The Best Bars in The Rocks for Every Occasion
Sip your way through the best bars in The Rocks, from underground cocktail dens to buzzy brewpubs steeped in history.
Sydney’s most iconic tourist precinct blends the city’s humble beginnings with a modern and continuously changing skyline. And, with the beautiful Sydney Harbour as its backdrop, The Rocks is naturally brimming with sleek cocktail bars, historic pubs, and alfresco lounges boasting some of the best views around. Whatever you're in the mood for, The Rocks will have it.
To help you with your scenic selection, we’ve narrowed down the best bars in The Rocks to nab a table.
Maybe Sammy
Maybe Sammy is constantly scoring new accolades with the help of their award-winning bartending team. You can expect exceptional hotel bar-style service, interiors influenced by 1950s Hollywood and Vegas glamour, and a cocktail list that oozes elegance.
Eight signature cocktails lead the main drinks list; all a modern interpretation of classic cocktails delivered with theatrical flair, and each named after some of the Rat Pack’s favourite haunts. Vintage Champagnes make their mark on the wine list alongside an international assortment of tasty blends. The beers are an all-Australian line-up and there’s also a healthy selection of spirits to choose from, too.
115 Harrington Street, The Rocks
The Squire’s Landing
What better way to spend a Sydney evening, than getting stuck into beer and cheeses against the backdrop of the city's finest landmarks? Offering Quayside views (without the Quay price tag), The Squire's Landing is one of the best bars in The Rocks to indulge in batch beers, brewed on-site in their microbrewery. Swing by Thursday to Sunday if you fancy a side of live music with your brew or Monday to Friday between 5pm and 7pm for happy hour.
Overseas Passenger Terminal, Circular Quay Way, The Rocks
Frank Mac’s
Frank Mac’s is a vibrant gin-obsessed cocktail haunt with a bar stocked with well over one hundred juniper blends from all corners of the globe. The bar itself is a nod to co-owner Ciara’s great uncle Frank Mac, a cheeky colourful chap who was a staple at his village bar in Ireland.
83 George Street, The Rocks
The Glenmore Hotel
This oldie boasts some of the best harbour views in the area and is one of our favourite rooftop bars in all of Sydney. The Glenmore Hotel offers gourmet pub grub that will satiate all cravings as they live and breathe the mantra, ‘classic pub food with a twist’. But it's the electric atmosphere that you really can't beat with tourists and locals alike all flocking here for a golden hour bevvie and good times.
96 Cumberland Street, The Rocks
Grain
Four Seasons’ very moody, dimly-lit bar, Grain, is a frequented watering hole near Circular Quay. Based beside the entrance of the hotel, the humble bar boasts bespoke craft beers and an impressive organic and biodynamic wine list. For those desiring a more potent dash of alcohol, there’s a wide range of international whiskies and classic cocktails with contemporary twists.
199 George Street, Sydney
The Doss House
Giving life to its historic digs, this ex-boarding house and opium den is now a cosy underground bar known as The Doss House. With a range of over 150 whiskies, you can decide to pair your drink with a delectable morsel from the share plate menu. This character-filled bar is a must-visit for history buffs, whisky enthusiasts and bar lovers alike.
77 – 79 George Street, The Rocks
Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel
An oldie but a goodie, Sydney’s oldest continuously licensed pub, the Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel, is now also an award-winning brewery. Historic and trendy at once, the pub has an old-world English charm, harbour views, and a loyal bunch of locals.
Sip on one of the six 100% natural award-winning mainstay ales or sample one of their smaller batch seasonal pours - all of which have been brewed in-house. If beer isn’t your thing, opt for the fruity Nelson Nudie cocktail instead.
19 Kent St, The Rocks
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