Sydney’s Best Rooftop Bars to Wear Your Fave Cocktail Dress to

From Parramatta to the Inner West, roof top bars are where it’s at

While Sydney has its fair share of pubs and hidden watering holes, right now rooftop bars are having a moment. And for good reason, Sydney’s seemingly endless summer is perfect for lazy evenings overlooking the city lights and magenta sunsets with a chilled margarita in your hands.

via Instagram @slims.rooftop

Slims, Hyde Park Hotel - CBD

Even though this little patch of Palm Springs-inspired retro goodness has only recently opened, it’s fast gaining a loyal crowd of fans who come for the pink ruffled umbrellas and stay for the tasty modern Japanese fare. Get there early to see the views over Hyde Park as the sun sets, then settle in for the night. We recommend the King Fish Jalapeno and the Vegetable Gyoza.

Nick and Nora’s, Parramatta

Sitting pretty above Parramatta’s growing skyline is the glamorous Nick and Nora’s and it’s fast becoming the place to be in Western Sydney after dark. Decked out in 1930’s glory, this decadent cocktail bar on the 26th floor of V by Crown serves up cocktails with intriguing names, like Rhubarb Royal and The French Conspiracy. The food menu doesn’t disappoint either; start with some oysters served with Mumm Champagne and Watermelon Granita, then move on to the Crispy Szechuan Prawns with Lime Caviar.

via Instagram @imperialerskineville

Ess, Macquarie Park
With 360-degree views across Sydney, Ess (short for The Governess) is Macquarie Park’s coolest venue. Sitting above the business district, this chilled-out roof top is decorated in enough greenery to start a nursery, with a dedicated bar and a small kitchen producing tasty, colourful dishes, like King Salmon Miso Glaze and Shemji Mushroom, and also the mind-blowing Cheese Burger Spring Rolls.

Old Mates Place, CBD
For those who like their watering holes to have an ‘Old World’ feel, head to Old Mate’s Bar. Entering through a nondescript city building, you’ll take a lift to the fourth floor, and behind a heavy unmarked door, you’ll find a small bar lined with bookshelves and leather-bound books. It looks like the kind of place that an adult Harry Potter would love. When you’re in need of a little fresh air, just walk up the stairs to the small, open rooftop bar, and order a Philly Steak and a cold Jamaican beer.

Imperial Up, Erskineville
The Imperial has been an iconic LGBTQI+ venue for decades and was even featured in the classic movie Priscilla Queen of the Desert. Now, the newly renovated pub is under new management and, while the pub downstairs is excellent fun (with Drag 'n' Dine and happy hours), if you head upstairs you’ll find the previously unused quirky rooftop bar and cocktail lounge. The food is Italian-inspired and the cocktails are generous.