Sip beer, wine and spritzes and sample delicious eats at the best waterside pubs and bar in Sydney.
There’s no better way to celebrate the end of a week than with a drink in hand. But if you’re looking to spice things up this weekend, why not take to the coastline and score a drink with a side of sparkling water views. From the shores of Coogee to the escarpment of Scarborough, pretend its summer all year round at these top waterside spots.
Coogee Pavilion
Boasting prime views of one of the eastern suburbs’ best beaches, Coogee Pavilion is a must-see spot for waterside drinking (and dining). Flock to The Pav to experience three levels of epic eats and drinks, including the venue’s iconic open-air rooftop bar. Keep things casual and nab a woodfired pizza and beer from the bottom level or head to Coogee Pavilion’s newly opened middle floor to experience a trio of upscale Mediterranean bars and restaurants.
Find Coogee Pavilion at 169 Dolphin Street, Coogee. Open Mon-Thurs & Sun from 7:30am to midnight and Fri-Sat from 7:30am until late.
The Squire’s Landing, The Rocks
With one of the best views in Sydney, The Squire’s Landing is the ultimate waterside beer garden. As James Squire’s flagship brewhouse, this scenic spot is the perfect venue to sip delicious brews and chow down on tasty pub eats. Find out more here.
Find The Squire’s Landing on the northern end of the Overseas Passenger Terminal, Circular Quay West, The Rocks. Open Tues to Thur 12pm – 10pm, Fri 12pm – 1am, Sat 11am – 1am and Sun 11am – 9pm.
Icebergs Bar & Terrace, Bondi
Whether you’ve just taken a dip in the pool or have mastered the Coogee to Bondi coastal track, Icebergs is the perfect spot to cool off with a drink in hand. Set inside the iconic venue and head for the indoor bar, boasting sparkling waterside vistas and a menu of handcrafted eats and drinks. Start with a refreshing gin spritz, beer and glass of wine, and snack your way through plates of freshly shucked oysters, salumi, Caprese salads and a bowl of shoestring fries. Want to drink alfresco? Head to Iceberg’s terrace for unforgettable views of Bondi’s coastline and a selection of drinks courtesy of Ketel One Botanical.
Find Icebergs at 1 Notts Avenue, Bondi Beach. Bar open Mon to Sat from midday to midnight and Sun from midday to 10pm and the Terrace open 12pm to 8pm daily (weather permitting).
Scarborough Hotel
Take a quick trip out of the city and head down the road to Scarborough Hotel, one of the most picturesque waterside pubs just south of Sydney. Located on the stunning north Illawarra coast, this heritage-listed pub delivers everything you’d expect from a top-notch watering hole with a side of epic water views. Gather your friends and family (pooches included!) and spend a day by the water sipping great wines, craft beer and sampling delicious pub snacks.
Find the Scarborough Hotel at 383 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Scarborough. Open Weekdays from 11am to 4pm and Weekends from 9am to 4pm.
Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel
Look for the striped sails of Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel’s nautical umbrellas and you know you’ve come to the right place. This iconic waterfront venue’s Beach Club is one of the best waterside bars in the eastern suburbs, made for sipping cocktails with your crew at sunset. Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and pretend you’ve ventured out of town at the coastal oasis, set against the dreamy backdrop of one of Sydney’s most Instagrammable views. Whether you opt for a classic Mojito or Summer Sangria or nab a glass of sparkling, you won’t be disappointed by this waterside venue.
Find Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel at 1 Military Road, Watsons Bay. Open daily.
Manly Wharf Bar
Head over the bridge and nab a seat at one of Manly’s most iconic waterside pubs, the ‘Wharfy’. For over a decade this local favourite has been attracting punters searching for seasonal pub classics, wines, craft beers and classic cocktails. Score a platter of fresh seafood, a bucket of prawns, classic Aussie Burger or one of the venue’s famous pizzas (gluten-free bases and vegan cheese available). Plus, a visit to the jetty wouldn’t be complete without a well-made cocktail (Espresso Martini, anyone?), beer or glass of wine.
Find Manly Wharf Bar at East Esplanade, Manly. Open 11:30am to midnight daily.
Opera Bar
Dubbed as Sydney’s best beer garden, Opera Bar delivers breathtaking panoramic views of some of the city’s most memorable sites. Set on the foreshore underneath the world-class Sydney Opera House, experience prime views of Sydney Harbour Bridge at this top-notch waterside bar. Expect free live music every day from some of Sydney’s best local bands, DJs and artists as well as a menu of innovative cocktails inspired by the venue’s waterfront location. Score a Rosé Spritz or Guava Paloma or explore the curated wine list crafted by sommelier Matt Dunne (boasting a list of 75% Australian wines). Plus, once you’ve worked up an appetite dig into eats curated by Chef Matt Moran and Executive Chef Laura Maratto, including snacks, pizzas, fresh seafood and more.
Find Opera Bar on the Lower Concourse Level of the Sydney Opera House, open Mon to Thur 10am-12am, Fri 10am-1am, Sat 9am-1am and Sun 9am-12am.
Smoke Bar at Barangaroo House
Whether you’re searching for a spot for Friday drinks or are heading into the city for a night out, Smoke Bar is a must-try. Flock to the rooftop of the award-winning Barangaroo House and take a seat at Smoke Bar, boasting unrivaled water views across Sydney Harbour. This stylish cocktail lounge takes its drinks very seriously, serving up handpicked wines curated by Head Sommelier Georgina Larsson alongside seasonal cocktails infused with local Australian ingredients. The best bit? You won’t have to queue at the bar as Smoke Bar is all table service. So grab a seat and settle in for a top-class bar experience.
Find Smoke Bar on the rooftop of Barangaroo House, 35 Barangaroo Avenue Barangaroo. Open Mon to Wed 3pm – 12am and Thur to Sun 12pm to 12am.
Henry Deane at Hotel Palisade
Set just a short stroll from Circular Quay you’ll find Hotel Palisade, home to one of Sydney’s most sophisticated rooftop bars, Henry Deane. This upscale cocktail lounge boasts stellar vistas across the city skyline and Sydney Harbour, split across two levels at the top of the hotel. Gather your crew and score a seat alfresco at Henry Deane’s rooftop bar or opt for a more intimate experience on Level 4’s luxe cocktail bar. Either way, you’ll be greeted with sparkling views at this unmissable waterside bar.
Find Henry Deane on Level 4 and 5 at Hotel Palisade, 35 Bettington Street, Millers Point. Open Mon to Sat 12pm – 12am and Sun 12pm – 10pm.
The Newport
One of the Northern Beaches’ most iconic waterside pubs, The Newport has been attracting punters from across the city since 1880. This relaxed coastal venue delivers views of the stunning Pittwater, with a bustling alfresco deck made for enjoying sundowners. This dog-friendly spot delivers everything you could want from a waterside pub and more, with a menu of woodfired pizzas, antipasto platters, fresh seafood and everything from classic cocktails to craft beers.
Find The Newport at 2 Kalinya Street, Newport. Open Mon to Fri 9:30am – 12am, Sat 9am – 12am and Sun 9am – 11pm.
Pasadena Sydney
With a long history dating back to the early 20th Century, Pasadena Sydney is a bar, restaurant and boutique will a fascinating story to tell. Set on the stunning Pittwater Bay, this historic venue has been resurrected from a forgotten local landmark to a celebrating dining destination. Today, you’ll find a delectable menu of eats inspired by the venue’s coastal location, as well as a selection of drinks made to be enjoyed while soaking in the spectacular waterside surrounds.
Find Pasadena Sydney at 1858 Pittwater Road, Church Point. Open Wed to Thur 12pm – 3pm, Fri 12pm – 8:30pm, Sat 8:30am – 8:30pm and Sun 8:30am – 5pm.
Manly 16ft Skiff Sailing Club
Overlooking the harbour, sit back and watch boats and ferries glide by at the Manly 16ft Skiff Sailing Club. This is the perfect spot for a relaxed lunch, mid-week steak, or weekend schooner, topped off with unforgettable water views. The Skiff has an extensive bistro menu means there’s something for everyone from snacks to more substantial meals including the infamous epic chilled seafood platter with prawns, oysters, bugs, crab, lobster, salmon, marinated octopus, grilled scampi, garlic & ginger prawns, and cajun crusted salmon as well as satisfying salads such as their seared tuna tataki salad, lightly seared and served rare with avocado, tomato, and mixed greens and Wasabi vinaigrette.
Find Manly 16ft Skiff Sailing Club at the corner of Stuart Street and East Esplanade, Manly. Open Mon to Wed from 12 pm to 10 pm, Thur 11 am to 11 pm, Fri to Sat from 11 am to midnight and Sun from 11 am to 10 pm.
Looking for more waterside inspiration? Check out our guide to Sydney’s best beach pools and discover our favourite waterside restaurants in Sydney.
This guide is current as of February 2020.. Has a venue we’ve mentioned closed? Let us know, we’d love to hear from you: newsletter@eatdrinkplay.com