Sydney’s Favourite Underground and Upscale Bars

These diverse Sydney underground and upscale bars deliver all things from cocktails to live music and an imperturbable ambiance.

There’s something mysterious and sensual about going to underground bars as well as locals that display trend and sophistication. Almost all the bars have a theme from 1920s to New York inspired, there is no doubt the bar’s offer a new experience in the Sydney nightlife environment.

Sydney’s bar scene has evolved into something far more sophisticated than late-night cocktails and rooftop views. Today’s best venues blend architecture, storytelling, history and atmosphere in ways that rival London, New York and Singapore — often hidden inside heritage buildings many people walk past every day without understanding their significance.

1. Shell House

One of Sydney’s most visually impressive bars, Shell House sits inside the historic former Menzies Hotel building and delivers old-world glamour with a distinctly modern energy. The rooftop terrace has become one of the city’s strongest sunset spots, while the Clocktower Bar downstairs feels almost transportive with its soaring ceilings and dramatic central clock.

Few people realise the building dates back to the 1930s and was once one of Sydney’s grandest hotels before being transformed into a multi-level hospitality destination. The rooftop itself was never originally intended for public use and now feels almost European in atmosphere — particularly on warm evenings when the city crowd spills between cocktails and seafood towers.

The drinks list focuses heavily on elevated classics, while the food offering — particularly the lobster rolls and seafood — has helped move Shell House beyond simply being another rooftop bar.

37 Margaret Street, Sydney

2. The Panorama Bar at The International

The International has rapidly become one of Sydney’s most important social venues, but it’s the Panorama Bar upstairs that truly captures the city’s shift toward more globally minded hospitality.

Perched above Martin Place, the space was deliberately designed around European aperitivo culture rather than traditional Australian drinking culture — which explains why it feels more Milan or southern Europe than CBD Sydney. Floor-to-ceiling windows open onto sweeping city views, while marble finishes and warm lighting soften what could otherwise feel like a corporate location.

One detail many people miss is that the building itself was designed to reconnect Martin Place with a more social, lifestyle-driven identity after years of feeling dominated by finance workers and office towers. The drinks programme leans heavily into spritzes, champagne and Mediterranean-inspired cocktails, while the crowd shifts dramatically throughout the evening from polished after-work drinks into a much more energetic late-night atmosphere.

25 Martin Place, Sydney

3. Grill Americano

One of the city’s newest power dining and cocktail destinations, Grill Americano sits inside the former Qantas House building — a landmark of Sydney’s post-war glamour era and one of the most significant heritage hospitality redevelopments the city has seen in years.

Originally opened in the 1950s as the headquarters for Qantas during the golden age of aviation, the building symbolised international sophistication and modern Australia. Today, Grill Americano channels that same energy through dark timber interiors, leather banquettes, polished service and a distinctly New York-meets-Milan atmosphere.

The venue was created by Melbourne hospitality heavyweight Chris Lucas, and much of the design was inspired by classic Italian-American grills from Manhattan. Few people realise the kitchen features one of Australia’s most expensive custom charcoal grill systems, specifically designed to replicate the flavour profiles of old-world European steak restaurants.

The martinis are among the best in Sydney, the pasta is rolled fresh daily and the crowd reflects exactly where Sydney luxury hospitality is heading — affluent, fashion-conscious and increasingly international.

1 Chifley Square, Sydney

4. Maybe Sammy

Consistently ranked among the world’s best bars, Maybe Sammy helped put Sydney firmly onto the global cocktail map. Hidden in The Rocks, the venue blends theatrical service, vintage glamour and genuinely world-class drinks in a way few bars manage without becoming gimmicky.

The inspiration comes heavily from 1950s hotel bars in Rome and Las Vegas, which explains the white dinner jackets, old-school showmanship and playful energy throughout the space. But behind the theatre sits serious cocktail expertise — many drinks involve advanced techniques and ingredients prepared in-house.

One little-known detail is that the team trains extensively in performance and guest interaction, almost like a luxury hospitality-meets-theatre experience. Another is that the menu changes constantly based on seasonal ingredients and experimental cocktail development.

Importantly, Maybe Sammy helped shift Sydney away from the overly serious “bartender-as-mixologist” era into something more fun, social and emotionally engaging.

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44 King Street, Sydney

5. . The Baxter Inn

Sydney’s slice of New York, hidden behind the Shady Pines Saloon. A wall that stretches the length of the bar is filled with whisky, wines and any other alcoholic beverage available. The Baxter Inn provides drinks with complimentary pretzels providing for a long night of embracing the moment.

152-156 Clarence Street, Sydney (Click here for more on Sydney’s insider locales)

6. Door Knock

Underneath the hustle and bustle of Pitt Street lies Door Knock. A homey environment with cocktails using unexpected ingredients to bring a flavorsome and unique take to ordinary cocktail bars above the ground. With four distinct areas within the bar the greenery, rope and corrugated iron aesthetic provides a different feel to most secret bars it is a comfortable and cosy scene. Door Knock bar is one of Sydney’s best kept secrets (till now).

B2/70 Pitt St, Sydney

7. The Doss House

Hidden in Sydney’s historic quarter, The Doss House is ideally located in the Rocks. From its original stature of a boarding house to now a whisky bar. The rich history of The Doss house accentuates the historical architecture and interior design of the bar. With over 150 choices of whisky and a wide range of signature cocktails. The Doss House is one of Sydney’s best kept underground bars around.

77 – 79 George Street, The Rocks (Read more about luxury experiences in Sydney here)