Whether you're in the mood to top up your tan or get cosy under a heater, there are plenty of ways to get in our city's alfresco action. Outdoor bars come in the form of waterside drinking dens, beer gardens and chic rooftops, spanning the CBD to the outer suburbs. Get your fix with our picks on where to drink outside in Sydney.
Last edited by Kiera Chapman
Icebergs Dining Room and Bar is an absolute must if you're looking for sunset drinks in Sydney. Boasting Insta-worthy views, this place will have you sipping cocktails by the pool while waves crash against Bondi beach. Hungry? Head indoors for some first-class grub.
Looking to drink outside while getting stuck into a fun activity? Bondi Bowling Club is the fun spot for doing just that. Think regular games and a menu of mouthwatering tucker, all washed down with ice cold bevvies on their beautiful lawn.
At the Tilbury Hotel, you can enjoy some sips in their quirky courtyard and outdoor bar area on Nicholson Street. This modern spot has an impressive lineup of cocktails, including their fig pisco, coffee and cinnamon negroni and margaritas. You can also opt for their extensive wine list.
If you're after a spot to drink outside in Surry Hills, The Redfern is a firm choice. Be sure to enjoy quaffable bevvies, including a fabulous selection of wine, bespoke cocktails or 26 beers on tap on its terrace. Fancy some fun? It also has live DJ sets in the evenings.
Looking to sip on a few cocktails in the sun? Then be sure to head to Beach Road Hotel in Bondi. Boasting a glorious garden space, a cocktail bar, and two restaurants, this is the perfect place to sip on some lip-smacking concoctions while enjoying the weather.
Village Crown is home to a gorgeous alfresco space, perfect for some summertime sunning. Head over to the Zetland haunt for cold wines and quirky cocktails on their pretty terrace. Feeling hungry? They also have some hearty fare on offer, from steaks to burgers.
The Rosehill Bowling Club is an idyllic spot to visit with friends and enjoy a game or two, as well as some food and drinks. It boasts a bright and airy dining space adorned with hanging plants, plus an outside area perfect for a relaxing sip. On the menu, there's garlic pizza bread, fried chicken karaage and steak from the grill, paired with a range of drinks like beer, wine and classic cocktails.
The Taphouse has a stunning outdoor space known as Elm Rooftop Bar. Swing by this Darlinghurst spot where you'll find the gorgeous haunt with a view over Centennial Park, fronting an extensive range of signature cocktails as well as the venue's beloved craft brew selection.
With its tropical decor and stunning views of the CBD, it's no wonder why Slims is a popular spot. Located on the top of Hyde Park House, is a pastel paradise for sipping classic cocktails, Aperol spritzes and Champagne (if you're fancy) with Asian-style dishes to accompany.
On the hunt for the best bars in Sydney? The Rook should be firmly on your list. With its colourful outdoor terrace, signature cocktails, sharing platters and Italian-style bottomless brunches, this place is a winning choice for drinking and dining as a group.
Ivy Pool Club is one of the best outdoor bars in Sydney's CBD, offering space for day drinking in private cabanas with a menu of refreshing cocktails. Feel like cooling down? Take a dip in the pool while gazing up to crystal clear blue skies.
Smoke should be at the top of your list when it comes to the best outdoor bars in Sydney. Not only is it a buzzing waterfront terrace in the summertime, but there's even pop-up igloos in the cooler months, giving you a cosy place to enjoy drinks with a view anytime of the year.
You may know The Imperial Hotel for its drag dinners, regular club events and Italian bistro, but were you also aware of its charming terrace space? Taking you from Sydney to the Med, this place features pastel blue decor and terracotta tiles for an authentic feel.
This Potts Point restaurant with outdoor seating is a top choice for drinks at any time of the year. Chula's streetside tables will have you sipping on margs, and making your way through authentic Mexican dishes under the warm glow of heaters when temperatures drop.
One of the best bars with a view in Sydney, Untied is a cool bar that goes from day to night effortlessly. Decked out with colourful furnishings, the neighbourhood gem fronts signature cocktails and tasty bites to eat, with a lively boozy brunch when the weekend rolls around.
One of the best rooftop bars in Sydney, Babylon is a stunning spot for outdoor drinking all year round. Not only does the venue act as a suntrap in the warmer months, but they also have plenty of cosy heaters - perfect for alfresco date nights.
Old Mate's Place has a rooftop that's worth visiting when you're in need of a little extra vitamin D. With tall buildings and lush foliage as your backdrop, this is one cool location for after-work drinks and romantic date nights.
The Winery is a stunning place for drinking outside in Sydney. Its main draw? The gorgeous oasis of a garden, which guarantees to be packed out in spring and summer. If you're stopping by in winter, you've got the option to book private igloos for cosy indoor-outdoor vibes.
Coogee Pavilion is one of Sydney's most popular outdoor haunts, nestled between Dunningham Reserve and Coogee beach with a stunning rooftop space. Enjoy dinner and drinks with a view, with their selections of fresh seafood, meat dishes and stone-baked pizzas.
The Royal Hotel Paddington is a four-storey haunt made up of a sports bar, restaurant and rooftop. When it comes to refreshments, this outdoor boozer will keep you coming back for potent cocktails, international bites to eat and boozy brunches.
