Sydney is bloody expensive, however, if you put your ear to the ground and lock in slots at a few of these top-notch happy hours you can figure out ways to consume an appropriate number of beverages without causing a Venezuala-level economic crisis. Whether you’re looking to unwind after a long day at work or kickstart your night out, here are some of the best happy hours around the place. Check out our guide to Sydney’s best happy hours below.
1. The Rover
The Rover’s daily happy hour offers $6 drinks and $2 oysters in a charming, nautical setting.
Located in Surry Hills, The Rover is a cozy bar that brings a touch of old-world charm to Sydney’s nightlife. During happy hour, which runs daily from 4 pm to 6 pm, you can indulge in $6 wines, beers, and G&Ts, along with freshly shucked $2 oysters. It’s the perfect spot to start the evening in sophistication, before sinking into depravity.
2. The Beresford
The Beresford serves up $7 drinks daily in one of Sydney’s most popular beer gardens.
The Beresford in Surry Hills is a favourite among locals, thanks to its vibrant atmosphere and beautiful beer garden. Their happy hour runs every day from 6 pm to 8 pm, offering $7 schooners, wines, and spirits along with $9 pints and $14 Aperols. It’s an ideal spot to catch up with friends or enjoy a casual drink after work. On Sundays in summer, the Bero becomes one of Sydney’s premier LGBTQ+ party spots and hosts the famous Laneway party during Mardis Gras.
3. Tucano’s
Tucano’s offers $12 cocktails and snacks in a vibrant, tropical setting that’s perfect for a midweek pick-me-up.
Tucano’s brings some zesty tiki energy to Surry Hills with its colourful décor and lively ambience. Their happy hour runs from 4 pm to 6 pm, Tuesday to Friday, featuring $12 house cocktails, $12 snacks and $8 beers and wines. Warming up with a few happy-hour drinks is especially advisable on Fridays, when DJs fire the place up later in the evening, fostering an energetic and fun dance floor.
4. Hotel Harry
Hotel Harry’s slings $6 schooners and $10 cocktails from 4-6pm in a relaxed spot that’s reliably busy throughout the week.
Harpoon Harry, located in Surry Hills, combines vintage flair with a modern twist. Their happy hour runs from 4 pm to 6 pm daily, offering $6 house beers, $8 wines and spirits and $10 cocktails. The Bardar team are particularly big fans of the Harry’s whiskey sour. This place’s eclectic design and laid-back vibe make it a great spot to start your evening, and if you’re hanging around there for a particularly busy Friday or Saturday night, to finish it too at Harry’s House Party – their weekend house and disco event.
5. Shady Pines
Shady Pines is among Sydney’s best (and most well hidden) bars – delivering one of Sydney’s best happy hours with $6.50 tinnies, mixed drinks and house wines, plus $12.50 margs and negronis from 4-6pm every day.
Shady Pines Saloon in Darlinghurst is a Sydney institution and Bardar team favourite known for its Nashville honkey-tonk aesthetic and welcoming atmosphere. Their happy hour runs from 4 pm to 6 pm daily, featuring $6.50 house mixers and $12.50 Margaritas and Negronis. It’s a place where you can kick back with a whiskey and enjoy some old-school charm.
6. Queens Hotel Enmore
Queens Hotel sets itself apart with one of Sydney’s best late-night happy hours, giving you the chance to reload on $7 schooners, wine and mixed drinks from 10pm-midnight.
Queens Hotel in Enmore is a stylish pub that combines modern design with a touch of heritage charm. Their happy hour runs from 5 pm to 7 pm daily and then again from 10 to midnight, offering $7 beers, mixed drinks and house wines. It’s a first-class drop in for a few cheap power-up bevvies on a night out in Enmore.
7. Corridor Newtown
Corridor Newtown’s nightly $10 pints, $15 jugs and $14 cocktails make it a lovely spot to sit back, polish a few off and watch Newtown’s eclectic denizens slide by on a Friday night.
Corridor, a cozy bar on King Street, Newtown, boasts one of the happiest happy hours in the area, which is saying something given the density of pubs in the area. Every night from 5 pm to 7 pm, you can enjoy $10 pints, $15 jugs, and $14 cocktails, with different specials throughout the week. The intimate atmosphere makes it a lovely spot for a date, a relaxed catch-up with a mate or somewhere to just vibe out.
8. Tequila Mockingbird
If you’re looking for a solid happy hour in the East, you could do a lot worse than Paddo’s Tequila Mockingbird’s $12 Margaritas
Tequila Mockingbird in Paddington is a South American-inspired restaurant and bar with a focus on fresh, vibrant flavors. Their happy hour runs from 4:30 pm to 6 pm, Tuesday to Friday, featuring $12 Margaritas and a selection of Latin-American snacks starting at $9. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a few pre-dinner drinks and snacks in the inner-East.
Conclusion
You do not have to empty the coffers to get absolutely hammered on a night out in Syd. Whether you’re looking for a glass of wine, a tropical cocktail, or a craft beer. So, grab your friends, head to one of these fantastic venues, and get happier with Sydney’s best happy hours, whatever that means.
