Lazy Bones is a bohemian establishment in Marrickville, showcasing the best indie bands and solo acts that Australia has to offer. The best thing is there’s live music every night of the week. While you enjoy the sounds, get a crafty cocktail at the bar and feast on some pizza or some deli meats and cheeses.

The Birdcage

Within the idiosyncratic venue called the Whirly Bird is a special night called The Birdcage, where the ladies and the gents are a little more naughty and the outfits are very eccentric. Imagine the 1920s making a comeback today. Not only do you get quirky live entertainment, but the bar comes stocked with wonderful tastes, from fancy champagne to wild cocktails.

Stonewall Hotel

Along Sydney’s iconic gay strip are a handful of wonderful live entertainment venues, but Stonewall Hotel tops the lot. Every night of the week is covered, including trivia night on Monday night, go-go boys on Thursday and amateur drag on Sunday night. Pop by on a Saturday night for well-rehearsed drag queen shows and go easy on the Long Island Iced Teas.

Lansdowne Hotel

These guys are the top spot for live gigs, with regular headlining shows from Australia and the world’s best up-and-coming artists. Bohemian doesn’t even cover what Lansdowne Hotel is about, with its miscreant vibe and graffiti-laden walls. The bands and solo artists that take to the stage love to battle the status quo, and bring flair to the rogue people of Sydney.

Golden Age Cinema & Bar

At Golden Age Cinema and Bar, you’d be hard-pressed to find all the popular new releases. They love the golden age of cinema, and the underground films that are really good and a little esoteric for the movie market. As well as movies, they host live music nearly every weekend as well as trivia every Tuesday. Imbibe on some wine, cocktails or beer and be sure to taste the seasonal menu the kitchen offers.

The Magicians Cabaret Theatre

If you’ve watched the movie Burlesque with Cher and Christina Aguilera, then you’ll know exactly what The Magicians Cabaret Theatre looks like. Think chic with a 1930s feel, from velvet curtains to dimly lit tables. Take a seat and enjoy a delicious dinner with a vibrant show. And yes, they do magic too.

Marble Bar

Marble Bar is a Sydney staple, opening in 1893 and fully restored in 2005 after a few years of dilapidation. Housed under the Hilton on George Street, the interior of this bar is Victorian -style with a mahogany bar and marble archways. Before you ask, they do live music on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, with happy hour for drinks going between 4pm and 6pm daily. How fancy!

Imperial Hotel

The Imperial Hotel in Erskineville made notoriety in the 90s with the critically acclaimed film Priscilla: Queen of the Desert. And today it still stands as an iconic drag queen bar in Sydney’s inner west. Recent renovations have welcomed the new era, where being gay is not seen as a hushed activity. Expect a mixed crowd of all sexualities.

Frankie’s Pizza

Welcome to Sydney’s finest rock’n’roll bar, dishing up the tastiest pizzas and the quirkiest bands. Frankie’s Pizza is another Sydney staple, where the bands love to share some great music. It’s like a modern-day Grease Lightning without the cheesy pickup lines. Be sure to take a gander at the changing beer list for some unique local and national beers, then find a seat and enjoy the show.