From rooftop bars to beachside beer gardens, Sydney’s outdoor bars offer the perfect spots for day drinks, and here is our guide to the city’s finest
A long and lazy Sunday session by the beach or a boozy lunch with workmates in Sydney’s CBD, bars in Sydney offer some of the best experiences for day drinking. Let’s not forget afterwork drinks in Summer when the days are long and the sun is shining. From east to west, city to sea, here is your must-visit guide to the Best Places to Day Drink in Sydney.
The Glenmore, The Rocks
There is no pub in Sydney with more iconic views than The Glenmore in The Rocks. While other pubs and bars may rely on glitz and glamour, The Glenmore’s old-world charm radiates across multiple levels. No visit is complete without an afternoon Pimms pitcher on The Glenmore’s rooftop bar overlooking Circular Quay. Classic cocktails are also available, adding to the drinking experience. Local wines and antipasto platters make for a good afternoon. Ramp up into the evening with a round of espresso martinis.
96 Cumberland St, The Rocks NSW 2000.
SoCal, Neutral Bay
Escape to a better place with a mid-afternoon piña colada at the Californian-style rooftop Socal at Neutral Bar. SoCal will transport you to the beach no matter the time of year, thanks to its lush greenery and laid-back seating. Enjoy tropical cocktails that evoke a lively and festive atmosphere. As a chic cocktail bar, SoCal combines stylish decor with creative cocktail offerings. With a drinks menu focussed on tequila, be prepared for a lunchtime or afternoon of Latin American indulgence. You can also book in for bottomless fajitas every Friday. For just $35 per person, sink your teeth into our bottomless steak fajitas, including tender cumin marinated Wagyu, grilled peppers and onions, tortillas, red chilli salsa, pickled jalapeños, sour cream & refried beans, as well as a bowl of fries. Delish!
1 Young St, Neutral Bay NSW 2089.
The Coogee Pavilion, Coogee
The seaside jewel in Merivale’s crown. Complete with the beach, a vibrant atmosphere and a variety of food and drinks, The Coogee Pavilion is the perfect outdoor bar for day drinks in Sydney. Spread across three levels, stay downstairs for a wood-fired pizza and a glass of vino. Fitted with its own kid’s area and table tennis tables, The Pav is ideal for parents hankering for a daytime reprieve. If disco tunes are more your speed, head to the rooftop for a daytime cocktail at one of Sydney’s best rooftop bars. The open-air rooftop bar at The Coogee Pavilion offers stunning views and a unique atmosphere, making it a popular destination for both locals and visitors. If you stop by for a coffee in the morning, why not stay on for a boozy lunch?
169 Dolphin St, Coogee NSW 2034.
The Clovelly Hotel, Clovelly
Tucked away behind Clovelly Beach, The Clovelly Hotel is a hotbed of action for young and old. The perfect place for a lazy weekend drink, the beer garden spills inside into the high-ceiling bar. Offering a wide assortment of cocktails, cheap drinks and more indulgent beverages, the drinks list is famed for its take on Aperol Spritz. Combine your daytime beverage with a selection of bar snacks from the alfresco menu focused on seafood.
381 Clovelly Rd, Clovelly NSW 2031
Icebergs Harbour Bar, Barangaroo
This summer, Icebergs Harbour Bar is setting up shop at Crown Sydney, transforming the The Waiting Room terrace into a chic outdoor destination. Bringing their signature Bondi flair, Icebergs will serve up favourites like fried school prawns with aioli, the legendary Iceburger, and refreshing cocktails such as the No. 147. With views across Sydney Harbour, it’s the perfect spot for a breezy drink or casual bite. Open seven days a week, the bar is walk-in friendly, so grab your crew and soak up summer by the water.
Crown Sydney, Level 1/1 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo NSW, 2000
Opera Bar, CBD
A dumb-struck tourist or a local Sydneysider, there is no denying the majesty of Sydney’s most well-known bar in the heart of the Sydney CBD. Another popular venue in Sydney’s CBD is the Harper Rooftop Bar, known for its vibrant and dog-friendly atmosphere. Located below the Opera House, it offers breathtaking views of Sydney Harbour, where thousands of drinkers raise their glasses every year to the glistening Harbour. Celebrating a milestone or having a beverage before a show, the Opera Bar is the venue for every occasion. Complete your Sunday breakfast with a Bloody Mary or toe tap along to live music in the afternoon. The infectious day-drink atmosphere means you’ll want to stay for “just one more”.
Macquarie St, Sydney NSW 2000.
Courthouse Hotel, Newtown
Escape from the mayhem of King Street to the secluded Courthouse Hotel in the heart of Newtown, just a short distance from Sydney’s CBD. Known affectionately by locals as “The Courty”, there is no better place to settle in for a sun-soaked pint than the Courthouse’s courtyard. Nodding to Australia’s colourful past with its decor and walls lined with sporting paraphernalia, the venue is the ideal arena for a good day drink session.
202 Australia St, Newtown NSW 2042.
Endeavour Tap Rooms, The Rocks
Once home to Sydney’s oldest colonial hotel, this drinking hole in The Rocks has been reimagined as a functioning brewery and connoisseur of modern Australian cuisine. Located in Sydney’s CBD, Endeavour Tap Rooms is a convenient spot for corporate long lunches and beer lovers. Across three indoor dining spaces, including a sophisticated dining room, and a street-side alfresco space, Endeavour Tap Rooms is always filled with corporate long lunchers and beer lovers. With tanks holding over 600 litres of craft beer, be tempted with an afternoon beverage, including a daily rotation of special brews.
39-43 Argyle Street, The Rocks, NSW, 2000 Australia.
Watson’s Bay Hotel, Watson’s Bay
Dubbed one of Sydney’s most ‘Instagrammable’ places, Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel lives up to this title. Watson’s Bay Hotel, a chic wine bar, will charm you on any given sunny day, sharing the waterfront with a public park. Located a short distance from Sydney’s CBD, it is a convenient spot for a weekend wine. The hotel offers a chic outdoor space perfect for a weekend wine. Settle in with a rosé and your choice of European-inspired bar bites and day drink into the night.
1 Military Rd, Watsons Bay NSW 2030.
The Vic on the Park, Marrickville
The Vic on the Park, located near York Street and just a short distance from Sydney’s CBD, is an inner-west institution for a reason. From hearty pub food to craft beers, look no further than The Vic for a good day’s drink session. Whether you are catching an afternoon gig from an up-and-coming local act or shooting some hoops on the basketball court, The Vic on the Park welcomes everyone. Even four-legged friends are welcome.
2 Addison Road, Marrickville, New South Wales 2204
The Winery, Surry Hills
Wine in the daytime, yes please! Open from midday every day, Crown Street’s The Winery encourages you to make the most of every drinking occasion and opportunity. Located in Sydney’s CBD, The Winery Wine Bar is a convenient spot for a stylish day drink. This chic cocktail bar offers a variety of creative and luxurious cocktails, perfect for enjoying with a glass of wine in hand as you lose yourself in the relaxation of this secret urban garden and finish the week in style.
285a Crown Street, Surry Hills, 2010.
Manly Wharf, Manly
Al fresco bars in Sydney, like Felons in Manly offers 150 new outdoor seats with unbeatable sunset views, perfect for enjoying local brews like the Japanese Rice Lager or a refreshing Fast Ferry cocktail. The food menu, crafted by chef Corey Costelloe, features fresh seafood and pub classics, including oysters, tuna crudo, and a standout seafood platter. It’s the ideal spot to kick back and enjoy the best of Manly’s waterfront vibes.
E. Esplanade, Manly NSW 2095.
The Newport, Newport
With a relaxed marketplace feel, The Newport offers a range of food options overlooking the water and stunning views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. From fresh seafood platters to juicy meat dishes and wood-fired pizzas, there’s something for everyone. Head to The Arms Bar for a game or relax with a coffee, family lunch, and live entertainment. Perfect for families too, the venue even has a gymnasium full of games to keep the kids entertained while you unwind.
2 Kalinya St, Newport NSW 2106
Well lubricated by a session of day drinking, it’s time to head out dancing! Take a look at our guide to the Best Places to Go Dancing in Sydney!
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best outdoor bars with views in Sydney?
The Glenmore Rooftop Bar offers iconic harbour views over Circular Quay, while Opera Bar provides stunning Opera House and harbour vistas. For beachside views, try Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel or The Coogee Pavilion’s rooftop.
Which venues are best for family-friendly day drinks?
The Newport and The Coogee Pavilion are ideal for families, both featuring dedicated kids’ areas. The Coogee Pavilion offers table tennis and games, while The Newport has a gymnasium full of activities to keep children entertained.
Where can I find the best outdoor bars for group gatherings?
The Courthouse Hotel (The Courty) in Newtown offers a spacious courtyard, while SoCal in Neutral Bay provides a rooftop setting perfect for groups. The Clovelly Hotel’s beer garden is another excellent option for larger gatherings.
What are the top waterfront venues for day drinks?
Manly Wharf’s Felons offers 150 outdoor seats with sunset views, Opera Bar provides harbour vistas, and Watsons Bay Hotel combines waterfront charm with a neighbouring public park. These venues are particularly popular during summer.
Are there any unique day drinking experiences in Sydney?
The Endeavour Tap Rooms offers an on-site brewery experience in The Rocks, while The Winery in Surry Hills provides a secret urban garden setting. For something different, try SoCal’s bottomless fajitas Fridays for $35 per person.
What time do most venues open for day drinks?
Most venues begin service from midday, with places like The Winery open seven days a week. Some venues, like The Coogee Pavilion, open earlier for coffee and transition into day drinking as the day progresses.
