Updated: June 15th, 2018

It’s hard to find the right venue for work drinks.

Chances are, you’ll be rolling with a large group of diverse ages and tastes. You need a big bar with an egalitarian streak – one that offers French champagne alongside Toohey’s New, without judging your office get-up.

Some of our choices are smaller or more specialised. But for the most part, we’ve gone for the true all-rounders, where everyone can find a seat and a drink they like. Go on, get that weekend started.

Bar Odessa

A lavish basement bar full of Hellenic cocktails and history lessons.

Basement Level 122 Pitt Street
Sydney NSW 2000
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Papa Bo Min

The Lotus Dining team never does anything half-heartedly. The cocktail menu at this casual diner is proof of that.

225 George Street
CBD NSW

Kittyhawk

Influenced by post-war Paris in the ’40s, the second bar by the Lobo Plantation guys is a winner.

16 Phillip Lane
Sydney NSW 2000
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Restaurant Hubert

Take a seat at the bar of this postwar France-themed restaurant with just the right lighting.

15 Bligh Street
Sydney NSW 2000

Balcon by Tapavino

Pick from one of the longest wine lists in town and snack on Spanish cheeses.

17 Bligh Street
Sydney NSW 2000
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Opera Bar

You won’t have trouble getting a seat – there are 700.

Lower Concourse, Sydney Opera House Macquarie Street
Sydney NSW

The ArtHouse Hotel

Another big one, with three bars in one.

275 Pitt Street
Sydney NSW
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Burrow Bar

As intimate as the name implies.

De Mestre Place
Sydney NSW 2000

The Lobo Plantation

Rum from Barbados, Bermuda, Cuba, Panama and beyond.

Basement Lot 1 209 Clarence Street
Sydney NSW 2000
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The Barber Shop

Low-key as they come.

89 York Street
Sydney NSW 2000

The Local Bar CBD

More than 130 bottles of wine to choose from.

161 Castlereagh Street
Sydney NSW 2000

Papa Gede’s

Repping New Orleans.

346-348 Rear 348 Kent Street, via laneway
Sydney NSW

The Swinging Cat

Another sharp ode to New Orleans.

44 King Street
Sydney NSW 2000
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Ramblin’ Rascal Tavern

A dark, rowdy all-rounder.

60 Park Street
Sydney NSW 2000

Work in Progress

Tinnies and Connect Four.

50 King Street
Sydney NSW 2000
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Mr Tipply’s

Get the night started with $25 cocktail jugs.

347 Kent Street
Sydney NSW 2000

Shirt Bar

The most white-collar bar ever.

7 Sussex Lane
Sydney NSW 2000

Taylor’s Rooftop Bar

A good pick, whatever the weather.

69-73 Pitt Street
Sydney NSW 2000
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Lot.1 Sydney

Reminiscent of an old-school gentleman’s club.

Restaurant 18-20 York Street
Sydney NSW 2000

Mojo Record Bar

For the blues and rock ‘n’ roll enthusiasts in your office.

Basement 73 York Street
Sydney NSW

The S.G

Local beers and retro arcade games.

1 32 York St
Sydney NSW

The Morrison Bar and Oyster Room

Head to the Parlour bar and throw back some oysters.

225 George Street
Sydney NSW

Uncle Ming’s

Despite the name, this Chinese- and Japanese-themed bar isn’t so kitsch.

Lower Level 55 York Street
Sydney NSW
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The Cuban Place

Ten-buck Havana mojitos. Enough said.

125 York Street
Sydney NSW 2000
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Frankie’s Pizza

Hit the saloon for pinball machines and beer.

50 Hunter Street
Sydney NSW 2000

Grandma’s Bar

There’s no cheap sherry here, we promise.

275 Clarence Street
Sydney NSW

Grasshopper

Drinks downstairs, dinner upstairs.

1 Temperance Lane
Sydney NSW
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Small Bar – CBD

The first of its name.

48 Erskine Street
Sydney NSW
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Bulletin Place

It may be a challenge to find, but after one (or three) cocktails here you’ll see that it was well worth your time.

First floor 10-14 Bulletin Place
Sydney NSW 2000

Barrio Cellar

Look for the neon lights on Elizabeth Street to find the second venture from Kings Cross taqueria Barrio Chino.

58 Elizabeth Street
Sydney NSW 2000
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Stitch

The sister venue to Darlingurst’s Pocket Bar and Surry Hills’ Button Bar.

61 York Street
Sydney NSW 2000
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Read the full article on broadsheet.com.au.