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Sundowners, Beers & Cocktails

We’ve got you covered with a list of our favourite drinking holes in the Shoalhaven! Catch a sundowner on a lazy afternoon, make the most of happy hour, and relax with some live music. There’s something about chilled, small bars in small towns that just works. Move over Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne, we’re giving you a run for your money!

 

1. Bangalay Dining and Villas, Shoalhaven Heads

Treat yourself to some delicious cocktails, inspired by native ingredients at this luxury venue in Shoalhaven Heads. We recommend making a whole night of it at Bangalay Dining! Head in for some sneaky sundowners in the outdoor area before sitting down for a meal in the restaurant. Happy hour runs 5pm to 6pm and its the perfect opportunity to try some of their creative cocktails.

For a lovely Summer flavour, try the lemon myrtle pina colada, or enjoy their unreal wattleseed espresso martini. These Australian flavours will dance on your palate as you soak up incredible views of Seven Mile Beach. The stunning Bangalay Villas are just next door for those who’d like to make this an all-inclusive stay. Filled with food, drinks and wine, it’s great for romantic retreats or group getaways!

 

2. Bannisters Pavilion Rooftop Bar, Mollymook

A luxurious place to unwind and really take your holiday relaxation game up a notch. Bannisters Pavilion Rooftop Bar is all about glam, with sun beds and beach umbrellas scattered around the suspended pool. That’s right, you can laze about with your preferred beverage and then take a dip. The bar is tucked away behind lush palm trees making you feel like you’re on a chilled out island getaway.

If you happen to be around on a Sunday, then we definitely recommend hitting up Bannisters for their Rooftop Sunday Sessions. With live music kicking off at 4:00pm, it’s the perfect time to sit down and listen to some talented musicians. The drinks list includes a decadent Death by Chocolate, a classic Caipirinha and some superb craft beers. All of this combined with a yummy food menu featuring delicious South Coast calamari, oysters, and crab tacos!

 

3. The Quarters, Huskisson

Warm and welcoming. Fresh and friendly. Coastal cool. What more do we need to say about The Quarters in Huskisson? The owners of this boutique drinking hole are all about great wine, real cocktails and cold beer. We can’t think of a much better combination! Pay a visit to this eatery, located inside a 100 year old coastal cottage just a stone’s throw from pristine Jervis Bay.

There’s a wonderful cocktail list with modern drinks such as the Tanqueray Gin with chilli flakes, ginger beer and lime plus a huge wine collection featuring local Australian vineyards as well as producers from around the world.

 

4. Queen St Eatery, Berry

An intimate venue that oozes South Coast sophistication, Queen St Eatery is a tad French, and a pinch Aussie. The restaurant is a new addition to Berry’s bustling food and drink scene and does not disappoint. It’s open for breakfast and lunch, but we recommended heading here for a romantic dinner.

Pair your meals with some delicious wines – there’s a wonderful selection to choose from. Make sure to book in advance though because they’re only open at night from Thursday-Sunday.

 

5. Kanpai, Huskisson

Did you know that Kanpai means cheers in Japanese? So there’s no better place to go and say bottoms up! The top picks to try off of Kanpai’s Kakutero (cocktails) list are the Salty Sumo – an uplifting espresso hit, or the charmingly named Lucy Lui, with Chambord and Bacardi featuring a dash of Japanese Yuzu syrup, lime and lemonade.

While you’re here, have a little taste of some sake, a must try with some sushi or sashimi. If you’re more of a beer drinker then try a taste of Japan and sample the refreshing Asahi on tap. There is also a fantastic outdoor area that boasts beautiful views of the bay! This makes Kanpai a superb spot to drink and dine out in the open.

 

6. Wild Ginger, Huskisson

This wine bar in the heart of Huskisson serves up some mean cocktails and a South East Asian storm. Wild Ginger is the place to go for a little bit of spice. The menu perfectly blends Asian flavours with beautiful South Coast seafood and will have you hooked! Sip on a refreshing lychee caipiroska, which pairs brilliantly with a meal, or just have a cheeky drink.

Alfresco happy hour is from 3-6pm where you can grab a $10 cocktail and some delicious nibbles off the excellent bar menu. The snacks aren’t just like any typical bar menu though. Wild Ginger offers up inspiring Asian bites like the pork belly betel leaf, and the veal and chicken shallot mousse. Take a seat in the lovely outdoor space, have a couple of sundowners, and enjoy the good life.

 

7. Little Snapper, Culburra Beach

A perfect way to end a day in the surf is by sitting down for some drinks at Little Snapper. It’s a lovely local haunt in Culburra Beach all about relaxed vibes paired with high-quality casual dining. In addition to its excellent fish and chip menu, the restaurant is a fantastic small bar too. Little Snapper has a great selection of craft beers and traditional cocktails. Additionally, it has an extensive wine list that features a lot of local drops. “Community Happy Hour” is from 5pm to 6pm every night, so drop in for a bevvy!

 

8. Harvest Bar, Milton

An all-round venue that’s great for a girls night, hot date or family dinner, Harvest Bar in Milton serves up great vibes, awesome cocktails, craft beers and a tapas style menu that’s oh so moreish. The delicious fried arancini balls, ploughman’s and cheese boards are all yummy sharing options.

The cocktail list features all the classics including the Cosmopolitan, French Martini and Sangria. These are all beautifully crafted by the knowledgeable mixologists behind the bar. Party the night away with some bevvies and live music in this rustic and cool space. Then why not spend the next morning wandering through the main strip of Milton. You might just need a strong coffee from one of our excellent local cafes to kick that hangover!

 

9. Cupitts Winery, Ulladulla

This family-run operation is a South Coast wine and beer institution and one of the best spots in the Shoalhaven for an afternoon filled with sundowners. At Cupitts, you can sit inside the restaurant with a drink and some food, perch on the deck with some beers or get cosy in the outdoor dining area – all of which overlooks the spectacular on-site vineyard and boast views of the surrounding escarpment. This is the place to go to taste some delicious local drops and perfect for wine lovers and craft beer enthusiasts. We highly recommend grabbing a tasting paddle of beers, all brewed in-house at Cupitts brewery, and pairing this with a decadent cheese board featuring delights direct from the property’s very own fromagerie!

 

10. Dangerous Ales, Milton

Recently opened Dangerous Ales is the awesome on-site brewery at The Milton Hotel. Located within a newly renovated historic site, this small bar is the ideal hangout for any beer lover. Come and visit for a local brew mixed an excellent pub menu and some live tunes. Make sure to try the IPA or the Oatmeal Stout while you’re here. The beer garden is family-friendly too so it’s great for parents wanting to have a relaxed evening with the little ones.

 

11. Ocean Vibe, Ulladulla

This cool rooftop pad boasts amazing views over Ulladulla Harbour and is a sweet spot to catch a sunset after a long day. Ocean Vibe is generally known for its coffee and cakes but also stays open into the early afternoon and serves up yummy drinks down by the water. The outdoor garden seating is stunning and a great place to gather a group of friends. They can even host your next celebration so get in touch with the team if you’re planning a birthday bash, bucks or hen’s weekend. On Thursdays and Saturdays, the restaurant is open till late so you can also combine your afternoon of refreshing sundowners with an evening of delicious food!

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