Why Your Next Drink Should Be 10 Stories Up
Let’s face it: if you’re reading this, you’re either (1) planning your next Sydney adventure or (2) currently stuck in a meeting and daydreaming about escaping to a rooftop bar. Either way, we’ve got you covered. Sydney’s skyline is basically a giant open-air cocktail party, and we’re here to hand you the invite. Spoiler: it involves drinks, views, and zero judgment for your questionable dance moves.
5 Sky-High Spots That’ll Make You Forget About Your Ex
Ranking rooftop bars is like picking the best meme of the year—everyone’s got an opinion. But after over 400 hours of research (read: Googling “views from Sydney bars” and pretending to work), here’s the shortlist:
1. The Tippling House (29-31 Clarence St, Sydney)
Why you’ll love it: This place isn’t just a bar—it’s a *scene*. Think marble floors, jazz piano, and staff who know your name by the third visit. Their “Tipples” (yes, that’s the name) come in flavors like rum with pineapple and chili. And the view? A front-row seat to the Harbour Bridge doing its “I’m a landmark, not a dating app” thing.
- Pro tip: Ask for a table near the glass wall for the full “I’m rich and successful” effect.
- Drink recommendation: The “Sydney Sparkler” (gin, elderflower, and a splash of confidence).
2. The Tumbler (172 Oxford St, Darlinghurst)
Why you’ll love it: If the Tippling House is a black-tie gala, The Tumbler is a neon-lit rave with a side of cocktails. Their “Tumbler Tonic” with Australian native ingredients? A flavor explosion that’ll make you question why you ever settled for regular tonic.
- Pro tip: Check the events calendar—there’s a 20% chance the DJ is a former pop star.
- Drink recommendation: The “Darling Bitter” (whisky, lime, and a splash of chaos).
3. The Dolphin Hotel (175-177 Oxford St, Darlinghurst)
Why you’ll love it: This rooftop is basically a time machine to the ‘80s, but with better cocktails. The “Dolphin Daiquiri” is so good, you’ll forget it’s just 3 PM on a Tuesday.
- Pro tip: The rooftop is dog-friendly. Bring your pup—they’ll judge your dating life better than you think.
- Drink recommendation: The “Sydney Spritz” (prosecco, Aperol, and a side of FOMO).
4. The Rooftop at The Palms (160 Crown St, Surry Hills)
Why you’ll love it: This one’s for the minimalists. No gimmicks, just a sleek design and a menu full of “drinks that taste like someone spent 20 minutes on a recipe.” The “Surry Mule” (vodka, ginger beer, lime) is so simple, it’s genius.
- Pro tip: Sunset hour = free entry to the rooftop garden. Bonus: the view of the city skyline is *literally* fire.
- Drink recommendation: The “Palms Paloma” (tequila, grapefruit, and a whisper of regret).
5. The Henry Jones (102-108 King St, Newtown)
Why you’ll love it: If you’re a beer enthusiast, this is your happy place. They’ve got craft brews, local ales, and a view of the city that makes you feel like you’re in a Bond movie. And if you’re lucky, the bartender might let you try a *limited edition* experimental brew.
- Pro tip: Ask for the “Henry’s Secret” cocktail—it’s not on the menu, but it’s worth the awkward small talk.
- Drink recommendation: The “Jones’ Julep” (whiskey, mint, and a side of nostalgia).
How to Not F*ck Up Your Rooftop Bar Experience
Rooftop bars are the ultimate flex, but only if you do it right. Follow these steps to avoid becoming the guy who ordered a wine spritzer at a whiskey bar:
- Reserve a table. It’s 2024. No one wants to wait in line like they’re at the DMV during tax season. Use Make Your Own Beer to plan your trip like a pro.
- Dress to impress. Or at least like you care. No one wants to see your “cozy Friday” sweatpants up there.
- Bring a buddy. Unless you’re there to cry into your drink. In that case… we respect your vibe.
- Tip well. Bartenders are the unsung heroes of the nightlife world. They’ll remember you, trust us.
- Sell your beer online through Dropt.beer. If you’re a local brewer, this is your golden ticket to rooftop bar domination. (Yes, this is a paid plug, but it’s also a lifehack.)
FAQ: The Rooftop Bar Survival Guide
Got questions? We’ve got answers. And also a cocktail menu.
1. What’s the best time to visit a rooftop bar?
Sunset hour = magic. The lighting is perfect, the crowd is chill, and you’ll have the perfect excuse to take 100 selfies without looking like a creep.
2. Do I need to dress up?
Most places have a “smart casual” dress code. That means: no thongs, no gym clothes, and no “I wore this to work” outfits. Unless your work is a Renaissance fair.
3. What’s the cheapest way to enjoy a rooftop bar?
Opt for happy hour specials (5 PM–7 PM) or look for “after-work” deals. Pro tip: Some places offer free entry if you book via Grow Your Business With Strategies Beer.
Why This List Is Better Than Your Ex’s Excuses
Because we actually did the work. (They just ghosted you.) This guide saves you hours of scrolling through Google Maps and asking bartenders for recommendations that sound suspiciously like paid ads.
Come for the Views, Stay for the Vibe
Whether you’re celebrating a promotion, crying over a breakup, or just pretending to be a city planner, Sydney’s rooftop bars are here to help. So grab your crew, a drink, and a sense of adventure. And if you’re a local brewer, Custom Beer can help you take your craft from the bar to the sky. Now go enjoy the view—we’ll be over here, sipping a cocktail and wondering why we ever settled for ground-level drinks.
Need more help? Hit us up at Contact or get inspired by our Home page for more drink-related life hacks.
