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 a dear friend 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, a mate date or you’re just don't want to think about cooking dinner (can relate!), these are the best pubs on the North Shore of Sydney to escape to for a drink and a moment of peace. 

The Buena

As any true Mosman local knows, an evening out in 2088 is incomplete without paying a visit to The Buena. This beloved establishment has proven to be a bastion of fine dining, cemented by the additions 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.

Upstairs, the Vista Bar’s bright, open ambience is just the place for a big Saturday lunch over woodfired pizzas. Oh, and did we mention it's a dog-friendly pub too? 

76 Middle Head Road, Mosman

The Longueville Hotel

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

To top it all 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 events throughout the week 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 very 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

Arguably boasting the best beer garden Sydney has to offer, it’s hard to go past a Sunday session settled beneath the twinkling lights bedazzling the pub’s infamous Oak tree.

This sizeable pub 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

The Commodore

A sprawling terrace and outstanding food and drinks menu have given The Commodore the mantle of one of the Lower North Shore’s most revered institutions.

Trivia nights, food and drink specials and regular events make The Commodore a humming place to visit any night of the week for a quick drink or a long boozy dinner.

A broad range of classic and house-designed cocktails are a must, while the wine and beer selection features a mix of local Australian and international labels.

206 Blues Point Road, McMahons Point

Kirribilli Hotel

This local pub just 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 aficionados hoping to score a very generous winning voucher.

They also have a daily drinks special and live music every Friday and Saturday. 

37 Broughton Street, Kirribilli

The Stoned Crow  

With bucket loads 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 with glimpses of the city skyline, this bowling club turned chic 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 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 old) but a goodie, The Blues Point Hotel is a much-loved watering hole that still draws a crowd.

With a 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 it here.

116 Blues Point Road, McMahons Point

Small Bar

A sleek and chic yet cosy bar that specialises 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 

Blue Gum Hotel

Nestled in the heart of Waitara, the Blue Gum Hotel stands tall as a local favourite and one of the best pubs on the North Shore.

Blue Gum's Bistro Bar serves up everything from modern Australian fare to classic pub grub, while the main lounge bar is open seven days a week and ideal 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 pubs in Crows Nest? Or if you're after something a little more fancy, check out the affordable fine dining feasts in Sydney.