Opera Views
One of my favourite drinking spots in the city would be the Opera Bar over at the Circular Quay. When a friend, CS, decided to fly down to Sydney early this year while I was on holiday in Southeast Asia, she asked for some recommendations, considering I couldn’t bring her around as promised.
I told her, among other places, to go to the Opera Bar, especially on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. She loved it. The place left a lasting impression on her. Though tired of all the other views of Sydney after a week, she found the Opera Bar somewhat soothing.
The Opera Bar is located midpoint on the lower concourse of the Opera House, the under-street-level walkway leading from East Circular Quay to the Performance Halls themselves. The wide open terrace fronting the bar leads to a spectacular view of Circular Quay, the CBD, The Rocks and the Harbour Bridge.
Drinks are in abundance and varied. I have yet to try their cocktail selections but the Opera Bar’s own house wines are excellent and decently priced. The Opera Bar red wine and sparkling wine are good starters when clueless about wines. Both are from vineyards in the Hunter Valley.
However, there is a lack in bar food choices though the views alone compensate for this. The indoor section is dimly lit, with ottomans and low tables everywhere, hidden nooks in corners and little tea lights decorating the tables. Outside, there aren’t many places to sit, though people are more than content to stand and enjoy the views.
In Summer and Autumn, the outdoor section is filled to the brim. At times, the outdoor bar has a longer queue than the indoor bar. The in-house DJ spins smooth Balearic tunes and chilled house. On Sunday afternoons, either a live jazz band or DJ entertains the crowds. Expect the place to be full.
Another thing I like about the Opera Bar is the relaxed atmosphere and informal setting of the venue. Certain bars in Sydney require patrons to be at least in long pants and shoes. The Opera Bar doesn’t mind shorts and flip flops (affectionately called thongs down here though the reason why still defies me).
The Opera Bar is a good place to enjoy drinks after work, meeting up with friends, and drinks before or after performances. It’s also a nice spot to enjoy a hard earned drink after exploring the Sydney Heads or a walk along the eastern harbour shores, considering the Circular Quay Ferry Terminal is nearby.
If there’s one venue I’d suggest for a traveller who is short on time and would like to experience an interesting and lasting image of Sydney, I’d suggest the Opera Bar. Not as touristy as you’d expect, thankfully. Cheers!
