The Rocks

Housed in an historic building of the 1850s. Multiple floors, dance floor.

Hero of Waterloo

Built in 1843, this sandstone and timber pub has a great colonial ambiance

Lord Nelson

The Lord Nelson, sandstone building on the corner of Kent Street and Argyle Street - Established in 1842, a micro-brew pub, with a variety of beers brewed on the premises. Nice bread and cheese, pie and peas. Popular, but usually not so crowded on a weeknight that you can't get a table.

The Argyle

12-18 argyle st. the rocks. raw timber columns shoot to the ceilings among the daybeds which are set against a backdrop of sandstone walls. the venue has five bars and is a great evening all up. often holds big functions on friday and saturday night, so it can be difficult to get in.

Harbour Bar

Park hyatt hotel, 7 hickson rd - cosy, comfortable hotel bar with a quieter ambience and views. pricey.

The Australian

100 cumberland street, the rocks, +61 2 9247 2229 (http://www.australianheri...). the australian boasts a prodigious range of australian beers, and very good gourmet pizzas ranging from vegetarian to crocodile. can be hard to get a table between around 6pm and around 9pm. usually attracts a more mature and quiet crowd than the pubs closer to the george st.