The Best Pubs on the North Shore That Tick Every Box

The age-old act of heading to the pub is one of life's most simple pleasures. There's nothing better than a cup-filling catch-up with friends as you snuggle up inside a cosy pub or enjoy a drink on a sunny rooftop.

Whether you’re in the mood for a rowdy trivia night or a mate date, or you don't want to think about what to cook for dinner (can relate!), these are the best pubs on the North Shore of Sydney to enjoy a drink or two. 

The Buena

As any Mosman local knows, an evening out in 2088 is incomplete without visiting The Buena. This beloved establishment has proven to be a bastion of fine dining, cemented by the addition of French restaurant Bistro Mosman on the ground floor.

Tucked behind Bistro Mosman is the exclusive gin and whiskey bar, complete with snug leather booths, high-top copper tables and an impressive drinks list.

The downstairs Buena Bar has remained true to its roots as an old-world watering hole for locals to swill ale, a fine wine, or an inventive cocktail, while upstairs, the Vista Bar’s bright, open ambience is just the place for a big Saturday lunch over woodfired pizzas. 

76 Middle Head Road, Mosman

The Longueville Hotel

Affectionately known as The Longy, this Lane Cove pub oozes ambience with a lounge bar, open fireplace, chic dining rooms and a sun-drenched garden terrace with an outdoor bar.

To top it off, The Longy is renowned for its pub fare, especially the “Longy” pot pie.

And like every good pub on the North Shore, The Longy has regular weekly events like trivia for those who like a bit of friendly competition.

80 Longueville Road, Lane Cove

The Greengate Hotel

When it comes to the best pubs on the North Shore, the heritage-listed Greengate Hotel holds a high status. This sprawling pub in Killara offers a versatile space for relaxing, dining and socialising.

Originally built in 1833, this Pacific Highway mainstay continues to be the go-to place for locals to meet over a beer while enjoying a friendly and buzzy atmosphere. 

Coroner Pacific Highway and Greengate Road, Killara

The Oaks

Boasting one of the best beer gardens in Sydney, it’s hard to go past a Sunday session settled beneath the twinkling lights bedazzling the pub’s infamous Oak tree.

The Oaks has an ambience to suit every occasion; a chic Hampton’s-style garden pavilion for romantic seclusion, a rustic yet handsome Bar & Grill room to settle in for a glass of red and an eye fillet, and a sleek front bar to wile away the hours over a cocktail or two.

118 Military Road, Neutral Bay

Kirribilli Hotel

This local pub around the corner from the Sydney Harbour Bridge does family dining, functions and low-key lounging like it’s no big deal.

Tables on the indoor-outdoor terrace are highly sought after, and on Tuesdays, the pub is brimming with trivia fanatics hoping to score a very generous winning voucher.

37 Broughton Street, Kirribilli

The Stoned Crow  

With buckets of rustic charm, The Stoned Crow doesn’t have to try hard to earn its effortlessly cool stripes. With exposed brick walls and hanging foliage, this hip hangout is a trendy oasis on the northern side of the Harbour.

Here the pub fare comes in hefty portions ideal for sharing and the wine list has been curated to showcase the best Aussie and New Zealand varietals. 

39 Willoughby Road, Crows Nest

The Greens 

Surrounded by St Leonards Park and offering patrons glimpses of Sydney's city skyline, this bowling club turned bar is well-known as one of the best pubs on the North Shore.

Their light-filled interiors open out onto an outdoor space that has a casual garden party vibe. When not in play, kids can run around the grounds, and The Greens regularly host fun events throughout the year. 

50 Ridge Street, North Sydney 

Blues Point Hotel

An oldie (we’re talking first licensed premise on Sydney’s north shore) but a goodie, The Blues Point Hotel is the classic watering hole that still draws a crowd.

With a front bar, sports bar, outdoor terrace and open fireplaces, it's a beautifully designed gathering spot and one of the best pubs on the North Shore.

Whatever you're in the mood for — be it for a casual catch-up with friends or a leisurely lunch from the bistro, you'll find a spot for it here.

116 Blues Point Road, McMahons Point

Small Bar

This is the sleek and chic yet cosy bar specialising in Australian and New Zealand drops, with a few European wines thrown in for good measure.

The fairy-lit terrace is a popular hangout and Small Bar’s tacos always pair nicely with their wine selection. If you can’t wait until evening, they’re open from midday from Thursday til Sunday. 

85 Willoughby Road, Crows Nest 

Blue Gum Hotel

In the heart of Waitara, the Blue Gum Hotel stands strong as a local favourite and one of the best pubs on the North Shore for fuss-free feeds.

Blue Gum's Bistro Bar serves everything from modern Australian fare to classic pub grub, while the main lounge bar is open seven days a week - perfect for a quick drink after work, birthday celebrations, or a low-key lunch.

55 Pacific Highway, Waitara

Now you've finished your tour of the best pubs on the North Shore, why not check out our round-up of the best bars in Crows Nest? Or if you're after something a little more fancy, check out these affordable fine dining feasts in Sydney.