The best Sydney bars to ride out the winter

Q: Is winter the perfect season? A: Only if you’re at the perfect bar. For those who struggle to deal with Sydney’s cold days and find it hard to get out of the house on those dark winter evenings, there’s good news. This city is chock-a-block with cosy drinking and dining spots that will keep you warm and well-fed.

So throw off your hoodie, grab your coat and brave the elements. It’s time to beat the chill at these winter-proof bars and restaurants. Nestle into a cushy couch at The Lobo, a Caribbean-themed watering hole where more than 250 rums from Barbados, Cuba and the Dominican Republic are on offer, plus Cuban sandwiches and empanadas to drive the point home. More tempted by tiki? Jacoby’s in Enmore is a tropical-inspired paradise in the cooler months. Holding a Mai Tai, you can almost pretend you’re enjoying a dreamy night in the South Pacific.

For those just a *tad* envious of friends enjoying a European getaway, Bar Topa has you covered with a taste of the pintxos bars of San Sebastian – chorizo, cuttlefish, tortilla, croquetas and all. The dreary weather will be the furthest thing from your mind when you sample the sangria on tap and tasty cubes of patatas bravas. Nearby, in the basement of a nondescript city office block, Ramblin’ Rascal provides the type of warm and welcoming atmosphere that means it could be blowing a typhoon upstairs and you wouldn’t even realise.

Craving classic comfort food and warm candlelight? At the sophisticated Hubert, you can enjoy an expertly grilled steak and French charcuterie platter while sipping a velvety red and listening to live jazz. A little further out of the city, indulge in the signature farm-to-table cooking at Fred’s restaurant, then wander downstairs to its cosy sister bar Charlie Parker’s with a cocktail list and food menu crafted around seasonal produce and botanicals. 

There are plenty more great places to cosy up around Sydney, so take your pick from the top venues below.