The 15 Must-visit Bars on the Northern Beaches
Daniel San
Magic is what happens when Japanese street food, sake and rock vibes come together on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. Daniel San has long been a bastion for good food and good times, no small thanks to their infamous chicken karaage burger and waistline-friendly poké bowls.
55 N Steyne, Manly
Cantina Acapulco
Tacos. Cerveza. Mezcal. Cantina Acapulco delivers is brimming with bright colours and bold flavours. If a touch of refreshing ceviche or moreish chimichangas are on your mind, add them to your first, second and third round of margaritas whipped up by a true ‘Acapulcan’ mixologist himself.
32 Belgrave Street, Manly
Donny’s Bar
Cuisine, cocktails and live music are high on the agenda at the loft-style warehouse in Manly. Charcuterie lovers need look no further than the Barman’s Platter to satisfy their turophile tendencies. They have good weekly specials and make the most of happy hour between 5pm and 7pm each day.
7 Market Place, Manly
Park House
What was once the Mona Vale Hotel, Park House has reopened with panache – a cocktail lounge, restaurant and courtyard create the backdrop for a full afternoon of excellent wining and dining. Tuck into the substantial share-style dishes the selection of craft beers and inventive cocktails.
2 Park Street, Mona Vale
Stowaway Bar
This little hideaway has nailed the laid back yet uber slick operation. An impressive food menu brings tapas, pizzas, burgers and heartier options together, while the wine and cocktail list offers alluring concoctions including the ‘Snugglepot 4 Cuddlepie’ and the ‘Jon Snow’ iteration of the espresso martini.
18/1-3 Moore Road, Freshwater
The Newport
This renowned Merivale establishment has a winning combo of spectacular waterfront views and sprawling grounds brimming with drinking and dining options. The Kiosk, The Shack, Seafood Market and Vinnies Pizza will keep you fuelled, and their newly opened high-end brasserie, Bert’s, ticks every box for a refined meal.
2 Kalinya Street, Newport
Edison’s Bar
This intimate little Mona Vale venue crafts exceptional cocktails for thirsty Northerners with a touch of good old-fashioned hospitality. An excellent ambience thanks to soft lighting, relaxed furnishing and rotating weekly cocktails makes for the perfect escape, regardless of the occasion.
6/18-20 Park Street, Mona Vale
Manly Wine
With front row seats to Manly Beach, the chic wine bar comes alive once the sun sets. Head down on a Friday or Saturday night to listen to live music and mingle with the locals. Order a frose, it’s made with high-quality rose (naturally), fresh pureed strawberries, and a ‘secret liquor.’
8-13 South Steyne, Manly
The Deck Bar
A main stayer on ‘The Strand’ at Dee Why beach, The Deck Bar is open from lunch. This two-storey establishment is known for their awesome weekly specials, and it’s the perfect place to watch the day go by as you make a dent in a bottle of crisp rosé and edamame.
23 The Strand, Dee Why
Glasshouse
The Steyne’s newest venue, Glasshouse, is a rooftop gin and tonic bar high above The Corso. The gin menu is paired with botanical and infusions, and the food is tapas-style. Their pièce de résistance, a chip tasting board allows you to select from five different types of chips, each with their own dipping sauce. Too good.
75 The Corso, Manly
Brklyn
Located underneath Sugar Lounge, Brklyn is a hidden gem. As the restaurants and bars along The Corso start closing, this underground den comes alive. There’s booths, a pool table and photo booth to capture the nights fun. For the late-night dancers, Saturday is hip hop and RnB night.
42 North Steyne, Manly
4 Pines Public House Newport
The much-loved local Northern Beaches brewery, 4 Pines Brewery, opened Public House in Newport. Expect modern twists on classic pub meals and all their brews on tap, even Keller Door. Check out their website for the latest weekly events. Sunday’s are for live music with a side of roast.
313 Barrenjoey Road, Newport
The Mill
The folk at Avalon’s The Mill are all about live music. smooth cocktails and a wide-ranging wine list. The boutique wine bar won’t leave you wanting on the food front either – from fresh oysters and kingfish ceviche to schiacciata to baked snapper.
19 Avalon Parade, Avalon Beach
Sketch Bar
Open late Thursday to Saturday, Sketch Bar is an intimate wine and cocktail bar perfect for an after-work drink. Specialising in milk bun burgers, our pick is the Smoked P.I.G with pulled pork and their secret house sauce. From classics to creations, cocktails reign supreme.
19 Pittwater Road, Manly
The Hold
Ahoy me-hearties. The Hold’s rustic, nautically themed bar is made for a rowdy time. The dish up excellent quality, no-fuss fare. Gobble down one of their free-range beef burgers (or plant-based options for vegans) before throwing yourself into a ‘Calyspo’s Curse’ cocktail.
24 Sydney Road, Manly
