As a nation of beverage enthusiasts, Australia is home to more than a few points of spectacular consumption. What makes naming the best of the best in bars is no easy task. But it is something that Bartender Magazine takes seriously, taking into account service, atmosphere, concept, and execution. The publication recently nominating the finalists for the Australian Bar Awards 2017 of Bartender Magazine has just been released, with the top 10 as follows.
Big Poppa’s Restaurant Reviews, Sydney
If you listen to hip hop, drinking and eating cheese sounds like your night off, the Big Poppa is for you. Sit in the classic and cozy restaurant to devour Italian dishes, or venture downstairs to the biggest and darkest cocktail bar where you can order cheeses and snacks to accompany your drink from lower plenty beer garden Victoria. No need to rush, too – this holy site of Sydney is open until 3 in the morning, including the kitchen.
Read Ashleigh O.‘s review of Big Poppa’s on YelpBoilermaker House, Melbourne
Wrapped in earthy interiors and amber light, this Melbourne bar celebrates all things from whiskey to craft beers. Marvel at the cleverly selected collection of 850 malt whiskeys from one of the 14 seats in the bar, or find the perfect pair of your drink among the variety of cured meats and cheese. Do you like a slightly more affectionate banquet? The dining room serves grill meals, all designed to effortlessly follow the selection of beers and whiskeys, of course.
Read Chantee F.‘s review of Boilermaker House on YelpThe Gresham, Brisbane
Rich in history and whiskey, The Gresham holds the only license of the Heritage Bar in Queensland. While offering some of the best whiskey, rum, and wine in the country, the bar refuses to set itself, instead of allowing people to use the space however they want. Regardless, there is no better way to appreciate the opulent architecture that defines an era than with a cleverly crafted artistic cocktail at hand.
Read Brad M.‘s review of The Gresham Bar on YelpO Beaufort, Melbourne
Nautical resources and an American theme combine in this Carlton diving bar offering great music, food and a wide range of craft beers and cocktails. Drinks mixed by an experienced staff and the variety of burgers on offer (as well as the weekly Tuesday “Burgerpalooza” where you can buy a burger and Young Henry’s tinnie for $12) means that The Beaufort can offer an exceptional night out.
Kittyhawk, Sydney
If you choose to sit in front of the wall of windows framing a view of the city or sink into the secluded leather booths, you will not be able to escape the Parisian aura offered on here. Everything from the decor to drinks was designed to transport you to the liberation of the city in 1944, culminating with an offer of contemporary French food. The right destination, whether you’re after exceptional cocktails, an extensive wine list or just to feed your francophile community.
Read Rutika D.‘s review of Kittyhawk on YelpThe Baxter Inn, Sydney
With a list of almost 800 whiskeys, the Baxter Inn is a whiskey lovers paradise – if you can find it. Tucked away in an unmarked alley in the CBD, the dark interiors of the basement house a 10-meter bar that serves alcohol alongside the usual array of distillates and cocktails. For the true enthusiast, the Whiskey Room offers some more unique varieties that can be enjoyed in the intimate setting of the winery.
Read Brad T.‘s review of The Baxter Inn on YelpInstitute of Mechanics, Perth
Take refuge from everyday life and settle among the heritage roofs of Northbridge, Perth. Formed in the spirit of the 1800s Mechanics Institutes, which served as an educational establishment for the working class, this two-floor bar offers craft beer and handcrafted wines from across Australia, a variety of constantly changing cocktails and hamburgers. Burgers Flipside who lives directly below.
Read Sylvia N.‘s review of Mechanics Institute on YelpShady Pines Saloon in Sydney
A favorite of Darlinghurst, expect music with a country twist, some taxidermy decorations, and waiters who could be mind readers. Cocktails, spirits and craft beers, the expert knowledge of the bar staff combine effortlessly with the perfect drink.
Read Neha S.‘s review of Shady Pines Saloon on YelpEarl’s Juke Joint in Sydney
Hidden behind an unlikely facade of King Street, there is a bar that combines the charm of the neighborhood with the soul of New Orleans. The walls are decorated with portraits of great blues names and space echoes with everything from jazz to hip hop. Help the atmosphere deepen and choose from wine and beer selection (including Resch on tap), or enjoy a well-crafted cocktail which also available at lower plenty beer garden Victoria.
Read Toni C.‘s review of Earl’s Juke Joint on Yelp