A Guide to Sydney’s Best Happy Hour Spots

Thanks to a microscopic pathogen no one saw coming, there hasn’t been much to smile about in 2020. However, life marches on, and our favourite hospitality venues need our custom just as much as we need the connection of a drink with friends.

For planning purposes, here is a list of Happy Hour deals at some beloved Sydney spots that won’t hurt your hip pocket.

Tio’s Cerveceria, Surry Hills
Tio’s, with its signature decor of kitschy catholic shrines and religious paraphernalia, is an atmospheric spot to toast the good health of your companions. The daily happy hour from 5pm serves up $5 shots, beer and cocktails, while Welcome Back Wednesdays is a fiesta of $10 margaritas – perhaps passionfruit and chilli; strawberry; or pineapple. Pair with the house special, fat fried pizzas (also $10 a serve).

Bondi Beach Public Bar, Bondi
Overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from their customers since lockdown lifted in July, the folks at Bondi Beach Public Bar have extended their grand reopening 50-per-cent-off deal into August. Visit the much-loved local boozer for its unpretentious and satisfying menu – think thin, crispy pizzas; chicken schnitzel topped with a biodynamic egg (you are in Bondi after all); and the infamous ‘squish burger’ – and pitch-perfect wine list.

The Ritz, Randwick
Built in 1937, the heritage-listed Ritz in Randwick has witnessed plenty of change, making it the perfect place to enjoy a little historical perspective as we wait out 2020. Avail yourself of $12 cocktails, $20 cocktail jugs, and $6 beer, wine and spirits at the art deco Cafe Ritz between 5pm and 6pm on weekdays, 4pm and 6pm on weekends and all night long on Tuesdays.

Black Bottle, Darlinghurst
Situated behind a black facade on Darlinghurst Road, Black Bottle describes itself as a cave á manger , a European-style wine bar serving small plates from a rotating specials menu, including cured meats and cheeses. It has an affordable wine list based around small producers and compiled by sommelier Samantha Payne. Time your visit for the 5pm happy hour, when you’ll find $10 Negronis, $15 wine carafes and $1.50 oysters. On Crackin’ Thursdays, partake in wine and pintxos for the frankly wild price of $2 a pop.

Goros, Surry Hills
Opened in 2014, the Surry Hills izakaya-style bar is the place to make like a hard-working salaryman. The food menu is short, sweet and salty – the perfect afterthought to a cold beer. Revel in an endless stream of yakitori: skewered chicken, grilled over charcoal and best eaten with your hands. That will ready you for the 'Saké Banger Bomb'. Yes, you read that correctly. Think saké with a chaser of beer, red bull or blue curacao. From 6pm to 8pm on Thursdays and Fridays and 12am to 1am on Saturday they're only $10.

El Loco Excelsior
It’s a Mexican fiesta out the back of the Excelsior, where you’ll find some of Sydney’s tastiest – and most affordable – tacos. There is the Baja Fish, with tempura barramundi, coriander, cabbage and crema; the Pollo Frito, with fried chicken, amarillo crema, jalapeno and pico de gallo (Mexican-style salsa); and Tacos Secreta, a tightly held house secret. Wash them down with $6 pints, wines and house spirits between 5pm and 7pm on weekdays.

If you’ve had a few drinks out on the town, make sure to jump in a rideshare like DiDi to get yourself home. And remember to keep an eye on the latest social distancing requirements in your suburb.

This article is produced by Broadsheet in partnership with DiDi Australia. DiDi has launched DiDi Hours in Sydney, making rides during peak socialising times more affordable than ever. Between 4pm and 10pm, Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights from August 3 to August 29, use the code DIDIHOUR to receive two 50% off vouchers (capped at $20 per ride). Code can be redeemed once a week for four weeks.