5 of the Best Bars in Sydney CBD (Upmarket Spots to Relax After Work)
3 min
My criteria to select this list was:
- Good food, nice space, good service.
- Well priced
- There is something memorable about it.
Thank goodness we are in post covid times—no check in, no masks, no density limits. Fingers crossed things stay this way.
Now that we all must work from work —a bit of after work socialising is a good thing.
1. Dean and Nancy on 22
Dean and Nancy on 22, on top of the A by Adina hotel high-rise. No water views, it does have views of the surrounding CBD skyscrapers, and is pretty cool at night. The shiny reflective interiors give a los Vegas vibe.
Cocktail list confirms that the bartenders are interesting in your good night out. Interesting cocktails presented elegantly. Staff considerate but not invasive.
There is food to keep things going. The menu is designed for sharing—running from more standard offering to impressive seafood treats.
Website
Address
2 Hunter St, Sydney
2. PS40
Original drinks.
Unexpected ingredients (including an extensive range of non-alcoholic drinks so no one left out)
Very cool relaxed interior
Great staff
Makes for a great evening out.
Website
Address
2/40 King St, Sydney
3. Baxter Inn
The Baxter has been a very hidden cool spot for years. Thankfully it survived Covid intact. Entrance down one back lane, to another, then down some dodgy stairs. Door opens to a party. More an elaborate underground whisky bar than anything else, but there are other spirits and wines on offer.
No food, there are pretzels.
Can be loud, always cool.
Website
www.swillhouse.com/venues/the-baxter-inn
Address
152—156 Clarence St, Sydney NSW
4. Frankie’s Pizza
Exactly what it sounds. A pizza by slice place. Beer and Wine. The Cocktail list goes to margaritas. Loud music, loud people, great spots with friends to plot the next step or to settle in.
And right in middle of CBD.
Perfect
Website
Address
50 Hunter St, Sydney NSW
5. Cantina OK!
Cantina Ok! is a smallish cocktail bar specialising in spirits from Mexico.
Inside, standing only (not so many chairs) but cosy, bottles on the walls, an ice machine. World music soundtrack plays.
The bar created and staffed by people who love Mexico and Mexican Mezcals.
The drinks menu (no food) explains how drinks are made, and how they came to this tiny corner of Sydney.
Great investment of time to get your courage to enter, have a chat and sample some of the good things on offer.
Website
Address
Council Place, Sydney NSW 2000 Australia
A rare slice of Sydney history, Coolabah blends Victorian grandeur with modern luxury in the heart of Greenwich; once home to Lane Cove’s first Lord Mayor and now listed with a $6.5m guide.
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Sydney Harbour Concours d’Elegance 2025 showcased rare classics, cutting-edge supercars, and luxury innovations, cementing its place as Australia’s premier motoring event.
2 min
Sydney’s Cockatoo Island became the epicenter of luxury motoring as the Sydney Harbour Concours d’Elegance returned for its seventh edition from February 28 to March 2.
This year’s event showcased an extraordinary lineup of over 70 rare and prestigious vehicles from 1905 to 2025 in Australia’s most exclusive celebration of automotive craftsmanship.
Against the stunning backdrop of Sydney Harbour, attendees were treated to a world-class display of automotive excellence, from pre-war classics to modern hypercars and groundbreaking electric innovations.
A Weekend of Automotive Excellence
The “Magnificent 7” theme honoured the most celebrated vehicles in motoring history. Among the standout displays were a 1933 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 GS and a 1967 Lamborghini Miura, two of the most revered icons of automotive design.
Magneto Magazine noted the diversity of the showcase, which included curated classes such as “100 Years of the French Revolution” and “Icons,” while Exhaust Notes Australia reported that more than 75 vintage, classic, and high-performance vehicles, motorcycles, and sustainable energy were exhibited throughout the weekend.
The event unfolded across three distinctive showcase days:
- Le Classique (Friday): A tribute to vintage and pre-war motoring masterpieces.
- Super Saturday: A celebration of modern supercars and performance legends.
- Sunday Électronique: A look toward the future of motoring, featuring electric hypercars and sustainable luxury innovations.
Beyond the automobiles, guests indulged in private viewings, gourmet dining, and immersive brand experiences, cementing the Concours as a benchmark event in the global luxury automotive calendar.
The Citizen Kanebridge Lounge: An Exclusive Retreat
For those seeking the ultimate luxury experience, the Citizen Kanebridge Lounge offered an unparalleled retreat within the event.
The lounge, reserved for VIP guests, provided a sophisticated escape with private hospitality, fine dining, and curated wines and spirits tastings.
Special talks from industry experts, car designers, and collectors were held throughout the weekend, offering an insider’s perspective on the future of luxury motoring.
The Rolls-Royce Spectre Steals the Show
Among the many highlights, one vehicle commanded particular attention: the Rolls-Royce Black Badge Spectre, the marque’s first fully electric luxury coupé.
Crowned Robb Report’s Car of the Year, the Spectre was hailed as a defining moment in automotive history.
Horacio Silva, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher of Robb Report Australia & New Zealand, presented the award to Juliana Tan of Rolls-Royce (pictured). The award recognised the Spectre’s seamless fusion of heritage and cutting-edge technology.
Described as “a masterpiece of modern engineering and timeless craftsmanship”, the Spectre represents a bold new era for Rolls-Royce — and, as some judges claimed, could be the finest EV ever made.
Sydney’s Signature Automotive Event
As the motoring world moves toward an electrified future, the Sydney Harbour Concours d’Elegance continues to strike a perfect balance between tradition and innovation.
With over 70 of the world’s most extraordinary vehicles, from pre-war classics to the latest in sustainable luxury, the 2025 event reaffirmed its place as a global leader in celebrating automotive excellence.
Hotel operator’s risky partnership with a show that features murder and mayhem pays off with rising inquiries and occupancy rates.
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