From cocktail bars with ocean views to neighbourhood favourites, here are some of the best places to go for a cocktail in the Shire.
From Las Chicas in Cronulla, to Hazel in Gymea, the cocktail craze has taken hold. While this is by no means the definitive list, here are some of the best places to toast.
Americano with Torched Rosemary @ Meadow Music Room
Meadow Music Room is a day-to-night music room, bar and bistro. Meadow moves effortlessly from daytime dining and afternoon aperitivo through to vibrant evenings, making it suitable for everything from casual lunch and afternoon drinks to late-night cocktails. meadowcronulla.com.au
Duke’s Passionfruit Martini @ Duke’s After Hours
A crowd favourite at Duke’s After Hours, is Duke’s Passionfruit Martini. It’s a vibrant passionfruit flavour and a smooth, refreshing finish, it’s the perfect sip for any night out. dukesprovidore.com.au
Spicy Mamacita @ Las Chicas Cronulla
Las Chicas is a unique fun and feminine space created from Chilean-born Constanza Henriquez’s love of cooking and her passion for bringing South American tapas-style street food to Australia. Kick back on a vintage chair with a Spicy Mamacita in one hand and empanada in the other. barlaschicas.com
Chilli Coco Margarita @ Johnny Hu Chinese Restaurant
This stylish restaurant/bar is a great place to start a cocktail crawl, as well as sister venue Alphabet St in Cronulla. natalegrouprestaurants.com
Union Margarita @ Union Place Jannali
Intrepid boozehounds know all about Union Place in Jannali. The modern cocktail revival is going strong here and we recommend you order the Union Margarita. If you visit the Union Place on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday afternoon, cancel your plans for the rest of the afternoon. The hotel is located opposite the train station in Jannali, which means nobody has to be designated driver. unionplacehotel.com.au
Meet me at Wanda @ Benny’s Cronulla
Nestled by Gunnamatta Bay, Benny’s in Cronulla offers a delightful mix of Australian and Mediterranean cuisine. Enjoy fresh seafood, hearty steaks, and classic fish and chips. Sip on a Benny’s specialty cocktail – Meet Me at Wanda. A refreshing mix of rum, triple sec, butterfly pea, strawberry, lemon, whites & mandarin soda. Perfect for sipping while soaking in the stunning waterfront views. Open Wednesday to Sunday, it’s the ideal spot for a relaxed, family-friendly dining experience. bennyscronulla.com.au
Espresso Martini @ Queen Margherita of Savoy
Regulars at Queen Margherita of Savoy might say they go there for the pizza, with its charred puffy crust and pure tomato-flavour. But apart from maintaining fidelity to the Neopolitan-style pizzas being pulled from the oven, those in the know always finish with an espresso martini or two, which nudges the experience into the stratosphere. qmos.com.au
Sunday Session Cocktail @ Next Door Cronulla
An offshoot of the popular Sealevel restaurant, Next Door Cronulla bubbles along with a happy din with a predominantly youthful crowd that includes handsome couples and young women wearing strappy sandals to show off toes that have had a recent shellacking. In summer, the signature Sunday Session is the go. nextdoorcronulla.com.au
Smoked Jalapeno Margarita @ Low & Lofty’s
After pausing to look at the artwork and murals, and vibing on the pinball machine, stay for the classic Caribbean-inspired dishes and drinks that are the untucked versions of old favourites. The smoked jalapeno margarita will have you dreaming of St Bart’s. Floating above Cronulla mall, the bar is like a lofty rum shack with no sand. lowandloftys.com
Jungle Bird @ Hazel Kitchen and Bar
Hazel Kitchen and Bar at Hazelhurst Arts Centre offers a delightful dining experience with fresh, seasonal dishes. Their standout Jungle Bird cocktail, made with dark rum, campari, pineapple and fresh lime, is a must-try. The picturesque setting and vibrant atmosphere make it perfect for both casual meals and special occasions. Highly recommended for a memorable visit! hazelgymea.com
Lychee Martini @ The Pines
The Pines draws inspiration from The Hamptons, celebrating the stunning local coastline with an open-air inspired dining room. Perched above the iconic North Cronulla beach, it offers breathtaking views that pay homage to the Norfolk Pine trees lining the vista. Begin your experience with a signature cocktail like the Lychee Martini! thepinescronulla.com
Pearls of Wisdom @ Jensens at Kareela
Cross suburbs to Kareela for a Pearls of Wisdom, a concoction containing passionfruit, pineapple and cranberry served with ‘popping pearls’ and galvanised with vodka. Yes, it packs a powerful punch and it is also reflective of the changing of the seasons. It will transport you, with one sip, to a sunny summer’s day. jensensrestaurant.com.au
Cocktails and Whiskey @ The Blind Bear
The Blind Bear has been a cornerstone of Cronulla’s nightlife since 2013. The bar exudes the charm of an American-style whiskey saloon, featuring dim lighting, exposed brick walls, and bespoke antique wooden furnishings that create a unique rustic ambiance. It’s an ideal spot to unwind with a meticulously craftxed cocktail and explore a selection of over 100 whiskeys from around the globe. To find this hidden gem, look for the big steel door. The atmosphere inside is dark and moody, perfect for a cozy escape. theblindbear.com
A line-up of spritzes @ Salt Meats Cheese
You don’t have to be bronzed, coiffed and in your 20s to dine here, but it helps. You will be offered a dazzling array of cocktails at this airy restaurant and the suave waiters will be right on hand to guide you through their favourites. Try the wild berry spritz, the cucumber spritz, Aperol spritz, and elderflower spritz. saltmeatscheese.com
Un Poco Loco @ Croydon Lane Wine + Tapas Bar
Croydon Lane Wine & Tapas Bar is one of Cronulla’s original small wine bars. The pocket-sized hard-to-find hangout is tucked away in a corner of Cronulla Plaza and remains all the rage with those who have moved on from sweating it out under a strobe. Enjoy the must try Un Poco Loco – Grey Goose vodka, blood orange, hibiscus, rosemary and soda. croydonlane.com
Raspberry and Cream @ The Prince
The Prince hits its stride in party season. The biggest question confronting diners is where to sit as it’s a veritable wonderland of spaces defined and designed for all occasions. The next question is which of their amazing cocktails to try first – you really can’t go wrong! One standout option is the Raspberry and Cream: a delicious mix of vanilla vodka, white chocolate liqueur, raspberry, lemon and cream. It’s heaven in cocktail form. theprincehotel.com.au
Cold Foam Expresso Martini @ Highfield
With its range of plush seating, well-heeled clientele, and distant views of Sydney CBD, Highfield is a local standout. The multi-tiered space includes a spacious bistro and a lush, appealing indoor-outdoor area that gives you a big blast of fresh air and an expansive outlook. Shout your friends a Cold Foam Expresso Martini – a delicious blend of vodka, coffee liqueur, cold brew coffee and vanilla cold foam – during happy hour for members (6-9 pm Monday-Saturday; 3-6 pm on Sunday). highfieldcaringbah.com.au
Mango Weiss @ Northie’s
It’s worth thumbing through the drinks list at Northie’s as it brims with choice. The space is huge and a paradise for young professionals and tradies looking for love or at the very least a cold one. We recommend sitting in the cosy plant-filled terrace and ordering a few Mango Weiss’, which, after a day well spent sunning yourself on the beach across the road should match both your colour and mood. northies.com.au
Alphabet Apple Martini @ Alphabet Street
Alphabet St in Cronulla is where your taste buds go to party. This vibrant Asian fusion restaurant is known for its signature Alphabet Apple Martini, a unique cocktail that perfectly complements their flavourful dishes. It’s a favourite among both locals and visitors! natalegrouprestaurants.com
Written by Carla Grossetti, an award-winning local journalist. Follow her food and travel adventures at @food.travel.stories on Instagram. To read more of Carla’s stories, visit carlagrossetti.com
Sutherland Shire Council acknowledges the Dharawal speaking people who are the Traditional Custodians of the land of Sutherland Shire.
