Redfern’s Best Bars: Where to Sip Without Pretending You’re Cool

Welcome, fellow humans, to Redfern—the Sydney suburb where the bar scene is as hot as your ex’s new Instagram profile. If you’re here, you’re probably looking for three things: a drink, a vibe, and maybe a way to pretend you’re not just here to avoid your actual life. Lucky for you, we’ve done the work. Here’s a list of bars that’ll make you feel like a local, not a tourist who forgot to pack a sense of direction.

1. The Bar With the Name You’ll Immediately Forget

Let’s start with The One That’s All About Craft, because if you’re going to drink, you might as well drink like a beer-nerd. This spot’s got more taps than your gym trainer’s motivational speeches. Their rotating craft lineup is basically a masterclass in liquid gold. Plus, if you’re feeling brave, try the “Surprise Me” cocktail—just don’t blame us if it tastes like your childhood trauma.

2. The Bar That’s Basically a Party in a Suit

Next up is The Fancy One With a View, where the ambiance is so good it could probably get away with murder. Think: leather booths, dim lighting, and bartenders who know your name (because you’ve been here twice and they’ve forgotten their own). The cocktail menu is a love letter to over-the-topness, with drinks like the “Sydney Sunset” that cost more than your firstborn but taste like you’re on vacation. Pro tip: Order the “Mystery Shot”—it’s a 50/50 chance of either becoming your new favorite or regretting it for days.

3. The Bar That’s Basically a University for Bartenders

The One That Teaches You How to Drink Better is a gem for anyone who thinks mixing a Martini is harder than explaining your life choices to your parents. Their bartenders are like chefs, but with more glitter and less anxiety about burning the house down. They even offer free “mixology masterclasses” (code for: they’ll let you spill $20 of their premium spirits while pretending it’s educational). Don’t miss the “Redfern Special”—a drink so good it might make you forgive your ex for everything.

4. The Bar That’s Just a Fancy Word for ‘Fun’

For a night out that’s less “I’m here to be seen” and more “I’m here to not die alone,” check out The One That Feels Like Your Living Room. It’s the kind of spot where the bartender knows you’re not a regular but still acts like they do. Their menu includes things like “The Drunk Pizza” (it’s just crisps, but you’ll love it anyway) and drinks that come in mugs because they’re too cool for glasses. Warning: Their WiFi is strong enough to make your phone cry, but the vibes are strong enough to make you forget about it.

5. The Bar That’s Trying to Be a Wellness Retreat

Yes, even Redfern has a bar that claims to be “clean” while charging you $18 for kombucha. Welcome to The One That’s Into Yoga and Gin, where the bartender says “hygge” like it’s a secret code. Their “Wellness Cocktails” are basically just sparkling water with a sprig of mint and a $25 price tag, but hey, it’s all about the ritual, right? Don’t miss their “Detox Mojito”—a drink that tastes like regret and costs like a mortgage payment.

How to Pick the Right Bar Without Looking Like a Tourist

• Check the lighting: Dim lights = good vibes. Bright lights = bad decisions.
• Look for locals: If the crowd looks like they’ve been here since the ’90s, you’re in the right place.
• Avoid the “Instagrammable” spots: If the bartender takes a photo of you, you’re in the wrong bar.
• Ask for recommendations: Just don’t ask the barista—they’ll probably suggest a $15 latte instead of a drink.

Bars That Deserve a Standing Ovation (But Probably Won’t Give You One Back)

While we’re not here to hand out awards, here’s a shoutout to Dropt.beer—the best place to sell your homebrew if you’ve learned something from this list. If you’re serious about taking your bar game to the next level, check out Strategies.beer for tips on how to grow your bar business without crying over cash flow.

FAQs: The Ones You’re Too Embarrassed to Ask

1. Can I actually get a good Martini here? Yes. But only if you spell it correctly and don’t ask for olives.
2. Is it weird to go alone? Not at all. Most Redfern bars have single seats for people who’ve mastered the art of looking cool alone.
3. Will I get carded? Only if you’re under 30 and still use the word “lit” in a sentence.
4. What if I’m not into craft beer? Don’t worry. Redfern also has a bar that serves “regular” beer for people who don’t want to sound like they know what they’re doing.

Final Toast: To Not Regretting Your Life Choices

So there you have it: Redfern’s best bars, ranked by how likely they’ll make you forget your life for an hour. Whether you’re here to network, cry into a cocktail, or just pretend you’re on a date, these spots have you covered. Now go forth and sip like a pro—just don’t forget to tip the bartender. They’re the only ones who’ll still talk to you after your third round of “mystery shots.”