June 29, 2023
8 mins Read
From intimate wine bars serving natural wine to beachside terrace bars and sunset cocktails in Mediterranean-inspired surrounds, you’re sure to find the right place to cheer up, slow down and chill out. Here are our favourite Byron Bay bars not to be missed.
An illuminated crescent moon is your beacon on Bay Lane to step inside and discover the Bay’s hidden gem, Moonlight Hibachi & Wine Bar. The moody and monochromatic interiors are a contrast to the usual sunny vibes found in Byron.
Moonlight boasts a classy interior.
The intimate 45-seat restaurant and bar serves modern Japanese bar bites alongside biodynamic wines picked according to the Luna cycle, a stellar Saki selection and killer cocktails.
Dine exquisite meals at Moonlight Hibachi & Wine Bar.
Address: Bay Lane, Byron Bay
This Parisian-inspired petite bar and restaurant is the brainchild of Luna Wine Store’s talented team. With over 700 natural wines from around the world, you can swirl and sniff your way through the list while snacking on the wine-friendly menu created by Chef Ollie Wong-Hee (previously Ester, Sixpenny and Franklin) with highlights including raw fish, Meyer lemon, shiso and the delectable potato chip, manchego, shitake. While wine is most definitely the focus, a popular starter is Heather’s Half Tini a perfectly proportioned mini martini. There’s a lot to love about Bar Heather and it’s a breath of fresh air in Byron.
Address: G09/139 Jonson Lane, Byron Bay
Offering a modern coastal twist on traditional Italian cuisine, at Pixie you’re invited to enjoy a cocktail and snack at the bar, sip a spritz on the terrace or settle into the main dining room for lunch or dinner.
Sip a cold brew at Pixie Food & Wine.
Classic Italian cocktails have had a Pixie shake up, think Ginger Orange Spritz with Aperol, ginger, orange and Prosecco or a Pixie Bellini with mandarin, honey, lemon and Prosecco.
Shake up Italian cocktails and Ginger Orange Spritz with Aperol at Pixie Food & Wine.
Address: 139 Jonson Street, Byron Bay
The original Byron Light Years you know and love is all grown up and relocated to the swanky Jonson St precinct alongside sister venue Pixie. The Light Years glow up features designer interiors in blush pink hues, soft muted tones and an impressive tile and terrazzo bar.
Light Years has an alluring interior.
It’s the perfect spot to sip cocktails and dine out on Light Year’s Asian-inspired bar snacks including the likes of pork belly bao buns, wild truffle mushroom dumplings and 5 spice-roasted duck pancake.
Sip fruity cocktails at Light Years.
Address: 139 Jonson St, Byron Bay
Not just for the fortunate few, Raes welcomes locals and visitors to their Cellar Bar & Terrace with unrivalled views of stunning Wategos Beach. Enjoy relaxed yet refined bar snacks including Yellowfish tuna tartare with cultured dashi cream, radish and mustard leaves or Salt baked beetroots, whipped chevre, pickled beetroot, rosella and hazelnuts alongside a curated beverage list including the prettiest Paloma.
Opt for casual beachside dining at Raes Cellar Bar.
Open seven days from midday, Raes allows for walk-ins only, seated on a first come first serve basis, so plan ahead and as parking can be at a premium in popular Wategos.
Go out for an afternoon booze at the Raes Cellar Bar.
Address: 6-8 Marine Parade, Byron Bay
All are welcome to breeze into Verandah by Forest at Crystalbrook Byron. Relax and unwind on the shaded verandah overlooking the sparkling swimming pool and rainforest beyond.
Bask in serenity at Verandah by Forest.
With sustainability at its heart, sip Kirra’s Tea the signature cocktail inspired by the ingredients in the rainforest, a blend of local Winding Road Distilling Co. Citrus and Sea Gin, honey from the resort’s own on-site Flow Hives, local lemons, native thyme and lemon myrtle leaves for a true taste of Byron.
Sip a Paradiso cocktail at Verandah by the Forest.
Address: 77-97 Broken Head Rd, Byron Bay
Barrio is a favourite local meeting place boasting all day dining, where produce is smoked, cured and pickled in-house. Come for an aperitivo and sample the snack menu featuring the likes of smoked eggplant, agrodolce and tahini, chicken liver pate with onion jam and port or the simplicity of house pickles, each designed to pair perfectly with their concise cocktail list and natural wine selection as you drink in the sunshine from the expansive courtyard.
Have a celebratory toast with your mates at Barrio.
Address: Industrial Estate, 1 Porter St, Byron Bay
If you’re after a quintessentially Byron experience, head to the relaxed beachside locale of Belongil Beach where Treehouse offers wood-fired pizzas, live music and good vibes. A long-time favourite with locals and travellers, settle in under the palms with a Holiday Margarita, a frosty concoction of 1800 Coconut Tequila, shaken with vanilla liqueur, pineapple juice and lime served with a coconut sugar rim and toast laidback days ahead.
Address: 25 Childe St, Byron Bay
Perennial favourite Balcony Bar holds court on the corner of Lawson & Jonson Sts, where guests can sip cocktails and watch the world go by. The menu highlights include Oyster Shooters and signature cocktails like the Hinterland Paloma featuring Lord Byron Hinterland Gin, rosemary, salt, grapefruit, lime and soda as well as the classics.
Address: 7/3 Lawson St, Byron Bay
Occupying an elevated terrace position just moments from famous Main Beach, sip summery cocktails in the casual coastal ambience of Loft Byron Bay and take advantage of the lofty heights for great people watching.
Soak up the coastal ambience at Loft Byron Bay. (Image: Jess Kearney)
Head Chef Juan Hernandes brings a passion for fresh ingredients and seafood to the menu including new dishes such as Avruga Caviar Oysters with raspberry vinegar, basil oil and lemon balm or the reminagined prawn cocktail featuring local Ballina prawns, iceberg and cocktail sauce in a bun.
Pick from an array of cocktail selections. (Image: Jess Kearney)
Address: 4 Jonson Street, Byron Bay
Local favourite, Bang Bang is a buzzing restaurant and bar offering a pan-Asian menu designed to share, with curious cocktails and beachside beats seven days a week.
Pop into Bang Bang Byron for dinner. (Image: Jess Kearney)
Highly recommend the nostalgic prawn toast in all its crispy glory washed down with a cocktail from their list ‘Bang Bang Bangers’.
Savour the delicious Pan-Asian menu at Bang Bang Byron.
Address: 4/1 Byron St, Byron Bay
Inspired by Moroccan architecture and the Greek Islands, The Mez Club is a breezy bar with a Mediterranean style and holiday vibe. The upstairs mezzanine known as The Souk, has been designed to cater for groups, while downstairs locals and visitors mingle while grazing on tapas. Daily Happy Hour includes signature espresso martinis for the ultimate sunset sips.
Address: 4/85-87 Jonson St, Byron Bay
While the Summer Salt Bar is reserved for the exclusive use of in-house guests, the Lobby Bar & Fire Pit welcomes locals and visitors alike for signature cocktails, local brews and fine wines.
Chill out at the adults-only pool bar in Elements of Byron.
As the temperature cools, sip Negroni’s fireside and toast to warm Byron days ahead.
Lounge by the poolside bar at the Elements of Byron.
Address: 144 Bayshore Dr, Byron Bay
Visit Stone & Wood’s ‘spiritual home’ in Byron Bay (the majority of production takes place in nearby Murwillumbah) home to a 31 Tank Brewery, tasting room, canteen and leafy beer garden.
Swing by Stone & Wood for a drink.
Walk in anytime for beers and bites or book ahead for brewery tours, it’s the perfect place to slow down and soak it up. Not a beer lover? They’ve got you covered with seltzers, hard ginger beer and non-alcoholic options too.
Order local brews at Stone & Wood. (Image: Ryan Fowler; Destination Tweed)
Address: 100 Centennial Circuit, Byron Bay
Tucked away in the Byron industrial estate you’ll find a fun Tiki Bar serving up fabulous cocktails from Tuesday-Saturday, where we highly recommend you try the Piña Colada served in a frosty pineapple for a truly kitsch Tiki vibe.
Tuck yourself at the back bar in Lord Byron Distillery.
If you’re keen to learn more, sign up for a cocktail masterclass where you’ll be guided through creating the perfect cocktail before enjoying the fruits of your labour.
A perfect day for a piña colada at Lord Byron Distillery.
Address: 4 Banksia Drive, Byron Bay
Home of Brookie’s Gin, visit the distillery located just 15 minutes from Byron town centre. Enjoy Brookie’s signature Gin & Tonic, Slow Gin with ginger beer or a selection of seasonally crafted cocktails from the tranquil rainforest balcony.
Go out for a drink with your friends at Cape Byron Distillery. (Image: Sam Clarke/Destination NSW)
If you’d like to learn more about spirits, book a guided tasting flight, whiskey tour and tasting or the ultimate Brookie’s Rainforest & Gin Tasting Tour to experience a full appreciation of the farm. Visits to the cellar door are by appointment only.
Drink zesty cocktails at Cape Byron Distillery.
Address: 80 St Helena Road, McLeods Shoot
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Personally Yulli’s is my favourite. The prices are much more reasonable and the quality is good!