The Best Bars in Bondi for a Beachside Cocktail or Two

One of Australia’s most iconic destinations, Bondi's Insta-worthy beach draws crowds from far and wide. But it's not just the crashing surf swells drawing in the masses, Bondi's bar scene has serious credentials. Spanning both ends of the spectrum, you'll find everything from sleek, modern and ever-so-trendy, to laid-back, no-nonsense, and everything in between. 

From a cosy wine bar in Curlewis Street to a beachfront institution (we’re looking at you, Icebergs), these are the best Bondi bars to visit when the cocktail cravings hit.

The Shop & Wine Bar

A café by day, The Shop on Curlewis Street transforms into a relaxed bar after dark. Locals flock there for the cheese platters, which they enjoy tucked away in one of the restaurant’s nooks with a glass of wine in hand.

78 Curlewis Street, Bondi Beach

Promenade Bondi Beach  

Promenade Bondi Beach's Front Yard Bar is a go-to for visitors and locals alike. You can enjoy sweeping views of Australia's most famous beach whilst sipping on your drink of choice. What could be better?! Seasonal cocktails and casual bites are the main order of business. You'll also find these good folk have thought of everything with heaters and blankets provided if the weather turns chilly.  

Shop 4 Bondi Pavilion, Queen Elizabeth Drive, Bondi Beach  

Iberica 

A brand-new tapas wine bar is always welcome in our lives and Iberica has well and truly surpassed our wildest dreams with its immaculate Mediterranean vibes. Drawing inspo from Spain's Balearic Coast, you can expect charm, warmth, a Spanish-oriented wine list and fresh ingredients. 

Look forward to dishes including fried Spanish chilli peppers, Grilled Octopus and Jamon Iberica. The drinks list is equally delish with seasonal cocktails perfect for sipping beachside. 

251 Bondi Road, Bondi 

Makaveli 

What's better than an Italian-inspired coffee and breaky spot? One that turns into a cosy little bar come the evening! Makaveli specialises in elevated versions of the classics. For breaky, think fresh juices, focaccia, pastries and granola. By night, you'll be treated to seasonal and sharable plates like burrata and fresh broad beans, Kingfish crudo, Bresaola and marinated cherry tomatoes. A curated wine list and perfectly muddled cocktails are available of an evening also. 

Shop 2, 177 - 179 Glenayr Avenue, Bondi 

The Corner House

Situated in the heart of Bondi, The Corner House offers an unforgettable experience, combining great drinks, tasty food, and a lively ambience. This Mediterranean restaurant has a week's worth of happy hour deals, like $5 gin and tonics on Wednesdays to $10 espresso martinis on Fridays. It's the perfect spot to unwind, socialize, and enjoy the best of Bondi's bar scene.

281 Bondi Road, Bondi

Icebergs Dining Room & Bar

One of the most famous waterfront spots in Sydney, you simply can't head to Bondi without a stop off at Icebergs. For that iconic view, snag a coveted corner table and look out onto what is arguably Australia’s most Instagrammed ocean pool. 

1 Notts Avenue, Bondi Beach 

Hotel Ravesis

This beachfront establishment has a beach-side bar, wraparound terraces, upmarket dining space and (of course) a sleek nightclub. Decked out in flamingo pink, Ravesis indoor and outdoor spaces all overlook Bondi Beach, but the terrace is where it’s at. We can already taste the refreshing açai ginger spritz. 

118 Campbell Parade, Bondi Beach

Beach Road Hotel

Smack bang in the middle of Bondi, Beach Road Hotel is a pub, dance floor and live music venue rolled into one. There's a bistro, beer garden and pool tables – but when the live music is pumping, the crowds really start to gather. 

71 Beach Road, Bondi Beach 

Bondi Hardware

For a quintessential Bondi bar experience, Hardware on Hall Street ticks every box. The cool, rustic-chic bar and restaurant (think exposed brick walls, hanging greenery and wooden beams) serve up tapas-style food and seriously good cocktails. The soundtrack is always great, too.

39 Hall Street, Bondi Beach 

Neighbourhood Bondi

A cosy wine and cocktail bar that serves American and modern Australian share plates, Neighbourhood is the place to be. A former radio station, this small bar is a trendy little hangout. Nab a seat in the back courtyard if you can, and sip on your beverage of choice while taking in the scene. 

143 Curlewis Street, Bondi Beach 

Curly Lewis

A brewery in Bondi? We’re there. Centrally located on Campbell Parade, Curly Lewis is the Eastern Suburbs' very first brewery as well as a bar and diner. With eight brews on tap and a bar menu consisting of moreish share plates and sumptuous burgers, you are in for a delicious time.

102-106 Campbell Parade, Bondi Beach

Loving these Bondi bars and keen to explore more of Sydney’s places to go? Check out our guide to the best happy hours in Sydney, or if you’re more of a foodie - why not have a look at our seafood lover’s guide to the best fish and chips in Sydney?