For a post-work tipple or cheeky mid-week drink, here are the CBD happy hour specials you need to know about.
Everyone loves a good happy hour, especially when it comes to a Sydney CBD happy hour special. These days, ‘happy hour’ doesn’t always mean cheap house spirits, wine and beer for just one hour, but rather a hefty dose of daily specials, including food to entice us through the doors of your local establishments. From $6 pints, to $1.50 wings, we’ve put together a list of our favourite CBD happy hour spots.
Restaurant Hubert
As one of the city’s best French dining rooms, Restaurant Hubert sure knows how to put on an epic aperitivo hour. Swing by from 5 pm – 6 pm Monday to Saturday you can skip the queues and save yourself some serious moolah with a dedicated menu of cheap eats and drinks. Score $6 G&Ts, $12 negronis and $6 glasses of wine plus a selection of bites including an $18 burger and $8 liver parfait.
Find Restaurant Hubert at Basement, 15 Bligh Street, Sydney.
The Charles
It’s refined elegance in the heart of Sydney. The Charles has all the feels of Europe’s grand brasseries with an elegant art-deco interior and old-world hospitality. Visit the spot for food and drink specials every weekday from 3 pm-6 pm. Their signature cocktail ‘Southside’ is only $12, or a glass of Moet will only set you back $15. For food, try their mini prawn cocktails for $10.
Find The Charles at 66 King St, Sydney
Maybe Sammy
Earning itself the honour of being one of Sydney’s best bars, Maybe Sammy is a cocktail spot not to be missed. Located in the heart of The Rocks, this luxe bar is the perfect spot to nab a well-made drink that won’t cost you the earn. Swing by from 4:30 pm -5:30 pm every day to take part in their ‘Mini Martini Hour’. All mini martinis are $5.50 and there are seven different cocktails to choose from.
Find Maybe Sammy at 115 Harrington Street, The Rocks.
Rockpool Bar & Grill
Famed grilled seafood spot, Rockpool, has introduced its version of happy hour. RP Hour runs for two hours every weekday between 4 pm-6 pm and offers a curated selection of premium snacks, handcrafted cocktails, and a Sommelier’s Choice of wines by the glass. Transition from work to life with $15 food items, $12 classic cocktails and $15 on the Sommelier’s Selection of Sparkling, Red and White Wine.
Find Rockpool Bar & Grill at 66 Hunter St, Sydney.
Esteban
Everyone’s favourite Mexican laneway and basement tequila bar just made happy hours even better! The team are dishing out $12 cocktails and $9 tacos from 5 pm – 6 pm Sunday to Tuesday and 4 pm – 6 pm Wednesday to Saturday. In the cocktail menu, choose from Margaritas, Tequila Mockingbird, Sangria and Paloma, and pair them with their most popular tacos including salmon ceviche, pork belly, steak tartare, and sweet potato.
Find Esteban at 1 Temperance Lane, Sydney.
Tiva
There’s nothing average about the happy hour at Tiva, aptly named ‘Twilight Hours’. Get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and head to the underground live music bar every Wednesday- Friday from 5 pm – 7 pm. Indulge in a $10 Classic Tiva Burger, a $12 Tommy’s Margarita or a $15 glass of Moet & Chandon Champagne. If you’re feeling extra fancy, you can also opt in for a bottle of Moet & Chandon Champagne for $99.
Find Tiva at 68 King St, Sydney.
The Morrison
If you’re feeling like something a little more refined, the stylish CBD Happy Hour special at The Morrison will tempt you with $10 Negronis & Aperol Spritz, and $7 schooners, wines and spirits weekdays between 4 pm – 6 pm. Plus, every Wednesday between 6 pm – 7 pm you can enjoy half-price oysters, shucked fresh to order.
Find The Morrison at 225 George St, CBD.
Dean & Nancy On 22
Watch the sun fall down on Sydney’s skyline whilst sipping on a refreshing aperitivo at Dean & Nancy. Their sunset happy hour goes from 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm, offering heavy discounts on their drinks menu. For $15, you can order their Latin American Highball cocktail, Moonlit Harmony (a whiskey and coffee-based drink) or the Spritz Me Once Again. There is also a selection of non-alcoholic drink selections at a reduced price.
Find Dean & Nancy On 22 at 2 Hunter St, Sydney.
Employees Only
No one does happy hour like the New York speakeasy outpost! Instead of offering cocktails and food specials, the folks at Employees Only are giving you 50% off the entire food and drinks bill. From Wednesdays -Fridays between 5 pm – 6 pm you can take happy hour to a whole new level.
Employees Only, 9a Barrack St, Sydney.
Menzies Bar
Head down to the Menzies Bar at Shellhouse to celebrate Martini Hour, happening every day between 4 pm – 6 pm. Sip on a classic martini cocktail for only $10, whilst pairing it with a limited run of fresh lobster rolls (until sold out) also for just $10. You can reserve a table in advance, or simply walk in and see where the night takes you.
Find Menzies Bar at 37 Margaret St, Sydney.
This guide is current as of January 2024. Has a venue we’ve mentioned closed? Let us know, we’d love to hear from you: newsletter@eatdrinkplay.com