New bars of 2011.

1

 

With a manager who lists Love, Tilly Devine and Best Cellars on his resume, you know this petite Redfern hideout is going to bring the goods to the 'hood. The cracking wine list doesn't fail to deliver.

2

 

The latest feather added to Glebe's growing hat of small bars, this newbie on the cobblestoned corner across from Victoria Park is a cracker. With a Tex-Mex menu, St Arnou on tap and a retro vibe, huge crowds are certain.

3

 

Your little old granny probably wouldn't approve of the debauchery and shenanigans that go on in this hip little drinking den, but she sure would approve of the decor; a ramshackle collection of all her favourites such as crocheted doilies, knitted throws and pointless kitschy ornaments. Even the cocktail menu tips its trilby to the classics of the 30s & 40s. This funky venue is taking retro to its logical conclusion.

4

 

From the blokes behind Pocket Bar, who many credit for starting Sydney's small-bar revolution, comes this hard to find, basement-level, needlework-themed, slide guitar playing, New York-style cocktail bar complete with vintage sewing machines, gourmet hotdogs, burgers and amazing cocktails.

5

 

Sitting somewhere between a frat-house keg party and a '90s-themed high-school reunion, this Bondi bar with its tattooed staff and ramshackle decor does a solid trade in no-fuss booze and oh-so-tasty American diner food.

6

 

This bar has more boutique and microbrew ales than a centipede has legs. Offering some weird and wonderful drops, it attracts a cool crowd of stylish kids who love the food, the beer and the chilled-out vibe.

7

 

Jerome Borazio (St Jerome's, 1000 Pound Bend) has proven his genius again with this nautical-themed bar under a Yarra footbridge. With a theme-park-like name and a stellar wine list, the cool kids are going to love it.

8

 

Like a phoenix arisen from the ashes, this cool new bar on the site of the old Newtown Hotel looks like a Hawaiian-themed frat house. The cool kids love the sweet tasty cocktails, the house-made dumplings and games/pool room. Get there why you still can as this bar is open for a limited time only.

9

 

If you manage to find this new small bar, secreted in a garage just off Glebe Point Road, you'll be handsomely rewarded with a stunning array of boutique wines, great tapas-style fare and some stylishly hip timber-heavy decor.

10

 

Home of Perth's hip and happening peeps, this trendy seaside bar boasts a tasteful retro aesthetic and magnificent views of the ocean. There is Asahi on tap and plenty of creative cocktails for the adventurous.

11

 

Evoking images of the ever wise, nocturnal birds of the forest, this hip bar joins Darlo's line-up of impressive new watering holes. This chic establishment boasts some top quality wines and super smooth cocktails. With two floors and a punchy tapas menu, it is sure to be a hit with the cool kids in town.

12

 

Mixologist and 2010 bartender of the year Marco Faraone offers a truly special place to enjoy the fruits of his labours. Boasting Sydney's finest views, this Cockatoo Island oasis housed within four old shipping containers may make a few Melburnians jealous.

13

 

Overlooking the beautiful Paynesville waterways, this unique little bar specialises in delicious custom-sourced cleanskin wines and boutique beers which are all carefully selected by the passionate owners. It also serves as a shopfront, where all the wines are available for purchase.