Benedict Kennedy-Cox

A bar crawl in Newtown is the ultimate choose-your-own-adventure for the intrepid thirsty Sydneysider. It's also great if you simply don't like having to take more than a hop, skip and jump between venues. This eclectic Inner West 'burb has more bars than you can poke a cocktail stick at, from lazy beer gardens to rock 'n' roll vinyl joints and everything in between, found all the way down King St and up to Enmore Road. Newtown is one of our favourite boozing destinations, so we’ve rounded up the best places to check out on your next visit, including purple-hued, disco-ball-lit Pleasure Club, killer sake bar Ante, and burgers and beers joint Mary's.  Looking for food? Check out the best restaurants Newtown has to offer, over here. Want more? Check out our guide the coolest bars in Sydney here.

Although there are 30 taps at Buddy’s Bar, there is no actual bar. There’s nothing for a bartender to even stand behind and furthermore, there is no bartender. Instead, staff direct you to the glassware and encourage you to get pouring yourself.  Yep. This is a moment where you’ll actually want to listen when they explain ‘how this place works’.  At the front counter, the Buddy’s staff provide you with a card that you load up with your funds ($30 should get you started). Peruse the glorious wall of taps until you find a beer, wine or cocktail that tickles your fancy, grab an appropriate glass, tap your card on the scanner above and pour yourself a cold one. This repeated process leaves you feeling a little like Charlie in the Chocolate Factory, and gives Buddy’s a laidback, almost house party-like feel. The Buddy’s King street location is the former site of pay-what-you-want restaurant Lentil as Anything, proving Newtown always feels the need to do something different. The airy space has orange tiles and painted stairs, but really, the booze is the main feature. A little over half of the 30 taps are dedicated to craft beer, while the rest are split between chilled wines and premixed cocktails. The taps constantly rotate their offering based on demand, so if you particularly enjoy a drink make sure to tell the staff. Sheer choice, free-will and a general lighthearted energy are what give Buddy’s its relaxed vibe, making it a great spot to catch up with old mates, or to make ne