These are Australia's 8 favourite bars for 2026, as voted by locals

It’s time to raise a glass with us! Time Out has just crowned the winners of its 2026 Food & Drink Awards, celebrating the restaurants and bars worthy of your precious money and time. While our local food writers and editors have awarded the top venues for 2026 based on first-hand experiences, we also asked you to have your say.

RECOMMENDED: Check out all the Time Out Food & Drink Award 2026 winners, incl. Editors' Choice

This marks the very first year our People’s Choice categories went national! We received more than 10,000 votes – helping determine your favourite restaurant, café, bar and pub in each Australian state and territory. And now we’re excited to reveal the 2026 Favourite Bar winners. Congratulations to the following popular venues…

People’s Choice Awards: Favourite Bar

ACT: Bar Beirut, Canberra

NSW: Cardea, Sydney

NT: Bar Kokomo, Darwin

QLD: Bar Miette, Brisbane

VIC: St Luja, Melbourne

SA: Latteria, Adelaide

TAS: Bar Wa Izakaya, Hobart

WA: Little Creatures Brewery, Fremantle

Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Australia newsletter for more news, travel inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. 

RECOMMENDED:

See the full list of Time Out Food & Drink Award 2026 winners