Even after a huge facelift in October of 2019, this North Shore institution’s best asset is still the grand old oak tree in the beer garden. There are lovely terrace views of the 70-plus year-old stunner from the pub’s fine diner, Alala’s, as well as the upstairs balcony, but the best place to bend the elbow is out the back under fairy-lit foliage with a tomahawk steak from the grill.
Our unbeatable summers and mild winters make Sydney the perfect place for a schooner in the great outdoors, and lord knows we’ve got enough beer gardens to prove it. Whether surrounded by lush greenery, designer dogs, ocean views, or all of the above, this list covers the best beer gardens our city has to offer. Because drinking outside sure beats drinking in.