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Bars

Another Top Ten Sydney Bars

Since we first published our list of Top 10 Sydney Small Bars, several small and not so small bars have opened, enriching the Sydney bar scene with an eclectic choice of where to enjoy a libation.

As we have frequented more bars, it is time to add to the favourites. We present the Gourmantic Guide to Another Top 10 Sydney Bars, in no particular order.

1. Vasco

There’s so much to love about Vasco Bar in Surry Hills aside from the killer cocktails. It’s fun. It’s boisterous It’s Max Greco’s bar. It’s a rock and roll bar that keeps you coming back. Read our review of Vasco Bar.
Address: 431 Cleveland St, Surry Hills NSW
Open: Tue to Sat: 5pm till midnight (kitchen closes at 11pm); Sunday: 5pm to 10pm
vascobar.com.au

2. Tapavino

Sherry, you say? It’s the new cool, and not as your nanna knows it. Tapavino, Australia’s first sherry bar packs the crowds whether it’s for tasty tapas or a glass of vino or sherry. If you’re dining there, ask for a flight of sherry to go with your meal. Read our review of Tapavino.
Address: 6-8 Bulletin Place, Sydney, NSW 2000
Hours: Mon to Fri: 11am to 11.30pm, Sat: 5pm to 11.30pm
www.tapavino.com.au

3. Bulletin Place

What can you expect when Tim Philips, the world’s best bartender in 2012 and partners opens his bar? Bulletin Place is a neighbourhood-style bar that is casual, unpretentious, serving quality drinks and cocktails made with fresh produce. You’ll find owners Tim, Robb and Adi behind the bar and if you like whisky and not sure which to have, they’ll bring the cart to your table for a tasting. Read our review of Bulletin Place.
Address: Upstairs, 10-14 Bulletin Place, Sydney NSW 2000
Hours: Monday to Saturday 4pm – Midnight
www.bulletinplace.com

4. Frankie’s Pizza

It may be a strange name for a bar that comes from the owners of Shady Pines and The Baxter Inn but you’re in for something special. Take the steps down Hunter Street and go back to the future with red and white chequered tablecloths, poster covered walls, pinball machines, frozen margaritas, craft beers and an impressive back bar. Pizza by the slice or as a whole, your choice. The dive bar at the back is the place to be. Read our review of Frankie’s Pizza.
Address: 50 Hunter St, Sydney, NSW 2000
Hours: 7 days – 4pm to 4am

Top 10 Sydney Bars
L-R: Frankie’s Pizza, Vasco Bar, Mojo Record Bar

5. Mojo Record Bar

It’s not all about records, music and nostalgia at Mojo. The selection of craft beers and the energy behind the bar will turn you into a regular. Besides, when they start play tnes you can sing along to, or vintage Bowie and Rolling Stones, time to stay put and order another bevvy.  Read our review of Mojo Record Bar.
Address: Basement level, 73 York Street, Sydney
Hours: Mon-Fri 4pm-midnight, Sat 6pm-midnight
mojorecordbar.com

6. The Hazy Rose

A cosy small bar with vintage decor and well-priced cocktails. Sit at the high backed bar stools and watch the bartender action or get comfortable on the church pews as you sip on your favourite drink. Read our review of the Hazy Rose
Address: Level 1, 83 Stanley Street, Darlinghurst
Hours: Tue: 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm; Wed – Thu: 5:00 pm – 12:00 am; Fri – Sat: 3:00 pm – 12:00 am; Sun: 3:00 pm – 10:00 pm
www.thehazyrose.com.au

7. Grain Bar

A stunning fitout, great cocktails and a cool bar that doesn’t feel it is in a hotel. Perch yourself by the window and watch the ebb and flow around Circular Quay Read as you sip on a cool drink. Read our review of Grain Bar.
Address: Four Seasons Hotel, 199 George Street, Sydney Australia
Hours: Mon – Sat: 12:00 pm – 1:00 am; Sun: 12:00 pm – 12:00 am
www.grainbar.com.au

8. One Moncur

An elegant bar dedicated to champagne, serving some by the glass with decadent snacks to match. Need we say more? Read our review of One Moncur.
Address: 1 Moncur Street, Woollahra
Hours: Mon to Sat 4pm–11pm; Sun 4pm–10pm
www.onemoncur.com.au

9. Monopole

A sleek and contemporary wine bar and eatery from Head Chef Brent Savage and sommelier Nick Hildebrandt of the Bentley fame. Impressive wine list with a focus on international regions. Go for a drink, and you’ll stay for the food. Read our review of Monopole.
Address: 71A Macleay Street, Potts Point
Hours: Monday- Friday, 5pm to midnight; Saturday- Sunday, from midday to midnight
www.monopolesydney.com.au

10. The Rook

A cool rooftop bar with colourful mural art, old and new furniture, serving inventive cocktails, craft beers and wines. Feast on a choice of three burgers and three lobster dishes above Sydney. Read our review of The Rook.
Address: Level R, 56-58 York St Sydney NSW 2000
Hours: Mon – Fri: 4:00 pm – 12:00 am; Sat: 6:00 pm – 12:00 am
therook.com.au

Note: Opening hours are correct as of the date of the article and may be subject to change.

Other Guides in this series: Top Ten Sydney Small Bars, Sydney’s Best Whisky BarsSydney’s Best Wine Bars, Sydney’s Best Tequila Bars, Sydney’s Best Rum Bars

About the author

Corinne Mossati

Corinne Mossati is a drinks writer, author of GROW YOUR OWN COCKTAIL GARDEN, SHRUBS & BOTANICAL SODAS and founder/editor of Gourmantic, Cocktails & Bars and The Gourmantic Garden. She has been writing extensively about spirits, cocktails, bars and cocktail gardening in more recent years. She is a spirits and cocktail competition judge, Icons of Whisky Australia nominee, contributor to Diageo Bar Academy, cocktail developer and is named in Australian Bartender Magazine's Top 100 Most Influential List. Her cocktail garden was featured on ABC TV’s Gardening Australia and has won several awards. She is a contributor to Real World Gardener radio program and is featured in several publications including Pip Magazine, Organic Gardener, Australian Bartender and Breathe (UK). Read the full bio here.

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