Summer is the season for sunshine, good mates and an ice cold beer in hand.
To celebrate, we’ve rounded up Sydney’s best spots to enjoy a summer brew. From Beer Gardens made for long afternoons, to Beach Beers with unbeatable coastal views, and BYO Beers for your own backyard hangouts, here’s where to make every sip count this summer.
Beer Gardens
The Beresford Hotel, Surry Hills
The Beresford is the perfect place to enjoy a cold beer in summer. Its leafy, lantern lit beer garden offers the ideal escape from the city heat, with chilled drinks, wood fired pizzas and good company all around. Whether it is a lazy Sunday session or after work drinks, this Surry Hills favourite makes every summer afternoon feel easy.
Find The Beresford Hotel at 354 Bourke St, Surry Hills NSW 2010
The Courthouse Hotel, Newtown
The Courthouse Hotel in Newtown, known affectionately as The Courty, is one of the best beer gardens in the Inner West. Its leafy outdoor space is perfect for long afternoons with friends, cold beers in hand and hearty pub food to share. With weekly events, a lively crowd and that unmistakable Newtown charm, The Courty captures everything you want in a classic Sydney beer garden.
Find The Courthouse Hotel at 202 Australia St, Newtown.
Beach Beers
Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel
When it’s summer in Sydney, a cold beer with a view is a must, and Watsons Bay Hotel is the place to be. Sitting right by the water, it’s perfect for relaxing, enjoying fresh seafood and watching the harbour shine. It’s everything you want from a classic Sydney summer spot.
Find Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel at 10 Marine Parade, Watsons Bay NSW 2030
Coogee Bay Hotel
Another perfect spot to enjoy a drink by the beach is Coogee Bay Hotel. With its relaxed coastal atmosphere, ocean views and lively beer garden, it’s the ultimate place to unwind on a sunny afternoon. Whether you’re here for a casual drink, a long lunch or a sunset session with friends, Coogee Bay Hotel captures the true spirit of Sydney’s beachside living.
Find Coogee Bay Hotel at 253 Coogee Bay Rd, Coogee NSW 2034
The Harbord Beach Hotel
The Harbord Hotel is another perfect spot for a summer drink by the beach. Just a short stroll from Freshwater’s shore, it blends relaxed coastal charm with a touch of history. Whether you’re here for a long lunch on the verandah, a cold beer after a surf, or a sunset cocktail with friends, Harbord captures the easygoing spirit of Sydney’s Northern Beaches at its best.
Find The Harbord Beach Hotel at 29 Moore Rd, Freshwater NSW 2096
BYO Beers
Spice Alley, Kensington Street Chippendale
Spice Alley in Chippendale is one of Sydney’s most popular spots for BYO beers. Tucked under a canopy of lanterns, this vibrant laneway serves up hawker-style dishes from across Southeast Asia. Pair your favourite cold brew with sizzling noodles or spicy curries and soak up the buzzing, street-market energy that makes Spice Alley a must-visit for a relaxed, budget-friendly night out.
Find at Spice Alley at Kensington St, Chippendale NSW 2008
Mamak, Haymarket
Mamak is another Sydney favourite for a BYO beer night done right. Famous for its flaky roti and rich, aromatic curries, this spot always draws a crowd and for good reason. With well-priced dishes and a small corkage fee, it’s the perfect place to enjoy spicy flavours balanced by an ice-cold beer.
Find Mamak at 15 Goulburn Street, Haymarket, Sydney
