The Best Bars To Drink In This Summer
Australia is home to some of the best watering holes in the world – and no – we’re not just talking about those worth swimming in. This summer, freestyle your way to Strange Company in Fremantle for live jazz and cocktails, deep dive into Bar Margaux, Melbourne’s moody late-night bar and brasserie, or sashay into swanky Sydney restaurant Bennelong for an Inside Martini (made with our limited edition Archie Rose x Sydney Opera House gin).
With the help of our Brand Ambassadors and Harriet Leigh, Head of Hospitality, we’ve crafted the ultimate list of places to sink a drink (or two) around our great nation...
NEW SOUTH WALES
Recommended by: Harriet Leigh, Head of Hospitality
Continental Deli, Newtown
“Arguably the best place to drink a cocktail in Australia, Continental boasts both outside seating or the cool insides of a Euro-bistro with an ever-evolving and creative classic cocktail list. With a full food offering and the cheese stock of your dreams, let the ever-friendly staff guide you.”
The Courthouse Hotel, Newtown
“This Newtown institution has everything. Crab racing, eccentric locals and a sneaky room full of pinball machines. With a beautiful beer garden included in this package, it's the easiest way to spend your whole summer's day drinking.”
Bennelong Restaurant, Sydney
“One of Sydney's most luxurious spots for a drink (and a meal). Ask for an Archie Rose x Sydney Opera House Inside Martini while you watch the sunset behind the bridge.”
Pilu, Freshwater
“Utterly brilliant modern Italian food, with great cocktails to match. Worth a hefty detour.”
Big Poppa's, Darlinghurst
“If those hot late summer nights call for some thirsty basement action then Big Poppa's is a definite. Ruling the late-night bar scene in Sydney but also perfect Italian bistro food, this is an ideal spot to head to after a night out on the town.”
The Rook, Sydney
“A gin-focused rooftop bar in Sydney? Find anything less than perfect in that sentence.”
Smoke Bar, Barangaroo
“An incredible sunset bar in newly developed Barangaroo with an impressive gin collection.”
Southside Charmers, Redfern
“Redfern's newest hybrid cafe/bar serves fantastic Mexican influenced brunches all day with killer Bloody Marys, go and check it out (and if you’re a wine drinker they’re pretty serious about that too!”
VICTORIA
Recommended by: Nick Baxter, Brand Advocacy Manager
Paradise Alley, Collingwood
“Whether it’s a beer and a game of pool, a bottle of wine from their carefully assembled list or a dive into their well-stocked back bar, this spot is all about good vibes and fun times. One of my favourites in Melbourne – a great neighbourhood spot in the streets of Collingwood.”
Bar Margaux, Melbourne
“All round excellence in food and drinks with one of the warmest welcomes in town. This bar’s worth the hype; open until 3am every night (and 5am on weekends) and founded by the legendary Made in the Shade crew (The Everleigh & Heartbreaker). The Sherry Cobbler and Steak Tartare are sure-fire winners.”
QUEENSLAND
Recommended by: Phil Gandevia, Brand Ambassador NT/QLD
Death and Taxes, Brisbane
“This place makes you feel like a kid in a candy store with an unparalleled selection of all things spirituous. I prefer a seat at the bar, but there are booths out the back perfect for groups. Don’t miss the extensive and innovative cocktail list!”
Maker, South Brisbane
“This tiny hole in the wall venue is still going strong. Expect seriously tasty concoctions on their ever-evolving cocktail list and (very big call) the best toasties in the land.”
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Recommended by: Nick Baxter, Brand Advocacy Manager
Hellbound, Adelaide
“A completely unpretentious and fun basement space to lose a few hours in the east end of Adelaide. Incredible selection of wine, great tunes and snacks. Lots of delicious little snacks.”
2KW, Adelaide
“2KW’s a wonderful rooftop spot with sweeping views across Adelaide. With a restaurant and rooftop bar there are plenty of areas to soak up the sun or while the night away. This place has a well-curated spirits and cocktail selection but I can’t go past a thirst-quenching G&T on a sunny afternoon!”
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Recommended by: Mitch Gurrin, Brand Ambassador WA/ADE
Strange Company, Fremantle
“If you’re heading to Freo for the day – this bar’s the place to visit with its rotating cocktail list designed by some of Perth's best and most innovative bartenders. Stop by and have a drink at the bar or a mouthwatering meal from their amazing kitchen – the building itself is a marvel of architecture and design. Whether it's the live jazz trio or the constant hum of the patrons, it's the bar that just screams 'Fremantle'.”
Bar Lafayette, Perth
“One of Perth's first and finest cocktail bars. Bar Lafayette focuses on the details of the experience. An astounding spirits collection, paired with top-notch service and an extensive list of house cocktails. This bar has produced some of WA's most successful bartenders and is a proven training ground for the next generation. You can lose hours just chilling on a chesterfield lounge here – you wouldn't even know you were in the centre of the business district.”
Seasonal Brewing Co., Maylands
“New kids on the block that have hit the ground running. Owned by veterans of the Perth scene, it is truly the suburban brewery that has it all. A mix of house and local brews, great spirit options and food you would walk across the Nullarbor to dig into. The Reuben croquettes are a must. The perfect spot for a weekday knock off or a Sunday session, and best of all – it's doggo friendly, so there is no lack of pats.”
NORTHERN TERRITORY
Recommended by: Phil Gandevia, Brand Ambassador NT/QLD
Snapper Rocks, Darwin City
“Run by the charming David Robertson, this is the best place for drinks in the far north with a strong focus on supporting Australian producers. Cocktails are expertly crafted, beer is cold and they offer 45ml Gin and Tonics. Win.”
TASMANIA
Recommended by: Nick Baxter, Brand Advocacy Manager
Gold Bar, Hobart
“Tucked away in an old flour mill in the centre of Hobart, this is a speakeasy-style bar with an incredible selection of Australian booze and a strong focus on Tassie producers. It’s full of character with a huge spirits selection and an impressive gin and whisky list in particular, where you're sure to find something that you've never tried before. Plenty of excellent boilermaker options available and an awesome breakeven bottle last time I visited (Lark rum cask finish).”
Ettie's Piano Bar, Hobart
“A tiny basement spot which only opens on Friday and Saturday nights. Adam Turner (ex-Void Bar at MONA) and Tahlia Cantwell (ex-Story Bar at MACq01) are making some of the tastiest and most innovative cocktails in Hobart on a continuously rotating list. Snag a seat at the bar if you can or simply relax listening to excellent live music in one of Hobart's oldest buildings.”