There are very few places that Australians love more than their local pub. Whether you’re itching for a cold pint, salivating over a chicken parmi, or just wanting to show off your skills behind the pool table, Sydney houses some of the finest taprooms this country has on offer.
And, if your thirst is ready to be quenched, there’s no better time to visit a local watering hole. So whether you’re after a pub lunch, something in Sydney’s CBD, a rooftop bar, a side of history with your craft beer, or just a bloody good steak, look no further than our list of the 10 best pubs in Sydney you need to visit in 2023!
Photographed by James Horan. Image via Destination NSW.
The Clock Hotel
Named after its iconic clock tower, The Clock Hotel has sat proudly on Crown Street in Surry Hills since 1863. With an award-winning cocktail bar and a wrap-around balcony looking down at the street below, this Sydney CBD pub holds prime people-watching real estate. Once you’ve outgrown thebeer, you can make your way back to the whisky room for a dram, where the bartender will help guide you through their collection of over 200 expressions. One of Sydney’s best pubs to have a drink at!
Image supplied.
The Dolphin Hotel
Walking through the doors of The Dolphin Hotel will have you tossing aside any previous conceptions of what it means to be a pub in 2023. With a chic, all white interior designed by George Livissianis, this gastro pub in Sydney resembles an art installation more than your typical local watering hole. The dining room is cased with monochrome graffiti, and swathes of white fabric drape the walls of the public bar. But what this tavern lacks in meat raffles and happy hour, it makes up for with their Grilled Octopus Salsa Verde ($23) and hand-stretched pizza inspired by the flavours of northern Italy. Wash it all down with a Peach and Lychee Bellini and you’ll forget there was ever any other way.
Image supplied.
The Duke of Clarence
Tucked away between the skyrises of Sydney’s CBD, by the time you find The Duke of Clarence you’ll be well on your way to needing a refreshment. But this hidden gem is well worth the effort! Modelled after an 18th century English tavern, the owner describes this pub as dedicated to “cocktails, cask ale and unmistakably British eats.” Sipping whisky in the library room, those bold enough to put their smartphones away would be forgiven for forgetting the decade. But The Duke of Clarence is more than just a superficial nod to what once was. This Sydney CBD pub was truly designed with love, with the décor handpicked from pubs and churches in the UK, and shipped to Australia.
Image supplied.
The Glenmore Hotel
Built in 1921, this heritage-listed pub in The Rocks boasts the best of Sydney – both old and new. Enjoy a sun-lit Aperol and a Prawn Roll ($26) on the rooftop terrace, with spectacular views of Sydney Harbour and the Opera House. Still thirsty? Visit the 1920’s Hollywood themed cocktail bar tucked away on the middle level or, get your Gatsby on with a Razzle Dazzle ($20). Whatever you’re after, The Glenmore is the perfect place to enjoy the excitement of a night out, without the crowds. One of the best pubs in Sydney!
Image supplied.
Hotel Harry
Hotel Harry is undoubtedly one of Surry Hills’ best kept secrets with colourful, Cuban-inspired decor bringing you just short of an overseas holiday. The menu is classic pub food and then some, with the welcome addition of taquitos (three for $9), tacos (two for $12), and other Cuban-inspired dishes. And if the cocktail of the week isn’t enough to get you out and about on a weeknight, then their live Comedy at Harry’s every Monday is well-worth the hangover. A must visit in 2023!
Photographed by Anna Kucera. Image via Destination NSW.
The Imperial Erskineville
Also making our list as one of the Best Drag Queen Shows and Drag Clubs in Sydney, this rambunctious Erskineville icon has been a proud institution since 1983 and to this day remains the go-to LGBTQ+ pub in Sydney. One of the best pubs in the Inner West, here you can dine at Priscillas with their vegan-friendly soil-to-plate menu, served hot with a side of drag. Or, if wood-fired pizza and a tart negroni is more up your alley, climb the stairs to the rooftop bar and enjoy the Amalfi of the Inner West. If that hot, Italian sun isn’t enough to have you break out a sweat, head downstairs to The Basement and enjoy the weekend disco. Come through darling!
Image supplied.
The Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel
Located in the city’s historic Rocks precinct, the Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel is Sydney’s oldest continually licensed hotel and home of Australia’s oldest pub brewery. Established in 1841, this 180-year-old beauty is far from showing her age, serving modern Australian cuisine and an award-winning wine list. With 100 per cent natural ales brewed onsite, you’d be a fool not to stop in for one of their award-winning pints. If you’re looking for one of the best pubs in The Rocks, this is it.
Image supplied.
The Oaks Hotel
With over 135 years of service under their belt, The Oaks Hotel in Neutral Bay is as dependable as they come and it comes as no surprise that they are one of the best pubs in Sydney. Undergoing a refurbishment a few years back, this lower north shore institution is made up of three distinct offerings: The Oaks Bottle Shop which serves a rotating beer selection in a 50s inspired milk bar; Taffy’s Sports Bar where you’ll find quirky beer taps and foosball tables; and finally Alala’s – a Parisian-style outdoor eatery that serves an array of fine-dining goods and delicious cocktails.
Image supplied.
Royal Hotel Paddington
A favourite among Sydney pub-goers, the Royal Hotel Paddington serves cold beer and pub classics at a reasonable price. While it is important to note that this four-level heritage pub requires comfortable footwear, it is a noble sacrifice. Make the brave trek up a fair-few flights of stairs and be rewarded with one of the most spectacular 180-degree views of Sydney. But don’t forget to grab a Spicy Margarita ($20) at the bar first! This rooftop bar fills up quick, so you won’t want to move from your seat before sunset. One of the best pubs in Sydney for food, beer and events!
Image supplied.
The Taphouse
On the corner of South Dowling and Flinders Street sits Darlinghurst’s award-winning craft beer haven. Boasting an impressive yearly rotation of over 500 beers, The Taphouse is a must-try for all Sydney ale-enthusiasts. While this beautiful, heritage listed pub is thought to be around 180 years old, the three-storey venue has had an impressive facelift in recent years. And if its history alone isn’t enough to get you through the door, head chef Axel Chilton is always busy creating a mouth-watering new smokehouse menu. No discriminating here – their resident rooftop smoker produces Texas-style goods for the carnivores and the vegans.
Looking for stunning views and a new cocktail muse? Check out our list of The 10 Best Rooftop Bars in Sydney of 2023. Or, if you’re after an eccentric night out, we’ve found 10 Quirky and Unique Dining Experiences in Sydney.
A must visit in 2023 – grab a beer and a classic pub feed at the best pubs in Sydney!
From gastro pubs to beer gardens, round up your mates and drink your way through the best pubs in Sydney right now!