Sydney’s home to many cracking pubs – ones that bring people of all walks of life together over good times, cold ales, Sunday roasts, cheap, mid-week steaks, trivia and sunny beer gardens. But what are we all frothing on? A recent report by Tyro Payments – the team behind those handy EFTPOS machines – has revealed the top five most popular food and drink orders by Aussies. And it turns out we can’t get enough of Sabrina Carpenter’s boozy drink of choice, the Espresso Martini, and golden, crunchy, often-as-big-as-the-plate chicken schnittys.
A high-octane cocktail made from espresso, coffee liqueur, vodka and simple syrup, Espresso Martinis are rocket fuel for a big night out. Fast-paced steakhouse Alfie’s in the CBD does a spiced, creamy riff on the classic, pairing vodka and coffee with miso, custard and nutmeg. Over in Chippendale, Bar Freda’s is serving a Frozen Espresso Martini with coffee tequila, salted caramel, cold brew and dairy-free whip (yum). And Uncanny Newtown – winner of Time Out Sydney’s People’s Choice Award 2025 for Best Bar – is shaking up a bright, citrusy take with rum, coffee liqueur, vanilla and orange bitters.
As for schnittys, a few of my favourites include the one at The Bat & Ball, where the retro Redfern boozer serves chicken brined and crumbed in ancient grains, paired with a buttery mash and KFC-style gravy. Una’s – an Austrian, German and Hungarian go-to in Darlinghurst – serves a massive schnitzel that ticks the crisp, juicy and downright huge boxes. And Corner 75 in Randwick is once again reeling in fans for its excellent, whopping schnitty.
The report, which analysed more than 30 million food and drink orders over the past five years, shows that alongside chicken schnitzels, Aussies are also ordering parmys, steak sandwiches, Margherita pizzas and fish and chips like there’s no tomorrow.
As for what drinks we’re ordering most at the pub, following in the footsteps of the Espresso Martini are Coronas, Aperol Spritzes, Margaritas and pints of Byron Bay’s holiday-coded Stone & Wood Pacific Ale.
Other interesting insights from the report include this: staying home doesn’t save you as much money as you’d think – Aussies spend an average of $90 a week on takeaway and streaming services. (If you're looking to save money, our handy guide to Sydney's top affordable eats may help.) And 35 per cent say they’re less likely to buy a round for mates now compared to a year ago. We all know someone who magically disappears when it’s their round – don’t be that person.
The most popular pub food and drink orders for Aussies are:
Drinks
- Espresso Martini
- Corona
- Aperol Spritz
- Margarita
- Stone & Wood Pacific Ale (pint)
Food
- Chicken schnitzel
- Chicken parmigiana
- Steak sandwich
- Margherita Pizza
- Fish and chips
If you’re keen to read more, check out Tyro’s Eat Pay Love Report here.
As for me? I’m off for a parmy and a pint of Stone & Wood.
Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & drink inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox.