Sydney is famous for playing host to some of the most awesome parties in the world.
Anyone who watched the city come alive when it played host to the 2000 Olympic Games, or has spent a New Years Eve beside the Harbour Bridge, can back that call.
Known for its wild nightlife and flourishing entertainment industry, Sydney could be mistaken as a town that never knows when to call last drinks.
And why should they?
When you’ve got a city that has this many rad hotspots, all specially designed to help you have one helluva’ good night out, you’ll never want to go home either.
As always, drink responsibly, peeps!
1. Frankie’s Pizza
Whiskey dive bar, old school pizza parlor, and classic rock saloon all combined into one heavenly slice of hipster goodness.
Frankie’s is THE place to hang out, listen to awesome tunes from the bygone eras of true classic rock and funk [i.e. anything before 1989], and play original pinball machines while throwing back pints of craft beer.
Anything goes in this underground oasis of in-your-face individuality and quirkiness, and that’s what makes Frankie’s so damn cool. It will change the way you party, guaranteed.
You’ll Find Them At: 50 Hunter Street, Sydney
The Party Happens: Mon – Fri: Midday – 3am. Sat & Sun: 4pm – 3am
My Top Picks: $10 salty frozen Margaritas served with a slice of the best damn Margarita pizza outside of Naples.
2. Tio’s Cerveceria
Hola, amigos! Whether you’re a tequila connoisseur, a margarita lover, or just a big fan of digs with an awesome atmosphere, Tio’s will have you coming back for more.
Kitsch décor and thumping tunes perfectly accentuate the laid-back feel to this little slice of Mexicana mayhem, where the tequila is top-shelf, the popcorn is free [with any drink purchase], and the vibe is all about having a good time.
You’ll Find Them At: 4-14 Foster Street, Surry Hills
The Party Happens: Mon – Sat: 4pm – Midnight. Sunday: 2pm – 10pm
My Top Picks: The El Diablo, served with a bag of free spicy popcorn that is so good, you’ll be begging for more tequila.
3. Mary’s
Think: Dark and dingy (in a hip-and-freakin’-cool way) hangout, complete with a ‘Slayer’ mural, great rock, and Jack Daniel’s bottle light fixtures. What’s not to love?
But the big winners here are the burgers. Word around town is that they are some of the best in Sydney, and with loaded extras such as ‘Trashcan Bacon’ on the menu, the hype is surely deserved.
You’ll Find Them At: 6 Mary Street, Newtown
The Party Happens: Mon – Sat: 4pm – Midnight. Sunday: 12pm – 10pm
My Top Picks: The Fried Chicken is insanely good and served in Half Bird, Whole Bird, and Larry Bird portions. Team that badboy with a Lemon Curd Drop cocktail garnished with honeycomb, and you’ll be set for the night.
Doing the brewers gala for Sydney craft beer week tonight and they made us a sign! #nickinit
A photo posted by Mary (@marysnewtown) on
Eat Drink & Be Mary’s @sindysinn @younghenrys A photo posted by Mary (@marysnewtown) on
4. The Baxter Inn
Traditional hardcore whiskey bar with limited space, but plenty of damn good vibes.
You’ll need to use your best navigation skills to find it as it’s buried in a basement at the end of an alleyway, but once you do, the reward of a fine whiskey from the selection of over 300 on offer is definitely worth the effort.
You’ll Find Them At: Basement 152-156 Clarence Street, Sydney
The Party Happens: Mon – Sat: 4pm – 1am.
My Top Picks: Anything with whiskey in it. Get yo’ cowboy on…
5. Goodgod Small Club
If you’re a sucker for Pimm’s jugs, Caribbean-inspired food, and shaking your booty to 90’s tunes, then this self-touted ‘tropical oasis’ in the CBD’s Chinatown district has got your name alllll over it.
Goodgod always has something happening for the discerning social butterfly, whether it’s an obscure Indie band’s EP launch; a Mighty Boosh Trivia Night; or a Beyonce Dance Class (where you’ll learn some of Queen Bey’s trademark moves)].
Whatever your reason for paying a visit to the best bar/canteen/danceteria combo in Sydney is, you’ll have a damn good time.
Swear to Goodgod.
You’ll Find Them At: 53 – 55 Liverpool Street Chinatown, Sydney CBD
The Party Happens: Wed: 5pm – 11pm. Thurs: 5pm – 1am. Fri: 5pm – 3am. Sat: 6pm – 3am. Food served: 5/6pm – 10pm.
My Top Picks: Jerk BBQ Chicken Tray served with tropical slaw, coconut rice & beans, to go with a signature Punch Jug. The wannabe sailor in me just can’t go past the Pop-Eye-Pop filled to the brim with Sailor Jerry rum, Cointreau, lychees and dry ginger ale goodness. Yo, ho ho, homies…
6. Flinders
Welcome to what is, hands down, the ultimate dive bar. And I mean that as the highest of compliments.
Flinders has it all: dark corners, great beats you can shake your booty to, a laidback ‘anything-goes’ vibe, and a range of pickle shots (yep, you heard right – ‘pickles’) that will put hairs on your chest and fire in your belly.
Throw in attention-grabbing décor that suggests the place is part biker bar/part American Wild West/part who the hell cares (and an attitude to match), and you’ll be pardoned if you don’t want to leave, even after last drinks have been called.
You’ll Find Them At: 63 Flinders Street, Surry Hills
The Party Happens: Wed – Thurs: 6pm – 3am. Fri – Sat: 6pm – 4am. Sun: 5:30pm – 11pm.
My Top Picks: $1 jaffles [the simple, cheapo version of a toasted sanga] on Thursday nights. Pickle Shots, but only before midnight. Nuclear Daiquiris, but not for the faint-hearted…or those who want to remember their night.
Featured image by goodgodgoodgod.com
