The best places to dine & drink outdoors in The Rocks

Sydney’s oldest pub has been operating continuously for almost two centuries. We’re not surprised either; this iconic pub still offers the same warm and welcoming atmosphere, 16 local and imported beers on tap and a menu of hearty Aussie classics. Their expansive beer garden is the perfect place to catch up with friends and enjoy a little live music. 

Inspired by village bars in Ireland, Frank Mac’s is brimming with old school charm and warm hospitality. It’s set in a lovingly restored sandstone building that’s full of character. Discover over 100+ gins from the big brands like Bombay Sapphire and Tanqueray, as well as hard-to-find spirits out of smaller distilleries.

There’s a sunny courtyard perfect for sipping gin and soaking in the atmosphere, flowing out to alfresco seating on George street that’s perfect for people watching. The bar’s expansive interior is set over two levels with decor that’s a cross between a luxurious speakeasy bar and a Hogwarts common room. We’re talking encyclopedias stacked on rich mahogany shelves, plush velvet seating and wrap-around leather booths. 

At The Keel you can raise a glass for a good cause, as they promise to donate 20 percent of its profits back to the community and charitable. The sophisticated fit-out has a nautical-inspired theme — think hardwood timbers and cosy booths that are ideal for small groups. There's also a balcony area overlooking Sydney Harbour and Circular Quay that's great for a sunny afternoon bev. Unsurprisingly, rum is the hero here, and you can expect many idiosyncratic cocktails to be shaken and stirred behind the bar. 

The old police station on George Street once housed Sydney’s roughest criminals and toughest cops. The current tenant, Sergeant Lok, serves Chinese cuisine with a sophisticated modern twist and cocktails that hark back to the area’s chequered past. Grab a seat on George Street and order up a Chinese feast.

Beer is infinitely better recently brewed and poured fresh from the tap. If you agree you’ll love Endeavour Tap Rooms, a local craft beer bar that brews beer on site and serves a mean angus beef brisket. Reserve a bench in their extensive outdoor dining area and make a day of it.

The Aussie is one of Sydney’s original pubs, serving 130 homegrown craft beers, a famous selection of Aussie pizzas and a boatload of character. There’s nowhere better to enjoy a cold pint in Sydney than the sunny forecourt tables out the front of the pub. 

Tucked away off George Street there’s a hidden sandstone courtyard protected from the wind and bathed in sun. Here, in this centuries old character space, The Doss House serves Sydney’s best selection of whiskeys and a selection of delicious bites including a platter with Kangaroo prosciutto and boar salami.

This iconic hotel is your local go-to for elevated pub fare, espresso martinis on tap and buzzing atmosphere. If you’re hungry their slow cooked lamb shoulder is meltingly tender, while their chicken parma is a classic done just right - definitely better than home cooking after all these months! Their outdoor area on Cumberland street is an absolute sun trap, perfect for cold beers and catchups. 

The Mercantile is Sydney’s oldest Irish pub, famous for raucous good times, perfectly poured pints of Guinness and their cracking Shamrock Pie. Gather round an outdoor table on George Street with a pint in hand and a hearty Irish meal on the table and watch the night go by.

The Orient was established over 170 years back in 1844 and it’s only gotten better with age. Their open air dining area on Jack Mundey Place is bathed in sun year round, and their selection of cocktails and classic Aussie mains will please even the most discerning of diners.