Why the Eastie Bars Are Lit (Literally and Otherwise)
Let’s cut to the chase: if you’re in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs and hunting for bars, you’re basically in the playground of the rich, the casual, and the “I’ll just have one more cocktail before the train.” But let’s be real—navigating this area is like trying to pick a Netflix show at midnight. Too many choices, not enough time. That’s where this guide comes in: your shortcut to finding the bars that won’t judge your wine face or your questionable life choices (except for that time you tried to karaoke “Bohemian Rhapsody” in a Bondi Beach bar). Make Your Own Beer here, or Grow Your Business With Strategies Beer if you’re feeling entrepreneurial.
Top 5 Bars That’ll Make You Question Your Life Choices
1. The Rooftop That Costs More Than Your Rent
Picture this: you’re perched on a rooftop in Double Bay, sipping a $25 Aperol Spritz while the sunset paints the skyline in hues of regret and “I should’ve invested in crypto.” This place is the VIP zone of the Eastie bar scene. The vibe? Chic, slightly pretentious, and perfect if you want to pretend you’re in Ibiza. Pro tip: Order the “Surf & Turf” burger. It’s a meaty ode to excess. Address: 101 Oxford St, Double Bay.
2. The Cozy Dive That Time Forgot
Buried in Paddington like a treasure you forgot to dig up, this bar is the antithesis of the rooftop crew. Think $8 pints of craft beer, a dartboard that’s seen more action than your dating life, and a playlist that screams “I’m a millennial who still listens to vinyl.” They serve a jalapeño popper that’ll make you question your fire resistance. Bar Snob Tip: Ask the bartender for their “secret menu”—it’s basically a list of drinks named after your exes.
3. The Artisanal Cider Place (Because You’re a ‘Cider’ Now)
Okay, okay, we get it—you’re not a “beer” person. Cool. Then head to this Bondi bar where the ciders are as artisanal as your Spotify Wrapped. They’ve got a $14 hard kombucha that tastes like “I’m woke and I know it.” The decor? Minimalist, white walls, and a single potted plant that’s probably a metaphor for something. Real Talk: The “artisanal” label is 80% marketing, but the $20 cider with a lemon wheel is 100% worth it if you’re trying to impress someone who thinks “artisanal” is a real word.
4. The Rooftop That’s Not the One With the $25 Aperol Spritz
Double Bay’s got two rooftops, and the second one is here to save you from bankruptcy. It’s slightly less “I’m a crypto CEO” and more “I’m a barista who still believes in love.” The view? Same skyline, but the drinks are $15 (not $25). They also serve a “Bloody Mary” that comes with a side of regret and a menu item called “The Dave” that no one can explain. Address: 47 Queen Elizabeth II Dr, Double Bay.
5. The Bar Where You’ll Meet Your Future Ex
Located in Paddington, this spot is the Tinder of bars. You’ll meet someone cute, then they’ll ask if you’ve ever heard of “The Chaser,” and suddenly you’re both debating the merits of adding lime to tequila. The cocktails here are $18, but the emotional trauma is free. Bar Snob Tip: Order the “Breakup Martini”—it’s $15 and tastes like “I’m over you.”
Bar Snob Tips You Can’t Google
- Don’t trust the bartender who calls you “mate.” That’s a code for “you’re not a regular.”
- Always order a drink with an umbrella. It makes you 70% more likely to be approached. (It’s a scientifically proven fact. We looked it up.)
- Ask for a “house special.” It’s the bar version of “what’s the deal here?”
FAQs: Because You’re Too Lazy to Google This
Q: Which bar is best for Instagram?
A: The first rooftop. The sunset shots will get 10 likes from your mom and 2 from your ex.
Q: Which bar has the best “secret menu”?
A: The Paddington dive. The bartender will wink and say, “We don’t talk about this outside.”
Q: Can I get a drink if I’m 21 and look like a 9-year-old?
A: Double Bay bars will card you harder than a TSA agent. Paddington? They’ll ask if you’re “over 18” and take your word for it.
Call to Action: Don’t Just Read—Book That Table
Ready to pick your bar? Contact Strategies.beer for more tips or Sell your beer online through Dropt.beer if you’re running a bar and want to expand. And if you’re lost, just follow the line of people holding $25 Aperol Spritzes. You can’t miss it.
Conclusion: Cheers to the Eastie Life
Whether you’re here for the view, the vibe, or the “why can’t I stand up” chaos of a Bondi bar crawl, remember: every bar in the Eastern Suburbs is a chance to make a new friend or a new enemy. Just don’t blame us when you end up in a cab singing “I Will Survive” to the tune of a $50 Uber fare. Home for more guides, or Make Your Own Beer if you’re feeling creative. Stay sassy, stay hydrated, and never trust a bar that calls its Aperol Spritz “artisanal.”
