The Best Bars in Crows Nest for Your Next Post-Work Drop

Back in the day, Crows Nest was known for its iconic Crows Nest Hotel, a fun and footloose institution in high rotation for Thursday nights out in North Sydney. Apart from ‘the Crowie’, you’d be hard-pressed to find a trendy bar, let alone a whole strip of them.

These days, this humble suburban neighbourhood on the lower North Shore has become a thriving addition to Sydney’s bar scene. Whether you’re after a fine wine or a crafty cocktail, the small bars in Crows Nest cover all bases. One thing is for certain though, no matter where you choose, you’ll inevitably still end up at The Crowie, and that’s never a bad idea.

So, the next time you’re planning your night out, bookmark this round-up of the best bars in Crows Nest and thank us later. 

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. The pub fare comes in hefty portions ideal for sharing—think Southern fried calamari, arancini balls and patatas bravas (we’ll take two). The wine list has been curated to showcase the very best Aussie and New Zealand varietals, and the cocktail list is full of fun, funky, fruity and flavourful.

39 Willoughby Road, Crows Nest

Annata

Elegant and innovative, Annata is the brainchild of Christian Blair, the former bartender behind Eau de Vie and Rockpool. Unsurprisingly, the drinks list is stellar, with seasonal cocktails and over 70 wine varieties. Thirst-quenchers aside, the restaurant offers a fine dining experience with a seasonal menu that is made for sharing. Our pick? The potato and leek lasagne, and the pork neck’ al pastor.

69 Willoughby Road, Crows Nest 

Knird

Situated in an unassuming laneway, Knird is a hidden gem that champions the best Australian produce and wine with a European twist. With an ethos that the menu can be “whatever you want it to be”, stop by for just a glass of champagne, or graze on moreish small plates like the prosciutto croquettes, tiger prawns, inventive vegetables and braised beef cheeks. The only thing left for you to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy the tunes and good vibes.

Shop 2/31-33 Albany Street, Crows Nest

Li’l Darlin Crows Nest

A sister to Li’l Darlin’s Surry Hills setup, this new bar is a welcome addition to the Crows Nest cocktail scene. Li’l Darlin is a lively bar and restaurant that aims to be your new local, with a menu of mix share plates, tapas, cocktails and wine, and a convenient location near the brand new metro.

The venue also offers cocktail classes, bottomless brunches, set menus and all you can eat pizza—what’s not to love?

23 Willoughby Road, Crows Nest

The Hayberry

Burgers, booze and uncharacteristically non-North Shore vibes are what to expect from the popular American burger joint, The Hayberry, which is owned and operated by a group of local mates. Dig into your burger, tacos or wings in your cosy booth, or dine at the bar and order a ridiculously good cocktail, like the Whipped & Chained with gin, lemon and lemon meringue foam.  

97 Willoughby Road, Crows Nest

Small Bar

Discover a slick 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 the 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 

The Crows Nest Hotel

As we mentioned, the Crows Nest Hotel has well and truly earned its status as an institution. These guys dish up creative cocktails that will fuel all your rooftop dancing until the wee hours.

If all-nighters aren’t your thing, fear not. This large and expansive hotel has got something for everyone, whether you’re after a hearty pub feed or a glass of wine after work.

1 Willoughby Road, Crows Nest

The Foxtrot

A welcoming watering hole that’s been a local favourite since 2011, The Foxtrot is where you swing by for an after-work drink and end up staying for dinner, too. 

The space is intimate, with a distinctly Gothic vibe thanks to moody lighting, comfy couches, a toasty fireplace, and a courtyard. The wine and cocktail list is simple yet delectable, with plenty of craft beers and spirits on offer. Food-wise, it’s equally as tasty with their specialty being mouthwatering steaks. 

28 Falcon Street, Crows Nest 

Has all this talk of the best bars in Crows Nest got you planning your next outing? Check out our roundup of the best markets in Sydney. Then, take a squiz at our edit of the best happy hours in Sydney for an after-work tipple.