The Rocks / Circular Quay, Sydney

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Baroque is a restaurant but also has a bar. Liz and I were in the mood for a nice drink outside and Baroque was just steps in front of us. We decided to have a seat on the patio and relax with a late afternoon drink. The menu has a variety of beer, mixed drinks and wine. Wine is available by the glass or by the bottle.

I decided I wanted a nice cold beer while Liz had her favorite drink a Bellini. Our waitress was very nice and attentive. My beer was cold and refreshing; it hit the spot. Liz loved her Bellini and was happy she found a place that made it the "right" way with Peach nectar instead of Schnapps.

We enjoyed sitting outside in the nice weather and people watching. The location is perfect to see the harbor and the happenings at the Rocks. This was a nice was to unwind and get ready to the evening adventures.

Dress Code: Casual

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This pub is one of my favorites. The Observer is located in the Rocks but is not the typical tourist nightmare. The pub has indoor and outdoor seating with Claude's Kitchen in the back if you feel like ordering a snack or a meal. The pub also has Pub Trivia and live entertainment nights.

Liz and I first discovered this place back in October 2007. We had such fun times here that we came back several times during our Feb/March 2010 trip. This place has a great relaxed atmosphere. The bartenders are friendly, the beer is good and the other patrons are quick to chat you up. Liz and I have spent some time here enjoying some beer, wine and having good conversation with locals.

The pub has a nice selection of beers And I enjoyed a few Toohey's and Liz enjoyed some Sauvignon Blanc or a beer when we were here.

Dress Code: Casual

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The Orient Hotel is a nice little place located in the Rocks. It's situated on the corner with large windows. The bar itself serves a variety of drinks as well as food. There are several rooms to eat, drink or gamble (in the back room). The place has a casual and inviting atmosphere. Chris and I found ourselves here several times during our Sydney stay to enjoy a nice cold beer, relax, people watch and occasional meet up with some of his Sydney friends. We prefered a nice table by the window so we could watch the outside happenings.

Monday & Tuesdays had a bar menu special: any bar menu entree was $10.

**If there's a major sporting event on the television this place gets packed. We were fortunate to already have a table before a big horse race.**

Dress Code: Casual

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As soon as I saw the Lord Nelso I wanted to go in. I am a big fan of English history and the famous Admiral Nelson and his naval victories were some of my favorite stories. The pub itself is in an old but cozy building. The Pub has its own Microbrewery with a nice list of beers. The bar has numerous seeting areas as well as a restaurant. The bar is decorated in heavy wood and various references to Admiral Nelson's famous battles are throughout.

Chris and I enjoyed sitting at a table relaxing after some sightseeing. The beer was okay. I'm not a big beer fan but I know Chris was less than thrilled with his. I liked the calm and casual atmosphere of this place.

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The Observer Hotel was one of the first pubs Chris and I hit in Sydney. We were wandering back from the Rocks MArket and Chris spied a baseball game on TV. Being the good girlfriend, I indulged him and agreed to stop in for some drinks and some baseball watching. The bar was rather cozy with plenty of seating and served food as wel as drinks.

As we were njoying some drinks we began chatting with another couple. They turned out to be Brittish red Sox Fans. They have family in Boston and have become fans over the years. They even get American Baseball on their TV back home. We had a fun time talking about what we saw and were planning to see in Sydney. I got to talk about my London days and favorite towns in England. I was glad we stopped in.

Dress Code: Casual

Well, if you ever want to know what it feels like to be in sub-zero temperatures, and enjoy a drink while you're at it, then Minus 5 is the place for you.

You are served drinks in a glass made of ice. If your teeth are strong enough, you can start eating your glass! We did a "cheers" by smacking 2 glasses together, and to our surprise, they cracked! It was quite funny though.

You are also requested (well, you have to otherwise you'd freeze) to wear a special outfit to keep yourself warm. You may not stay inside teh abr for too long, otherwise you will freeze (unless you drink plenty of vodka to keep yourself warm).

Dress Code: Well, there isn't. You will be given clothing to wear prior to entry into the icy bar.

I like this bar, especially in the warmer months.

The Cruise Bar is located at the International Passanger Terminal at Circular Quay. There is ample of outdoor space and offers great views towards the Sydney Opera House.

Dress Code: Casual during the day, and a little more dressy at night espeically on Friday/Saturday(although casual is OK during the weeknights).

Opera Bar at the Opera House has the most impressive view of the Harbour Bridge. There is an indoor and outdoor area of the bar, with music and a very relaxed feel about it. This is a great place to start the night off. The prices for drinks are average cost, food is also available but can be quite expensive.

Dress Code: I have seen people in everything and anything. Though I have never seen anyone wear thongs, so not sure if that is allowed or not.