It’s not hard to see why the Manly Wharf Bar (formerly Manly Wharf Hotel) is obscenely popular. There’s just something about drinking with harbour views that makes everything seem a little brighter.
This expansive hotel is set right down on the ferry wharf and takes full advantage of its location. Glass windows look out onto the big blue and when the weather permits they open up a satellite bar out on the wharf itself so you can get the sea breeze in your lungs while you put lager in your belly.
They keep the gambling facilities and a nicer-than-average sports bar up the back and it gets pretty busy given you’re in the heart of Sea Eagles territory. The main bar is essentially a festoon-lit, coastal-themed, fully licensed community centre.
Everyone seems to know each other and there’s a consensus on the appeal of tanned skin, white teeth and light fabrics – there’s not a band shirt or flanno in sight. The beauty of a waterfront bar is that it’s an appealing spot to kick back, rain, hail or shine. They have Endeavour growers bright ale or the James Squire family all present and accounted for, or you can just down a Fourex, no judgement here. Manly Wharf is an upbeat pub and the only place where you can drink over the water in a suburb dedicated to the coastal life. No wonder locals love it.
