Bars in Manly
Discover the best in beachside drinking on our Manly bar crawl.
By Myffy Rigby
You probably wouldn't know this micro-brewery/bar was here unless you were a) a Manly local or b) looking for it. It's upstairs from the Manly cinemas. Now you know. It's also packed to the hilt with thirsty locals. You've got a choice between their pale ale, kolsch and (our favourite) heferweizen. Also, if you're interested, you can view the brewing process - the giant glass tank in the entrance holds the whole distillation kit. Mondays to Thursdays, the cinema and bar have a deal where for $27.50 you get a main meal in the 4 Pines restaurant and a movie ticket, while Mondays is mussel day - a bowl of mussels with bread, beer battered chunky chips and two beers or house wines of your choice for $30.
There's a fair selection of wine and beer by the bottle to choose from as well as a fair selection of spirits if you're after something simple and they do a cracker cocktail. If you could mix surfer shack, freak 50s collector, skater cool and secret Mexican tavern, you'd be kinda close to the vibe and décor here, down to the pressed metal bar and hat rack hung with a sumo wig and fez, respectively.
It's a pretty relaxed confluence point with an easy mix of suits in pinstripes and bohemian surfers in neoprene. Unpretentious digs for the professionally good looking, they can't be beaten for excellent cocktails. The drinks menu is extensive with a wide range of spirits and local and imported beers as well as a happy hour each evening.
The service at Hugo's is great (which might have something to do with the two sets of identical twins working there). You'll be standing at the bar with a drink in your hand before you can say Mojito. The bartenders know their stuff here, but where this place really goes off is the amazing views. It's not only a fantastic place for a sneaky afternoon beverage but a hot Manly nightspot with locals and ferry hoppers alike.
The drinks menu is flirty, sassy and fun. Upstairs you'll find canvas and cane lounges and ottomans; a roof that peels down to show the beachfront and let in the breeze; and white tents supporting big Chinese-style lanterns. This is a ripper place to spend the early part of a Saturday evening - the vibe is right and the drinks are great.
Cocktail-o-philes won't be able to ignore this room with its rented beachside cottage chic. The broad cocktail list boasts an Old Fashioned, Margaritas and Gin Fizzes as well as Mai Tais and Dark and Stormies.
Beer by the beach? You betcha. Placed right on Manly Wharf, it's a great place for a sneaky beverage if you're waiting for your ferry or simply just a great place to settle in for an afternoon session. The main focus here may be swinging steins, but you can't beat a giant pretzel. Twice the size of Germany and studded with fat salt crystals, they're the perfect combination of salty-sweet to go with your drinkin'.
