The Argyle

The Argyle is the epicentre of the Rocks’ good-time scene, attracting tourists and locals looking for drinks, a little dancing and perhaps a new short-term ‘friend’. On weekdays, that equates to mostly CBD suits and tourists; while on the weekend it’s more your dressed-to-impress Sydneysider crowd (think short skirts and ‘dressy’ jeans). Its generous-sized beer garden is a highlight. Oversized red lamps give it an Alice in Wonderland aspect, while the exposed brick, sandstone and original convict-laid cobblestones pull you, like Beatie Bow, right back into Sydney’s past. (But watch out: the cobblestones can be a hazard for ladies in high heels). Inside, DJs play crowd-pleasing dance music and its associated genres, which on the weekend and special occasions is from a booth suspended over the cavernous bar area. Upstairs you’ll find the Belvedere Vodka bar, which has, as you expect, lots of Belvedere cocktails. We like its cool, luminous furniture. The drinks list is extensive, with plenty of cocktails and some really interesting wines sourced from every corner of the world, while the bar menu has a strong Spanish accent.