2024 TimeOut The 21 best bars in Australia for a memorable night out

Black Pearl

2024 TimeOut The 21 best bars in Australia for a memorable night out - No.1

Fitzroy, Victoria

A jewel in Melbourne’s bar crown, Black Pearl is a trailblazer in the city’s cocktail culture, tucked along Brunswick Street in Fitzroy. For over two decades, this unassuming upstairs lounge and cozy downstairs bar have been turning out world-class drinks with charm, creativity, and just the right amount of edge. Known globally for its warm hospitality and innovative mixology, Black Pearl has earned cult status as the go-to spot for both serious cocktail lovers and casual night owls.

The Caterpillar Club

2024 TimeOut The 21 best bars in Australia for a memorable night out - No.2

Sydney , New South Wales

The Caterpillar Club in Sydney is a vibrant hub of eclectic charm and unbridled social energy. This dynamic venue offers an impressive range of craft cocktails and a curated selection of local and international brews. As twilight falls, the club transforms with pulsating beats and live entertainment spearheading the nightlife. Its stylish interiors and cozy nooks create the ideal backdrop for unforgettable evenings, making every visit a delightful journey for all revelers.

Maker

2024 TimeOut The 21 best bars in Australia for a memorable night out - No.3

South Brisbane, Queensland

Maker in South Brisbane is a chic, intimate venue where craftsmanship and creativity collide. Renowned for its curated selection of artisan cocktails and an impressive array of spirits, this bar offers a sophisticated yet relaxed ambiance perfect for social gatherings or a quiet drink. Its artful décor and attentive staff make each visit a memorable experience. Whether you're a cocktail connoisseur or simply looking for a cozy spot to unwind, Maker promises a distinctive and delightful outing.

Mary Mary

2024 TimeOut The 21 best bars in Australia for a memorable night out - No.4

Hobart, Tasmania

At Mary Mary in historic Salamanca Place, Hobart, enjoy a vibrant social atmosphere accompanied by refreshing drinks. This trendy establishment offers a diverse selection of cocktails, wines, and craft beers to suit every taste. Relax in the cozy ambiance indoors or soak up the bustling energy on the outdoor terrace. Whether meeting friends or mingling with locals, Mary Mary provides the perfect setting for socializing in Hobart.

Byrdi

2024 TimeOut The 21 best bars in Australia for a memorable night out - No.5

Melbourne , Victoria

Byrdi Bar in Melbourne’s Ella precinct is a unique blend of bar, café, and lab, focusing on seasonal and local ingredients. Known for its innovative cocktails crafted with fermentation and other advanced techniques, Byrdi offers a dynamic and modern space. The venue includes a street-facing experimental lab called the Aviary, making it a standout spot for both casual and adventurous drinkers.

Old Mates Place

2024 TimeOut The 21 best bars in Australia for a memorable night out - No.6

Sydney, New South Wales

Old Mate's Place, nestled in Sydney's City Centre, offers a sophisticated rooftop experience reminiscent of an old library. Adorned with bookshelves, the bar exudes a vintage charm while boasting an impressive range of spirits. Enjoy the cozy ambiance as you sip on carefully crafted cocktails and soak in the stunning views of the city skyline. Old Mate's Place provides the perfect setting for a refined and memorable evening.

Maybe Mae

2024 TimeOut The 21 best bars in Australia for a memorable night out - No.7

Adelaide, South Australia

Secreted beneath the lively bustle of Peel Street, Maybe Mae is a hidden cocktail den that has earned cult status in Adelaide’s nightlife scene. With its art deco design, dimly lit booths, and expertly crafted cocktails, this speakeasy-style venue offers a refined yet seductive atmosphere that rewards those who seek it out. Enter through an unmarked timber door and descend into a world of polished service, inventive drinks, and old-world charm — Maybe Mae is small bar sophistication at its best.

Savile Row

2024 TimeOut The 21 best bars in Australia for a memorable night out - No.8

Fortitude Valley, Queensland

Savile Row is an elegant, hidden gem in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley. Known for its orange door, this intimate cocktail bar boasts over 1,000 spirits and expertly crafted drinks. Its dimly lit, speakeasy-style atmosphere invites guests to explore bespoke cocktails, whiskies, and more. The knowledgeable staff ensure a tailored experience, whether you’re a cocktail connoisseur or new to the craft. Masterclasses and exclusive events add to its appeal, making it a destination for forgettable evenings

Bar Rochford

2024 TimeOut The 21 best bars in Australia for a memorable night out - No.9

Canberra , Australian Capital Territory

Bar Rochford in Canberra is a vibrant haven for those seeking a blend of eclectic entertainment and social sophistication. This standout venue entices with its curated selection of craft cocktails, exquisite wines, and an ever-evolving beer list. The ambient setting, complete with cozy corners and a lively bar, invites guests to socialize, enjoy live music, and indulge in delectable shared plates crafted with finesse. Perfect for an evening unwind or a spirited night out, Bar Rochford defines stylish revelry.

Above Board

2024 TimeOut The 21 best bars in Australia for a memorable night out - No.10

Collingwood, Victoria

Above Board is Collingwood’s hidden temple to cocktail perfection—a sleek, minimalist bar perched above the buzz of Smith Street. Tucked away on Level 1 of a bottle shop, this intimate venue by acclaimed bartender Hayden Lambert strips things back to the essentials: no menus, no clutter, just expertly crafted drinks and refined service. With only 12 seats circling the central bar, it’s a personalised experience where every pour is thoughtful, deliberate, and award-winning. This is Melbourne mixology at its most honest.

Entry details coming soon

2024 TimeOut The 21 best bars in Australia for a memorable night out - No.11

Cobbler

2024 TimeOut The 21 best bars in Australia for a memorable night out - No.12

West End, Queensland

Discover Cobbler, a thriving gem in West End, Queensland, where expert mixologists craft innovative cocktails for the adventurous palate. This vibrant venue boasts an impressive selection of whiskeys, setting the perfect stage for lively evenings of laughter and camaraderie. With its intimate, laid-back atmosphere, Cobbler is the go-to spot for both spirited catch-ups and relaxed hangouts, offering an unparalleled drinking experience that promises to delight and entertain every visitor.

Bar Heather

2024 TimeOut The 21 best bars in Australia for a memorable night out - No.13

Byron Bay, New South Wales

Bar Heather in Byron Bay is your ultimate social hub, offering a vibrant oasis for drinking and entertainment. Dive into its eclectic menu featuring expertly crafted cocktails, fine wines, and local brews. The atmosphere buzzes with live music and DJ sets, making it perfect for lively nights out. With cozy seating and an inviting dance floor, Bar Heather is a go-to spot for both relaxed conversations and energetic socializing, promising memorable evenings in the heart of Byron Bay.

Foxtrot Unicorn

2024 TimeOut The 21 best bars in Australia for a memorable night out - No.14

Perth , Western Australia

Foxtrot Unicorn in Perth is a vibrant oasis for those who love their spirits with a twist. This eclectic venue serves up a dazzling array of craft cocktails and premium spirits, expertly concocted by talented mixologists. With its warm, inviting ambiance and live music setting the perfect backdrop, it's an ideal spot for lively social gatherings or intimate catch-ups. Whether you're unwinding after work or celebrating a special occasion, Foxtrot Unicorn promises an unforgettable night out.

Cantina OK!

2024 TimeOut The 21 best bars in Australia for a memorable night out - No.15

Sydney , New South Wales

Tiny in size but huge in character, Cantina OK! is one of Sydney’s most acclaimed cocktail dens — a micro mezcal bar tucked into a CBD laneway with standing room only, an ever-changing back bar of rare agave spirits, and a reputation that far exceeds its footprint. Vibrant, high-energy, and wildly fun, it’s a world-class bar that feels like your coolest friend’s kitchen.

Entry details coming soon

2024 TimeOut The 21 best bars in Australia for a memorable night out - No.16

Hains & Co

2024 TimeOut The 21 best bars in Australia for a memorable night out - No.17

Adelaide, South Australia

Sail into the spirited world of Hains & Co, a nautical-themed bar tucked down Gilbert Place in Adelaide’s west end. Specialising in gin, rum, and fine cigars, this warm and welcoming small bar is all about high-quality drops, engaging bartenders, and laid-back laneway vibes. With wooden ship-style interiors, outdoor tables, and a constantly rotating menu of expertly crafted cocktails, Hains & Co is a haven for spirit lovers, industry folk, and those chasing good times in great company.

Entry details coming soon

2024 TimeOut The 21 best bars in Australia for a memorable night out - No.18

La Buvette Drinkery

2024 TimeOut The 21 best bars in Australia for a memorable night out - No.19

Adelaide, South Australia

Transport yourself to a Parisian backstreet without leaving Adelaide at La Buvette Drinkery, a chic and authentic French-style bar hidden along Gresham Street. This charming west end favourite offers a sophisticated selection of natural wines, French aperitifs, craft beers, and classic cocktails in a relaxed, vintage-inspired setting. Whether you’re unwinding with pastis, sipping on Champagne, or exploring niche vermouths, La Buvette delivers a soulful, stylish escape that celebrates French drinking culture with Adelaidean hospitality.

Entry details coming soon

2024 TimeOut The 21 best bars in Australia for a memorable night out - No.20

Caretaker's Cottage

2024 TimeOut The 21 best bars in Australia for a memorable night out - No.21

Melbourne , Victoria

Tucked beside a historic bluestone church on Little Lonsdale Street, Caretaker’s Cottage is a small bar with an outsized reputation. Housed in a former 1914 caretaker’s residence, this intimate venue fuses old-world charm with new-world cocktails, top-tier spirits, and a seriously curated music program. With only a handful of seats and standing room, it’s a hidden gem celebrated by global bar awards and locals alike — a place where every drink is meticulous, the vibe is vinyl, and hospitality is deeply personal.