Best Pubs In The Rocks ([year] Guide)

Looking for the best pubs and bars in The Rocks?

The Rocks is located in the heart of Sydney City. The Rocks have an old colonial feel which is unique to Sydney. The Rocks was established in 1788 for convicts to live and it was considered as a slum for convicts arriving in Sydney.

The Rocks has transformed into a vibrant city centre with some of the best pubs, bars, and restaurants in Sydney. 

The Rocks has pubs and bars for everyone. Whether you are looking to drink Guinness, a German Beer, or An Aussie Ale. You will find a floor to dance, a bar with a view, and if you want a place to crash you will find a pub with accommodation as well.

No matter what the occasion is, this list of the best pubs and bars in The Rocks will help you decide where you should spend your night. 

1. Fortune of War

If you are looking to experience an old-style pub in Sydney then you should try Fortune of War.

The Fortune of War is one of the oldest pubs in Sydney. It was built in 1828 and it was rebuilt in 1921. 

This pub has a good selection of beers on taps like Tooheys, James Squire, Guinness, and many more. They also have a good collection of wines and champagnes. They offer a classic pub-style food including schnitzel, burgers, and steaks. 

Location:137 George Street, The Rocks

Phone: +61 2 9247 2714

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.fortuneofwar.com.au

Fortune of war hotel

2. The Argyle

The Argyle is one of the most popular bars at The Rocks where you can enjoy drinks and dance

This pub offers a variety of pub-style food but we recommended that you try their wood-fired pizzas that won’t disappoint you. 

They have a wide variety of drinks including tap beer, bottled beer, wine, and cocktails.

They have indoor and outdoor settings. The outdoor area is quite big and it is great for people who want to enjoy a few drinks and smoke. When you walk into the indoor area, you will notice two floors.

Both floors have bars where you can order drinks. If you would like to dance, then upstairs would be the best area that is closer to the DJ booth.

The Argyle does get busy and you need to line up on the weekends. We suggest you get in early to avoid having to line up.

Location: 18 Argyle St, The Rocks

Phone: (02) 9247 5500

Website: http://www.theargylerocks.com

3. Glenmore Rooftop Hotel

Looking for a pub with a view of the Sydney Opera House? Then this is the pub for you.

The Glenmore Rooftop Hotel is a popular pub that has been at The Rocks since 1921. This is a multi-level pub where you will find a few rooms. The pub is an old-style pub with a few stairs to get to the rooftop bar.

They have a good variety of food that suits everyone including Chicken Parmigiana, Slow Roast Lamb Shoulder, and grilled Salmon Fillet.

They offer a good selection of beer, wine, and a cocktail that you can enjoy on the rooftop bar while enjoying the view.

Location: 96 Cumberland St, The Rocks

Phone: (02) 9247 4794

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.theglenmore.com.au

4. The Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel

The Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel is another old-style pub which was established in 1841. 

If you love Ales, you will love this pub. They brew their 6 ales on-premises. They also have a great variety of bar food from tapas, pizzas, salads, curries and desert.

One of the unique dishes on their menu is Nepalese curry with rice which we don’t see in many pub menus. 

If you think you will have a big night in town, they offer reasonably priced accommodation especially for rooms with ensuites. 

Location: 19 Kent St, The Rocks

Phone: +61 2 9251 4044

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.lordnelsonbrewery.com

The Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel
credit: www.lordnelsonbrewery.com

5. The Doss House

If you are looking for a whiskey bar in the Rocks then you should check out The Doss House. 

This bar was built in the 1840s which has had many different types of tenants like doctors, bootmakers, opium makers. 

This is an underground bar with a modern and stylish interior. There are five bar spaces that cater to different kinds of people. One of the spaces is with high tables where you can enjoy the live music which this bar offers.

This bar offers a masterclass if you are looking to learn all about Whiskey.

Location: 77/79 George St, The Rocks 

Phone: 0457 880 180

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.thedosshouse.com.au

6. Munich Brauhaus – The Bavarian

If you are looking to celebrate Oktoberfest 365 days a year then Munich Brauhaus is the pub for you. 

This German pub has a good collection of beer and there are beer glass sizes that suit everyone. If you would like to try something different you should try Mango Weissbier which is a mango-flavored beer.

Perhaps you would like to stick with the Lowenbrau Original. No matter what kind of beer you like, this pub will have a beer for you. The hard part will be to choose from so many options.

This pub offers a wide variety of food for everyone. If you are after just a little bite then you can try their salt and pepper or their popular pretzel. If you are after a meal then you may want to try their schnitzel, crispy pork knuckle or their pork belly.

Location: 33 Argyle St, The Rocks

Phone: 02 9259 5600

Website: www.munichbrauhaus.com.au/venue/the-rocks-sydney

7. Mrs Jones and the Orient Hotel

Orient Hotel and Mrs Jones are both located on the same building.

When you enter the hotel, you will find the Orient hotel and a courtyard which has a beer garden

When you walk up to the first floor, you will find Mrs Jones terrace bar where you will be able to enjoy the view of the laneways of the Rocks. 

This floor also has a dining area where you can enjoy your meal and drinks.

They offer food and also set menus. You can’t go wrong with their Bangers and Mash or their Chicken Burger.

They also have a good list of beer, wine and cocktails. 

They also have live bands a few days a month so make sure to check the schedule on their website.

Location: 89 George Street, The Rocks

Phone: (02) 9251 1255  

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.orienthotel.com.au

The Orient Hotel
credit: www.orienthotel.com.au

Don’t drink and drive, hire a private driver in Sydney

8. The Australian Heritage Hotel

The Australian Heritage Hotel has one of the largest collections of Australian Craft Beers. In fact, they have over 130 varieties of Australian Craft Beer which is suitable for every taste bud. 

This is an old-style pub which has a few rooms inside and there is an outdoor area on the street where you can enjoy a drink or two. 

This pub has a food menu as well. If you want to try something different then you should try their Emu and Kangaroo pizza.

Looking for accommodation in The Rocks? No problem. This hotel also offers accommodation if you are looking to stay in the Sydney city area on a budget.

Location: 100 Cumberland Street, The Rocks

Phone: (02) 9247 2229

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.australianheritagehotel.com

9. The Hero of Waterloo

This pub has a rich history which has been open since colonial times. It has been in the business for over 170 years providing it’s customers not only food and drinks but also live music.

The Hero of Waterloo is a unique pub as it provides a guided ghost tour of the cellar. It is also believed that the ghost of Anne Kirkman visits this pub frequently. You may be able to hear her play the piano at night or may even see her walking around the pub.

Location: 81 Lower Fort Street, Millers Point, The Rocks

Phone: (02) 9252 4553

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.heroofwaterloo.com.au

10. The Mercantile Hotel

This pub was originally built in 1914. It is located beneath the Sydney Harbour Bridge. This pub is not only located in a perfect location but it offers Irish hospitality. If you are a Guinness lover, you won’t be disappointed. 

Craving for an Irish meal? This pub won’t disappoint you. You may want to try their The Shamrock Pie or their Irish Chicken Curry with a Guinness. 

If you are planning to have a few drinks at the Rocks, this pub also offers accommodation at a reasonable price. 

Location: 25 George Street, The Rocks

Phone: (02) 9247 3570

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.themercantilehotel.com.au

The Mercantile Hotel
credit: www.themercantilehotel.com.au

11. Blu Bar on 36 – Shangri-la

If you are looking to have a fancy cocktail bar with a view then you should try Shangri-la’s Blue Bar on 36. This is an iconic bar which is located on the 36th level with a spectacular view of the Sydney including the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. 

You will need to be dressed appropriately as sandals, shorts, casual wears will not be allowed. This bar is a good option if you are looking for a classy cocktail bar or if you are looking for a place for a high tea.

Location: Level 36, 176 Cumberland Street, The Rocks

Phone: (02) 9250 6000

Email: [email protected]

Website: http://www.shangri-la.com/sydney/shangrila/dining/bars-lounges/blu-bar-on-36

12. Maybe Sammy

Looking for a cocktail bar in The Rocks? Then this is the bar for you.

Maybe Sammy is an impressive bar. This bar has won a few awards including the Best Bar of the year in 2019 ( Australian Bar Award 2019)

You may find that some of the cocktails are a bit pricey however it is worth the money.

If you are not a fan of cocktails, they offer beer, wine and spirits as well. They do have a food menu but if you want a pub with a variety of food option then this is not the bar for you.

They do have sandwiches and bites to eat which is great with a few cocktails.

Location: 115 Harrington Street, The Rocks

Phone: (02) 9241 4970

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.maybesammy.com

maybe sammy

13. Harts Pub

Harts Pub has Australian-owned craft beers on their taps which you can enjoy. This pub has 12 taps that serve crafted beer from all over Australia. 

You can enjoy a range of food with your craft beer. You can try their buffalo chicken wings for entree and scotch fillet steak is not a bad option for your mains. 

Location: Essex St &, Gloucester St, The Rocks 

Phone: (02) 9251 6030  

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.hartspub.com.au

Address of the pubs below isn’t “The Rocks” however they are located close to The Rocks hence we have included these pubs on our list.

14. The Captain Cook Hotel

If you are looking for a local pub where everyone is invited then The Captain Cook Hotel is for you.

The Captain Cook Hotel has a good selection of beers on tap which is not expensive for The Rocks. 

They do have a good variety of pub food. If you feel like a decent meal then may want to try their Seafood Basket with Salad or their steak. 

This hotel is popular for it’s Fishing Club. This pub also offers Live Music selected days so do call them before for timings. If you are a local and you are looking for drinks, you can go to this pub for Takeaway Bottle Shop or they also offer a mobile bar, kegs and glassware hire for the local area.

Location: 33-35 Kent Street, Millers Point

Phone: (02) 9247 3786 

Email: [email protected]

Website: http://www.thecaptaincook.net

15. Cruise Bar

Cruise bar offers a unique ambience which is located on the Sydney waterside in the Circular Quay.

This is a multi level venue with a rooftop bar and a cocktail bar.

The roof bar offers a breathtaking view of the Sydney Opera House from its rooftop bar. It is a great place to relax, enjoy a few drinks and Mediterranean inspired dishes.

Location: Level 1,2,3 Overseas Passenger Terminal, Circular Quay West 

Phone: (02) 9251 1188    

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.cruisebar.com.au

Conclusion:

No doubt, The Rocks is one of the best places to party in Sydney and it will not disappoint you. 

Where do we recommend you should go if you have limited time in The Rocks.

The best place to go dancing in The Rocks: The Argyle

The best German Pub in The Rocks: Munich Brauhaus– The Bavarian

The best place in The Rocks for Cocktail: Maybe Sammy

Bar with the best view: Blu Bar on 36

The best rooftop bar in The Rocks: The Glenmore Hotel

We hope our list of pubs and bars in The Rocks has helped you to decide where you should be spending your time when you are planning a night out in The Rocks.

Happy Drinking in The Rocks!

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