors and rooftop oases, to underground hangouts and romantic  date spots, we've got you covered.