This is one of the most attractive – and classic – pubs in Sydney, both inside (where a polished wood bar wraps around the cosy dining room) and out (in the pristine art deco facade). The hand-pumped pints of Lord Nelson bitter are a bona-fide rarity on this side of the bridge.

“Oasis” is a descriptor that’s oft bandied about for beer gardens, but in the Barley’s case it’s justified. Ferns, hibiscus and wisteria grow thick outside the family-friendly bistro. The public bar, with its jukebox and pool tables, has a living-room feel (with the looks of a greaser’s man cave).

In a suburb full of pubs, The Welcome still stands out as one of Rozelle’s best. Many original details are over 100 years old, making it one of the area’s oldest venues, too. An array of Australian and Italian pours make up the wine list, plus there are 15 taps dedicated to Sydney’s craft beer scene. The bistro’s menu of upmarket grub is worth staying for.

The Glebe Hotel is a welcoming upscale pub with nods to the past and the present. There’s a working fireplace and chesterfield sofas, portraits of Glebe locals, and in the dining room – where the Sunday Roast rules – there's a majestic jacaranda mural painted by local artists.

Established in 1925, The Lansdowne Hotel is one of the city's most iconic live music venues. Everyone from Billy Eilish to You Am I has graced its hallowed stages, and the Mexican-inspired rooftop is where you want to be at sunset.

This traditional Sydney pub is brightened up with a Central American twist. Find tacos filled with steak, crumbed avocado, or lamb and beef doner meat. Plus, burgers, cocktail jugs and Caribbean Colas.

Ask anyone about the best spots for a drink in Surry Hills, and Forrester’s would have to be in the conversation. This 100-year-old pub is split into multiple distinct spaces – do afternoon pints in The Public Bar, a bottomless rosé lunch in the dining room, or trivia in the light-filled functions space upstairs.

The avant-garde interior is just as striking as the wine list, which specialises in European drops from independent producers. Defining the menu is tricky. Gastropub? Wine bar? Fine diner? It’s hard to say. In any case, it all tastes great.

One of Surry Hills’ best value boozers, if not its best looking. Miraculously, you can frequently nab a beer and feed here for around $20. Take it upstairs to one of the Shakey's ornate dining rooms. A happy hour schooner on the footpath outside is just as satisfying.

This neon-lit brewery is pouring vegan beers and local vegan wines, as well as serving a globetrotting vegan menu. Snack on share-friendly plates of kimchi dumplings, pad see ew and eggplant gyros.

This stunning three-tiered, sculptural venue from Matt Moran offers a diverse array of dishes and dining experiences. And its house bar has screens where you can catch a game alongside Japanese-influenced share plates.

This eastern suburbs destination pub has multiple bars and that famous fairy-lit fig tree. Its Garden Bar – with its subdued lighting, timber booths and burgundy rugs – hosts live bands, international DJs and has big screens where you can catch a game.

Coogee’s other gargantuan boozer sports has stepped up in recent years. A flash Mediterranean inspired eatery with a seafood focus joins the downstairs Garden Bar – one of Sydney's most impressive beer gardens, and the best spot in the house for seaside pub grub and schooners.

This is Neutral Bay’s favourite beer garden, not least for its majestic old oak tree. Find Taffy’s Sports Bar to enjoy its screens, beers on tap and pub classics such as pizzas and burgers.

This oasis by the sea had a revamp in 2020. Now, it combines heritage charm with all the modern ritz you’d expect from a standout seaside boozer. Elevated food and drinks, luxe design and one of Sydney’s best beaches down the street.

This sports bar from the group behind Fratelli Fresh has 40 beers, Buffalo wings done any style you like, and frozen Margaritas on tap. Plus, a 12-foot wide TV screen showing everything from tennis to golf and American football.