'Tis the season to be merry, and that often means more frequent visits to your favourite local bars. But what are these favourite bars in question? Where has Australia been drinking in 2015?
BuzzFeed Life asked Zomato, the hospitality guide app with over 3 million users nationally, for the most popular bars of 2015. The results were determined via user ratings, check-ins, photo uploads, and how many times people searched online for the bar.
NSW: Taylor's, Sydney CBD
"A great time. Nice beats! Fun times. Roof top was great. A Sunday well spent. Can't wait to come back every Sunday for ever and ever and ever and..."
"The atmosphere is great, the rooftop is amazing, great staff and the deep fried risotto balls are awesome , my favourite was the hanging garden at the rooftop."
"There are places in the city that lack style or vibe. Taylors is not one of them. With an open roof its perfect for any summer event or occasion."
VIC: Chin Chin, Melbourne CBD
"It's loud and it's busy and bustling and you'll likely have to yell to hear each other speak. But that's what gives this place such a great vibe!"
"Excellent drinks menu, especially the cocktails."
"Chin Chin - the hustle and bustle only makes the experience more lively."
ACT: XO, Narrabundah, Canberra
"Walking into XO feels like stepping into downtown Melbourne – the space is modern, fresh and very stylish."
"Great new place - pork belly bao is the best I've had in ages and the desserts are seriously good as well!"
"XO is easy to spot with a large artistic mural outside."
QLD: Bavarian Bier Cafe, Brisbane CBD
"Lychee ladies beer was a hit, loved it!"
"Great service, busy vibe and brilliant food and drinks. This place has it all. Awesome way to spend a Friday night with friends. Worth every cent."
"Great for an after work beer or 5... Nice views of the bridge and friendly staff. Fun busy vibes!"
WA: The Standard, Northbridge, Perth
"Plenty of space for large groups to get together, and love the addition of an outdoor bar. Great wine list with a few special cocktails and beers too."
"Very impressed with this place - the service was great. Cool vibe with a delightful layout. Favourite dish absolutely was the Standard charcuterie - the chorizo was AMAZING."
"Great food and really reasonable prices! Had the polenta chips, olives and bread! Simple and yum."
SA: Bread + Bone Wood Grill, West End, Adelaide
"The interior architecture, atmosphere and location scream cool."
"Had the B & B burger and the special sauce was awesome. Also definitely try the soft serve peanut butter ice cream with popcorn - yes!"
"Burgers are divine. Good range of beers. Extremely busy on weekends and you can't book, so get there early."
TAS: The Black Footed Pig, Hobart CBD
"The Black Footed Pig is a welcome addition to the 'tapas' scene in Hobart."
"We loved the variety in the menu."
"The team behind The Black Footed Pig are serving up the real Spanish deal, including Iberico jamon!"
NT: Shenannigans, Darwin City
"Amazing pub kind of atmosphere with a great menu!"
"Noisy, vibrant, bustling."
"You gotta try the sweet potato salad with kangaroo - amazing!"
However, there's a bit of a difference between what Australia's general public, and what the ~professionals~ seem to think when it comes to the best places to booze.
NSW: The Baxter Inn, Sydney CBD
The accolades are endless for The Baxter Inn, most recently having been named the number six bar in the world on the World's 50 Best Bars list. Tucked down a laneway in Sydney's CBD, the bar specialises in whiskey, stocking rare and expensive bottles from all around the world. Try the fresh apple juice with whiskey cocktail - it's their signature for good reason.
VIC: The Black Pearl, Fitzroy, Melbourne
Melbourne's The Black Pearl also placed on the World's 50 Best Bars list, coming in at number 25. The recently renovated, sophisticated venue is all about cocktails, serving complex creations that could include anything from tea to capsicum. The Black Pearl has been around for over a decade, and it's still bustling, so they must know what they're doing.
ACT: Monster, Canberra City
Located in the lobby of the chic, design-focused Hotel Hotel, Monster is a bar focused on local, seasonal produce, with killer cocktails and plates designed to share.
QLD: The Gresham, Brisbane CBD
Set in the heritage-listed NAB building, The Gresham combines old and new; serving contemporary cocktails in a setting of dark mahogany, warm lighting and patterned carpets. The whiskey range is impressive, offering an extensive list of American and International bottles.
WA: Enrique's, Highgate, Perth
Enrique's started as a pop-up in 2013, but it's since stuck around. G + T's are the signature drink, with 16 gins and five tonics on offer for you to mix and match, as well as 16 garnish options including lemongrass, watermelon and black pepper. The house-blend "gin tonica" with orange and thyme is served on tap.
SA: Clever Little Tailor, Adelaide CBD
Clever Little Tailor has an air of the colonial: brick walls, leather booths, gas lights and stone. It's a little hipster, but in a refined way. As well as the carefully curated selection of craft beers, wine and whiskey, the bar snacks menu is also excellent.
TAS: Franklin, Hobart CBD
The recent renovations at Franklin are an exercise in industrial elegance. The space is mostly exposed brick, accented with cow hide rugs and fresh flowers. The menu reflects the same approach. Order an imported ale or glass of Italian wine alongside a fanciful bar snack, and you're bound to feel in touch with your sophisticated side.
NT: Chow, Darwin City
As well as cocktails, you'll find bubble tea and fresh coconuts at this fun, South East Asian spot in Darwin. There's also a wide range of Asian beers and, for the brave, sake bombs. Order spicy fried squid and DIY pork pancakes alongside - perfect drinking food.
So there you have it. The ~definitive~ break down of where Australia loved to get a little tipsy throughout 2015! 🍺🍷🍸🍹🍻
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CORRECTION
An earlier version of this post did not include the ACT. We may have had a few too many drinks at these bars...