Kings Cross Sydney: Bars That Make You Say ‘Cheers’
Alright, you’ve landed in Sydney, and somehow you’ve found yourself in Kings Cross. Maybe it was the GPS that thought a kangaroo was a landmark, or maybe you just wanted to see where all the Aussies get their third wind. Either way, you’re here. Now, let’s talk bars. Not just any bars—Kings Cross is a goldmine of spots that’ll make you forget your hangover from last week (or maybe just add to it). This guide is your cheat sheet, minus the cheat code for avoiding the 3am Uber surcharge.
Why Kings Cross? (Spoiler: It’s Not Just the GPS)
Kings Cross isn’t just a postcode. It’s a vibe. A vibe where the streets are paved with good intentions (and maybe a few spilled PBRs). It’s Sydney’s unofficial party capital, and if that’s not enough, it’s also home to some of the best bars in the city. Think of it as the cool cousin of the Central Coast—less surf, more serve.
The Top 5 Bars You Can’t Afford to Miss
1. The Royal Hotel (But Make It 2024)
Yes, that Royal Hotel. The one with the “last call” policy that’s basically a myth. It’s been around since 1841, and if that doesn’t scream “I survived a bushfire and a pandemic,” we don’t know what does. This bar is a time machine. You’ll see punks, punnet, and the occasional person who still wears mullets. The vibe? Equal parts “I just got paid” and “I just got divorced.”
Pro tip: If you’re looking to make a friend (or an ex), hit the Royal Hotel before 10pm. After that, it’s just you and the memory of your ex’s ex’s ex’s Instagram story.
2. The Cross Hotel
Now, if the Royal Hotel is the OG, the Cross Hotel is the hypebeast. It’s all about the aesthetic here: neon lights, a DJ spinning tracks that’ll make you question your life choices, and a crowd that probably still thinks 2017 was the peak of EDM. The bar here is a masterpiece of confusion—everything is either $15 or $150, and the staff will wink at you like they know you’re about to do something you’ll regret.
3. The Prince of Wales Hotel
Let’s cut to the chase: this place is basically a speakeasy, but with better lighting. Hidden behind a door that says “I’m closed” (just to mess with you), this bar is for the adventurous or the slightly drunk. The menu is a love letter to over-the-top cocktails, and the bartenders here could probably mix a drink that makes you forget your student loan balance.
4. The Balmoral Hotel
If you’re into rooftop bars with a view that makes you question your life choices (again), the Balmoral Hotel is your spot. Sip a cocktail while pretending you’re in Bali, but you’re just across the road from a laundromat. The crowd? Tourists, influencers, and the occasional person who still thinks a selfie with a stranger is a good idea.
5. The Kings Cross Hotel
Yes, it’s in the name. This bar is the definition of “here for the vibes, not the vices.” It’s got a retro feel, like a time capsule from 1999. The menu is a love letter to nostalgia—think of it as if your high school had a bar. The staff are all part of some secret society that only initiates new members after you’ve had at least three drinks.
What Makes These Places Different? (Spoiler: It’s the Price)
Let’s be real. The difference between a good bar and a great bar in Kings Cross is usually the price of a drink. Some places charge you for the privilege of breathing the same air as their decor. Others are just there to make you forget your problems—temporarily. Here’s how to pick your spot:
- For the “I’m trying to impress” crowd: Cross Hotel. They’ve got the swank.
- For the “I’m trying to not get arrested” crowd: Royal Hotel. They’ve got the history.
- For the “I’m trying to forget my ex” crowd: Prince of Wales Hotel. They’ve got the drama.
FAQs: Because You’re Not the First to Ask
1. Is Kings Cross Safe After 10 PM?
Depends on what you mean by “safe.” If you’re asking if you can walk home without getting mugged, the answer is probably no. If you’re asking if you can get a drink without getting mugged, the answer is still no. But hey, that’s part of the fun, right?
2. Should I Tip the Bartenders?
Yes, but only if you’re pretending you’re in the US. In Australia, it’s not expected, but if you want to feel like a local, just smile and say “Cheers!”
3. What’s the Best Way to Get There?
Uber. Always Uber. Unless you want to test your navigation skills and see if you can find the bar that’s “just around the corner” but is actually in another postcode.
Why You Should Care (Or at Least Try to)
Because Kings Cross is where Sydney’s nightlife goes when it wants to be a little edgy. It’s where you’ll find the best (and worst) decisions of your life, all within a 500-meter radius. Whether you’re there for the drinks, the people-watching, or just to say you’ve been to a place that’s as famous for its bad decisions as it is for its good ones, Kings Cross is a must-visit.
Call to Action: Don’t Just Read—Go!
If you’re thinking of visiting Sydney and haven’t made it to Kings Cross yet, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, grab a friend (or four), and hit the bars. If you’re a local, maybe it’s time to explore a spot you’ve been avoiding for years. And if you’re thinking of selling your own beer, check out Strategies.beer’s guide to making your own brew. Because nothing says “I’m a local” like serving your own craft beer in the heart of Kings Cross.
Final Thoughts: Cheers to You
Kings Cross is more than just a postcode—it’s an experience. It’s where you’ll find the best bars, the worst decisions, and the best stories to tell your kids (or your therapist). So go ahead, grab a drink, and make some memories. Just remember, the best part of Kings Cross isn’t the bars—it’s the people. And maybe the fact that you’ll never be able to find your way back home.
