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Where are you eating?

So “open late” means near you, not somewhere across the country.

Or a whole state

New South Wales

Busy, lively bars in New South Wales

Full rooms, loud music and a queue at the bar — the places with an actual atmosphere.

How this list is built: Bars, wine bars and cocktail bars whose reviews describe a lively room. Ranked by how well each venue fits, not by payment — MenuMap does not sell placement.

60 venues

Papa Gede's Bar | Cocktail Bar Sydney

SydneyPrice level 2 of 4

Cocktail bar, with wine, smoothies and spritz behind the counter.

Cocktail barRomanticCasual

Light- Spritz- Low Alcohol$18

Google rating 4.8 out of 5 from 1,232 reviews

Bartiga

Double BayPrice level 4 of 4

Seafood bar, with ice cream and dessert on the menu.

BarLively

Sweet, bright, nutty$12

Google rating 4.8 out of 5 from 466 reviews

Coogee Wine Room - Restaurant & Bar

CoogeePrice level 4 of 4

Italian cocktail bar, with small plates, dessert and ice cream on the menu and most dishes $13 to $57. Reviewers mention big groups, birthdays and functions.

Cocktail barGood for groupsLively

Cheese Selection$40

Google rating 4.7 out of 5 from 609 reviews

Franca

Potts PointPrice level 4 of 4

Seafood cocktail bar, with beer behind the counter.

Cocktail barRomanticUpscale

Beers$8

Google rating 4.7 out of 5 from 1,831 reviews

Bar Planet

NewtownPrice level 4 of 4

Bar, with cocktails behind the counter.

BarLively

Bar Planet Martini (13.8 Drinks)$80

Google rating 4.7 out of 5 from 454 reviews

Bar 53

Canley ValePrice level 2 of 4

Bar, with chips, seafood and burgers on the menu and most dishes $13 to $15. Reviewers mention the buzz in the room.

BarLively

Big$5.30

Google rating 4.7 out of 5 from 397 reviews

Kelp Restaurant Ballina

BallinaPrice level 4 of 4

Seafood cocktail bar, with seafood, salad and cake on the menu and most dishes $16 to $32. Reviewers mention the buzz in the room.

Cocktail barLivelyCosy

Thai fish cakes$19

Google rating 4.7 out of 5 from 356 reviews

Rasā House

Rose BayPrice level 2 of 4

Cocktail bar, with wine behind the counter.

Cocktail barRomanticLively

Carousal Riesling 2022 (Victoria)$19

Google rating 4.9 out of 5 from 187 reviews

Tommy's Beer Cafe

GlebePrice level 3 of 4

Bar, with small plates, pasta and roast on the menu and most dishes $7.90 to $29.90.

BarLively

Pretzel$7.90

Google rating 4.6 out of 5 from 1,543 reviews

The Rover

Surry HillsPrice level 4 of 4

Seafood cocktail bar, with burgers, dessert and small plates on the menu and most dishes $2 to $30.

Cocktail barLively

Smoked Almonds$6

Google rating 4.6 out of 5 from 1,242 reviews

UNCANNY Newtown

NewtownPrice level 2 of 4

Cocktail bar, with whisky behind the counter.

Cocktail barLively

Starward 'Two Fold' whisky$43

Google rating 4.6 out of 5 from 536 reviews

The Dancing Bear Wentworth Point

Wentworth PointPrice level 4 of 4

Bar, with cocktails, smoothies and whisky behind the counter.

BarCasualLively

Bulleit Bourbon, Calvados, Black Walnut Bitters, Gingerbread$27

Google rating 4.8 out of 5 from 181 reviews

OTiS

LeichhardtPrice level 2 of 4

Bar, with cocktails, wine and coffee behind the counter.

BarLively

Afternoon Delight$24

Google rating 4.9 out of 5 from 116 reviews

Jolene's Sydney

SydneyPrice level 4 of 4

Cocktail bar, with bbq, fried chicken and salad on the menu.

Cocktail barLively

Mac ’n’ Cheese Balls$19.50

Google rating 4.5 out of 5 from 595 reviews

Mehmaan Indian Cuisine

HornsbyPrice level 2 of 4

Indian bar, with oysters on the menu and wine behind the counter.

BarQuietLively

Marlborough, New Zealand$11

Google rating 4.5 out of 5 from 752 reviews

Vasco Surry Hills

Surry HillsPrice level 3 of 4

Italian cocktail bar, with small plates, pasta and chips on the menu and most dishes $11 to $28.

Cocktail barLivelyRomantic

Marinated Olives$11

Google rating 4.5 out of 5 from 499 reviews

Sefa Kitchen Bondi

BondiPrice level 4 of 4

Cocktail bar, with wine behind the counter.

Cocktail barGood for groupsLively

Prosecco Doc Brut NV 2$23

Google rating 4.5 out of 5 from 472 reviews

Apollonia

SydneyPrice level 4 of 4

Cocktail bar, with dessert on the menu and wine, tea and whisky behind the counter.

Cocktail barLively

Stanley Tucci$25

Google rating 4.6 out of 5 from 301 reviews

Caness

PaddingtonPrice level 4 of 4

Wine bar, with mocktails, beer and whisky behind the counter.

Wine barLivelyCosy

Mocktails$16

Google rating 4.7 out of 5 from 225 reviews

Dindima Wines and Cellar Door

NashdalePrice level 3 of 4

Wine bar, with burgers on the menu and wine behind the counter.

Wine barRomanticLively

Delicious Wines and Burgers at Dindima$17

Google rating 4.9 out of 5 from 95 reviews

Fabbrica Pasta Bar Newtown

NewtownPrice level 4 of 4

Italian bar, with cocktails, coffee and beer behind the counter.

BarLively

Paloma$22

Google rating 4.6 out of 5 from 283 reviews

Kandi Luxe Sydney

WoolloomoolooPrice level 4 of 4

Cocktail bar, with sandwiches, seafood and small plates on the menu.

Cocktail barLivelyGood for groups

Old Fashioned$20

Google rating 4.8 out of 5 from 146 reviews

Chuck Trailer's Bondi Beach

Bondi BeachPrice level 2 of 4

Cocktail bar, with whisky, cocktails and smoothies behind the counter.

Cocktail barLively

Whiskey$10

Google rating 4.5 out of 5 from 362 reviews

The Rutledge Bar & Eats

BerryPrice level 2 of 4

Bar, with burgers, dumplings and tacos on the menu.

BarLively

Dumplings$1

Google rating 4.6 out of 5 from 269 reviews

Deadwax

EnmorePrice level 4 of 4

Bar, with cake on the menu and wine behind the counter.

BarLively

Seven Eves [Pinot Gris] 2$23

Google rating 4.9 out of 5 from 82 reviews

Gibson of Robertson

RobertsonPrice level 3 of 4

Cocktail bar, with cocktails, beer and spritz behind the counter.

Cocktail barLively

Not a Porn Star Martini$18

Google rating 5.0 out of 5 from 28 reviews

44 North

Bondi BeachPrice level 2 of 4

Bar, with chips, small plates and tacos on the menu and most dishes $2 to $44.

BarLivelyFamily friendly

Casa Verde$23

Google rating 4.9 out of 5 from 70 reviews

Corner Bar Rozelle

RozellePrice level 2 of 4

Cafe cocktail bar, with cocktails, smoothies and coffee behind the counter.

Cocktail barCosyLively

Raspberry Moscow Mule$19

Google rating 4.5 out of 5 from 323 reviews

Birdrock Bar & Grill

Port MacquariePrice level 4 of 4

Cocktail bar, with small plates on the menu and beer, cocktails and whisky behind the counter.

Cocktail barQuietLively

6.5 Each$12

Google rating 4.6 out of 5 from 219 reviews

Rocker

North BondiPrice level 4 of 4

Seafood bar, with wine behind the counter. Reviewers mention the buzz in the room.

BarLivelyUpscale

House White (Pinot Grigio) - Glass$9

Google rating 4.4 out of 5 from 555 reviews

Smoke Bar

BarangarooPrice level 4 of 4

Cocktail bar, with cocktails, spritz and wine behind the counter.

Cocktail barLively

Smoke Margarita$45

Google rating 4.4 out of 5 from 1,234 reviews

2640 Restaurant and Bar

AlburyPrice level 3 of 4

Seafood bar, with eggs, breakfast and pancakes on the menu and most dishes $21 to $36.

BarLively

Bacon and Eggs your way (GFO)$22

Google rating 4.4 out of 5 from 550 reviews

The Roosevelt

Potts PointPrice level 4 of 4

Seafood cocktail bar. Open seven days, until midnight on Tuesday nights.

Cocktail barUpscaleCosy

Nas$12

Google rating 4.4 out of 5 from 564 reviews

Rosie Campbell Jamaican restaurant

Surry HillsPrice level 4 of 4

Cocktail bar, with salad, burgers and chips on the menu and most dishes $12 to $25.

Cocktail barLively

Rosie’s Jerk Chicken Burger$25

Google rating 4.4 out of 5 from 1,430 reviews

Pennys Hotel

Potts PointPrice level 2 of 4

Italian cocktail bar, with noodles, salad and chips on the menu and most dishes $18 to $32.

Cocktail barCosyLively

Chilli Lime Salt & Sriracha Mayo$19

Google rating 4.4 out of 5 from 688 reviews

Sei Mai Name Bar

SydneyPrice level 2 of 4

Vietnamese bar, with small plates, noodles and sandwiches on the menu and most dishes $6 to $22.

BarCosyLively

Pate So$12

Google rating 4.7 out of 5 from 150 reviews

Cecilia

North SydneyPrice level 2 of 4

Italian cocktail bar, with breakfast, eggs and seafood on the menu and most dishes $4 to $18.

Cocktail barLivelyRomantic

Croissant prosciutto, provolone, cherry tomato, dijon, basil$14

Google rating 4.7 out of 5 from 132 reviews

The Waratah

DarlinghurstPrice level 2 of 4

Bar, with chips, share plates and small plates on the menu and most dishes $8 to $28.

BarLively

Marinated Olives$8

Google rating 4.5 out of 5 from 277 reviews

Freshie Clubhouse at Freshwater Brewing Co.

BrookvalePrice level 3 of 4

Seafood wine bar, with chips, seafood and parma on the menu and most dishes $12 to $40. Reviewers mention the buzz in the room.

Wine barLively

Hot Chips$12

Google rating 4.4 out of 5 from 262 reviews

Muddy Duck Tapas & Events

ColeamballyPrice level 2 of 4

Italian cocktail bar, with sandwiches, salad and seafood on the menu and most dishes $3 to $25.

Cocktail barLivelyFamily friendly

Chutney, on a Toasted Roll$3

Google rating 4.7 out of 5 from 43 reviews

Harry Gatos

FreshwaterPrice level 2 of 4

Cocktail bar, with bbq and steak on the menu.

Cocktail barLively

Grifter / Harry's Lager Tap Beer$6

Google rating 4.6 out of 5 from 76 reviews

Chuck Trailer's CBD

SydneyPrice level 2 of 4

Bar, with whisky, cocktails and smoothies behind the counter.

BarOpen lateLively

Whiskey$10

Google rating 4.4 out of 5 from 209 reviews

The Boat Shed Bar

BelmontPrice level 2 of 4

Cocktail bar, with wings, chips and fried chicken on the menu and most dishes $3.40 to $8.90.

Cocktail barGood for groupsLively

Beef pattie (GF/DF)$8.90

Google rating 4.3 out of 5 from 309 reviews

Avenue on Chifley

SydneyPrice level 2 of 4

Cafe cocktail bar, with chips, parma and salad on the menu.

Cocktail barLivelyUpscale

Domaine de Chatillon Jacquere 2$18

Google rating 4.3 out of 5 from 306 reviews

World Square Bar

SydneyPrice level 2 of 4

Cocktail bar, with beer and cocktails behind the counter.

Cocktail barLively

Pints$11

Google rating 4.3 out of 5 from 279 reviews

Burdekin Hotel

DarlinghurstPrice level 1 of 4

Cocktail bar, with burgers, chips and pizza on the menu. Reviewers mention coming for brunch or breakfast.

Cocktail barLively

Margaritas$10

Google rating 4.2 out of 5 from 822 reviews

Beef and Beach Lennox Head

Lennox HeadPrice level 2 of 4

Seafood cocktail bar, with seafood, burgers and chips on the menu.

Cocktail barLively

Battered Fish, Pineapple Salsa, Avocado Crema, Chipotle Aioli$9

Google rating 4.2 out of 5 from 505 reviews

Folio

Millers PointPrice level 2 of 4

Bar, with dessert, seafood and small plates on the menu.

BarOpen lateLively

House Bellini$19

Google rating 4.5 out of 5 from 37 reviews

Tilly's Wagga

Wagga WaggaPrice level 2 of 4

Cocktail bar, with cocktails behind the counter.

Cocktail barLively

Item 1 of$5

Google rating 4.2 out of 5 from 262 reviews

Blackbird Cafe

SydneyPrice level 2 of 4

Bakery cocktail bar, with dessert, pasta and pizza on the menu. Reviewers mention coming for brunch or breakfast and the view.

Cocktail barLivelyFamily friendly

* Per Oyster$4

Google rating 4.1 out of 5 from 3,788 reviews

The Del Hotel & Pub

Cooks HillPrice level 2 of 4

Cocktail bar, with seafood, burgers and fried chicken on the menu. Reviewers mention coming for brunch or breakfast and big groups, birthdays and functions.

Cocktail barGood for groupsLively

Wood Roast Abrolohos Island Scallops ($4

Google rating 4.1 out of 5 from 921 reviews

Morrison’s Oyster Bar & Grill

SydneyPrice level 4 of 4

Seafood cocktail bar, with beer, craft beer and mocktails behind the counter.

Cocktail barLively

Great Northern Super Crisp (Mid Strength)$12.70

Google rating 4.1 out of 5 from 2,699 reviews

Village Crown

ZetlandPrice level 2 of 4

Cocktail bar, with chips, pasta and parma on the menu and most dishes $4 to $21.

Cocktail barOutdoor seatingLively

Fish and Chips$16

Google rating 4.1 out of 5 from 957 reviews

Paddo Inn

PaddingtonPrice level 2 of 4

Italian bar, with seafood on the menu and wine behind the counter.

BarLivelyUpscale

2022 Christian Salmon Sancerre Sauvignon BlancNot listed

Google rating 4.1 out of 5 from 651 reviews

Highway Bar Greengate Hotel

KillaraPrice level 4 of 4

Italian bar, with wine behind the counter.

BarLivelyFamily friendly

NV Alpino Prosecco$14

Google rating 4.4 out of 5 from 35 reviews

Eve's Bar

SydneyPrice level 2 of 4

Steakhouse bar, with burgers, chips and seafood on the menu and most dishes $5 to $28.

BarLively

Fish & Chips (M)$25

Google rating 4.2 out of 5 from 155 reviews

Bar Ombré Rooftop

SydneyPrice level 3 of 4

Cocktail bar, with wine, beer and spritz behind the counter. Reviewers mention the view.

Cocktail barLivelyGood for groups

A Sky Full Of Spritz!$12

Google rating 4.0 out of 5 from 626 reviews

Bar Totti's

SydneyPrice level 4 of 4

Seafood cocktail bar, with small plates on the menu.

Cocktail barLivelyCasual

Wood-fired bread$19.50

Google rating 4.0 out of 5 from 4,473 reviews

Cheers Sports Bar & Grill

SydneyPrice level 2 of 4

American cocktail bar, with chips, bbq and curry on the menu and most dishes $15 to $29.

Cocktail barLively

Wings & Fries Combo$30

Google rating 4.0 out of 5 from 1,435 reviews

Blu Bar on 36

The RocksPrice level 2 of 4

Bar, with cocktails, wine and tea behind the counter.

BarUpscaleLively

Table of Contents$4

Google rating 4.0 out of 5 from 1,399 reviews