Live music, tiki bars, pubs and wine havens. Sit back and sip your way through the best Sydney Inner West bars!
There’s no denying that Sydney’s Inner West is the new party hotspot. And while most of you will look immediately at Newtown, let us assure you that even its surrounding suburbs are getting in on the action.
But these Inner West bars are not just places to drink at, they’ve got something cool to offer. From quirky cocktails to wine bars, live entertainment and an always awesome setting, these late-night bars in Sydney’s Inner West are the best for a reason. And they’re waiting for your presence.
It’s time to live it up again. So clear your plans and experience something local at the best bars in Sydney’s Inner West of 2023:
Image supplied.
Butchers Brew Bar
Glance at it once and you’ll think Butchers Brew Bar is just another butcher shop. But, once you hear the music booming out the front door, you’ll know better. One of the best bars in Sydney’s Inner West, Butchers Brew Bar is located in the heart of Dulwich Hill offering the best local and interstate musicians most nights of the week. They also serve up seasonal drinks including zero-alcohol options, and wonderfully delectable food.
Image supplied.
Fortunate Son
The homely charm of the country meets the unconventionality of Enmore at Fortunate Son, where you and your tastebuds are treated like family. It’s also arguably the best cocktail bar in Sydney’s Inner West offering customised mixes while remaining open to any classic or personal mix that you request. Because at Fortunate Son, everyone’s the favoured customer!
Louisiana Loudmouth Band. Photographed by Diana Carniato Photography. Image supplied by Gasoline Pony.
Gasoline Pony
If you look up “rustic” in the dictionary, you’ll surely find a photo of Gasoline Pony – one of the Inner West’s best bars. It’s like someone dragged a country pub to the Inner West and called it a bar. Its nostalgic aesthetic is charming, much like the garage-turned-courtyard out the back. They have rotating brews and truly sustainable eats, but the best part is the live entertainment which runs most nights a week. Be sure to tip your musicians at the end of the show!
Photographed by Patrick Boland. Image supplied.
The Great Club
The Great Club is a former Pan-Macedonian Greek Club taken over by Alison Avron, the woman behind The Newsagency in Annandale. The Great Club maintains its longstanding charm but now offers delicious cocktails, Greek-style food, friendly staff, good vibes and a diverse range of contemporary music. In their first month, this great space showcased artists such as MAY-A, Bob Evans, and GRAACE.
Image supplied.
Jacoby's Tiki Bar
Jacoby’s Tiki Bar might be small, but it packs plenty of punch. Think tropical cocktails in a Bali-inspired setting. To feel right at home, order a traditional Pina Colada and pretend you’re at a beach bar rather than alongside a busy road. Doing so won’t be that hard thanks to the interior decor. And when you feel peckish, order pizza at the bar, delivered to you from Epic Pizza up the road. One of the best Inner West cocktails bars for Sydneysiders!
Image supplied.
Lazybones Lounge Restaurant & Bar
Marrickville, if you haven’t guessed yet, boasts some pretty cool bars with Lazybones Lounge Restaurant & Bar taking the top spot for live entertainment. It’s a bohemian concoction of music styles and tipples, including their own deli counter for those with the munchies. You’ll find all sorts of music gracing the stage throughout the week, as well as a clientele that feels so motley. A must visit in 2023!
Image supplied.
She Loves You
Here’s another wine bar that steps away from the fastidious stereotype, offering a homely interior that feels a little bit country. There’s no dedicated wine menu, which makes the experience all the more personal once you ask about their wines. As well as a bespoke selection of vino, they also offer up cocktails and peck-able bites for your pleasure.
Image supplied.
The Temperance Society
The Temperance Society, much like the rest of the bars on this list, is unashamedly local. From their platters to their booze – even the live entertainment – everything they source is local. And, with a concoction of breweries, distilleries and catering companies in Sydney’s Inner West, you’ll have plenty to choose from. They also boast a cute courtyard out the back where you can simply chill with your friends.
Image supplied.
Where's Nick Wine Bar
Wine bars are generally fastidious and pretty, but Where’s Nick Wine Bar flips the standard by offering a noirish space with plenty of stories to tell. Because, when it comes to wine, stories are important. At Where’s Nick Wine Bar, their primary source is sustainable, organic wine that showcases the region it comes from, stepping away from cult classics and traditional wine. They also have a quaint kitchen with lots of gusto to quell your grumbling stomach.
Photographed by Burst. Image via Pexels
Wilhelmina's
Sitting on the main street of Balmain is Wilhelmina’s, a sophisticated bar that feels like a modern oasis. Pull up a seat at the bar or find yourself a cosy nook to lounge away the afternoon. They even do tasting classes from time to time, which is perfect for a date night. They boast their own cocktails while also offering to mix up whatever you have in mind.
Looking to explore more of Sydney’s Inner West? Grab a bite to eat at one of the 9 Best Vietnamese Restaurants and Eateries in Marrickville. Or, for stunning views, check out the 10 Best Rooftop Bars in Sydney of 2023.
Feature image: Lazy Bones Lounge Marrickville. Image supplied.
This article was first published on April 09 2021. It was updated and edited by Hunter and Bligh on April 21 2023.