Establishment Bar

An inner-city veteran itself, Establishment is the place to snag an investment banker for life (try nearby Ryan’s Bar if you’re lucking out). Crawling with suits and secretaries from offices on George Street and its surroundings, Establishment has long been about, let’s be honest, sipping on bubbly and making eyes with cute strangers. Beyond the clientele, however, this stunning construction is one of the best-looking indoor/outdoor bars in Sydney. Thick marble bench tops, measuring in at 42 metres long, play centerpiece as extravagant light fittings drop throughout the long, narrow space. Giant white pillars add even more grandness – it’s like something out of ancient Greece. And it’s even prettier outside in the courtyard – lattice and lush greenery give it a real serenity, even as crowds get rowdy on all the booze and food on offer. The bar menu covers all the bases too – steaks, fish, pasta – so it’s a popular lunch spot for city slickers. But the real fun happens on Thursday nights when everyone gets a free flute of Chandon or a bottle of frosty Heineken on arrival. Plus, there are canapés doing the rounds 6-7pm and a select range of cocktails go for ten bucks a pop. Not digging the guy who’s attempting to strike up a convo about your beautiful eyes? Head towards the DJ booth – it’s salsa night every Tuesday, and with $12 mojitos going all night, it’s your best (and most fun) escape.