A new era of nightlife: Manly and Cronulla join Sydney’s after-dark renaissance

The renaissance of Sydney nightlife hotspots continues as the Special Entertainment Precinct initiative expands to two more suburbs.

Enmore Road’s precinct has set the standard for Sydney’s nightlife renaissance. After a successful two-year trial, it became the state’s first permanent Special Entertainment Precinct, and it’s opened the gates for several more. Balmain and Rozelle recently got the go-ahead, and Hornsby, Dulwich Hill, Leichhardt and two areas in Marrickville also pipped for change.

The Special Entertainment Precinct initiative has boosted foot traffic, business revenue and night-time visitation along Enmore Road, and the NSW Government is hoping for similar success in the other suburbs.

Joining the pipeline this morning are Manly in the north and Cronulla in the south. Building on their reputation as surf and beauty hotspots, their after-dark offerings are set to get a boost. Manly will receive $173,760 in funding to establish a trial in the Corso, while Cronulla will receive a bigger boost of $187,330 to support the council’s long-term vision to deliver more entertainment options like the Cronulla Jazz & Blues Festival.

Both suburbs already have nightlife venues, of course — read on to find out which venues you can visit now, and will only get better as the entertainment precincts are established.

Best nightlife spots in Manly

With its picture-perfect ferry ride from Circular Quay, surf-friendly waves and sun-drenched beaches, Manly has long lured tourists by day — but now it’s becoming a serious player after dark. From cocktail lounges to live music haunts, the buzz is building and these are the venues leading the charge.

1. Felons Brewing Co. Manly Wharf

Felons Brewing Co opened its first venue outside Brisbane late last year, and has become an immediate hit. After replacing the long-standing Manly Wharf Bar with a modern brewpub, now it’s an inseparable part of daily life in Manly, even corralling the community with its free weekly run club with a free beer at the end. There’s Tuesday night trivia (7pm), live music five nights a week (Wednesdays–Sundays) and ‘Weekly Eats‘ deals including pizza and a schooner or the Big Manly Burger for $20 each, or Sunday roast or steak with fries for $28 each. They’ve also added a new restaurant on the wharf, at Felons Seafood.

This wharfside spot is the perfect place to enjoy a sundowner — and you can easily catch the last ferry back to Circular Quay, unless you’re staying on for longer.

Address: E Esplanade, Manly NSW 2095.
Contact:  (02) 9058 2870.
Opening times: Friday–Saturday 11am–1am; Sunday–Thursday 11am–12am.

felonsbrewingco.com.au

2. The Cumberland

Who doesn’t love a small, hidden speakeasy? Hunting down a secret passageway or underground den adds to the fun of a night out. The Cumblerland is one such place, concealed behind a fridge door in a small, bodega-style deli. Once you step inside, you’ll find a subterranean speakeasy with a Spanish twist. Think themed cocktails, charcuterie boards and ornate, vintage furnishings. It was awarded Australian Small Bar of the Year in 2021 and is a favourite with locals.

Choose from a selection of more than 250 whiskies, natural wine, craft beer and prohibition era-inspired cocktails, as well as tipples inspired by original counties from Sydney and surrounding areas. They also host monthly jazz nights, for the ultimate night in the speakeasy.

Address: 17–19 Central Avenue, Manly 2095.
Contact:  (02) 9058 2877.
Opening times: Wednesday–Thursday 5pm–12pm; Friday–Saturday 5pm–1am; Sunday 4pm–10am.

cumberlandmanly.com.au

3. 4 Pines Brew Pub

This father-son craft brewery has been named the Best for the World four times by Beer & Brewer, but it all began right here in Manly. It all stemmed from a casual conversation over a post-surf beer. The Manly Brew Pub is the OG venue where you can chill out on the balcony with a fresh pint. Start your night right with core beers, house wine and a basket of wings for $7.50 (weekdays 4pm–6pm), any main and a free beer on Mondays or the $25 parma and pint deal on Tuesdays (from 5pm), among others. There’s also live music every Thursday night.

Address: 29/43-45 E Esplanade, Manly, NSW 2095.
Contact: 0491 970 732.
Opening times: Monday–Saturday 11am–12pm; Sunday 11am–10pm.

4pinesbeer.com.au

4. The Hold

A tavern filled with flickering candles and nautical treasures, they combine “high seas hedonism” with design inspiration drawn from an 18th century galleon. Pull up a low table or grab a seat outside to watch the sunset over Manly Beach while sampling a range of craft beers and unique cocktails. All food options are available to order vegan too, so no one has to miss out on a towering gourmet burger. Live music, cocktail specials and great food: as local dive bars go, this is up there with some of the best.

Address: 24 Sydney Road, Manly, NSW 2095.
Contact: (02) 3820 7314.
Opening times: Tuesday–Friday 5pm–12am, Saturday 12pm–12am, Sunday 12pm-10pm.

thehold.com.au

5. Belgrave Cartel

At Belgrave Cartel, “mia casa e’ tua casa” — our house is your house. A café by day and Italian restaurant by night, Belgrave Cartel is a welcoming family-run venue. Open seven days a week, you can start with coffee and stay for dinner, cocktails and delicious wine (Tuesday–Sunday). Visit from 3pm ’til 5pm on Tuesdays to Sundays for $8 beer and wine or $12 cocktails during Happy Hour.

Here’s hoping they lean into true Italian dining culture and take advantage of extended trading hours when Manly transforms into Sydney’s next entertainment precinct.

Address: 6 Belgrave St, Manly, NSW 2095.
Contact: (02) 9976 6548.
Opening times: Monday 6:30am–1pm, Tuesday–Thursday 6:30am–1pm & 3pm–10pm, Friday–Saturday 6:30am–11pm, Sunday 6:30am–9pm.

belgravecartel.com.au

Best nightlife spots in Cronulla

Perched on a peninsula, Cronulla is known for its coastal bushwalks, foreshore parks, secluded swimming spots and surf breaks. Come nightfall, however, the cosmopolitan cafés and bars, and relaxed waterfront dining options bring a new side of the suburb to life — and it’s only going to get better. These are some of the best places to spend an evening in Cronulla.

1. Northies Cronulla Hotel

Northies is an institution that always tops the list of places to drink and dine in Cronulla. Whether you’re there on game day — it’s the honorary home of the Sharkies — or stopping for some of the weekly specials (hello, two-for-one Wednesdays and kids-eat-free Sundays), it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Moments away from the beach, it’s a favourite through the day. The ultimate late-night stop, however, has to be Old Joe’s. Every Friday and Saturday night, DJs spin back-to-back floor fillers into the early hours.

Address: Kingsway &, 141–143 Elouera Rd, Cronulla NSW 2230.
Contact: (02) 9523 6866.
Opening times: Monday–Wednesday 10am–12am, Thursday–Saturday 10am–1:30am, Sunday 10am–10pm.

northies.com.au

Overlooking Cronulla Beach, Zinc is a favourite with those looking for quality food, drinks, live music and ocean views. There is live music every Friday (7pm–10pm) and Sunday (4pm–7pm) throughout July, showcasing local talent. Happy Hour runs from 4pm–6pm and heaters will keep you warm through winter, and the nachos, pizza and parmis are highlights on the food menu. As for drinks, you can’t go wrong with a jug of white sangria or Zinc Bar punch, an Aperol spritz or the beer of the week.

Address: 1 McDonald St, Cronulla NSW 2230.
Contact: (02) 9527 9111.
Opening times: Wednesday–Thursday 12pm–10pm, Friday–Saturday 11:30am–11:30pm, Sunday 12pm–10pm.

zincbarcronulla.com.au

3. Brass Monkey

Live music lovers, look no further. This is the place to catch a performance, with jazz often being the genre of choice — though blues, roots, funk, pop, indie and world music is regularly found on the stage too. It’s an intimate venue, restaurant and bar that has been providing the goods for more than 25 years. As you descend the stairs, you enter a new world where framed pictures on the wall show the legacy of the venue. Grammy winner Jason Mraz, multi-ARIA-winner Missy Higgins, critically acclaimed singer Matt Corby and jazz virtuoso James Morrison are among the international stars who have played at the venue.

While music venues aren’t typically known for their food offerings, the menu here is solid. Tickets for dinner and a show are available, so you can enjoy the Middle Eastern and Mediterranean-inspired dishes, including salmon with quinoa tabouli or beef cheek with potato purée, confit tomato and a sherry reduction. There’s antipasto for a smaller snack too.

Address: 115a Cronulla Street Cronulla NSW 2230.
Contact: (02) 9544 3844.
Opening times:

brassmonkey.com.au

4. Cony’s

Named after its owner, Cony’s brings a taste of South America to Surf Lane. Tuck into signature ceviche, empanadas, tacos, thinly sliced octopus sashimi and corn ribs with chipotle and Manchego cheese — finished with churros with dulche de leche, of course. The South American flavours extend to the drinks menu, with several pisco-based cocktails, Chilean wines and several margys, naturally.

Thursdays and Fridays are the best times to visit, with Tacos & Nachos night (from 5pm) and Happy Hour (20 per cent off, 4pm–6pm) respectively.

Address: 4/15 Surf Lane, Cronulla NSW 2230
Opening times: Thursday 5pm–10pm, Friday 4pm–10pm, Saturday 12:30pm–10pm, Sunday 12:30pm–9pm.

conys.com.au

5. The Blind Bear

Dimly lit with exposed brick walls and antique wooden furnishings make this American-style whiskey saloon bar a charming spot for a late-night drink. The bar boasts a selection of more than 100 whiskeys from across the world, as well as a rotating roster of Australian craft beers and a cocktail list too. Line your stomach with classic American burgers, fried chicken and cheese, truffle and bacon-stuffed jalapeño poppers. This cosy hole-in-the-wall spot is famous for its whisky apple: fresh-squeezed granny smiths with a shot of single malt.

Address: 28 Cronulla Street, Cronulla NSW 2230.
Contact:
Opening times: Wednesday–Thursday 5pm–11pm, Friday–Sunday 5pm–12:30am.

theblindbear.com