Restaurant

Fortune of War - Sydney's Oldest Pub

137 George St, The Rocks NSW 2000, Australia

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Find Fortune of War - Sydney's Oldest Pub

137 George St, The Rocks NSW 2000, Australia

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HoursMonday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM Friday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

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About Fortune of War - Sydney's Oldest Pub

Claim a sidewalk perch at Sydney’s oldest drinking post for cold tap beer, acoustic sets, and zero pretension. Heritage timber and maritime relics line the walls inside, but the prime spot on a sunny afternoon is outside—nabbing a stool under the striped umbrellas along The Rocks’ cobblestones. Tables are strictly walk-in only. Regulars talk up the country-pub hospitality, where staff move fast through the weekend rush and Bruce at the door greets you like an old neighbour. The kitchen backs up the noise with hearty comfort: generous fish and chips, fried chicken burgers with maple jam, and cold schooners pulled right against the George Street chatter.

  • Old-Fashioned Hospitality: Country-pub warmth from floor staff and cheerful door greetings keeps this high-traffic icon feeling grounded and personal.
  • Substantial Pub Fare: Generous portions of stacked chicken burgers, piping-hot fish and chips, and classic comfort plates arrive swiftly from the kitchen.
  • Living Maritime Heritage: Preserved timber ceilings, historical photographs, and seafaring artifacts anchor the space in colonial port history.
  • Cobblestone Alfresco & Live Tunes: Curbside umbrella seating catches the breeze alongside regular afternoon acoustic musicians and spontaneous table conversation.

What's On at Fortune of War - Sydney's Oldest Pub

Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.

No events or specials listed right now.

Why Settle In at Fortune of War

Experience unpretentious heritage hospitality, hearty plates, and lively harbourside energy—book your next visit today.

  • Substantial, Reliable Pub Classics

    The kitchen serves substantial British and Australian pub staples, dishing out satisfying burgers and hearty dishes that provide dependable fuel in The Rocks.

    The food was solid pub fare with generous portions and reasonable prices, especially considering the location.

    Jackie Wu
  • Convenient Harbour Rest Stop

    Positioned just steps from Circular Quay, the bar offers cold draught pours and chilled refreshments that offer a welcome pause after exploring the harbour.

    Short stroll from circular key makes it an excellent place to stop have a cold beverage and a lovely meal

    brian eagles
  • Effortless Social Connection

    An open, communal layout makes it effortless to break the ice, turning shared outdoor tables into lively hubs of spontaneous conversation.

    One minute you're bored and the next minute, your table is filled with strangers. It makes for great conversation!

    famousaj1
  • Lively Acoustic Entertainment

    Acoustic musicians and performers cultivate a vibrant pub crowd where sing-alongs and infectious energy keep the front room buzzing.

    Amazing music, real pub atmosphere with people singing around you.

    Dominique Field
  • Living Maritime Heritage

    High timber ceilings, vintage maritime artifacts, and historic memorabilia preserve an authentic slice of 19th-century colonial Sydney.

    Ambience exudes nostalgia. The combination of heritage wooden timber, high ceilings, cozy space, and warm lights in the interior have an intimate feel.

    Ivan Teh
  • Cobblestone Alfresco Ambience

    Street-side tables under striped umbrellas let patrons sip cold draughts directly beside the historic cobblestones of The Rocks.

    Sitting outside in the shade with a cold ale was a treat in the warm Sydney weather.

    Kevin Marzahn

Other favorites

Appetizers, crisp sides, and everyday brews to round out your visit

  • Korean Fried Chicken Wings

    The wife enjoyed her Korean fried chicken wings and the decent levels of spice it had.

    Sriranjan Chaudhuri
  • Calamari

    Had the chicken parm and the calamari. Both were good.

    Brittany
  • Greek Salad

    the Greek salad was crisp and refreshing.

    Josh Gurr
  • Coffee

    the coffee was fantastic.

    Dieter Roser

Before you head over

Essential advice for navigating seating, peak afternoon crowds, and dining spaces at Sydney's oldest pub—book your visit today.

  • Plan Around Walk-In Seating

    Fortune of War operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no advance table reservations. During peak periods, dedicated outdoor hosts manage the seating queue to seat arriving parties efficiently across the patio, bar, and bistro.

  • Pick the Right Zone for Weather and Sound

    The outdoor street patio under umbrellas offers prime people-watching, but if weather turns windy, head inside to the sheltered dining bistro or main bar. Sitting alfresco also lets you enjoy the indoor live music at a comfortable conversational volume.

  • Embrace Shared Tables During Peak Hours

    Crowds build quickly in the late afternoon as live music sets begin. Tables fill rapidly and sharing communal tables with fellow visitors is common practice, making it ideal for lively conversation and sing-alongs.

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