SOLOTEL'S BEST ROOFTOPS AND BEER GARDENS 2023
Media Release: October 2023
ROOFTOPS
Casa Rosa at The Abercombie
Inspired by the iconic Palazzo Chupi 'pink house' in New York, Casa Rosa's vibrant inner city rooftop terrazzo, signature cocktails, mezze-style food, and DJs will have you coming back again and again this summer.
Where: 100 Broadway, Chippendale
More info: abercrombie.sydney
The Clock Hotel
A spot on the balcony overlooking bustling Crown Street is highly coveted at this Surry Hills institution. Savour an elevated pub menu with a French twist and expertly crafted cocktails. Hit up happy hour from 4-6pm, Monday to Friday, as well as daily food specials, including $2 oysters on Sundays,
Where: 470 Crown St, Surry Hills
More info: clockhotel.com.au
Smoke at Barangaroo House
Channel NYC rooftop vibes as you watch the sun go down over the harbour from this picturesque bar located atop Barangaroo House. Insanely creative cocktails with all syrups, vinegars, purees, infused spirits and wines, and liqueurs made in-house using techniques including sous-vide, clarification, switching, force carbonation and cold infusion. And with a new list curated every few months, you'll have no choice but to make return appearances to find your new favourite. There are also next-level snacks and shared plates to sit alongside your sundowner. Think crispy karaage chicken, delicate prawn gyoza, tasty baos and signature crispy chips, topped with nori salt. DJs set the vibe on Fridays through to Sundays.
Where: 35 Barangaroo Avenue, Barangaroo
More info: barangaroohouse.com.au
Kings Cross Hotel
Soak in the rich history of Kings Cross on the balcony and rooftop bar of this iconic venue. Sip on a cocktail while looking out at the iconic Cola-Cola sign and enjoy the eclectic vibes of this unique part of Sydney. Have a sneaky tipple with happy hour from 4-6pm, Monday to Friday, or take advantage of the venue’s daily food specials, including $1 wings all day on Wednesdays.
Where: 244-248 William St, Potts Point
More info: kingscrosshotel.com.au
BEER GARDENS
Albion Hotel
Whether it's after-work drinks or a Sunday session with friends, the beer garden at the Albion is the perfect place to be. Enjoy a meal from its extensive delicious menu, or simply sit back with a beer, wine or cocktail and enjoy. Hit up happy hour, 4-6pm every Monday through to Friday. Don’t miss weekly poker nights, trivia, live music, weekend shisha, RnB Fridays, and banging tunes on Saturday nights.
Where: 135 George St, Parramatta
More info: albionhotel.com.au
The Abercombie
It may be known for its ground-floor club space, but The Abercrombie also has a beer garden that's perfect for these warmer days. A winner on the Italian-inspired pub menu are the pizzas – available whole or by the slice. There are also other pub favourites including a Parmie burger, basil rigatoni and roast barramundi. Enjoy $4 middies, $7 wines and spirits, and $10 Margs during happy hour between 5-7pm, Monday to Friday as well as daily food and drink specials.
Where: 100 Broadway, Chippendale
More info: abercrombie.sydney
Bridgeview Hotel
The Bridgeview Hotel has been a trusted place for locals to gather since it opened in 1928. Head on up to the rooftop terrace and enjoy a fantastic pub meal with family and friends, as you watch the world go by. The venue also runs regular themed trivia nights, happy hour on weekdays from 4-6pm, $18 lunches and meat raffles every Friday night.
Where: 580 Willoughby Rd, Willoughby
More info: bridgeviewhotel.com.au
Carousel Inn, Rooty Hill
If you’re out west, Carousel Inn is the perfect spot kick back in the beer garden and enjoy happy hour Monday to Saturday. On Sundays, bring the whole family as the beer garden has direct access to the kid's playground so you can relax while the kids are occupied. There’s also entertainment for the kids from 12-3pm and they eat free all day on Sundays.
Where: Cnr Woodstock Avenue & Duke Street, Rooty Hill
More info: carouselinn.com.au
The Courthouse Hotel
With its relaxed, backyard vibe, the beer garden at The Courty is an icon of Newtown. The perfect place to settle in for an afternoon sesh and doggos are very welcome, actually encouraged. Don't leave without trying its infamous Courty Can O’ Nachos. Hit up happy hour from 4-6pm, Monday to Friday with schooners for $5.50 and house wines for $7. There’s also weekly specials and trivia, bingo and DJs.
Where: 202 Australia St, Newtown
More info: thecourty.com.au
Darlo Bar
Whether you're watching the world go by from the outdoor tables or enjoying the killer tunes and tasty cocktails in the enclosed beer garden, there is always something to see at Darlo Bar. Quirky, fun and welcoming of all the dogs, this quintessentially local pub is perfect for an afternoon ale. Or try your hand at Trivia Tuesdays, Drag Bingo Wednesdays or the Locals Raffle every Thursday.
Where: 306 Liverpool St, Darlinghurst
More info: darlobar.com.au
The Erko
Pull up a pew on one of the homestyle picnic tables in the beer garden, and sit back, relax and enjoy. Erskineville’s much-loved local, The Erko, launches its new pub menu this October with former Chiswick chef Ethan Robinson at the helm. The approachable menu includes many pub-friendly favourites with a solid focus on making as much as possible in-house using locally sourced seasonal produce, including from the neighbouring community garden. The kitchen is making its own bread, hand cutting the chips, crumbing the chickens, fermenting and pickling in-house using surplus, blemished and oddly shaped produce, using herbs and veggies sourced locally, and composting kitchen waste. Tuck into late-night Margys between 9-11pm every Friday, or sink your teeth into a mouthwatering roast each Sunday. And don’t forget to bring your doggo as they’re all very welcome, with a treat menu just for them.
Where: 102 Erskineville Road, Erskineville
More info: theerko.com.au
The Golden Sheaf
The beer garden is at the centre of everything at The Golden Sheaf, and it's easy to see why. Nestled under a beautiful 80-year-old fig tree, it's the perfect place to enjoy some live music and DJs, a catch-up with friends or a night out. Sip on bottomless Margys between 12-3pm on Sundays for $99, take advantage of happy hour between 4-6pm, Monday to Friday or the weekly food specials on offer.
Where: 429 New South Head Road, Double Bay
More info: thegoldensheaf.com.au
House Bar at Barangaroo House
Chilled escapism and sunny feels are the order of the day at House Bar on the ground floor of Barangaroo House. Overlooking the water and spilling onto a spacious terrace, it’s your perfect perch for people watching. This is your go-to for laid-back weekend sessions, cold beers with friends or that after-work thing.
Where: 35 Barangaroo Avenue, Barangaroo
More info: barangaroohouse.com.au
House Canteen at Sydney Opera House
House Canteen is an all-day hawker style diner nestled beneath the Opera House sails, with showstopping views of the Sydney Harbour beaming in from every angle. Inspired by the greatest street food hits of Tokyo, Hong Kong, Hanoi and beyond, the breezy menu takes you from Single O coffees and toasty bakery classics in the morning to pan-Asian favourites from lunch till late. Perch over the full feast, a pre-show cocktail and snack, or grab a bite to-go.
Where: Lower Concourse, Sydney Opera House
More info: housecanteen.com.au
The Marly
With its warm and welcoming vibes, the beer garden at The Marly is your perfect local hang-out this summer. Enjoy late night music or a night or meet like-minded creatives as you bask in those warm rays. Tune into headline DJs in Public Bar and events in Tokyo Sing Song every Friday & Saturday, Breko’s Music Bingo on Thursdays, as well as daily food specials, including $10 loaded fries on Thursdays.
Where: 145 King St, Newtown
More info: marlboroughhotel.com.au
Opera Bar
With its 180-degree views of Sydney Harbour, fabulous drinks list and tasty menu, it's easy to see why Opera Bar remains a go-to for locals and visitors alike year-round. But enjoying a wine with friends under the sails of the Opera House hits differently in the summer afternoon sun.
Where: Lower Concourse Level, Sydney Opera House
More info: operabar.com.au
Public House Petersham
Drenched in sunlight and known for its friendly and relaxed atmosphere, the beer garden at Public House Petersham will have you feeling right at home. Enjoy a wood-fired pizza, one of the many craft beers on tap, and an all-natural wine list that changes with the seasons, ensuring you enjoy the best of the best all year. There’s also plenty of entertainment, with something fun and exciting happening every night of the week. Hit up happy hour every weekday from 4-6pm as well as daily food specials and weekly trivia.
Where: 292 Stanmore Road, Petersham
More info: publichousepetersham.com.au