Cocktail Bars in Sydney: A Local's Guide to Sophisticated Sips

Timing is crucial when visiting Sydney's top cocktail bars. Maybe Sammy and Double Deuce Lounge are best experienced early in the evening (around opening at 4:30-6:00pm) if you want personal attention from bartenders and a seat at the bar. Cantina OK!, being extremely small, is most accessible midweek or Sunday evenings around 7-8pm—weekend peak hours often mean waiting outside. Apollonia maintains a sophisticated atmosphere regardless of timing, though Thursday through Saturday after 9pm brings a livelier energy. PS40 offers the best experience Tuesday or Wednesday evenings when the bar team has more time to explain their experimental creations. For all venues, arriving within the first hour of opening ensures the best seating options and bartender interaction, particularly if you're interested in learning about the drinks.

Food options vary significantly across these venues. Maybe Sammy offers a small but sophisticated menu of bar snacks including olives, cheese boards, and cured meats that complement their cocktails. Apollonia provides more substantial Italian-inspired offerings, with antipasti, arancini, and focaccia ideal for sharing. PS40 collaborates with neighboring restaurants for limited bar bites. Cantina OK! is drinks-only due to its micro-size, though they occasionally offer complimentary chicharrón. Double Deuce Lounge serves simple bar snacks including their signature free Goldfish crackers. None of these venues offer full dinner service—they're primarily drinking establishments. If you're planning an extended evening, consider dining elsewhere before or after, though Apollonia's food menu is substantial enough to constitute a light meal.

Sydney's premium cocktail scene comes with corresponding pricing. Maybe Sammy's signature cocktails range from $23-28, with their mini-cocktail tasting experiences at $55-85. Cantina OK! offers slightly better value with most drinks between $19-25, though rare mezcal shots can cost substantially more. Apollonia's cocktails typically range from $22-26, with some premium spirits commanding higher prices. PS40's experimental creations average $22-24, with occasional special releases at higher price points. Double Deuce Lounge maintains similar pricing around $20-24 for their classic cocktails. All venues offer non-alcoholic options between $12-18. While these prices reflect the premium experience and craftsmanship, most bars offer happy hour specials—PS40 and Double Deuce Lounge both have excellent early evening deals worth taking advantage of for better value.

Sydney's top cocktail bars maintain varying dress expectations, though none have strict formal requirements. Maybe Sammy encourages smart casual attire befitting its glamorous atmosphere—collared shirts and neat jeans or dresses are appropriate, with many patrons dressing more formally, especially on weekends. Apollonia similarly attracts a well-dressed crowd, particularly in the evening. Cantina OK! and PS40 are more relaxed, welcoming neat casual attire, though extremely casual wear like flip-flops or sportswear might feel out of place. Double Deuce Lounge embraces its 70s aesthetic—retro-inspired attire fits the theme but isn't required. Generally, smart casual attire is the safe bet across all venues. Remember that bartenders at these establishments often dress formally, so while guests aren't expected to match this level, making an effort is appreciated.

Reservation policies vary among Sydney's top cocktail destinations. Maybe Sammy accepts and recommends bookings through their website, especially for groups of 3+ and weekend visits. Apollonia strongly encourages reservations, particularly for Thursday through Saturday evenings. PS40 takes limited reservations and holds space for walk-ins. Cantina OK! and Double Deuce Lounge operate strictly on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation system due to their smaller spaces. For venues that do accept bookings, reserving 3-7 days in advance is recommended. For walk-in only venues, having a backup plan is wise in case of lengthy waits. Many cocktail enthusiasts plan a "bar hop" route that includes both reservation and walk-in venues to maximize their chances of experiencing several spots in one evening.