CBD bar crawl

Stitch

61 York St, Sydney

This bar, hidden in a Wynyard basement behind a rack of shirts and other sartorial paraphernalia, is the newest watering hole from Pocket's Karl Schlothauer and Christophe Lehoux. This dark little bar is a hooch-lover's paradise, where plush booths line one wall and seats at the bar are hotly contested.

Baxter Inn

156 Clarence Street, Sydney

That queue of people rolling out of a dark, nondescript laneway on Clarence Street is for Baxter Inn - the most anticipated Sydney bar opening since, well, anything ever. This basement-level hooch sanctuary is brought to you by Anton Forte and Jason Scott - the two bartenders best known for opening Shady Pines Saloon.

Grandma's Bar

Basement Lvl, 275 Clarence St, Sydney

Grandma's is to be found underneath a guitar shop. Pass an enormous deer head mounted on the wall, take the AstroTurfed stairs down to the basement, and hit the bar. The bar crew (or ‘grandchildren', as they're referred to by owner James Bradey) are a friendly lot who are also incredibly helpful, despite the crowds.

Felix

Ash Street (via ivy, 320 George St), Sydney

An homage to the classic Parisian bistro, Felix features one of the most beautiful bistro-style bars to have appeared since the Bayswater Brasserie met its end last year. And it's at this bar where you'll want to be drinking a bone-dry Martini while eating your colossal Reuben sandwich.

La Bodeguita

125 York St, Sydney

Here's a rum bar with personality. They've spared no expense at this enormous new place, where large metal fans rotate slowly on the bright blue ceiling and massive barrels of rum age at the entrance of the restaurant. 

Assembly

488 Kent Street, Sydney

No doubt you’ll most likely hear it before you see it – Assembly plays quite the selection of throbbing Euro-house. It’s a beautifully curated bar. Crystal punch bowls and dainty glasses are arranged within old upturned packing boxes, along with a straight-shooting selection of quality booze.

Marble Bar

Sydney Hilton, Lvl B1, 488 George St, Sydney

Built in 1893 by George Adams, this is one of Sydney's most beautiful bars. Tonnes of marble, intricately carved wood and stained glass for miles make it an almost holy drinking experience. Drinks-wise, we stick to beer or simple mixers.

Redoak

201 Clarence St, Sydney

Serious about your liquid amber and like to support the local guys? Now supplying plenty of places around town with bespoke brews, the source is still the sweetest spot of all. This inner-city cafe run by the Hollyoak siblings boasts 12 beers brewed in-house (with seasonal batches on top).

DeVine

32 Market St, Sydney

In the event you're lucky enough to get a table (it's very popular with inner-city suitcase carriers), order a cheese plate to go with something from sommelier Andreas Puhar's Austrian-leaning list. There are some stunning rieslings, an impressive Champagne selection and a few Aussie drops, too.

Ash St Cellar

1 Ash St, Sydney

Ash Street, a laneway created pretty much so a laneway bar could exist, holds a great little wine bar. Ash St Cellar - the jewel in the crown of Ivy - features a two-tone marble bar, massive chunky chandelier and a wall lined with wine. The list put together by sommelier Franck Moreau is affordable (there are carafes for $30) and highly drinkable.

Zeta Bar

Hilton Hotel, Level 4, 488 George St, Sydney

Zeta Bar employs fantastic staff who are well skilled in the art of the cocktail as well as the art of bouncing the odd drunk hen on a Saturday night. The drinks list encompasses all things that are right in the land of cocktails; staff can make you anything you care to name.

Hemmesphere

Establishment Hotel, Level 4, 252 George St, Sydney

Sink into one of the chubby leather armchairs or drape yourself over an oversized Ottoman. It's table service here, so there's no need to totter about anywhere - the drinks come to you.

Bacco

Lvl 1, Chifley Plaza, 2 Chifley Sq,
Sydney

The cocktail list at Bacco will be right up your alley if you like floral, fruity drinks. But you can totally ignore the list if your tastes run to straighter stuff - the bar staff are incredibly accomplished and can make anything you hit them with.

Rockpool Bar

66 Hunter St, Sydney

The bar at Rockpool is like something out of another time altogether, with beautiful Art Deco architecture, plush leather seats, dark corners and a bar filled with housemade tonics, syrups and sodas. 

Grasshopper

66 Hunter St, Sydney

Grasshopper is an inner city small bar – somewhere you can visit for an after work drink that isn't a massive beer hall. Make those drinks stronger and we'll sit in for a few more.