The Best Pubs in Sydney CBD For a Pint
Looking for somewhere to enjoy a bev? Let our edit of the best pubs in Sydney CBD guide you to your dream locale.
For many Sydneysiders, popping into a pub is the best way to unwind on the weekend, or after a hard day at work. With a casual, fuss-free vibe, the best pubs beckon us to come in and relax with the help of an ice-cold bevvy, a crispy schnitty, and, sometimes, fare that’s on the fancier side.
The city’s pub scene is vast and diverse and packed with everything from old-school boozers and gastropubs to beer gardens, rooftops and party pubs.
So next time you need of a beer (or a frose!) and a feed, head to one of the best pubs in Sydney CBD and surrounding 'burbs.
The Paddo Inn
Most likely the chicest pub you'll ever encounter, The Paddo Inn, located in the heart of Paddington is an up-market bistro serving up quality meat and seafood share plates.
Our recommendation: stay late, drink wine and soak up the beautiful ambience. It's designed to look like a Paddington terrace, so no doubt you'll feel right at home.
338 Oxford Street, Paddington
The Squire’s Landing
What better way to spend a Sydney evening, than getting stuck into beer and cheeses against the backdrop of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House?
Offering Quayside views (without the Quay price tag), The Squire's Landing is one of the best pubs in Sydney CBD to indulge in batch beers, brewed on-site in their microbrewery.
Overseas Passenger Terminal, Circular Quay Way, The Rocks
The Light Brigade
The Paddington/Woollahra area is teeming with pubs, and The Light Brigade is one that consistently draws a crowd.
The first two floors consist of a sports bar, relaxed bistro and elegant art deco-inspired cocktail bar. Climb another set of stairs, and you’ll reach the rooftop bar.
With panoramic views over the city, it’s ideal for date nights and friendly catchups, complete with woodfired pizzas and prosecco.
Corner of Oxford Street and Jersey Street, Woollahra
The Duke of Clarence
Nestled in an alleyway next to The Barber Shop, The Duke of Clarence offers a quintessentially British experience in the heart of the CBD. This 19th-century-inspired English tavern boasts a 500-strong line-up of spirits and British eats that tick every comfort food box. We're talking Scotch eggs, fish finger sandwiches, ploughman's plates and traditional roasts (Yorkies included). In winter, there's even a smouldering fireplace!
152-156 Clarence Street, Sydney
East Village Sydney
Settle in for a chic pub do at Darlinghurst's East Village Hotel. From the lively ground floor to the intimate rooftop, there is so much to love about this refurbished heritage pub.
With panoramic views, the rooftop terrace is available for groups of up to 20 people, while the Athletic Club - with its leather-clad Chesterfield – on the level below is an old-worldly haven to retire to once the sun is set.
234 Palmer Street, Darlinghurst
The Lord Nelson
Historic and trendy at once, Sydney’s oldest continuously licensed pub is also an award-winning brewery. Fittingly located in The Rocks, The Lord Nelson has an old-world English charm, harbour views, and a loyal bunch of locals.
Tuck into the pub classic beef pie with mushy peas or fish and chips while sipping on a seasonal ale and enjoying the laidback charm of one of the best pubs in Sydney CBD.
19 Kent Street, The Rocks
The Dolphin
The Dolphin is oh-so-chic but still holds onto its classic pub feel. The Public Bar is casual, The Wine Room offers fine wine and charcuterie boards, and The Dining Room dishes up top-tier Italian fare.
412 Crown Street, Surry Hills
Sitchu Tip: For a similarly chic yet relaxed vibe, pop into The Oaks in Neutral Bay, or The Tilbury in Woolloomooloo.
Dove and Olive
This Surry Hills watering hole keeps things traditional with happy hours, meal deals and trivia nights but stands out as the home of Sydney’s original Craft Beer Fight Club.
It’s inventive yet classic at the same time, and that’s reflected in the menu, where you’ll find chicken wings and nachos next to crab risotto and sticky beef short ribs with a spiced coffee rub.
156 Devonshire Street, Surry Hills
Royal Hotel Paddington
A heritage pub that boasts a beautiful open-air rooftop with striking views over the city, Royal Hotel has broad appeal among Paddington’s stylish locals and remains one of the best pubs in Sydney.
The menu focuses on shared plates, pub classics and contemporary seasonal dishes. Get in early to secure a highly sought-after spot on the rooftop at sunset.
237 Glenmore Road, Paddington
The Glenmore Hotel
For some of the best harbour views and great pub grub, The Glenmore Hotel is an old favourite. A tourist hotspot, from the heritage bar downstairs to the happening rooftop, there is always a good time to be had.
To satisfy your comfort food cravings, take a bite into their classic pub food dishes like the salt and pepper squid or red wine braised lamb shanks. Delicious!
96 Cumberland Street, The Rocks
Hotel Palisade
Hotel Palisade has a way of seducing every patron that walks through its doors leading many to say it's one of the best pubs in Sydney thanks to the character-laden charms of the Public House on the ground floor to the plush styling of the rooftop Henry Deane.
A step back from quintessential pub fare, the Public House menu lists dishes more along the lines of the cayenne spice whitebait or beef rump soba noodle salad.
35 Bettington Street, Millers Point
The Carrington
If you have spent the day wandering the colourful streets of Surry Hills and are now craving a delicious steak, The Carrington is the pub for you.
If you've got your doggo with you, you're in luck. Dog owners can drink and dine alongside their furry friends who also have dedicated doggy dishes on the menu, including beef tartare.
563-565 Bourke Street, Surry Hills
Hero of Waterloo
Along with being the oldest pub in the country and heritage-listed to boot, Hero of Waterloo is one of Australia’s eeriest sites. Built by convicts, the hotel was a smuggler’s dream – they’d use a secret tunnel in the cellar to transport their goods directly to the wharf.
To this day, it’s also claimed the hotel is haunted by its former landlady, Anne Kirkman, who was thrown down the cellar steps in 1849 by her husband. It’s said her restless spirit keeps tabs on the pub and sometimes plays the piano when it’s closed for the night.
Where else can you find a pint, meal, live music and a ghost tour all at once?!
81 Lower Fort Street, Millers Point
Lord Dudley Hotel
While there’s no shortage of English-style pubs in Sydney, few possess quintessential British charm like this corner pub, and come wintertime, you can nestle by the open fire and enjoy a pint of Old Speckled Hen.
The redbrick exterior looks more like a Tudor-style manor than a pub, while the old-world charms of Old Blighty continue inside with gold-rimmed portraits of dukes and duchesses and a room dedicated to mohair sofas circa 1930s and a cosy fireplace.
As for the food, expect classic pub dishes expertly done.
236 Jersey Road, Paddington
The Village Inn
A local charmer, The Village Inn is a beautiful corner pub that exudes character and warmth. The heritage building has been a pub since 1890 and The Village Inn continues to live up to its roots as one of the best pubs in Sydney by serving old-school pub food and hosting trivia nights and Sunday sessions with live music and sport screenings.
9-11 Glenmore Road, Paddington
If you loved this edit of the best pubs in Sydney CBD and surrounding 'burbs and are looking for more places to enjoy a drink and bite to eat, we recommend taking a peek at our edits of the best sushi trains around the CBD and the best cafes in the CBD. You're welcome!
