The Best Bars in the Blue Mountains for a Scenic Drink
Sip your way through our pick of the best bars in the Blue Mountains.
Australian wanderlust has skyrocketed, prompting us to explore the best of our unique country. The Blue Mountains region, full of natural beauty, boutique accommodation and great foodie hot spots, is perfect for anyone seeking an adventurous getaway - no passport required.
Whether you're a laidback local or a curious traveller, the Blue Mountains bar scene is alive with charm and character. From intimate nooks to trusted watering holes and packed to the rafters with regional hospitality, craft beers, cocktails, and local wines galore, the best bars in the Blue Mountains are worth a visit.
The Garden Bar
Sure, the Blue Mountains make for a cosy winter getaway filled with hikes, mulled wine and chats by the fireplace, but come summer, The Garden Bar is perfect for a fuss-free tipple. Sitting in the heart of Wentworth Falls and to the back of the Grand View Hotel, this is our pick for well-earned afternoon sips.
Choose your drop from the wine list and feast on Cajun chicken wings, classic salads, salt and pepper squid and cheese garlic bread as you take in the leafy surroundings and watch the sun go down.
174 Great Western Highway, Wentworth Falls
Mountain Culture Brew Pub
Mountain Culture's Status Quo Pale Ale has been voted Australia's #1 beer not once, but twice. If that's not enough reason to visit this brewpub, the nostalgic delights from the kitchen are. Fries with Japanese curry sauce, classic burgers and potato gems are calling our name.
A two-minute walk from the Katoomba Station, the restored heritage-listed building offers plenty of places to park your tush, including a pup-friendly outdoor deck ideal for watching the sunset.
23 - 25 Parke Street, Katoomba
The Bootlegger Bar
The Bootlegger Bar is where locals kick back sans fuss. The whiskey flights and cocktails set the tone, paired with a low and slow-roasted menu for a hearty feed to refuel after a day in the mountains. Nestled in the historic Niagara building, circa 1905, Bootlegger mixes turn-of-the-century charm with a modern edge. Two floors cater to gatherings big and small, and live music, trivia nights and occasional whisky-tasting events keep the vibes high.
92 Bathurst Road, Katoomba
Sublime Lounge
Tucked inside the chalet-style Fairmont Resort & Spa, Sublime Lounge embodies mountain charm, and you could easily spend an entire day here, soaking up the views.
Grab your favourite book and enjoy some nibbles with a delicious brew for a solo afternoon treat. As sunset beckons, call on your partner, family or friends to unwind with fine Australian wine and scenic resort ambience. Sydney Brewery's crafty beer and cider flavours, classic meals and a new pizza menu means every palate is catered to.
1 Sublime Point Road, Leura
Champagne Charlie's Cocktail Bar
In Katoomba, The Carrington houses the effortlessly elegant Champagne Charlie's Cocktail Bar, dubbed the Blue Mountains' true cocktail haven. This art-deco gem oozes grandeur and charm, whisking you away to eras past while you sip on expertly-shaken concoctions.
A French champagne merchant Charles Heidsieck, nicknamed Champagne Charlie, had a taste for the finer things in life, and this bar - the oldest cocktail bar in Katoomba - gives visitors a taste of the good life.
15 Katoomba Street, Katoomba
The Baroque Room
If you want a lively night out in Katoomba, the locals will point you towards the ironwork archway leading to The Baroque Room, adjacent to The Carrington Hotel. Aside from great drinks, this is the place to catch musical performances and diverse entertainment including live theatre, cabaret, and burlesque!
As you dance along and down a cold pint, take the time to appreciate the venue's ornate decor. The renovated space features a long marble bar, a timber dance floor, and a wall lined with gorgeous framed mirrors.
15-47 Katoomba Street, Katoomba
Aunty Ed's
A local gem, Aunty Ed's embodies nostalgic comfort and retro flair. The vibe is like hanging out in your Aunty Ed's living room - if you were lucky enough to have one. The homely atmosphere and welcoming spirit make it a go-to spot for Blue Mountains locals seeking a dose of familiarity.
The burgers and creamy milkshakes are a delicious blast from the past, and quirky cocktails offer something stronger. Sunday dinners come with a bonus: live music to set the mood.
Basement Level, 122 Katoomba Street, Katoomba
Dryridge Estate Cellar Door
For a relaxing Blue Mountains afternoon, swing by Dryridge Estate Cellar Door on weekends. Come for the premium wine tastings and stay for the stellar valley views and spring picnics. The 2018 Jack Shiraz is their star player, and pairing it with a cheese platter is practically mandatory.
226 Aspinall Road, Megalong Valley
Terrace Cafe & Bar
After a big hike, there's nothing better to do than to kick back and enjoy that first sip of a cold beer. Here's where the Terrace Bar comes in and takes the experience up a notch - literally! The Terrace Bar boasts sprawling views of the Blue Mountains with a prime position to take in the sunset over Jamison Valley. Unwind with your mates while nibbling on warm pretzels and cheese-laden grazing boards and taking a swig of Mountain Culture beers, Dryridge Estate wines, and Hillbilly ciders. It's the ultimate sunset session in the Blue Mountains!
Open until 8 pm, Friday and Saturday only.
1 Violet Street, Katoomba
Side B Vinyl Bar
This unique venue sells vinyls by day and pours cocktails by night. The Side B Vinyl Bar offers the perfect fusion of warmth, cosiness, and mid-century cool, where you can spend an evening with a cocktail or wine in hand while bobbing your head to selected vinyl tunes.
It's the local go-to for an intimate space that sets the mood for careful listening. Oh, and if you're lucky with timing, you can catch a gig or join their music trivia night.
237-238 Great Western Highway, Blackheath
Did you love our edit of the best bars in the Blue Mountains? For more NSW travel inspo, check out our round-up of things to do in the Hunter Valley and the best tiny cabins for an off-grid escape.
