10 Of The Best Cronulla Bars To Visit Now

The ultimate guide to the best bars in Cronulla in Sydney’s south.

The best bars in Cronulla lean into the neighbourhood’s laid-back beachie vibe. But there are also supper clubs and swanky lounges where you can frock up to have a tipple or two.

Whether you’re in the mood for a drink at a dive bar, a bottomless brunch or locally brewed craft beer, you’ll find eight of the best Cronulla bars hiding in plain sight.

1. Hurricane’s Grill & Bar

Meat and fish don’t have much of a commute to get to Hurricane’s Grill & Bar in Cronulla. Where possible, there’s also a roster of locally sourced spirits such as Ruby Wednesday Gin and Sunday Road Brewing craft beer. Sitting up at the bar is a different experience to dining in this expansive Luchetti Krell-designed space, which is both grand and glamorous.

Hurricane's bar Cronulla — Hurricane’s offers a vibrant list of classic cocktails with a twist.

As well as being one of the best restaurants in Cronulla, Hurricane’s is the place to head to for a fun night out. The restaurant is also proud of its extensive wine list.

Best for: Yellowfin tuna sashimi and a flight of artisanal G+Ts.
Address: 1/49 Gerrale St, Cronulla

2. Brass Monkey

This subterranean live music venue and basement bar is fitted out in plush red velvet with a speakeasy aesthetic. The entrance to the Brass Monkey is discreet. But it’s the dark and dim drinking den of your dreams once you find it. And one of the best bars in Cronulla for live music.

Band on stage at the Brass Monkey Cronulla. — Brass Monkey is one of the best places to enjoy live music in the Shire. (Image: Carla Grossetti)

As well as listening to local acts such as Jackson Carroll and Caravana San, the Brass Monkey attracts big-name blues and rock acts from around the world. The wine list and cocktail list are as crowd-pleasing as the food prepared by chefs from sister venue Yalla Sawa.

a live band performing at Brass Monkey — Enjoy everything from comedy nights to acoustic jams at the Brass Monkey Cronulla.

Best for: Live music and really exceptional Lebanese fare.
Address: 115A Cronulla St, Cronulla

3. Sista Gin

There’s a glimmer of energy that shows no sign of abating in Cronulla’s drinking and dining scene. Just as local real estate developers have been lured by Cronulla’s prime waterfront location, so too have entrepreneurs who want a slice of the action. Sista Gin is drawing crowds from all over the beachside suburb.

Hidden upstairs in Cronulla St, the dinky gin bar has an innovative list of cocktails. It also has a range of tapas and large plates to share including generous platters of charcuterie and cheese. The vibe is different from anything else in Cronulla at Sista Gin which pivots between being a restaurant and a cocktail bar.

Best for: Buffalo wings and a trio of dips.
Address: 7/1 Cronulla St, Cronulla

4. Cony’s

The menu and cocktails being created at Cony’s nod to the owner’s South American roots. Cony’s has you covered. Take a selfie in front of the wall art and boomerang your toast with spirit-forward drinks such as the Spicy Senorita (chilli-infused tequila) and Pisco Disco (pisco, whiskey and Cointreau).

Cocktails at Cony's Cronulla — Cony’s looks to Latin America for inspiration.

We love the Latina-leaning dishes such as Cony’s guacamole, and the signature ceviche. The bar looks like it would be right at home in Lima, Peru, and is popular with 20-somethings who like to frock up for the bottomless brunch on weekends.

Tortillas with ceviche at Cony's in Cronulla — Take your tastebuds to South America at Cony’s in Cronulla.

Best for: Spotting C-list celebs from reality TV while slurping cocktails.
Address: 15 Surf Road, Cronulla

5. The Blind Bear

You might be likely to find members of local bands, the Skegss , Ruby Fields or Adam Newling holed up in The Blind Bear when they’re not touring the world. If it’s not one of the band members bellying up to the bar, it might be one of their many stunt doubles who have trudged in from the beach looking like tousle-haired rock gods.

The Blind Bear is the dive bar of your dreams to enjoy an Old Fashioned while in Cronulla.

Order a G&T using small-batch Ruby Wednesday Gin distilled just down the road in Taren Point or from Hairyman Brewery , one of the local boutique breweries . This drinking hole is much loved in Cronulla and one of the best dive bars in Sydney.

The Blind Bear is one of the best bars in Cronulla. (Image: Carla Grossetti)

Best for:An Old-Fashioned cocktail and burger with the lot.
Address: 28 Cronulla St, Cronulla

6. The Pines Terrace

Looking to impress your date with dinner and drinks in Cronulla? Head to The Pines Terrace , which is designed for those who want to enjoy The Pines menu, albeit in a more relaxed and al fresco environment. The go-to al fresco spot for a sundowner is a space that has Bali beach club vibes written all over it. It’s a relaxed refuge that would also look right at home in the Hamptons.

You can sample signature dishes from the main menu at The Pines in the adjacent terrace bar.

It’s also considered one of the best bars in Cronulla due to its location overlooking The Alley, which makes it perfect for people-watching. The Pines Terrace is the more casual sibling to The Pines, which is one of the best restaurants in Cronulla. The Shire favourite is also open for breakfast.

cocktails ontop of a light white counter — Wine and dine at The Pines Terrace, the more casual offshoot of The Pines.

Best for: Wining and dining on the weekend.
Address: Unit 1/8-18 Kingsway, Cronulla

7. Croydon Lane Wine & Tapas Bar

Surfing and boating have helped create Southern Cali vibes in Cronulla. But the waterside suburb in Sydney’s south has also become a destination for dining. This dinky little wine bar looks to have cleaned out a bordello to furnish it with its red velvet chairs and charmingly mismatched décor.

Croydon Lane Wine & Tapas Bar is a top spot for a Sunday session.

Basically, you’ll find half of the suburb kicking back here with a drink on a typical weekend. The dimly lit Croydon Lane Wine & Tapas Bar is tucked away down the lane it is named after.

Address: g8/30 Kingsway, Cronulla
Best for:

8. Low & Lofty’s

Low & Lofty’s looks like a place for good times. There’s a pinball machine, pork ribs, and lots of young people wiping sauce from their chins. Come searching for flavours of the Caribbean and find a slo-mo vibe that brings groups of friends together.

Dark and atmospheric bar in Cronulla — Low & Lofty’s is a lovely place to linger for a Caribbean-inspired cocktail.

Low & Lofty’s is tucked away upstairs away from the well-trodden corridor through Cronulla Plaza. And it’s a bit of a quest to massacre a tray of BBQ sticky brisket imbued with intoxicatingly smokey flavours. Bring on the joy of the Jamaican goat curry with a Jalisco summer cocktail in a jar.

A Caribbean cocktail — Keep it low-key over cocktails at Low & Lofty’s, Cronulla.

Best for: Hit the pinball machines before tucking into smoky ribs and craft beers.
Address: 51A Cronulla St, Cronulla

9. Old Joe’s

Shop, do yoga, rent a sailboard, eat acai, surf, and swim between the flags. These are, of course, some of the best things to do in Cronulla. Meanwhile, balance the ledger with a few cocktails with friends at Old Joe’s located in the multi-venue Northie’s Hotel.

An image of a cocktail at a table at Old Joe's in Cronulla — Old Joes is a cool bar for a cocktail with a sea breeze in Cronulla.

Guard your chippies closely from seagulls on days when the sky is swept clean blue and you’re eating and drinking outdoors. Because Cronulla’s population swells with visitors in summer, the suburb has a holiday-by-the-sea vibe. Catch the train to the southern beaches and you might actually make some new Sydney friends. This Laundy Hotel is one of the best places in Cronulla for a bevvy.

An image of a burger about to be eaten alongside cocktails and beer — Enjoy a big old bacon burger at Old Joe’s Cronulla.

Best for: Cocktails with the girls or a pub meal with the family.
Address: 141-143 Elouera Rd

10. Papa Js

Papa Js doffs its hat to local hospitality heavyweights Carl and Brooke Jensen, of Jensen’s Restaurant in Kareela. The sophisticated 1950s-style cocktail bar and lounge is best known for its dedicated martini and margarita menu.

The beautiful marble bar at Papa Js Cronulla — Sit and sip in style at Papa Js.

The Eurostyle bar is also perfect for cosying up in after a couple of G&Ts. Enjoy cheese and charcuterie or fried calamari and karaage chicken while sipping through the extensive drinks list.

Best for: A platter of cheese and charcuterie before or after the cinema.
Address: Shop 7, 2-6 Cronulla St, Cronulla

A cocktail sitting on a countertop at Papa Js, Cronulla — Spend the afternoon sipping mar-tea-nis in Cronulla.

Feeling hungry? Check out a local’s guide to 15 of the best restaurants in Cronulla.

Sunshine, sea breezes and sand-speckled locals: the Sutherland Shire is perfect for an idyllic Sydney summer.

The Sutherland Shire is one of Sydney’s most dynamic regions. Home to an eclectic mix of top-notch eateries and drinking holes, a flourishing arts scene, and striking land and seascapes, it’s a haven for foodies, culture seekers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

It’s also an ever-evolving destination with a constant wave of new places to eat and drink, and under-the-radar pockets to explore – many of which are dog-friendly.

If you’re venturing to this gorgeous part of the world this summer, here’s your guide to what’s new and worth discovering.

Savour the summer dining scene

Fred’s After Hours on the sutherland shire — Pop into Fred’s After Hours.

The Shire’s buzzing dining scene is one of its biggest drawcards, and many of the region’s culinary highlights can be found in the sun-soaked beachside hub of Cronulla. A bunch of newcomers have recently set up shop, making the area ripe for culinary adventure.

Homer Rogue Taverna is exactly as its name suggests: a cheeky take on classic Greek food. Expect meze and mains bursting with bold flavours and a wine list packed with standout Greek drops.

Freds Providore – a Cronulla favourite for casual cafe fare and excellent coffee – is now open late from Thursday to Sunday. Come sundown, it morphs into Fred’s After Hours, serving a refined European-inspired menu, wines, cocktails and a laid-back yet polished vibe.

Bobbys is a slick destination right on Cronulla Beach, where you can grab a plate of freshly-caught seafood and a summery cocktail while cooling off in the sea breeze.

And if you’re after a bit of everything, the sprawling and multifaceted Parc Pavilion is a melting pot of dining experiences. It blends a cafe, bistro, bar, Italian restaurant and a host of regular events, all tied together in a cool coastal setting.

Got a Saturday morning to spare? The Shire Farmers Market in Sutherland is a must-do ritual, letting you (and your four-legged friend) browse fresh produce, flowers and gourmet treats against a backdrop of live music and local chatter.

Dive into ocean pools

ocean pool on the sutherland shire — The ocean pools beckon.

Given its prime coastal positioning, the Shire teems with crystal-clear ocean pools and enclosed bathing spots. Silver Beach Tidal Baths offers a netted
swimming experience in Botany Bay. Tucked beside a small sandy beach, the tidal baths at Gunnamatta Park are calm and shallow – making them an ideal setting for less confident swimmers.

Just a hop and a skip away is Shelly Park Ocean Pool, a magical rock pool carved in the ocean. It’s well-suited to young kids and offers sweeping views towards the open sea.

Experience local arts and culture

Hazelhurst Arts Centre in Gymea is elegantly positioned within a lush garden landscape, serving as the Sutherland Shire’s premier destination for arts and culture. This summer, experience the Art on Paper Award 2025 – a celebration of innovation and creativity through the versatile medium of paper.

Set within the leafy surrounds of Hazelhurst Arts Centre, Hazel Kitchen & Bar has curated the ultimate picnic experience. Think abundant cheese platters, artisan charcuterie boards, fresh OJ and a thoughtfully chosen wine list, all available to take away and enjoy in the art-filled gardens just beyond the restaurant. Best of all, four-legged friends are welcome to join the fun.

Next, venture south to the artsy village of Bundeena for the monthly Bundeena and Maianbar Art Trail . This self-guided journey through local artists’ studios offers a glimpse into their work and creative spaces.

Relish the dog-friendly atmosphere

a dog on Greenhills Dog Beach sutherland shire — Let the dog off-leash at Greenhills Dog Beach.

The Sutherland Shire is a bona fide playground for pups and their humans. Find a string of dog-friendly beaches popular with locals, visitors and pups alike. Silver Beach in Kurnell is a peaceful pocket, allowing dogs off-leash without restriction. While Horderns Beach in Bundeena and Greenhills Beach in Cronulla are equally serene and provide off-leash access (be sure to check times and seasonal restrictions before you go).

If you’re planning to make a weekend of it, book yourself and your pooch into Quest Cronulla . With stylish and spacious pet-friendly accommodation, thoughtful amenities, and a prime location just steps from Cronulla Esplanade and a variety of dog-friendly cafes, it’s the perfect spot to rest after a full day of exploring.

Get into nature

Sunrise at Curracurrong Falls and Eagle Rock in the Royal National Park, Sydney. — Find natural beauty in Royal National Park. (Image: Destination NSW)

You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to outdoor escapes: imagine rugged bushwalks, breezy beachside tracks, meandering cycling trails and lookouts galore. The best part? Many of them are perfectly suited to dogs.

Take your canine to Cronulla Esplanade – the Shire’s version of the famed Bondi to Coogee Walk. This eight-kilometre route takes you past the region’s most picturesque beaches, offering panoramic vistas and an electric energy. It heaves with locals every morning and weekend, getting their steps in with a coffee in one hand and a dog leash in the other.

If you’re travelling without furry friends, stop by the Royal National Park. You’ll be engulfed in ancient bushland, craggy cliffs, towering rock formations, diverse wildlife and twisting tracks. The Jibbon Loop Track is a highlight, with spectacular views over the sea. Alternatively, the Karloo Track forms a loop that winds through untamed bush, freshwater pools and waterfalls. Re-lace your walking shoes or grab a bike to follow The Bundeena Drive to Marley Walk past freshwater pools and creeks, on to scenic beach views of Little Marley Beach.

Hit up the beautiful beaches

aerial of cronulla beach and esplanade — Enjoy postcard-perfect beaches. (Image: Destination NSW)

The stretch along Cronulla bursts with postcard-perfect beaches, each offering a different flavour. With rolling waves, regular patrol and a steady stream of beachgoers, Cronulla Beach and North Cronulla Beach are buzzy and built for all kinds of swimmers. Elouera Beach is a quieter option, attracting early-morning surfers hoping to catch the perfect wave.

If you prefer a side of dramatic scenery, visit Wanda or Greenhills – in addition to ocean panoramas, both are backed by towering golden dunes and wild scrub. Looking for something more subdued? Shelly Beach Ocean Pool is a relaxed – yet no less captivating – retreat.

Start planning your Sutherland Shire summer at visitsutherlandshire.com.au.

10 of the best bars in Cronulla for 2024