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Restaurant

Fortune of War - Sydney's Oldest Pub

137 George St, The Rocks NSW 2000, Australia

Recommended by 7 people

Updated

Find Fortune of War - Sydney's Oldest Pub

137 George St, The Rocks NSW 2000, Australia

Directions ↗
+61 2 9247 2714
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.
RestaurantPub

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

Hearty classics and bistro favourites favoured by regulars and visitors alike.

  • Fish and Chips

    The Fish and Chips was a good portion and held their crunch until I downed it with glee.

    Sriranjan Chaudhuri

  • Chicken Parmigiana

    Beautiful parmy and Guinness pours.

    famousaj1

  • Fried Chicken Burger

    We both had the Fried Chicken Burger $29 (Soft burger bun, fried chicken, melted cheese, sriracha,coleslaw, bacon, maple jam & chips) which was delicious.

    Lina C

  • Prawn Linguine

    the prawn linguine was rich and generously portioned

    Josh Gurr

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need to book a table in advance?

Seating operates on a first-come, first-served walk-in basis with no table reservations across its outdoor alfresco and indoor areas. Peak times can fill up quickly, though hosts help seat incoming guests.

Is there live music at the pub?

Yes, live music is a regular feature, including acoustic entertainment and afternoon sing-alongs. Guests sitting outside can still enjoy the music while having a conversation.

Is outdoor seating available?

Yes, there is dedicated outdoor alfresco seating under umbrellas along the cobblestone streetscape, as well as a cozy main bar and indoor bistro area.

What are the food portions like?

Portions are generous and hearty, featuring classic British and Australian pub dishes such as burgers, fish and chips, and chicken schnitzel or parmigiana.

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