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Scour through this comprehensive list of the best pubs in Sydney to find the next spot for your arvo bevvy. There’s nothing better than a cheeky brew and a decent chicken parmi on a hot Summer’s day, so it’s worth getting your act together. Whether you’re after the nearest watering hole or you prefer to tuck into the best pub food Sydney has to offer, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a list of the 30 best pubs in Sydney that’ll have you fully for your next wind-down beverage.

1. Harts Pub
Ideally located in the heart of the rocks, this heritage-listed establishment offers some of the best pub food Sydney has on offer. The chicken wings at Harts Pub are well-renowned across the city, as is their friendly staff and superior selection of hand-crafted beers.
Address: Cnr Essex and Gloucester Street, The Rocks NSW 2000
Phone: +61 2 9251 6030

2. The Dolphin Hotel
You can really get lost in the maze that is The Dolphin Hotel. With a truly open and inviting cavalcade of rooms that offers a wealth of different dining, drinking and dancing options, this spot is so much more than just one of Sydney’s best pubs. It’s a full-on experience. Grab a glass of vino and chow down on a pizza.
Service options: Dine-in · Takeaway · No delivery
Address: 412 Crown St, Surry Hills NSW 2010
Phone: (02) 9331 4800

3. The Glenmore Hotel
With arguably the best rooftop view in Australia, The Glenmore Hotel is a favourite for out of towners and locals alike. Ideal for summer, the venue is loaded with taps and excellent gastropub feeds, including a killer steak.
Address: 96 Cumberland St, The Rocks NSW 2000
Phone: (02) 9395 5151

4. The Imperial Hotel
The go-to LGBTQIA+ pub in Sydney has had a facelift and is back, more raucous than ever. The Imperial Hotel Erskineville has been a Sydney icon and institution since 1983. They invite you to drink and dine at the ground floor restaurant, Priscillas, drag and dance at the weekend disco in the Basement and divulge your senses in Italian food, convivial cocktails and views at their new rooftop.
Address: 35 Erskineville Road, Erskineville NSW 2043
Phone: +61 2 9516 1766

5. The Courthouse Hotel
Newtown is well known for its decent offering of food, fine selection of beers and good times. The Courthouse Hotel is a staple for locals on account of its leafy courtyard, great selection of beers and food and friendly staff. The Courty is the ideal spot for a Saturday afternoon beer with your mates.
Address: 202 Australia Street, Newtown NSW 2042
Phone: 02 9360 4831

6. The Duke of Clarence
Immerse yourself in this 18th Century inspired London tavern with cocktails, cask ales and distinctly British eats. The Victorian-era tavern, The Duke of Clarence provides a characteristically British experience from the heart of Sydney, easily making it one of the best pubs in Sydney.
Address: Laneway, 152-156 Clarence Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Phone: +61 2 8999 3850

7. The Lord Dudley
As one of the most loved old English pubs in the city – The Lord Dudley has a loyal following of local clientele for a reason. Great beers, varied and delicious dining options, friendly staff, fireplaces, board games and an ambient garden restaurant are just the start of the many drawcards of this fine establishment.
Address: 236 Jersey Road, Woollahra NSW 2025
Phone: +61 2 9327 5399

8. The Lansdowne Pub
An icon has been reborn. Once a desolate bar devoid of nightlife, The Lansdowne has been transformed into one of the best pubs Sydney has to offer. Owners Jake Smyth and Kenny Graham have revived the pub’s rock heritage added a touch of mary’s class. Expect pizzas, beers and more than a few cold hard tunes.
Address: 2-6 City Rd, Chippendale NSW 2008

9. Public House Petersham
With a lovely outdoor beer garden, pool table, and to-die-for handmade pizzas, Public House Petersham should be your Inner West go-to. They also have a range of house-made seasonal food with vegan and veggo options and rotating craft beers that always keep the belly happy.
Address: 292 Stanmore Road, Petersham NSW 2049
Phone: +61 2 9568 3703

10. The Welcome Hotel
Rozelle has become a hotbed of trendy bars, cafes and restaurants and lays claim to one of the best pubs in Sydney. If you’re after a laid-back vibe with Italian cuisine, a leafy beer garden terrace and a stellar range of craft beers and wine options, The Welcome Hotel is your answer.
Address: 91 Evans Street, Rozelle NSW 2039
Phone: +61 2 9810 1323

11. The Erko
The Erko keep locals frothin’ with a huge range of awesome beers, an award-winning smokehouse and legendary vibes. Make the most of one of the best pubs in Inner West Sydney with $4.50 local schooners every weekday from 4-6pm, meat raffles, vinyl DJs, free pool on Monday and Tuesday or try out their wing challenge to make the wall of flame any day of the week. Get together a couple of mates and check out this one.
Address: 102 Erskineville Road, Erskineville NSW 2043
Phone: +61 2 9565 1608

12. The Unicorn Hotel
The Unicorn Hotel doesn’t try to be anything more than an ambient meeting place with great beer and nosh, and consequently one of the best Sydney pubs we’ve come across. They describe themselves as a proud boiling billy of Aussie wine, beer, music, art, food and conversation.
Address: 106 Oxford Street, Paddington NSW 2021

13. The Hero of Waterloo
Surround yourself with log fires and 170-year-old hand-chiselled sandstone walls this Winter, not to mention some of the best wine, beer and grub the city has to offer. Soak in the historic atmosphere in the heart of the Rocks at The Hero of Waterloo.
Address: 81 Lower Fort Street, Millers Point NSW 2000
Phone: +61 2 9252 4553

14. Harpoon Harry
A Surry Hills staple, Harpoon Harry has an incredible atmosphere with a different character and purpose in every room. It’s one of the best pubs in Surry Hills, and if you haven’t yet ventured inside it’s colourful, leafy depths, welcome to your new local (it’s right near central so it doesn’t matter if you don’t actually live locally).
Address: 40-44 Wentworth Avenue, Surry Hills NSW 2010
Phone: +61 2 8262 8800

15. The Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel
The Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel is Sydney’s oldest continually licensed hotel. And like the many fine wines within its historic walls, it only gets better with age. They offer plenty of award-winning beers and modern Australia cuisine, easily qualifying it as some of the best pub food in Sydney.
Address: 19 Kent Street, The Rocks NSW 2000
Phone: +61 2 9251 4044

16. The Clock Hotel
A big open space with a multitude of rooms to get sauced in, The Clock is pretty much the ultimate Sydney pub. With great food, cold beers, live entertainment and a beer garden that sits pride of place, it’s everything you’ve been asked for in a bar and so much more.
Address: 470 Crown St, Surry Hills NSW 2010
Phone: (02) 9331 5333
17. The Newport
When it comes to pubs with views and relaxing vibes, you’d be hard-pressed to top The Newport. Make a day of heading to the Northern Beaches and while you’re there enjoy some of the best pub food Sydney has on offer. Even better, you can take your pick from the huge selection of drinks while being lulled by the soothing motion of the ocean.
Address: 2 Kalinya Street, Newport NSW 2106
Phone: +61 2 9114 7337

18. Bondi Public Bar
No list of the best pubs in Sydney is complete without a modern-day vibe from the city’s most iconic suburb. Bondi Public Bar (BBPB) taps into the energy of 1970s and 80s Australian pub culture, as well as plenty of contemporary craft beers. They also feature heaps of local art, music, events and daily happy hours (yes the plural is deliberate).
Address: 203/180 Campbell Parade, Bondi Beach NSW 2026
Phone: +61 2 9132 5777

19. Keg & Brew
For the best bourbon, craft beer and southern style bites in the Sydney CBD, look no further than Keg & Brew. They have over 30 beer taps, different specials every evening and will soon be opening a new bistro, events floor and rooftop bar.
Address: 26 Foveaux Street, Surry Hills NSW 2000
Phone: +61 2 9212 1740

20. Friend in Hand
What looks from the outside like a museum plays host to one of the most renowned and best pubs in Sydney, Friend in Hand. Drop into this Glebe local for some crab racing, poetry reading, comedy, life drawing, or just a happy hour bev from the friendly staff.
Address: 58 Cowper Street, Glebe NSW 2037
Phone: +61 2 9660 2326

21. The Henson
The Henson is a playground for all adults to enjoy, focusing on quality, seasonality and sustainability. With a leafy beer garden and adjoining children’s area, art deco bar out the back and homey front bar, it is easily one of Sydney’s best pubs. And with a different deal or event on every night, you know The Henson is really there for the locals.
Address: 91 Illawarra Road, Marrickville NSW 2204
Phone: +61 2 9569 5858

22. The Baxter Inn
This underground swillhouse has been awarded one of the world’s best-hidden bars three years in a row, and for good reason. The decor, drinks and dappled light of The Baxter Inn make you feel like you’ve been transported back to the 20s and we can guarantee you won’t want to leave.
Address: 152-156 Clarence Street, Sydney NSW 2000

23. PJ O’Brien’s
If you’re after a lively drink in the city, you can’t go past the best Irish pub in Sydney, PJ O’Brien’s. It’s great for an intimate date or large groups and the cheerful ambience will make any day infinitely better.
Address: 57 King Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Phone: +61 2 9290 1811

24. Shady Pines Saloon
The Surry Hills version of Baxters, Shady Pines Saloon is another Sydney institution that never gets old, regardless of how many visits you’ve made. If you’re showing out-of-towners around the city or trying to impress a date, don’t overlook this one.
Address: 4/256 Crown Street, Darlinghurst NSW 2010
Phone: +61 405 624 944

25. Lord Wolseley
A traditional and old-school pub in Sydney CBD with a bar and restaurant, The Lord Wolseley Hotel in Ultimo is the ideal drinking hole when you want the CBD location without the city price tag or swankiness.
Address: 265 Bulwara Road, Ultimo NSW 2007
Phone: +61 2 9660 1736

26. The Lord Gladstone
The Gladdy goes off on the weekend, just like your worries will with any visit to this Sydney institution. Head into The Lord Gladstone early for a quiet bevvy or save it for the end of the night if it’s going to be a wilder one.
Address: 115 Regent Street, Chippendale NSW 2008
Phone: +61 2 9310 1483

27. The Cricketers Arms Hotel
Self-recognised as a bloody good Sydney pub, The Cricketers Arms Hotel is the ideal place for a pre or post sports game rinse. But more than that, it’s also a great spot for Rock n Roll bingo, free live jazz, pool comps and live local DJs.
Address: 106 Fitzroy Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010
Phone: +61 2 9331 3301

28. The Union Hotel
We’d forgive you for mistaking The Union Hotel for a local brewery or distillery – what with 22 taps hosting a rotating list of beers and 24 gins dominated by Aussie distillers. Their Americana-themed restaurant, Big Arties has a constantly evolving seasonal menu with some of the best pub food in Sydney. Soak up the classic pub feel with the large benches in the front room or enjoy the light-filled cocktail lounges in the back for a more intimate dining experience.
Address: 576 King Street, Newtown NSW 2042
Phone: +61 2 9557 2989

29. The Ramblin’ Rascal Tavern
If you want to get fat and drink like a champion, Ramblin’ Rascal Tavern should be your pub of choice. With Mary’s burgers and fried chicken, live music on Thursdays and every type of alcoholic beverage your heart desires, this Sydney CBD pub can do no wrong.
Address: Cnr of Park and Elizabeth Street, Sydney NSW 2000

30. Vic on the Park
A Merivale revamp with all the trimmings, Vic on the Park has become a hive of entertainment and infrastructure. Adding a touch of class, some renewed menu options and a plethora of Persian rugs, this little spot has a lot going for it. Looking for a pub with a basketball hoop? You found it.
Address: 2 Addison Rd, Marrickville NSW 2204
Phone: (02) 9114 7348

31. Henley’s Bar & Kitchen
Head to one of Sydney’s best pubs at King Street Wharf for incredible live music, cocktails, cuisine, and stunning harbour views.
Address: 9 Lime Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Phone: +61 2 8322 2020

32. Royal Albert Hotel
Since serving naval officers from as early as 1927, The Royal Albert Hotel has been committed to being one of the best pubs in Surry Hills by providing the most relaxing spot to dine and drink.
Address: 140 Commonwealth Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010
Phone: +61 2 9281 2522

33. Dove and Olive
If you’re at Central Train Station, don’t bother Googling pubs near me, just head straight to the Dove and Olive around the corner. They have a comprehensively delicious American-inspired menu (claiming the best pub food in Sydney) to add to an ambient setting for a drink or five.
Address: 156 Devonshire Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010
Phone: +61 2 9699 6001

34. Edinburgh Castle Hotel
The Edinburgh Castle Hotel has been filling Sydney bellies since 1885. Paying tribute to its rich history – it was once known as Henry Lawson’s chosen writing nook – while also being a pioneer in the Sydney pub scene, ‘The Eddy’ offers everything you love in a Sydney CBD pub.
Address: 294 Pitt Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Phone: +61 2 9264 8616
General FAQ’s
The Baxter Inn could be considered as the best Pub in Sydney with over 800 reviews on Trip Advisor.
It's not one thing that makes a pub good. We like to consider the food, the service, the atmosphere and value for money.
In January of 2020, in NSW scrapped their lockout laws that restricted patrons from entering venues after 1:30 am.