Chasing sunshine and great drinks? These bars, pubs and restaurants are made for it.
You already know we love to play host – we’re mad for throwing cocktail parties and having everyone over in the backyard, and we don’t mind a fondue party either. But when the sun’s shining and everyone’s in full summer mode, you need to get out and amongst it. And to really make the most of this incredible weather, we’re all about hanging al fresco, whether that’s a rooftop bar, a venue with water views or a beer garden with space for the whole crew.
To help narrow down the choices, we’ve pulled together some of our favourite bars around Australia with brilliant outdoor areas, not to mention excellent drinks and food. See you there.
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1. Felons Manly
How do you choose a Sydney venue with a view when so many venues across this city put on a show? It’s tough. But you can’t beat an afternoon at Felons Manly. This Queensland brewery has ventured south in serious style, now with a home on Manly Wharf plus a restaurant next door, Felons Seafood. The food at both venues is next level, the harbour outlook is unbeatable, and it’s the sort of place where friends can keep turning up all arvo and there’s a spot for everyone.
2. Martinez, Circular Quay
We’ve ticked off the beachside venue, now we need somewhere with an iconic Sydney view where you actually want to hang out. You’ll find that (and more) at Martinez in the city. Sure, there’s plenty of lovely room inside, but during summer, you’ll want a prime spot on the terrace with its plum view of the Harbour Bridge. There’s an all-day menu with enticing share plates, standout cocktails (Añejo Old Fashioned, perhaps?) and a solid wine list. What more could you want?
3. Lottie, Redfern
Not into playing tourist in Sydney? Head for the inner west. You could make a few brewery stops in Marrickville, or pick and choose bars in Newtown, but if your idea of a good time is a quality Marg and a taco or two, head for Lottie. This Mexican-inspired rooftop bar is atop The EVE Hotel, and it’s a bullseye on a balmy day. Settle in with a few fresh dishes, team it with a creative tequila or mezcal cocktail, and you might just be able to pretend you’re in Mexico.
4. Siglo, CBD
Call us old-fashioned, but when Melbourne delivers one of its classic warm, dry nights and you have good friends in tow, few venues come close to Siglo and its Euro vibes. While this institution has heaters galore for the rest of the year, nothing quite beats a summer evening spent on this rooftop terrace. There’s a wine list full of incredible picks, a snack menu just as appealing and it closes at 3am, which means you really can settle right in.
5. Runner Up, Collingwood
Melbourne is spoilt with so many rooftop bars, but Runner Up, despite the name, is a highlight among the options. With a loose Mediterranean theme and drinks that lean natural from Australia and further afield, this bar is within the not-for-profit creative hub of Collingwood Yards. That includes PBS community radio station, and, on weekends, you might find its DJs behind the decks. There’s a great fit-out indoors and loads of space, but for our money, head straight for the rooftop.
6. Arbory Bar & Eatery, CBD
The Yarra River might not deliver the same sort of romantic backdrop as other waterways around the world, but it’s still a lovely place to hang out. If you also enjoy people-watching, beeline for Arbory and enjoy the show. Over summer, the venue runs a floating pop-up on the river with a different theme each year, but our hot tip is to nab a stool along the balcony of the OG bar and cancel your arvo plans. For a concise wine list, this is absolute bang for buck with exceptional picks on offer, including jugs of cocktails.
7. Bar Miette, CBD
When one of Melbourne’s favourite chefs Andrew McConnell branches out interstate, you figure it’ll be good, but Bar Miette overdelivers. This Euro-style hotspot is a cafe by day and bar by night, and it’s right on the river so there are also some pretty great views. This is a place to come for breakfast and coffee (that’s no ordinary toastie), or turn up later for share plates and a Spritz. Just be sure to nab one of the outdoor tables so you can soak it all up.
8. Agnes, Fortitude Valley
Agnes has won a raft of awards for its incredible food and drinks, but we think the upstairs terrace at this star restaurant deserves a celebration of its own. Here you can take in city views, and choose from bar snacks and desserts alongside a savvy drinks selection. This all makes it a top choice for pre- or post-dinner, or perhaps an occasion all of its own. It’s relaxed and casual but smart and welcoming, which is a very happy balance.
9. Death & Taxes, CBD
Yes, this is a dark and moody whisky bar (they have more than 800 on offer) with leather booths and other nooks perfect for sipping something special over an intimate chat, and we love it for all of that. But on the right night, the best seat in the house has to be on the deck. Overlooking Burnett Lane, this is a spectacular spot, and we think it might make this star venue’s custom cocktails, wine and craft beers taste even better.
10. La Buvette, CBD
Didn’t get to France over the last Euro summer? Neither did we, but visit La Buvette on a hot day and it’s almost a close second. Hidden down a city alley, this nostalgic wine bar delivers a distinctive French feel. While there’s plenty of appeal inside, you can also enjoy streetside mingling, drinking and dining. You could drop in for a quick aperitif, but there’s only so many bistro classics you can watch roll out of that kitchen before you’ll want to get in on that action.
11. Hains & Co, CBD
There’s a strong nautical theme at Hains & Co – expect distinctive design features like timber cladding, porthole windows, coiled rope and even an old copper diving helmet. It’s full commitment here. And even though we love a concept, we also rate the tables outside this specialty bar in Adelaide’s West End, particularly when the sun’s out. You can’t go past the carefully considered cocktails, but a range of other drinks and snacks also make this a compelling city pick.
12. 2KW, CBD
Sometimes only a rooftop will do, and that’s when you arrange to meet at 2KW. This eighth-floor bar has impressive views across the city and Adelaide Oval, and Mediterranean-style cabanas are some of the best places to be when summer is in full swing. The carefully considered drinks list has something for everyone, and it all works a treat with the bar menu, with highlights like the Blue Swimmer Crab toast and skewers of grilled pork belly.
13. Gibney, Cottesloe
The building and fit-out at Gibney is so impressive you almost don’t need a view to go with it, but here you really do get both. This bar and restaurant is at South Cottesloe Beach, which means if you can snag a table on the terrace, you’re set up nicely with ocean views. This is a very slick experience – the 75-page wine list is more than 17,000 bottles strong – and the cocktails are just as finely tuned. Lash out on seafood or something from the grill and stay a while.
14. Picabar, Northbridge
It’s warm and everyone’s suddenly free for a drink (that never happens), so now you need somewhere to go. Head to Picabar and save a table – this heritage-listed pub can host up to 500 of your nearest and dearest. And you’ve gotta love the buzzy atmosphere when everyone else has the same idea and turns up here, too. The beer selection is a particular focus – another plus for balmy nights – and the drawcard pub grub will keep all comers happy.
15. Mechanics Institute, Northbridge
An oldie but still very much a goodie, Mechanics Institute is a go-to for seriously good cocktails, and its much-loved rooftop tips the balance even more in its favour. This team delivers a diverse list of drinks, so if you don’t feel like a customised cocktail or a thoughtful twist on a classic, you can choose from classic beers, wines and other drinks. Whatever your order, it’s made for sipping on this terrace al fresco.
16. La Sardina Loca, CBD
Tucked away in the Hobart CBD is laidback La Sardina Loca. Step into this historic site, where sandstone and exposed brick add charm, and discover dishes that lean Spanish, with tasty share plates among the selection, and drinks that cover some solid ground. There are local drops alongside European wines, creative cocktails, great beers and more. But when summer is really doing its thing, be sure to take up pole position in the courtyard.
17. Crescent Hotel, Hobart
When Hobart turns on spectacular weather (and yes, it really does), you have to make the most of it and head for a great outdoor space. The Crescent Hotel’s renovation has created various interior spaces for drinking and dining, but this summer, it’s all about the terrace. There’s also a downstairs courtyard, but upstairs, French doors open to this inviting area, which looks down to the city with glimpses of the Derwent River and beyond.
18. Preachers, Battery Point
We’re not sure what it is, but there’s something about an astro-turf beer garden that holds huge appeal. But that’s just a small part of the package at Preachers. This friendly pub, housed inside an old sailor’s cottage, serves up great beer, wine and cocktails, and its menu includes dishes like fried chicken and burgers, plus regular specials. Oh, and did we mention there’s an old bus in the beer garden? This is a must, sunshine or not.
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