Even prissy teetotalers need a good libation on a three-dog night. Sure, winters in the capital of New South Wales may not feel quite like Moscow or Montreal in January but when the mercury dips below 10°C in July, Sydneysiders shun pale lager for stout, Chardonnay for Shiraz, and Pimm’s No. 1 for bourbon. With that, check out some of the best bars and pubs in Sydney for wintry tipples. From dives to traditional public houses, dispensers of pints to purveyors of hipster retro-mixology, our list will cure whatever ales you.

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Lord Dudley
236 Jersey Road, Woollahra

A real English pub with bangers and mash, pickled eggs and the lot. The Lord Dudley exudes so much nonironic charm, you may want to tote that faded, leather-bound copy of David Copperfield.

The Wine Library
18 Oxford Street, Woollahra

A fine space for oenophiles to warm up. A smart staff, most happily, pours a lot more than Yellow Tail and Wolf Blass.

Where to stay: The Hughenden Boutique Hotel Sydney

3 Weeds Front Bar
193 Evans Street, Rozelle

3 Weeds is a tidy bistro bar with serious chops in the cocktail department. Stick to the Front Bar for winter succor and atmosphere.

The Macquarie Hotel
42 Wentworth Avenue

Convivial old brewery digs and live music in the heart of the city.

Where to stay: Sydney Marriott Hotel

Grasshopper
Temperance Lane

Grasshopper is laneway bar nirvana and proof positive that the right side won the recent liquor law wars.

Where to stay: Sofitel Sydney Wentworth

Grandma’s
275 Clarence Street

If your gran likes to throw back the odd toddy or glogg, send her to Grandma’s when she gets the shakes.

Where to stay: Four Points By Sheraton Hotel Darling Harbour Sydney

Darlo Bar
306 Liverpool Street, Darlinghurst

On chilly nights, forgo Darlo Bar’s patio for the dive-like retro space below.

The Flinders
63 Flinders Street, Darlinghurst

No-nonsense, grab-you-by-the-short-hairs drinks and grub, with killer ambiance.

Shady Pines
256 Crown Street, Darlinghurst

The best dive bar in Sydney, bar none, Shady Pines captures all the boozy depravity of a Hell’s Kitchen speakeasy.

Love Tilly Devine
91 Crown Lane, Darlinghurst

A sweet wine bar with soigné snacks and furtive laneway allure.

Pocket Bar
13 Burton Street, Darlinghurst

A snazzy little joint with classic cocktails made well and plenty of candy nouveau riche Cosmos too.

Where to stay: Arts Hotel Sydney

Different Drummer
185 Glebe Point Road, Glebe

The open-and-shut patron of cool in Glebe doles out drinks and tapas en masse.

Where to stay: Verona Guest House

Sydney City Guide