TOP 5 Things to do in Sydney if you don't want to be the typical tourist 2/3 - Food & Drinks

Yay! Super excited to share a topic with you guys that I'm obsessed with: Food & Drinks. I catch myself all the time taking pictures of food in a restaurant and want it to look so nice that the food gets cold by the time I'm about to start eating :( 

 

I am barely at home. Like never. Unless I am sick and enjoy some Netflix days in bed. Is there something better than to catch up with some work colleagues or your closest mates after work for some delicious dinner and drinks? Having a gathering with friends together can have a positive impact on your life. Be social, meet people, extend your network! Sydney is by far one of the best cities when it comes to fancy bars and trendy restaurants (please consider: I talk about bars & restaurants. Not about the boring clubbing-scene and those stupid lock-out laws).

But where to go out? And when is the best time to go there ? I've written down my personal TOP5 places to go to for some Chew & Drinks. Trust me guys, it is fu*%ing hard to pick just 5! 

 

 

#1 Hotel Palisade Rooftop Bar - near Millers Point (Barangaroo Park) 

My personal number one. Why? Long story short: Back in the days when I moved to Sydney for the first time and used to work for Scotch & Soda (check them out - best fashion brand ever) it was Christmas time. Our company threw a Christmas party at this place and we had a blast! From this night on this place had to see my face at least once or twice a month for some cocktail sessions.  

Hotel Palisade sits just above the docklands in Sydneys historic Rocks precinct. This historical building combines a hotel, a very unique vintage pub and a cocktail lounge under just one roof. The best way to get started with is a delicious, fresh tapped pint in the rustic Pub which is located on the ground floor. From there you can make your way up to the next levels. The best time to enjoy the upper floor is when the sun sets. Those guys have a very charming couch corner in a kinda glassy-cube where you can enjoy the sunset view above Sydneys river canals while nipping on your cocktail. The other end of the upper floor offers you a small rooftop terrace with a stunning view towards the Harbour Bridge. And the best of it: this place is not crowded with tourists at all. 

Tipp: You're about to date someone ? Go to Hotel Palisade! They do have tiny, cozy rooms with comfortable couches and an open bonfire - how romantic! Perfect for a private small-talk with the girl or boy of your dreams.

Check them out Guys! 

 

Location: 35 Bettington St, Millers Point 

Price: $$ Quite pricey but worth some bucks 

Food: $$ variation of delicious food served in small portions 

Web: www.hotelpalisade.com 

 

 

#2 The Baxter Inn - Clarence St 

By far the best underground whisky-cellar in Sydney. I've rarely seen a bar which is that rustic and unique. Baxter Inn is truly a very special place. If you like whiskey or gin even better! This hidden place makes every strong man weak. The back wall behind the bar is literally covered with rare and precious bottles of liquor. Make sure you order some booze from the upper shelf. It's great to see how those bartenders roll around with library ladders. What I appreciate about this place the most are the well-knowledgeable bartenders. It is not just a job for them - it is a passion and you feel that by everything they do. The same goes for the interior and people who enjoy their spare time there. It's a great place to socialize with locals. If you are new in the city just go there by yourself, watch people (don't be to creepy), study them and get a little chatty. I've met quite a lot of very interesting characters there. 

It is simply a place to enjoy, soak the ambiance in and forget about a stressful day. Everyone is welcome. No private functions, no door list, no dress code - just be yourself and smile. 

Location: 156 Clarence St

Price: $ - $$$ depends on which kind of drinks you order

Food: don't even know if you can get some food there - doesn't matter! Enjoy your drinks! 

Website: www.thebaxterinn.com

#3 Theatre Bar - The Bar at the end of the wharf 

In my opinion every bar or restaurant needs to offer this special, particular "thing" which makes this place unique and irreplaceable. The Theatre Bar does it with it's magical view. You do have the opportunity to sit next to the water if you want. I personally like the tapas-style option the best. Why? It's so easy to share with your friends. If you like it a little bit more extravagant I can strongly recommend the Nigerian Spiced Chicken - yummy! 

I'm gonna be honest, I never got there before or after a theatre show but it makes so much sense to have some great tasty food before or after a theatre show. Who of you guys got to see a show in the theatre and can tell me how the show was? 

Location: Pier 4 Hickson Road

Price: $$

Food: $$ different variations of food and a great wine menu. 

Website: www.sydneytheatre.com

 

#4 O-Bar & Dining 

This location is all about the view. I'm gonna be honest. There are better places to enjoy professionally made cocktails or have something to chew. It is pricey. But if you do have some friends from abroad, or have a get-together with business clients from somewhere else the O-Bar is definitely a great location to show your company Sydney from above. The best: it's a turning 360 degrees platform which is spinning slowly. It takes you all the way around and offers you different angles from the city. The ambiance and the modern interior design is excellent. The waitresses - wow! if you know what I mean ;) I will take my parents to this place when they come and visit me in Sydney to give them some impressions how big this city is. To put it in a nutshell: It's the birds eye view which makes the difference.

 

Tipp: The equivalent for the O-Bar is the 360 Bar & Dining located in Sydney's highest building - the Sydney Tower. Don't make the foolish mistake like almost every tourist and purchase a ticket for 15$ to get up to the viewing platform. The 360 Bar & Dining is for free. The minimum purchase per person is 20$. I'd rather spend 20$ for the view AND two beers instead of paying 15$ for the elevator lift. Do you agree? 

 

Location: Australia Square, 264 George St

Price: $$

Food: small finger food plates or a la carte menu 

 

 

#5 Glenmore Hotel 

The Glenmore hotel is the perfect location to go out with your mates. The prices for drinks & food are definitely reasonable. My personal highlight in there is - I guess you know what's about to come - the view. The rooftop bar allows you a great view above Sydney in the middle of The Rocks district. This place is super easy-going and doesn't expect you to spend loads of money - nor to hold to courteous manners. Just be yourself and lift a couple of pints with your best mates there. Great spot to get the weekend started. Simple as that. 

 

Location: 96 Cumberland St, the Rocks 

Price: $ 

Food: typical pub food like burgers, fries etc. 

 

So, go out guys. Support your local hospitality workers, musicians and tell your mates how amazing Sydney is! 

Well, this is a very limited range of good bars and restaurants. If you think I've forgotten something, please write it down in the comments! You guys are more than welcome to try those places out and give me some feedback how you liked it. I am super excited to hear what your favorite spots are and why. Let me know so I can write them down on my personal "Must-Go-To-List."

 

Cheers!

 

Your biggest fan 

 

Alexx