Best Pubs and Bars in the Blue Mountains
Wondering where to go out for some evening drinks and atmosphere while you’re in the Blue Mountains? We’ve put together a list of our favourite places to give you some ideas.
Image by The Bootlegger Bar, via https://www.bootleggerbar.com.au/
1. The Bootlegger Bar
The Bootlegger Smokehouse and Bar in Katoomba is all about barbeque and liquor – they pride themselves on their burgers, ribs, whisky and gin flights and specialty cocktails. Split across two floors of the historic Niagara building, this place is a fun find. They offer live music and whisky tastings (they even have a whisky club you can join) and they’re open until late – the kitchen stays serving until 10pm.
Image by Aunty Ed's, via https://www.auntyeds.com.au/
2. Aunty Ed’s Restaurant and Bar
Retro and unique, Aunty Ed’s is a funky hole-in-the-wall venue in the middle of Katoomba with bicycles on the wall and beer and brisket on the menu. The food is old-school – other than brisket, think burgers and milkshakes. And the drinks are hearty and cosy – craft beer, cocktails, mulled wine and hot cider. Sit yourself down on either a 1950s diner style booth or a velvet couch and enjoy live music on Fridays and Sundays too.
Image by The Katoomba Family Hotel, via https://www.katoombahotel.com.au/
3. Katoomba Family Hotel
Built in 1880, the historic Katoomba Family Hotel offers an authentic local pub experience. Nestled in the heart of Katoomba, this friendly venue offers warm hospitality, family atmosphere and live entertainment every day of the week, including live music, trivia nights, pool, darts, poker, stand-up comedy and even poetry.
Image by Station Bar, via http://stationbar.com.au/
4. Station Bar, Katoomba
This is our favourite bar! Situated at the top of the main street in Katoomba, in the heart of the Blue Mountains, this warm and inviting gem has great atmosphere – and great pizza! As well as traditionally made wood-fired pizza, Station Bar also offers fantastic cocktails and boutique beers, as well as live music and a fun vibe.
Image by The Carrington Hotel, via https://www.thecarrington.com.au/
5. Champagne Charlie’s Cocktail Bar, Katoomba
Part of the fabulous Carrington Hotel, Champagne Charlie’s (named after French Champagne merchant Charles Heidseick) is a beautiful place to sip contemporary cocktails underneath an intricate stained-glass dome and chandelier, in fascinating historical surroundings.
Image by The Carrington Hotel, via https://www.thecarrington.com.au/
6. The Old City Bank and Brasserie, Katoomba
Also part of the Carrington Hotel, this characterful venue started life as a bank and was converted into a saloon bar in the 1930s. It has the feel of a classic pub, with a cosy fireplace, a delicious craft beer selection, and great (as well as innovative) pub grub on offer in a relaxed atmosphere.
Image by Alexandra Hotel, via https://www.alexandrahotel.com.au/
7. Alexandra Hotel, Leura
A cosy old country pub with soft leather armchairs you can sink into as you sip a glass of full-bodied red wine by a warm hearth.
The wine is locally sourced, and the pizza is hand-made and wood-fired in this beautiful heritage pub, which was named after Queen Alexandra when it was lovingly built in 1903. The rest of the menu is a mixture of Italian and Modern Australian with three extensive menus and a fantastic wine list too. There’s also plenty of fun to be had, with live music playing on Thursdays and Fridays and karaoke on Saturdays.
Image by Sublime Lounge at The Fairmont Resort, via https://www.fairmontresort.com.au/restaurants-bars/sublime-lounge/
8. Sublime Lounge, Leura
A little bit special. The Sublime Lounge is part of the Fairmont Resort in Leura, and is a sophisticated place to enjoy classic cocktails and a grazing plate of soft cheeses and smoked almonds in front of a flickering fire. Classy and relaxing.
Image by Blackheath Bar and Bistro, via https://blackheathbarandbistro.com.au/
9. Blackheath Bar and Bistro
This interesting venue is a converted hardware store, with a stylish, low-lit brick interior. One of the newest venues in the area, it boasts a contemporary drinks menu with a wide range of wines and beers and food from all over the world. Whether you’re in the mood for southern fried chicken or sushi, they have you covered.
Image by The Gardner's Inn Hotel, via https://www.gardnersinn.com/
10. Gardner’s Inn Hotel, Blackheath
The Gardner’s Inn is the oldest continuously licensed hotel still trading in the Blue Mountains. Taking pride of place in the centre of Blackheath, this heritage building houses an old school bar where you can pull up a stool and chat with other patrons, or tuck into their signature Beef and Guinness Pot Pie.
What are some other things to do in Katoomba and the Blue Mountains?
Enjoy the array of great bars and pubs on offer here, and if you found this helpful, you can also check out our guides to the Best Live Music in the Blue Mountains and the Best Restaurants in the Blue Mountains. If you like to work up to your thirst with some exploring you might like our guides to the Best Blue Mountains Shops and Boutiques and the Best Blue Mountains Walks.
Blue Mountains FAQs
For more useful information that will help you plan your stay, we invite you to take a look at our Visiting the Blue Mountains FAQ guide, which will help you plan when to come, what to wear, where to stay and more.