Sydney's best bar food - Sydney Bar Awards 2011

The winner...

FOUR IN HAND

This Paddo local boasts excellent bar food, thanks to chef Colin Fassnidge. The pub menu used to be a different proposition to the adjoining Four in Hand restaurant with a different chef at the helm. But now that Fassnidge has taken over, it's no rest for the restaurant's kitchen and tasty food all round. Don't miss the Sunday roast, which changes every week – great with a pint. 105 Sutherland St, Paddington 2021. (02 9326 2254).

The nominees...

ROCKPOOL BAR AND GRILL

This CBD bar is not only the home of great drinks, but also an outstanding wagyu burger. And if red meat's not your friend, RPBnG also does a fine line in crustless chicken sandwiches on soft white bread replete with little hunks of walnuts and celery. Make like Don Draper and order yours with an Old Fashioned on the side. 66 Hunter St, Sydney 2000. (02 8078 1900).

BODEGA

The bar is only available to patrons who intend to dine in Bodega next door, which makes it more of a restaurant warm-up area than a stand-alone bar. That's a very small setback though, as the tapas on offer on the other side of the wall is the best in Sydney - their beef empanadas alone are worth the trip. Shop 1/216 Commonwealth St, Surry Hills 2010. (02 9212 7766).

BOTECO

This newish South American bar offers cocktails from around the region and exciting bar food. Make sure to try the pastels - a feather-light shell of puffy pastry filled with your choice of cheese or minced salt-cured beef. Get both. Oh, and order the cassava chips as well. The cocktail list is huge, but try a Fernet Branca and Coke - the national drink of Argentina. 421 Cleveland St, Surry Hills 2010. (02 9318 2993).

BISTRODE CBD

Jeremy Strode, renowned chef, has recently taken over at Bistro CBD – and you can eat his food in the downstairs bar for a fraction of the price. Try the likes of his burger (excellent with Japanese beer) or the rollercoaster of cheesy goo and grilled aubergine that is the eggplant lasagne. Lvl 1, 52 King St, Sydney 2000. (02 8297 7010).

More Time Out Sydney Bar Awards 2011 coverage

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