The 65 best pubs in Sydney right now

What is it? Established in 1857, the heritage-listed Dry Dock is the oldest licensed pub in Balmain. It’s also one of Sydney’s best. Expect a charming bar, a dog-friendly lounge with a crackling fireplace and leather couches, and a light-filled dining room perfect for Friday lunches.

Why we love it: Ambience aside, the food is excellent. Our picks include the charred, rosy steak with Café de Paris butter; plump prawns, sweet with creamy Marie Rose sauce; and the bang-on scotch egg, with its jammy centre and a kick from fruity piquante sauce.

Address: 22 Cameron St, Balmain NSW 2041

Time Out tip: Don’t want to drive? No worries. You can catch the ferry from Circular Quay – the wharf is just a short walk away.

Newtown’s Carlisle Castle is a 150-year-old local with plenty of old-school pub charm, from its original tiles and classy Italian marble bar to its ’70s-inspired Axminster carpet and leafy beer garden. The team behind Time Out fave The Bat & Ball has given the Albemarle Street beauty a thoughtful refresh, while the kitchen heroes classic pub fare, the drinks list keeps things affordable and Aussie-focused, and there’s a rotating line-up of tasty daily specials.

What is it: A casual Inner West mainstay with free live music most nights, burgers, bar snacks and cold beers.

Why we love it: Their commitment to excellent live music, brews and very good times. Plus, they’ve just got rid of their pokies.

Address: 115 Regent St, Chippendale, 2008

Time Out tip: Check out their 'Whats On' updates on their Instagram every week. 

If the walls of the Fortune of War pub could talk, they’d tell tales of sailors and soldiers from days of yore, and of stockbrokers and software consultants from modern-day Sydney – all united by cold beer and good times. Now, nearly two centuries since it first opened, Sydney’s oldest continuously licensed pub has had a big-deal makeover, featuring a revamped boutique hotel and new bistro beneath its heritage-listed roof.

What is it? Around 150 years old, the Old Fitz is a classic Aussie lady with charm. Built out of worn brick, surrounded by leafy greens, and infused with generations of boozy character, this is also the only remaining theatre pub left in Australia. Gasp!

Why we love it: Casual but charming, we love how the Old Fitz nails a cracking feed, great shows and general vibes. Evidenced in them winning Time Out's Best Casual Drinking Venue Award 2023.

Address: 129 Dowling St, Woolloomooloo, 2011

Time Out tip: Have a wholesome pub dinner, then go underground for an intimate show in the pub's 60-person seat theatre.

What is it? A classic old Sydney pub with vintage charm, great menu, brand-new pool table and budget-friendly offerings. Built for locals, families, hip young things and revellers alike. Bat & Ball 2.0 is no longer just a stop off on the way to and from the SCG, but again worthy as a destination in its own right. 

Why we love it: Dogs are welcome, the roast is great, and if this isn't proof enough, we love The Bat & Ball Hotel so much it was the winner of Time Out Sydney's Best Casual Drinking Venue Award 2025.

Address: 495 Cleveland St, Surry Hills, 2010

Time Out tip: Get around the fab daily meal offers (hello, $17 parmys on Thursdays). Also, the Sunday roast is our pick for the best in town.

What is it? Once known as the Carousel Inn, now rebranded as The Woodstock Hotel, this lush pub has just arrived in Rooty Hill. Expect a family-friendly bistro, spacious beer garden, sports bar, events centre and a playground for the kids.

Why we love it: It's tailormade for locals of all ages, and the hearty bistro menu features proper pub classics, including chicken parmi, woodfired pizzas, chargrilled meats and $12 kids meals.

Address: The Woodstock Hotel, Cnr Woodstock Avenue & Duke St, Rooty Hill, 2766

Time Out tip: Making sure to tick all the boxes, The Woodstock has a daily happy hour from 3-6pm (can’t be mad at that) and each week there will be a jam-packed social offering on the table, including Tuesday night poker for those wanting to go all in.

What is it? A long-beloved and deeply casual Inner West stalwart, The Vic has a killer courtyard, weekly live gigs and top-notch drinks and food that make this old Marrickville boozer one of the best in town. 

Why we love it: The Vic does free live gigs each week. The bands come from all genres and you’re just as likely to see a chilled acoustic set as you are to witness a punching-the-air rock show.

Address: 2 Addison Rd, Marrickville, 2034

Time Out tip: On a sunny day there are few greater places to be than at The Vic, armed with a beer and deep in the weeds in a convo with your mates. Order a schnitty. 

What is it? England called and they want their pub back. Cosy, boozy and always buzzing, this vast, red-brick hotel looks more like a British country manor than an Inner East establishment, and the vibe is similarly relaxed. 

Why we love it: There’s no shortage of pubs in Paddington and Woollahra, but few possess the old-world charms of the Lord Dudley. It's got amazing grub, impeccable vibes and will make you feel like you're in London, just without the grey smog bit.

Address: 236 Jersey Rd, Woollahra, 2025

Time Out tip: The Lord Dudley has great mid-week specials which are always worth checking out. Plus, if it’s a bit nippy for alfresco boozing, battle for seats to get as close to the proper wood fire as you can get.

What is it? After undergoing a massive glow-up, the seaside Harbord Hotel now sports a fresh white-washed look and polished interiors, a far cry from those that remember the buttery yellow OG Hilton. Close to Freshie beach and full of Northern Beaches energy, this classic Beaches’ watering hole is a much-loved institution.

Why we love it: Close to the beach, cold drinks and no-frills food. When the sun is shining, this is pretty much as good as it gets, in our books.

Address: 29 Moore Rd, Freshwater, 2096

Time Out tip: Hit the beach for a swim or surf, and then stroll on over for a Stone & Wood or Margy with your friends. 

What is it? Is it a pub? Or is it a Chinese restaurant slash 1980s-inspired beer hall slash Bob Hawke museum. It's all of the above, and it's a winning mix. Dedicated to late Australian prime minister (and all round national hero) Bob Hawke and 1980's Australia, this pub is a time warp with prawn toast. 

Why we love it: It's quirky, it's hilarious and the Chinese pub food is bloody delicious. 

Address: 8-12, Sydney St, Marrickville, 2204

Time Out tip: Sadly, it's so popular, that you're best off booking if you want to go in a group of four or more during peak times.

What is it? This Surry Hills pub is one for all occassions, where the beers, food and vibe are all ace and the mounted deer horns came with googly eyes.

Why we love it: A lot of Sydney’s pubs play a single trump – tender steak, good times trivia, clean beer, golden schnitzel – but it’s a truly special boozer that can show a full and winning hand. 

Address: 156 Devonshire St, Surry Hills, 2010

Time Out tip: A cheap happy hour, great outdoor seating and cosy interiors. No matter the weather, you're probably going to be happy.

What is it? This grungy corner pub, just a stroll from the Enmore Theatre, has long been the unofficial pre-drink (or post, given that it stays open until the wee hours on weekends) location for every gig, serving a different crowd each night: indie kids, crusty punks, comedy fans, theatresports aficionados, old rockers, metalheads and hoodies. 

Why we love it: The Duke also stands its own ground as a thriving late-night music hub with live gigs at least four nights a week (including live band karaoke every second Wednesday).

Address: 148 Enmore Rd, Enmore, 2042

Time Out tip: Grab a natural wine, craft beer or curious cocktail before hitting up a show at the Enmore Theatre.

What is it? A classic Sydney institution in the heart of our historic centre, this old-world pub has unbelievable harbour views and always draws a chill, but buzzing, diverse crowd.

Why do we love it:  A lot of fuss gets made over the Glenmore’s unbelievable harbour views for a reason. It’s an easy sell, especially because it proves you don’t need to fork out for the kind of Sydney vista that belongs on a postcard.

Address: 96 Cumberland St, The Rocks, 2000

Time Out tip: The Glenmore is the sort of place you could make your local, at least for post-work drinks when the rooftop bar gets packed with people loosening their collars and clinking a Peroni.

What is it? A tucked-away CBD pub that feels like it’s been lifted straight out of London and dropped on Clarence Street.

Why we love it: The Duke of Clarence feels like it was designed to bring George Orwell’s famous fantasy pub, the Moon under Water, to life. It boasts all the trappings of a 19th Century tavern, right down to the potted red geraniums above the door. 

Address: Laneway, 152/156 Clarence St, Sydney NSW 2000

Time Out tip: The Duke of Clarence makes one of Sydney’s best Sunday roasts.

What is it? Coined by its owners as 'Enmore's smallest pub', this is tiny sports club with big character. Owned by the big minds behind Earl's Juke Joint and Jacobys Tiki Bar, this is a homage to classic pubs and sports bars of the '80s, featuring posters of sports heroes on the walls, TV screens blasting the game of the day, and ice-cold pints. 

Why we love it: There are six beers on tap, all from local breweries, as well as Guinness and straight-shooting cocktails, including a Bloody Mary. Wines by the glass are a cut above your standard pub vino – like a Chablis by the glass. 

Address: 156 Enmore Rd, Enmore, 2042

Time Out tip: There is no kitchen, so if you feel peckish, you can order from the chicken shop down the road and eat it at The Magpie.

What is it? Housed in a heritage-listed Art Deco building on the corner of Foster and Hunt Streets in Surry Hills, Hollywood Hotel is a Sydney icon. Former Hollywood actress and cabaret artist Doris Goddard opened the watering hole back in 1977, making her one of our first female publicans.

Why we love it: A straight-up booze list, ’70s memorabilia, cracking toasties and live music remains at the heart of this watering hole.

Address: 2 Foster St, Surry Hills, 2010

Time Out tip: Stop in for a cold one to get your night started, or end it with a nightcap in one of their cosy and unpretentious corners. 

What is it? This classic Aussie pub offers the best of both worlds – with old-school, untouched pub vibes downstairs, and a revamped restaurant upstairs. 

Why we love it: The Crix deserves a medal for its diplomatic skills that mean a truly confusing cross section of drinkers are all happy to pal it up around this ancient, ancient bar. There’s a place in here for everyone.

Time Out tip: Hungry? Head upstairs for excellent food at the not-French bistro, Chez Crix.

What is it? This Petersham pub has it all: great beer gardens (yes, plural – they're out front and back), great grub, strong community vibes, family-friendly dining rooms, a sports bar, a pool room and even pinball machines.

Why we love it: The dining room walls are decked out with pics of cockatoos. And it's right behind Petersham Train Station. What's not to love?

Address: 30 Terminus St, Petersham, 2049

Time Out tip: Kick off the week with a 'Pint Party' on Monday (pints for schooner prices), cheap tinnies on 'Tinnie Tuesday', then head in on Wednesday for trivia, Thursday for the badge draw and 'Spin & Win' on Friday.  

What is it? A vibey, dancey pub in the heart of Paddington that slings great grub, vibes and beers.  

Why we love it: If you haven't been to the Paddo Inn on a Friday night, you're missing out. A DJ plays hit after hit, and the whole room becomes a dance floor, dotted with cricket- and AFL-lovers, finance bros and hotties. It's a great place if you feel like a dance in Paddington, but it's equally great for a mid-week feed, beers and a catch-up with friends. 

Address: 338 Oxford St, Paddington, 2021

Time Out tip: If you're there in the arvo, try to nab a seat outside under the orange umbrellas. Plus, Paddo Inn is also home to Il Baretto, an excellent Italian restaurant.

What is it? This breezy, Hamptons-coded hotel is the ultimate beachside stay and pub in Sydney, just a 30-minute ferry ride from the CBD. 

Why we love it: It's an extremely family-friendly venue, helpfully located next to a park and a habour beach. And it's an awesome spot to watch the sunset – with a Spritz in hand.

Address: 10 Marine Parade, Watsons Bay, 2030

Time Out tip: With unbeatable sunset views, an exceptionally well-priced bottomless brunch menu, and easy access to the city (via ferry – the top-tier mode of public transport), it’s a delightful spot for a special occasion dinner with a big group of friends, or a casual, relatively affordable date night.

What is it? A rooftop bar with epic views, this has been a favourite haunt for Eastern Suburbs locals for decades. It's also a rite of passage for Swans fans before and after games at the Sydney Cricket Ground. 

Why we love it: The Light Brigade's top-floor bar has undergone a swanky refurbishment, evoking the sunny days of a Miami pool club with playful cocktails, big beach umbrellas and pastel furnishings (though down on the ground floor, it's still staunch Swans territory).

Address: 2A Oxford St, Woollahra, 2025

Time Out tip: Soak up the panoramic city views with a Chilli Watermelon Margarita and a woodfired pizza and we reckon you’ll leave pretty stoked. 

What is it? Wharf Bar, a Northern Beaches institution, has transformed into Felons Manly. This waterside pub has 150 new outdoor seats, amazing views and even better seafood. 

Why we love it: An old Northern Beaches' staple has had a facelift, and it's working. On the taps, you’ll see Felons Crisp Lager, Galaxy Haze and an Australian Pale Ale, alongside barrel-aged and seasonal, limited-edition brews. The food is also tasting better than ever, thanks to its complete overhaul by Rockpool Bar & Grill’s former culinary director, Corey Costelloe. Expect pub classics featuring top-notch produce.

Time Out tip: The fish and chips are banging, as are the puffy, blistered Napoli-style pizzas.

What is it? Located at the Oxford Street end of Glenmore Road, The Village Inn first became a pub sometime around 1888, meaning it's possibly Paddington’s oldest watering hole.

Why we love it: It's got a beautiful sun-kissed balcony, a great weekend happy hour and no pokies.

Address: 9-11 Glenmore Rd, Paddington, 2021

Time Out tip: Grab a cheap bar snack and bev combo during the week. 

What is it? A fashionable, all-white watering hole in Surry Hills. 

Why we love it: There's a public bar for afternoon Spritz sessions, a high-end dining room for an Italian feast, and a dedicated wine and charcuterie bar for when you only want the best bits with no filler.

Address: 412 Crown Street, Surry Hills, 2010

Time Out tip: Their kitchen is open until midnight, so it's perfect for a late dinner.  

What is it? A classic Aussie pub, the Woollahra Hotel has been keeping Eastern Suburbs folk well fed and hydrated ever since it was built in the 1930s.

Why we love it: In the last few years the pub – which is located next door to French institution Bistro Moncur – has undergone a massive renovation, sporting a polished timber bar, terrazzo floors and lush vertical garden in the open terrace, while still maintaining its classic vibe.

Address: 116 Queen St, Woollahra, 2025

Time Out tip: Tuck into their Asian pub menu.

What is it? A famously huge waterside venue that's served legions of Northern Beaches generations. 

Why we love it: After a big re-furb, it’s looking like several million bucks what with the fresh juice cabana, the paddling pool for little humans, the raw bar dishing up Sydney rock oysters and buckets of prawns and the mesmerising twirl of the chickens, porchetta and a whole salmon in the rotisserie.

Address: 2 Kalinya St, Newport, 2106

Time Out tip: Get in early on weekends for any hope of scoring a table.

What is it? An Eastern Suburbs favourite pub, the Royal Hotel Paddington continues to draw in punters en masse – and for good reason.

Why we love it: On the ground floor you’ll find a heritage pub with classic plates, and the next two floors offer an elevated drinking and dining experience.

Address: 237 Glenmore Rd, 2021

Time Out tip: Head all the way up to the fourth floor and you’ll find our favourite part – one of the city’s best rooftop bars.

What is it? They're believed to be the oldest pub brewery in Australia, and definitely the oldest continuously licensed pub in the city. With thick sandstone walls and award winning ales, the Lord Nelson has had a lot of practice at being awesome. 

Why we love it: They brew their own beer here and a fresher pint in Sydney is a tall ask.

Address: 19 Kent St, The Rocks, 2000

Time Out tip: Drink your way through their mainstay tap brews, but don't be afraid to get funky.

What is it? A warm, casual pub in Surry Hills perfect for hangs with mates and watching the game. 

Why we love it: Its food offerings are a big step above average (the puffy, charred pizzas are our fave), and their happy hour (Mon-Thu, 5-7pm) pours beers and wines for chillingly good prices.

Address: 26 Foveaux St, Surry Hills, 2010

Time Out tip: Their spacious, lush rooftop is a cracking spot to while away an afternoon. Big game coming up? Chuck on your team's colours and come on down to cheer them on with your mates.

What is it? Surry Hills watering hole Forrester’s has been serving locals comforting meals and refreshing pints for more than 100 years. 

Why we love it: Forrester’s is a reliably great place to catch up with a mate over a beer or enjoy a hearty feed.

Address: Cnr Foveaux and Riley St, Surry Hills, 2010

Time Out tip: Sink your teeth into the aptly named Big Yorkie – a giant Yorkshire pudding filled with Forrester’s roast of the week, golden potatoes, peas, carrots and gravy. Get that with your pint.

The Imperial was first ordained a safe space for the LGBTQIA community when Dawn O’Donnell, the mother of gay Sydney, bought it in the '80s. It has opened and shut with many different faces in the years since then, but at its heart it has always been a place for queer identities to thrive on the sticky carpet of the much loved pub.

What is it? The Courty (named because of its proximity to Newtown Court) is an Inner West institution with an epic courtyard, chill drinks and quality pub grub. 

Why we love it: The beautiful thing about this old boozer is that it’s a pub designed to facilitate a good time on your terms. Want to sit up at the bar with a huge plate of fish and chips and watch back-to-back AFL games? This is the best place for it. Prefer to sink your tip money in pinball machines while you annihilate jugs of Stone and Wood Pacific Ale and Young Henrys Newtowner? Right this way. 

Address: 202 Australia St, Newtown, 2042

Time Out tip: Hit them up for a cold one on a sunny arvo.

What is it? A leafy, sprawling pub in Neutral Bay. 

Why we love it: From its open grills, polished service and expansive beer garden, the Oaks has the lot.

Address: 118 Military Rd, Neutral Bay, 2089

Time Out tip: Lounge in their shady beer garden, or in their spruced-up lounge bar, Alala's. You're set no matter the weather.

What is it? North Sydney’s historic boozer, given a new lease on life thanks to the team behind Freshie’s Harbord Hotel and Merewether’s Beach Hotel.

Why we love it: The 169-year-old beauty has had a big glow-up, featuring a fresh bar, dining area, sports bar and sunny terrace. If it’s been a while between beers, you know where to head.

Address: 206 Blues Point Rd, McMahons Point NSW 2060

Time Out tip: After your beer and feed, go for a six-minute stroll to the picturesque Wendy’s Secret Garden – a magical oasis and one of Sydney’s best green gems.

What is it: This multifaceted venue has a bit of everything. Home to Chinese diner Queen Chow, a bunch of bar areas and a bottolo, you can spend your whole night here and stay happy.

Why we love it: Its dynamism and fabulous flavours.

Address: 167 Enmore Rd, Enmore, 2042

Time Out tip: Hit up Queen Chow for an excellent feed. 

What is it: The Erko is a reliable go-to for afternoon beers with mates in the sunshine, family lunches and a casual vino. 

Why we love it: Everything is pretty much made in-house – including bread, and they are cutting all the chips by hand. Plus, the chefs are growing their own veggies in a local community garden. 

Address: 102 Erskineville Rd, Erskineville, 2043

Time Out tip: Dogs are welcome. Just saying.

What is it: A family-friendly pub with a beer garden, great food and cold drinks in the Inner West.

Why we love it: The warm community vibe, long Sunday lunches and its woodfired pizzas. 

Address: 292 Stanmore Rd, Petersham, 2049

Time Out tip: Book in for a big family party that's casual, but excellent.

What is it: This grand old establishment on the Woolwich peninsula on Sydney's lower North Shore is how we imagine a country club would be minus the golf or horses. Expect a casual diner with great pub food. 

Why we love it: Quality food and beautiful ambiance. 

Address: 2 Gale St, Woolwich, 2110

Time Out tip: The first-floor cocktail bar boasts a wraparound verandah that looks over the river, but it’s in the cavernous main bar, trussed in golden timbers, that people congregate. 

What is it: A buzzy pub with three distinct levels, including an A-grade rooftop bar in Darlinghurst.

Why we love it: Throwing back a spritz on their rooftop hits hard on a summer night.

Address: 234 Palmer St, Darlinghurst, 2010

Time Out tip: If cardio isn’t your friend you may even find you have to take a breather at the second floor, but that’s not going to be a problem because that’s where they added the Athletic Club, a vintage sports-themed bar.

What is it: A warm, casual bistro and pub in Enmore. 

Why we love it: The big advantage of this Enmore favourite can be summed up thusly: the beer garden, which has a gate off Enmore Road.

Address: 2 Stanmore Rd, Enmore NSW 2042

Time Out tip: For those used to negotiating through poky pubs with a pram, this is happy news. It's big, it's leafy, it's covered, and the food's decent pub fare.

What is it: A legacy Sydney party spot that's turned into a new world of three venues under one roof. A beer garden pub and dance space, Casa Rosa, a playful, late-night Italo-disco cocktail lounge and rooftop terrazza with DJs up top, and the adjoining terraces house has an aperitivo wine bar and shop, Lil Sis, also open until the early hours.

Why we love it: You can frolic through multiple worlds in one night. 

Address: Level 2/100 Broadway, Chippendale NSW 2008

Time Out tip: Take advantage of their 24-hour license. 

What is it: Undeniably the most family-friendly watering hole in the Inner West. 

Why we love it: The front bar is all the best parts of an old school pub without the weird smells, and the beer garden is enormous.

Address: 91 Illawarra Rd, Marrickville, 2204

Time Out tip: There's a games room with pinball, old-school Big Buck Hunter machines and Pacman, and the kids get their own rumpus room in a converted garage, complete with a Mr Men mural and shallow ball pit. 

What is it: An iconic Eastern Suburbs watering hole that's over 100 years old. 

Why we love it: Dig into pub classics, and watch (or participate) in a very serious game watching sesh with hard-core Roosters fans. 

Address: 429 New South Head Rd, Double Bay, 2028

Time Out tip: Hit them up when you're feeling well heeled. It's Double Bay after all. 

What is it: An established and all-round fantastic corner pub in Darlinghurst.

Why we love it: Live DJs every weekend and its emphasis on inclusivity. 

Address: 306 Liverpool St, Darlinghurst, 2010

Time Out tip: Their weekly happy hour is well worth leaving work early for. 

What is it: A charming pub with a covered courtyard in Marrickville. 

Why we love it: Is there a more enticing smell than buttered slices of white bread crisping up in a hot sandwich press? As the night rolls on, their sandwich presses start working overtime, and the aroma becomes harder to resist.

Address: 244 Marrickville Rd, Marrickville, 2204

Time Out tip: Dogs are welcome, as are children. 

What is it: This colourful hotel in Balmain is like one of those children’s party venues where each room has a different theme. 

Why we love it: The public bar is all breezy open space with solid timber foundations; downstairs things get more tropical with cocktails and vintage décor. 

Address: 74 Mullens St, Balmain, 2041

Time Out tip: Outside, you'll find a full garden party with rainbow umbrellas, festoon lighting and a frangipani tree.  

What is it: A truly great pub that manages to strike an easy balance between being a familiar, cosy watering hole and raising the bar where it counts. 

Why we love it: Craft beers on tap that reflect the evolving boutique brewing scene in Sydney.

Address: 91 Evans St, Rozelle, 2039

Time Out tip: Catch them for some cracking live music and an excellent Sunday roast.  

What is it: The Hero was built in a no frills era, and they haven’t added any in the intervening 170 years. Timber floors, convict-hewn sandstone walls and lantern light create the shell in which Guinness is to be drunk and songs sung by the fireside.

Why we love it: Ghost stories, history and very good bevs. 

Address: 81 Lower Fort St, Millers Point, 2000

Time Out tip: Things can get a little rowdy if a bar crawl comes through, but it’s always got a strong crowd in attendance for cold beers and generous counter meals.

What is it: A homey, vibey pub serving craft beers in Newtown.

Why we love it: When it comes to full-throated support of craft beers, few do it better than the Union Hotel in Newtown. 

Address: 576 King St, Newtown, 2042

Time Out tip: In addition to all the beer and lager, their gin and whisky collections are nothing to sneeze at.

What is it: A bright Darlo pub that's all about (in their words) by taps, tunes and Chinese food. 

Why we love it: Come for Cantonese classics and more than 20 beers on tap. 

Address: 122 Flinders St, Darlinghurst, 2010

Time Out tip: We love their fresh and fun rooftop bar, which we reckon is the perfect spot to sink a few beers on a sunny day.

What is it: The Bank is a vibrant live music spot and late-night hotel in the middle of Newtown. 

Why we love it: Our favourite perch in this multifaceted dance palace is the craft beer bar in the heart of the pub.

Address: 324 King St, Newtown, 2042

Time Out tip: Explore the four main quadrants. The quiet sports bar with a seat in the open window is tops for people watching, while up the back and down the stairs is a beer garden with a retractable roof and heaters. Upstairs is a late-night music venue. 

What is it: The Forest Lodge is a diamond in the rough. From the outside this brown brick local doesn’t look like much, but inside there’s a decent feed, plenty of space, a warm welcome and a surprisingly excellent craft beer collection. 

Why we love it: Their focus on locally made brews. 

Address: 117 Arundel St, Forest Lodge, 2037

Time Out tip: Their weekday specials are astonishingly affordable. 

What is it: The Friend in Hand should be the subject of a Slim Dusty song. It feels like someone uprooted an outback pub and replanted it in the back streets of Glebe, complete with a public bar decked out in more Australiana tat than you can poke a stick at. 

Why we love it: Their historical bones and excellent food. 

Address: 58 Cowper St, Glebe, 2037

Time Out tip: Sit in their freshly painted courtyard. 

What is it: The Australian Heritage Hotel strikes a comfortable balance between historic tourist stop, and a pub that hard-bitten Sydneysiders still want to frequent, thanks in no small part to their impressive beer collection.

Why we love it: Their commitment to excellent live music, brews and very good times. 

Address: 100 Cumberland St, The Rocks, 2000

Time Out tip: They have zero interest in your traditional pizzas here, preferring bizarre flavours like Peking duck, tandoori chicken, and the famous coat of arms pizza with emu and pepper kangaroo meat. 

What is it: A rounded, Art Deco, red-brick hotel tucked away right next to Milson's Point station. 

Why we love it: We’re always told it’s what’s inside that counts, and what’s inside this amiable local just north of the Bridge is an impressive craft beer selection. 

Address: 37 Broughton St, Milsons Point, 2061

Time Out tip: Perfect for a casual or elevated feed. You choose.

What is it: The Greengate Hotel isn't just a neighbourhood pub; it's a rite of passage for anyone legal and living it up in Sydney’s Upper North Shore.

Why we love it: You can eat cheap on almost every weeknight, including burgers and fries on Monday, schnitty and chips on Tuesday, a trio of tacos on Wednesday, and pizza on Thursday.

Address: 655a Pacific Hwy, Killara, 2071

Time Out tip: Rally the crew for after-work bevvies with affordable schooners of house beer and glasses of house wine during happy hour, every weeknight from 4-6pm.

What is it: A late night party pub with international DJs and a pumping DF. 

Why we love it: A menu that features farm fresh produce from across NSW. 

Address: 640-44 Wentworth Ave, 2000

Time Out tip:  Get stuck into their food before you drink. It's well worth it.

What is it: In a leafy pocket of Ultimo you’ll find this old timer that strikes a comfortable balance between the old ways and the new.

Why we love it: Heritage charm, community chill and a whole lot of leaves. 

Address: 265 Bulwara Road, Ultimo, 2009

Time Out tip: Don't want to drive home? Check out their heritage accommodation upstairs. 

What is it: A freshly refurbished inner-city pub bordering Redfern and Alexandria. 

Why we love it: Small plates and craft brews.

Address: 12 Henderson Rd, Alexandria, 2015

Time Out tip: Get stuck into their extensive local brew list, it's worth it. 

What is it: A historic pub in the heart of Sydney city.

Why we love it: A gentle refurb has made this a comfortable, relaxed spot for a drink, a chat and a classic counter meal.

Address: 294 Pitt St, 2000

Time Out tip: The downstairs area can get packed after knock-off, so it's worth forging ahead and making for the back stairs that lead to the first floor. 

What is it: A warm, friendly pub in Parramatta with a great beer garden.

Why we love it: They also have some of the friendliest staff in the city. 

Address: 135 George St, Parramatta, 2150

Time Out tip: What’s the point in having a dependable, temperate climate if you don’t take every opportunity for an al fresco drink you can? This place is mostly beer garden, which gets two thumbs up from us. 

What is it: Recently refreshed, the new Lansdowne is still the same pub you’ve always loved, but with a twist.

Why we love it: Their new retro-inspired rooftop, a New York deli-style menu from an award-winning chef and a late-night free music program.

Address: 2-6 City Rd, Chippendale, 2008

Time Out tip: Keep your eyes trained on their weekly live music acts. It's always a good time.