Become a Best partner Swap to NZ

Best Drinks

Five Cool Bars in Australia Reinventing the Bartending Experience

27/02/2025

From immersive ice-cold experiences to vintage-inspired, mood-lit settings, bars across Australia are pushing the boundaries of traditional bartending and creating unique experiences you won’t find at your local pub. Whether you’re a cocktail connoisseur or curious about the world of mixology, a night out at any of these venues promises to be one-of-a-kind. 

Read on to discover our top picks to fun bars in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, each offering a bartending experience that’s far from ordinary. 

  • IceBar Melbourne

    Melbourne CBD, Melbourne, Victoria

    Sipping on an ice-cold cocktail in sub-zero temperatures may not sound like the typical bar experience but it’s one you’ll never forget. Start off with an ice shot, then indulge in your favourite cocktail served in a glass made entirely of ice. Couldn’t find a babysitter in time? The little ones will find all the entertainment they need in the Kids Corner, while you get a much-deserved beverage break at the coolest bar in town.

    View More
  • Death and Taxes

    Brisbane CBD, Brisbane, Queensland

    Inspired by the moody, underground bars of London and Paris, stepping into Death and Taxes is like entering a hidden gem where time stands still. The dim lighting creates a perfectly intimate atmosphere and the grand back bar displays an impressive collection of over 1000 spirit bottles, with something for every taste. Flip through the pages of the signature cocktail menu and you’ll find dozens of artfully crafted drinks, from classics reinvented to contemporary mixes.

    View More
  • Employees Only Sydney

    Sydney CBD, Sydney, New South Wales

    What if you could travel to New York without having to step foot on a plane? Nestled in the midst of Sydney’s CBD, Employees Only is an award-winning bar where timeless cocktail craftsmanship meets an intimate, yet vibrant ambience. Boasting a touch of theatre, the cocktail menu features NYC classics like the Amelia, along with Aussie-inspired creations for the adventurous drinker. Feeling hungry? The steak tartare is a must-try, but if sharing’s your thing, grab one of the many delicious share platters and feast with friends!

    View More
  • O Bar and Dining

    Sydney CBD, Sydney, New South Wales

    What makes O Bar and Dining such a cool bar in Sydney is its unmatched location, perched 47 floors high, offering a breathtaking bird’s-eye view of the CBD. Equally as incredible? The range of creative mixed drinks, which you can sip on while enjoying 360° views stretching over the harbour. Boasting a collection of over 400 expertly selected spirits, as well as an Australian-focused wine menu, O Bar and Dining offers an unforgettable drinking experience as the circular dining room slowly revolves revealing stunning panoramic vistas.You spin me right round, baby, right round!

    View More
  • The Everleigh

    Fitzroy, Melbourne, Victoria

    If it’s a vintage flair you’re after, look no further than The Everleigh, located in the heart of Melbourne's trendiest suburb. The soft candlelight and smooth jazz tunes will take you right back in time to the golden age of cocktails. Unsure what you’re after? A seasoned bartender can guide you through the extensive collection of handcrafted mixes to discover exactly what you're in the mood for – for the ultimate bespoke mixology journey.

    View More

Subscribe to stay updated on relevant restaurant news near you.