The best pub trivia nights in Sydney

What is it? The Golden Barley’s Monday night trivia is the stuff of local legend. Host Gavin Gordan has been running trivia here for 25 years – and the pub recently celebrated his quarter-century anniversary with a special trivia extravaganza. As well as the flagship offering, every second week there’s a themed trivia night, dipping into everything from Harry Potter to RuPaul’s Drag Race, with more than $200 in prizes up for grabs.

Why we love it: Owned and operated by a close knit group of family and friends for nearly four decades, The Golden Barley is a jolly local pub, with a lush dog-friendly beer garden.

When? Monday, 7pm

Where? 165-169 Edgeware Rd, Enmore, NSW 2042

Time Out tip: Register early! The Golden Barley’s trivia is always sold out in advance. Some teams have been in attendance for more than two decades (!) and aren’t about to budge.

What is it? The iconic lime-green Newtown Hotel has been serving up one of the finest trivia nights in the Inner West for years. When we visited, first prize was a $100 bar tab, second $75 and third $50. But as with all good trivia nights there are bonus rounds where you can win jugs of beer.

Why we love it: Hosted by the good folks at Quiz Meisters – country’s biggest dedicated trivia company – this multimedia quiz blends old school rounds with interactive games, cheeky video clips and clever twists that keep the whole pub buzzing.

When? Monday, 7.30pm

Where? 174 King St, Newtown, NSW 2042

Time Out tip: The tables fill up pretty quickly even though it’s a Monday, so make sure you’re there at least before registration starts at 7pm.

What is it? Kick off your week with a night of raucous trivia at The Light Brigade. Behind the Art Deco walls of this Oxford Street institution, you’ll be in the running for a bunch of prizes, including a generous fill of drinks vouchers.

Why we love it: The Light Brigade’s trivia coincides beautifully with the pub’s $1 wing night – a match made in heaven (just mind those sticky fingers).

When? Monday, 6.30pm

Where? Oxford St &, Jersey Rd, Woollahra NSW

Time Out tip: A not-so-hidden treasure of Woollahra’s tallest pub is its sprawling rooftop, equipped with its own bar and panoramic views over the city. Go take a squiz between rounds.

What is it? Pouring schooners since 1882, The Toxteth serves up cold drinks, rooftop views, and one of the best trivia nights in the Inner West. There are $200 in prizes up for grabs too, so get those brain boxes churning.

Why we love it: This is one of Glebe’s best watering holes, with a leafy beer garden, a dog-friendly courtyard and the upstairs “Tocky Terrace” with stunning views over the city.

When? Monday, 7.30pm

Where? 345 Glebe Point Rd, Glebe, NSW 2037

Time Out tip: Get in early for The Toxteth’s famous $20 steak frites special.

What is it? The Norfolk Hotel is back, in case you hadn’t heard. Freshly refurbished and with a brand new menu, the beloved Redfern institution has recently kicked off Trivia Tuesdays. It’s hosted by Dani from Be Noble Entertainment and has $300 worth of venue vouchers up for grabs.

Why we love it: The Norfolk is putting on a weekly food special like no other: Between the Buns. It means anything between bread on the pub’s menu is just $18, including its flagship rissole burger, chicken and gravy roll and fish sandwich. You can also get beer jugs for just $15.

When? Tuesday, 7pm

Where? 305 Cleveland St, Redfern, NSW 2016

Time Out tip: Arrive early to make the most of The Norfolk’s daily happy hour. Between 4pm and 6pm you can get $7 schooners, $12 signature cocktails and sausage rolls at $2 an inch.

What is it? Darlinghurst’s favourite pub-meets-Chinese-diner has one of the most generous trivia nights around. Winners get an $80 bar tab, with $40 for second and $20 for third. Second last also picks up a $20 tab if you give up competing for the top prizes.

Why we love it: Prizes are dished out like hot cakes, with jugs of beer to be won throughout the night. As well as drinks, winning bar tabs also cover the pub’s classic dumplings, buns and rolls too.

When? Tuesday, 7.30pm

Where? 122 Flinders St, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010

Time Out tip: Taphouse has its daily happy hour from 4pm to 6pm, so get in early to make the most of $7.50 schooners and wines.

What is it? Quiz master Alexei packs a lot of movie-themed fun into two rounds of questions, ranging from the dead easy (who is Judy Garland’s movie star daughter? – duh!) to the more head-scratching (can you name every Spike Lee film starring Denzel Washington?). Extra points are awarded for punny team names, and it pays to keep an eye on the Rotten Tomatoes ratings because ‘Fresh or Rotten?’ is a regular feature.

Why we love it: The prizes aren’t your run-of-the-mill bar tabs (although there are plenty of those too). Teams are in mix to win coveted cinema gift passes and Bottle Rocket cocktails to take home.

When? Tuesday, 6.15pm (sharp)

Where? 80 Commonwealth St, Surry Hills, NSW 2010

Time Out tip: The night is usually sold-out well in advance, but Golden Age says they “strongly encourage” walk-ins on the night due to last-minute cancellations.

What is it? The iconic Inner West bowlo is packed to the brim every Tuesday as in-house funny man Reuben Soloman leads the weekly trivia night. Inside the PBC’s old-school dining hall, you’ll get cheap drinks, bistro fare and the chance to win the rolling cash jackpot.

Why we love it: It’s a truly local affair, with tables of families, neighbours, dog park besties, and OG Petersham gentrifiers.

When? Tuesday, 7.30pm 

Where? 77 Brighton St, Petersham, NSW 2049

Time Out tip: Arrive early for a bowl.

What is it? It’s not like we need much encouragement to head to the Welcome for a counter meal and a craft brew, but for low-key entertainment their trivia night hits the spot. First prize is a bar voucher. Second and third prize are a bottle of wine and last place gets a packet of chips.

Why we love it: Two rounds, famous faces and alfoil sculpting are all on the agenda, in addition to some musical numbers.

When? Tuesday, 7.30pm

Where? 91 Evans St, Rozelle, NSW 2039

Time Out tip: It’s not a huge space so if your heart is set on the quiz it’s worth booking.

What is it? In collaboration with the fine folk at the Time For Trivia company, Darlo Bar blasts through four rounds of 10 questions, as well as a smattering of true-or-false mini games to keep you on your toes. There are usually different themes each week, as well as picture sheets and a dedicated music round.

Why we love it: Prizes are above market rate, with 12x $25 vouchers to be won, in addition to a $50 voucher for third place, $75 for second, and $100 for the winners.

When? Tuesday, 7.30pm

Where? 306 Liverpool St, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010

Time Out tip: Tuck into the beer specials, including a $15 jug and $10 pints by 4 Pines brewery. In addition to the great in-house snacking menu, you can order from neighbouring diners Gino or Thai Tharee  straight to your table!

What is it? Hosted by the Brookvale-born Fame Trivia Company, quiz nights at the Ivanhoe Hotel zip between ’90s music to contemporary film and ’60s fashion. This is not an exam you can prepare for.

Why we love it: The Ivanhoe is loved by locals and with good reason. Located in the heart of The Corso, the pub is mere footsteps away from Manly beach, with Hamptons-inspired chic behind its famous heritage facade.

When? Tuesday, 7.30pm

Where? 27 The Corso, Manly, NSW 2095

Time Out tip: It's a packed bar at the Ivanhoe for Tuesday night trivia, so get in well before kick off if you want to grab a table for a group (there was barely even a single seat free at 7.30pm the night we were in).

What is it? The West Ryde Hotel is a north west Sydney staple, boasting a leafy beer garden, classic pub grub and an open fire for the winter times. They’ve been hosting Tuesday trivia nights here for years, with bottles of wine for the winners and vouchers for second and third place.

Why we love it: The drawcard here is the large indoor self-serve barbecue. Choose your meat and cook it yourself to enjoy a big discount.

When? Tuesday, 7.30pm

Where? 1021 Victoria Road, West Ryde, NSW 2114

Time Out tip: There are different topics each week – to get an extra helping hand, check out the InnQUIZitive Facebook page for weekly clues!

What is it? The trivia at The Old Fitzroy is shaped by the pub’s legendary reputation and fiercely loyal patrons. Fitz & Facts is hosted by local favourite, Artie Gallagher, a comedian and booker who brings a strong connection to the Sydney comedy scene. Over time it’s become a staple for regulars, with a dedicated crowd turning up week after week.

Why we love it: Weekly bar tabs are up for grabs, with the most recent grand prize being a VB speaker fridge.

When? Tuesday, 7.30pm

Where? 129 Dowling St, Woolloomooloo, NSW 2011

Time Out tip: The Old Fitzroy is the only remaining theatre pub in Australia, and has been around for more than 150 years. Now run by the Odd Culture Group, the venue still runs an operational theatre production downstairs – so why not check out what’s on the program when you’re not busy quizzing?

What is it? If you’ve accidentally found yourself at this much-loved Redfern pub on a Tuesday evening then you’re in for a treat, because their trivia game is strong. Hosted by Mike Jury AKA Triviality, you’ll be met with an eclectic quiz of covering all things music, sports, current affairs and heaps more.

Why we love it: Winning teams receive $75 vouchers – but there’s also Tuesday-only food specials, beer jug discounts, drinks giveaways, and also a cash jackpot that rolls over each week.

When? Tuesday, 7.30pm

Where? 229 Chalmers St, Redfern, NSW 2016

Time Out tip: The Woolpack is a snug little pub so booking ahead is strongly encouraged.

What is it? Dove & Olive’s quizzes are run by the masterminds at IQ Trivia, who keep things lively with a mix of general knowledge, current events, music rounds, maths challenges and plenty more. There are three jackpot rounds, each with a $12 bar cash voucher. The winning team overall gets a $50 voucher, with $30 for runner up, and $15 if you happen to land at 7th place.

Why we love it: The kitchen serves up no-nonsense schnitties, parmies and other hearty favourites all night. They’ve also got an extended happy hour running all the way from 4pm to 7pm, the perfect way to settle in before the questions start flying.

When? Tuesday, 7pm

Where? 156 Devonshire St, Surry Hills, NSW 2010

Time Out tip: Dove & Olive tells us its the only pub in Sydney hosting trivia on both Tuesdays and Wednesdays – and bookings are essential for both nights.

What is it? The Impy is one of Sydney’s most iconic LGBTQ+ institutions and its weekly drag trivia is not to be missed. Featuring alternating hosts, Fran Giapanni and Carmen Geddit, you’re guaranteed the camping quizzing in the Inner West. Oh, and you can also snap up discount burgers for just $15.

Why we love it: Featured in The Adventures of Priscilla: Queen of The Desert, The Imperial’s infamous bar is an Australian treasure, and one of the city’s best spots to enjoy LGBTQ+ culture.

When? Wednesday, 7pm

Where? 35 Erskineville Rd, Erskineville, NSW 2043

Time Out tip: The Imperial does take walk-ins, but tables book out almost every week, so they strongly recommend making a reservation.

What is it? Mixtape’s trivia is a thorough blend of pop culture, global geography, history, and current affairs. There are also picture sheets and guess-the-song listening rounds, and expect to play heads of tails for free schooners. Make sure you book ahead, though: Mixtape has plenty of die-hard regulars with standing bookings.

Why we love it: Quizmaster Bryan has built a cult following during his years hosting Mixtape’s beloved trivia night, delivering an old-school night (no slideshow here) with niche knowledge and big laughs.

When? Tuesday, 7.30pm

Where? 142A Victoria Rd, Marrickville, NSW 2204

Time Out tip: Bryan starts and ends every trivia night with a question about what was in the news that week, so brush up on your current affairs.

What is it? Hosted by comedian Jeeves Verma, this weekly trivia extravaganza will take you, and your most-hidden brain corners, for a whirlwind of a spin.

Why we love it: Prizes galore! When we visited, there was a $70 bar voucher for first place, a $30 voucher for second, and a bottle of wine dispensed at the host's discretion as an encouragement prize. Plus bonus round winners get packets of Tim Tams and jugs of beer as rewards.

When? Wednesday, 7.30pm

Where? 159 Hargrave St, Paddington, NSW 2021

Time Out tip: Tuck into The Bellevue’s trademark Steak Frites, with hand-cut chips and your choice of sauce, for the special price of $20.

What is it? This Surry Hills favourite is busy on a slow night, so be warned: when trivia's on, the place gets absolutely packed. Get in early (for maximum dedication, you can book your team a table ahead of time) so you can order and finish off a schnitzel before you and your team take on the rest of the bar in a rowdy game of ‘know-it-all’. Two rounds with 30 questions total (spread across two rounds) and Quiz Meisters are on hosting duties.

Why we love it: First, second, third, and second last all get prizes, and there's also plentiful jugs of beer and bottles of wine to be won.

When? Wednesday, 7.30pm

Where? 336 Riley St, Surry Hills, NSW 2010

Time Out tip: You can do a happy-hour sesh from 4-6pm, and then graze their refreshed pub menu that does all the classics (plus Sydney's most famous Yorkshire pudding).

What is it? This Monday evening trivia takes place in the Lane Cove club’s upstairs section. This makes sense seeing as it can accommodate the large numbers that turn up, but it also means you're in for more of a chic community hall vibe over a cosy pub atmosphere. You’ll find two rounds of 20 questions that cover all sorts of topics.

Why we love it: The host kindly gets votes from the room for some topics (‘Kardashians or chemistry?’). They also flip the night’s rankings on their head with a bet-your-points-style final question.

When? Wednesday, 7pm

Where? 1 Birdwood Ave, Lane Cove, NSW 2066

Time Out tip: You may snap up some bonus points if you make the host laugh with your answer.

What is it? There is a die-hard crowd of trivia players at the Union’s weekly quiz night, so the competition is fierce – people take their movie quotes, sporting rules and geography very seriously here. First prize is an $80 bar voucher, second is $40 and third get their pick out of two bottles of wine. The second bottle goes to second last place. Plus there are drink prizes for special questions like “Who am I”.

Why we love it: Host Craig (a palaeontologist by day) is a genial host who gives you lots of thinking time and at least one clue for each team per round. At more than three-hours run time, this is a trivia night you can really settle into so order a tasting paddle and get comfy.

When? Wednesday, 7.30pm

Where? 576 King St, Newtown, NSW 2042

Time Out tip: Each year the pub’s 22 taps play host to more than 420 different brews. We hope you’re thirsty.

What is it? Trivia night at The Henson is made special but its host, Bert, who has been lighting up Wednesday nights here for more than five years. He spices up the quizzing with fun games and spot prizes throughout the night. The weekly event is so popular now they’ve had to move into a bigger room in the pub.

Why we love it: Nearby neighbours The Grifter Brewing Company sponsor the night, so expect quality beers when you bag a free jug.

When? Wednesday, 7pm

Where? 91 Illawarra Rd, Marrickville, NSW 2204

Time Out tip: The Henson has a “Wednesday Wine Fix”, which is a $30 food special which changes every month, plus a glass of vino included.

What is it? Trivia at the Australian Heritage Hotel is all about friendly banter and a classic Aussie pub atmosphere. Each week they throw in fresh rounds to keep you on your toes, with plenty of laughs along the way. There’s epic food – including pizzas topped with emu, kangaroo and saltwater crocodile meat. With drink cards and bar tabs up for grabs, tasty pub food to fuel the night, and more than 100 craft beers to choose from, you’re guaranteed a good time.

Why we love it: Trivia master Tyson is a longstanding favourite at the pub, with groups returning time and again for both him and our historic charm.

When? Wednesday, 7pm

Where? 100 Cumberland St, The Rocks, NSW 2000

Time Out tip: The pub’s trivia setup makes the most of both inside and outside spaces, with the best seats outside in The Rocks precinct catching the last of the afternoon sun while you play.

What is it? The Triple H hosts weekly trivia in its ground floor public bar. It's run by the guys from InnQuizitive trivia, so you'll get to know different hosts throughout their stints, which range from long term to drop in gigs.

Why we love it: There are prizes throughout the night, with the change to win a jug of beer while you play – plus a $75 voucher for the eventual winner, $50 for runner up and $35 for third. Second last gets a free bottle of house wine.

When? Wednesday, 7pm

Where? 64/68 Gladesville Rd, Hunters Hill, NSW 2110

Time Out tip: They say a quick game's a good game and the HHH delivers with eight rounds of ten questions delivered over about an hour. Don’t expect a late night.

What is it? Led by the wonderful Sophia, Penny Hotel’s “Tipsy Trivia” is a mainstay of the Cross. With three sets of 15 questions, a cheeky truth or false round, and $160 in bar vouchers to be won for the three top teams, you may need a few hits of Penny’s $15 cocktail specials to take the edge off.

Why we love it: Trivia night coincides with pizza night at Penny’s. Enough said.

When? Wednesday, 7.30pm

Where? Shop 1a/15 Bayswater Rd, Potts Point, NSW 2011

Time Out tip: Check out Penny’s Instagram for weekly clues in preparation for the night.

What is it? At the Burdekin, 'Thursgay' is a trivia night devoted entirely to queer entertainment. Named 'Let's Get Quizzical' and hosted by Sydney's Glitter King (AKA @kevininthecity) this pub trivia night is all about pizazz, shine and celebrating Sydney's most sparkly diversity. Weekly themes are curated based on what’s popping in pop culture.

Why we love it: Prizes included Burdekin vouchers, free shots for the best team name and a whole array of sponsored merch up for grabs for the victorious. There’s also $16 pizzas and Aperitivo Hour at 4pm to 6pm.

When? Thursday, 6.30pm

Where? 2-4 Oxford St, Darlinghurst, NSW, 2010

Time Out tip: Stick around for Tuck for a Buck – Sydney’s fiercest open drag competition, starting after the trivia prizes are handed out.

What is it? Get yourself to the Rowers Bar on Thursdays where a loyal following gathers each week with the chance to win a stash of drinks and vouchers. Helmed by local legend Yvonne Klette, this waterfront quiz covers history, geography, sports, entertainment, and everything in between. There are a bunch of interactive questions, plenty of laughs, and prizes ranging from vouchers, to drinks to edible goodies.

Why we love it: This is one of the most picturesque spots in the city for your weekly trivia fix.

When? Thursday, 7pm

Where? 3 Centenary Dr, Mosman, NSW 2088

Time Out tip: On the last Thursday of each month, musician Jimmy Hazelwood leads a special music trivia night. Covering all decades and genres, these monthly specials feature dancing, lipsyncing and karaoke challenges – but make sure you book your spot well in advance!