Sips & Sing Alongs: The Best Pubs with Live Music in Sydney
Looking for a good time? Check out the best pubs with live music in Sydney, where the drinks are cold and the vibes are high.
Sydney’s pub scene is thriving as summer approaches, offering an array of experiences for locals and visitors. As the days grow longer, there’s no better way to soak up the sun than at the local pub with live music and crisp drinks setting the mood. From solo acoustic sets and smooth jazz to rock bands, touring artists and DJ sets, Sydney’s pubs cater to a range of musical tastes.
Gather your friends, enjoy a refreshing drink, and take in the lively atmosphere of these long-adored venues. Let’s explore the best pubs with live music Sydney has to offer.
The Squire’s Landing
With stunning views of Sydney's iconic Harbour Bridge and Opera House, The Squire's Landing offers an exceptional pub experience at a fraction of the typical Quay-side prices. This venue stands out as one of the best in Sydney, serving craft beers alongside delicious, well-crafted bites.
What truly elevates the experience is the live music, with talented local artists performing from Thursday to Sunday, creating the perfect backdrop for a relaxed evening. With its unbeatable atmosphere and breathtaking views, it's hard to imagine a more enjoyable way to spend a warm Sydney evening.
Overseas Passenger Terminal, Circular Quay Way, The Rocks
The Golden Sheaf
An icon in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, The Golden Sheaf is the ultimate destination for delicious pub meals, lively trivia nights, fantastic dining deals, and live music every Friday night. Arrive early to secure a seat at this popular Double Bay hotspot, with music kicking off at 9 pm.
The combination of smooth acoustic tunes and $12 Tommy’s Margaritas sets the perfect tone for winding down after the work week. For those seeking a livelier vibe, the weekends also feature vibrant DJ sets that bring the dancefloor to life.
429 New South Head Road, Double Bay
The Erskineville Hotel
Affectionately known as The Erko, this pub exudes a unique charm and character to make it a local favourite. Renowned for its elevated take on classic pub meals and friendly service, this venue offers a welcoming atmosphere.
Its beer garden, in particular, provides the ideal setting to close out the weekend, where you can indulge in a delicious Sunday BBQ while enjoying live music. Whether you're a regular or a newcomer, The Erko promises a relaxed yet vibrant Sunday Sesh.
102 Erskineville Road, Erskineville
Harbord Hotel
If you’re looking for live music in the Northern Beaches, look no further than the Harbord Hotel in Freshwater. This lively venue offers a laid-back California-cool atmosphere, serving up delicious pub fare alongside live music multiple nights each week.
Enjoy a fantastic lineup of live performances every Thursday, Friday, and Sunday evening, with DJs spinning on Harbord Saturdays. Whether you're here for the music, the food, or the cocktail list, check out the monthly Gig Guide to see who’s performing next!
29 Moore Road, Freshwater
Lord Dudley Hotel
While Sydney boasts plenty of English-style pubs, few offer the quintessentially British charm found at this cosy corner pub. In winter, sit by the open fire and enjoy a refreshing pint of Old Speckled Hen, immersing yourself in the warm, inviting atmosphere.
Enhancing the pub experience is the carefully curated lineup of vinyl, piano, and live music nights, including the popular Lord Dudley Live. Unwind and enjoy soothing jazz from 4 pm on Sundays, complemented by a hearty Sunday roast and a classic Bloody Mary.
236 Jersey Road, Paddington
The Glenmore Hotel
Situated in the heart of The Rocks, The Glenmore Hotel offers something for everyone, from the heritage bar downstairs to the vibrant rooftop. If you're in the mood to dance, head here on Saturday evenings for electric DJ sets, but for a more relaxed vibe, enjoy acoustic performances on the rooftop every Sunday from 3-6 pm - it's the perfect antidote to the Sunday Scaries.
96 Cumberland Street, The Rocks
The Lansdowne Hotel
A loved local for almost a century, it's fair to say the team at The Lansdowne Hotel know a thing or two about running a pub, and they've got live music down to a tee. The gig guide is constantly updated and filled with local and national talent, from touring solo artists and DJs to indie and rock bands.
We suggest heading in early for drinks on the rooftop before catching the live tunes, and be sure to secure tickets to avoid missing the fun.
2-6 City Road, Chippendale
East Village Sydney
Settle in for a stylish pub do at Darlinghurst's East Village Hotel. This beautifully refurbished heritage pub offers a cosy, intimate atmosphere, with a charming rooftop to enjoy when the sun shines. Stunning spaces aside, the live music steals the show, with performances every Friday from 6 pm in the Public Bar.
234 Palmer Street, Darlinghurst
The Paddo Inn
Wednesday evenings are all about acoustic music, thanks to their partnership with Wild Turkey 101. Tune INN is the perfect spot for a Hump Day special, with cocktail specials, a relaxed atmosphere and live acoustic sets from 6 pm.
Things step up a notch on weekends, and the first Saturday of every month pops off with Paddo Plays, where locals and visitors dance into the night with local DJ sets from 9 pm.
338 Oxford Street, Paddington
The Bald Rock Hotel
Known by locals as 'the little pub on the corner', The Bald Rock Hotel is the cosy pub in Rozelle offering Happy Hour specials, nightly dinner deals, weekly community events, plenty of beer on tap and generous servings of welcoming hospitality you can only get in places like this.
But drawing the biggest crowd? Their live music events. From Blues parties and Irish sets to bands and solo artists on tour, there is always a brilliant act to see over the weekend at the Bald Rock.
15 Mansfield Street, Rozelle
The Abercrombie
If you prefer to boogie the night away to an electric DJ set, perhaps one of Sydney's iconic party pubs may be your answer. For a cocktail with a side of tunes, The Abercrombie in Chippendale has it all under one roof (across 3 levels) for a memorable night out.
Start your evening on the rooftop sipping on a margarita before heading downstairs for a meal from the full pub menu. A little later on, the venue transforms into a nightclub, where local DJs set the vibe for the night ahead. With music bingo and rooftop parties also on the agenda, it's not hard to see why we love this spot.
100 Broadway, Chippendale
Cat and Fiddle Hotel
The Cat and Fiddle Hotel is a Sydney institution known for its plush interiors, up-market clientele and well-stocked bar. This gastro-pub is more cocktails with the girls than beers with the boys, making it one of our fave picks for the best pubs in Balmain.
Outside, you can grab a table under hanging ferns, all lit by a ceiling of skylights and soak up the live music that filters through the pub's hallowed walls every Wednesday and throughout the weekend.
456 Darling Street, Balmain
Now that you can catch a gig at the best pubs with live music in Sydney, how about booking a pre-show meal? Find a delicious meal at the best Italian and French restaurants in town.
