Country & territory directory · 2026

Best bars in Australia

Explore 195 current listings and 37 closed records across 46 cities in our 2026 awards-led global corpus. Maybe Sammy in Sydney ranks #1 in Australia and #23 globally.

Current: 195
Cities: 46
Closed: 37

2026 country ranking

Australia ranking

Country rank is each venue's position among the 195 current listings shown here. Global rank is its position in the worldwide Kinda Decent ranking. Profiles with unverified operating status are labeled.

How to read the signal scores

Signal charts show scores out of 100 before weighting. Open a venue for sources.

Est. = proxy estimate · None = checked, none found · Out = outside the scoring window · — = unavailable.

1Country
Global #23
Maybe Sammy
Sydney, AustraliaProvisional Kinda Decent 2026 2-star — Actually, Very Good
Maybe Sammy is a theatrical cocktail bar in The Rocks, pairing film-inspired drinks with polished, playful service and regular live music. Book a 90-minute indoor sitting, choose outdoor seating, or reserve the Pink Room for a group; walk-ins are also welcome. The mood is celebratory and the room gets lively.
The Rocks · Theatrical, film-inspired cocktails · site · IG
62.9
/ 100
Signal score / 100
Guest ratings
72 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
World's 50 Best
50 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Top 500 Bars
80 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Spirited Awards
51 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Regional Recognition
84 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Serious press
27 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Social Vibes
56 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Seven signal scores
Signal score / 100
Guest ratings
72 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
World's 50 Best
50 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Top 500 Bars
80 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Spirited Awards
51 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Regional Recognition
84 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Serious press
27 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Social Vibes
56 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Scores before weighting. Source records are linked from the venue page.
2Country
Global #24
Caretaker's Cottage
Melbourne, AustraliaProvisional Kinda Decent 2026 2-star — Actually, Very Good
Caretaker's Cottage is a public bar in a small historic cottage behind Wesley Church, combining mixed drinks with music and an unfussy pub atmosphere. It is walk-in only and stays open to 1am on Friday and Saturday.
CBD · Cocktail-focused public bar in a heritage cottage · site · IG
61.7
/ 100
Signal score / 100
Guest ratings
79 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
World's 50 Best
67 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Top 500 Bars
74 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Spirited Awards
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Regional Recognition
91 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Serious press
28 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Social Vibes
59 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Seven signal scores
Signal score / 100
Guest ratings
79 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
World's 50 Best
67 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Top 500 Bars
74 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Spirited Awards
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Regional Recognition
91 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Serious press
28 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Social Vibes
59 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Scores before weighting. Source records are linked from the venue page.
3Country
Global #41
Above Board
Melbourne, AustraliaProvisional Kinda Decent 2026 2-star — Actually, Very Good
Above Board is an intimate, seated-only bar designed for groups of four or fewer. It takes no bookings; enter through the laneway off Smith and Perry streets behind Beermash.
Collingwood · Intimate seated cocktail bar · site · IG
57.9
/ 100
Signal score / 100
Guest ratings
80 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
World's 50 Best
21 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Top 500 Bars
69 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Spirited Awards
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Regional Recognition
84 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Serious press
18 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Social Vibes
87 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Seven signal scores
Signal score / 100
Guest ratings
80 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
World's 50 Best
21 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Top 500 Bars
69 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Spirited Awards
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Regional Recognition
84 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Serious press
18 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Social Vibes
87 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Scores before weighting. Source records are linked from the venue page.
4Country
Global #76
Cantina OK!
Sydney, AustraliaProvisional Kinda Decent 2026 1-star — Kinda Decent
Cantina OK! is a tiny standing bar in a Sydney CBD alley, specialising in handmade agave spirits, margaritas, and cocktails served over hand-shaved ice.
Sydney CBD / Council Place · Standing mezcal and margarita bar · site · IG
52.6
/ 100
Signal score / 100
Guest ratings
84 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
World's 50 Best
29 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Top 500 Bars
51 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Spirited Awards
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Regional Recognition
74 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Serious press
17 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Social Vibes
64 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Seven signal scores
Signal score / 100
Guest ratings
84 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
World's 50 Best
29 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Top 500 Bars
51 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Spirited Awards
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Regional Recognition
74 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Serious press
17 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Social Vibes
64 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Scores before weighting. Source records are linked from the venue page.
5Country
Global #159
El Primo Sanchez
Sydney, AustraliaProvisional Kinda Decent 2026 1-star — Kinda Decent
El Primo Sanchez is The Maybe Group’s lively Mexican cocktail bar in Surry Hills, built around agave spirits, Latin American food, DJs, disco styling and a bookable karaoke room.
High-energy Mexican agave cocktail bar · site · IG
45.5
/ 100
Signal score / 100
Guest ratings
64 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
World's 50 Best
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Top 500 Bars
15 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Spirited Awards
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Regional Recognition
77 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Serious press
27 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Social Vibes
85 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Seven signal scores
Signal score / 100
Guest ratings
64 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
World's 50 Best
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Top 500 Bars
15 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Spirited Awards
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Regional Recognition
77 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Serious press
27 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Social Vibes
85 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Scores before weighting. Source records are linked from the venue page.
6Country
Global #168
Old Mate's Place
Sydney, AustraliaProvisional Kinda Decent 2026 1-star — Kinda Decent
The owner’s page places Old Mate’s Place on Level 4 at 199 Clarence Street in Sydney and directs visitors to take the lift.
Sydney CBD · Indoor and rooftop cocktail bar · site · IG
44.9
/ 100
Signal score / 100
Guest ratings
81 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
World's 50 Best
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Top 500 Bars
20 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Spirited Awards
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Regional Recognition
82 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Serious press
evidence exists outside the scoring window; contributes zero
Social Vibes
63 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Seven signal scores
Signal score / 100
Guest ratings
81 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
World's 50 Best
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Top 500 Bars
20 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Spirited Awards
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Regional Recognition
82 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Serious press
evidence exists outside the scoring window; contributes zero
Social Vibes
63 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Scores before weighting. Source records are linked from the venue page.
7Country
Global #182
Frog's Hollow Saloon
Brisbane, AustraliaProvisional Kinda Decent 2026 1-star — Kinda Decent
Frog’s Hollow Saloon is an approachable Brisbane CBD drinking room with a long whisky bar, creative cocktails, country-and-blues music and a compact menu of bar snacks.
Whisky saloon and cocktail bar · site · IG
44.0
/ 100
Signal score / 100
Guest ratings
75 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
World's 50 Best
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Top 500 Bars
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Spirited Awards
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Regional Recognition
89 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Serious press
18 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Social Vibes
60 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Seven signal scores
Signal score / 100
Guest ratings
75 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
World's 50 Best
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Top 500 Bars
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Spirited Awards
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Regional Recognition
89 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Serious press
18 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Social Vibes
60 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Scores before weighting. Source records are linked from the venue page.
8Country
Global #209
Dean & Nancy On 22
Sydney, Australia
Dean & Nancy on 22 is a Sydney cocktail bar on level 22. Its owner describes the 14-drink Time Machine list as drawing on mid-century legends, events and pop culture.
Sky-high mid-century hotel cocktail bar · site · IG
43.0
/ 100
Signal score / 100
Guest ratings
62 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
World's 50 Best
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Top 500 Bars
60 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Spirited Awards
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Regional Recognition
70 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Serious press
7 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Social Vibes
63 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Seven signal scores
Signal score / 100
Guest ratings
62 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
World's 50 Best
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Top 500 Bars
60 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Spirited Awards
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Regional Recognition
70 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Serious press
7 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Social Vibes
63 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Scores before weighting. Source records are linked from the venue page.
9Country
Global #228
Old Love’s
Sydney, Australia
Old Love’s is a basement Sydney bar built around rum and tiki-inspired cocktails, with food, wine and beer alongside the drinks list.
Rum and tiki cocktail bar · site · IG
42.0
/ 100
Signal score / 100
Guest ratings
77 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
World's 50 Best
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Top 500 Bars
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Spirited Awards
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Regional Recognition
82 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Serious press
13 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Social Vibes
55 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Seven signal scores
Signal score / 100
Guest ratings
77 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
World's 50 Best
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Top 500 Bars
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Spirited Awards
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Regional Recognition
82 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Serious press
13 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Social Vibes
55 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Scores before weighting. Source records are linked from the venue page.
10Country
Global #240
Bar Bellamy
Melbourne, AustraliaProvisional Kinda Decent 2026 1-star — Kinda Decent
Bar Bellamy is a warm Melbourne neighbourhood bar with a small bistro kitchen and cocktail menu that change with the seasons.
Neighbourhood bistro and cocktail bar · site · IG
41.2
/ 100
Signal score / 100
Guest ratings
76 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
World's 50 Best
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Top 500 Bars
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Spirited Awards
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Regional Recognition
80 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Serious press
10 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Social Vibes
55 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Seven signal scores
Signal score / 100
Guest ratings
76 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
World's 50 Best
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Top 500 Bars
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Spirited Awards
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Regional Recognition
80 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Serious press
10 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Social Vibes
55 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Scores before weighting. Source records are linked from the venue page.
11Country
Global #244
The Elysian Whisky Bar
Melbourne, AustraliaProvisional Kinda Decent 2026 1-star — Kinda Decent
The Elysian Whisky Bar is a small Fitzroy whisky and cocktail bar with an ever-changing back bar of rare whiskies, a focus on independent bottlings, seasonal and classic cocktails, wine, beer and a small bar-food menu.
Japanese-inspired independent-whisky and cocktail bar · site · IG
41.0
/ 100
Signal score / 100
Guest ratings
83 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
World's 50 Best
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Top 500 Bars
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Spirited Awards
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Regional Recognition
72 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Serious press
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Social Vibes
61 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Seven signal scores
Signal score / 100
Guest ratings
83 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
World's 50 Best
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Top 500 Bars
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Spirited Awards
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Regional Recognition
72 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Serious press
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Social Vibes
61 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Scores before weighting. Source records are linked from the venue page.
12Country
Global #247
Bar Rochford
Canberra, AustraliaProvisional Kinda Decent 2026 1-star — Kinda Decent
Bar Rochford is a Canberra wine and cocktail bar upstairs in the Melbourne Building, pairing changing food and wine lists with records, sharp spirits and a service-led room.
Wine and cocktail bar · site · IG
41.0
/ 100
Signal score / 100
Guest ratings
77 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
World's 50 Best
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Top 500 Bars
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Spirited Awards
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Regional Recognition
75 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Serious press
12 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Social Vibes
57 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Seven signal scores
Signal score / 100
Guest ratings
77 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
World's 50 Best
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Top 500 Bars
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Spirited Awards
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Regional Recognition
75 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Serious press
12 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Social Vibes
57 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Scores before weighting. Source records are linked from the venue page.
13Country
Global #249
Black Pearl
Melbourne, Australia
Black Pearl is a long-running Fitzroy neighbourhood cocktail institution and industry training ground, serving cocktails and beer in an inclusive late-night room.
Neighbourhood late-night cocktail bar · site · IG
40.9
/ 100
Signal score / 100
Guest ratings
74 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
World's 50 Best
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Top 500 Bars
60 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Spirited Awards
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Regional Recognition
46 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Serious press
evidence exists outside the scoring window; contributes zero
Social Vibes
64 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Seven signal scores
Signal score / 100
Guest ratings
74 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
World's 50 Best
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Top 500 Bars
60 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Spirited Awards
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Regional Recognition
46 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Serious press
evidence exists outside the scoring window; contributes zero
Social Vibes
64 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Scores before weighting. Source records are linked from the venue page.
14Country
Global #253
The Baxter Inn
Sydney, Australia
The Baxter Inn is a low-lit Sydney basement bar built around a deep whisky collection, blues music, cocktails and fast, walk-in service until 3am.
Basement whisky and cocktail bar · site · IG
40.8
/ 100
Signal score / 100
Guest ratings
86 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
World's 50 Best
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Top 500 Bars
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Spirited Awards
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Regional Recognition
54 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Serious press
8 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Social Vibes
71 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Seven signal scores
Signal score / 100
Guest ratings
86 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
World's 50 Best
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Top 500 Bars
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Spirited Awards
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Regional Recognition
54 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Serious press
8 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Social Vibes
71 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Scores before weighting. Source records are linked from the venue page.
15Country
Global #257
Mr West
Melbourne, Australia
Mr West is an independent Footscray bar and bottle shop with craft-beer taps, natural wine, specialty spirits and seasonal cocktails.
Craft beer, wine and cocktail bar · site · IG
40.7
/ 100
Signal score / 100
Guest ratings
79 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
World's 50 Best
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Top 500 Bars
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Spirited Awards
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Regional Recognition
69 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Serious press
12 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Social Vibes
60 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Seven signal scores
Signal score / 100
Guest ratings
79 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
World's 50 Best
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Top 500 Bars
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Spirited Awards
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Regional Recognition
69 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Serious press
12 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Social Vibes
60 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Scores before weighting. Source records are linked from the venue page.
16Country
Global #264
Fortunate Son
Enmore, AustraliaProvisional Kinda Decent 2026 1-star — Kinda Decent
An American-inspired Enmore neighbourhood cocktail bar opposite the Enmore Theatre, focused on well-made classics, house riffs, music and warm service.
American-inspired neighbourhood cocktail bar · site · IG
40.5
/ 100
Signal score / 100
Guest ratings
82 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
World's 50 Best
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Top 500 Bars
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Spirited Awards
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Regional Recognition
63 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Serious press
8 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Social Vibes
64 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Seven signal scores
Signal score / 100
Guest ratings
82 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
World's 50 Best
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Top 500 Bars
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Spirited Awards
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Regional Recognition
63 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Serious press
8 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Social Vibes
64 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Scores before weighting. Source records are linked from the venue page.

Evidence key: — unavailable · Est. proxy estimate · None checked with no qualifying signal · Out outside the scoring window. Unavailable, none and outside-window signals contribute zero; estimates use their disclosed proxy score. The published weights stay fixed.

Historical record

Closed venues

These venues remain in the corpus for their awards history. Every one is marked Closed and is not presented as a place to visit.

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