This year’s compilation of Sydney’s best bars was a much harder list than usual to whittle down due to the number of ace new openings and a higher standard of cocktails across the board. Martinis, the gin (or vodka) based warhorse, are more popular than ever before. (And to be honest, we thought the cocktail’s local popularity had peaked last year.
) Everyone seems to be rocking a “freezer” martini (with varying quality), but there’s also tomato-leaf martinis, an increasing frequency of 50/50 martinis, and quite a few decent lychee martinis that won’t bring on a syrup-induced headache. It’s safe to say Sydney’s lust for a good margarita isn’t slowing down, you can expect to see a boat-load more palomas come summer, and competition for the city’s best pina colada remains fierce. Ante Is it a bar with great food, or a restaurant with exceptional booze? A bit of both, really.
Owner Matt Young imports sake, so everything is available by the glass, making it a very good spot to take a deep dive into the nuanced world of junmai (“pure rice”) brews. Don’t sleep on the cocktails either. Meanwhile, Young’s drinks are enhanced by a serious record collection and creative snacks and share plates by chef Jemma Whiteman.
(We would say “book ahead” but it’s walk-ins only.) 146 King Street, Newtown, ante.bar Arcadia Liquors It’s been no frills, all thrills since day dot at this fairy-lit Redfern fixture, which remains resolutely unpretentious and reliable.
