Named after the oak tree that dominates its beer garden, the Oaks has been the location for generations of north shore hookups. The clientele is mainly the private school … popped polo collar crowd drawn from the surrounding suburbs. It's quite a large place with a number of bars and a steakhouse, and it gets very busy and very rowdy, especially if there's a big rugby game on. [link]

Ryan's is predominantly a city suit bar, but its massive outdoor space is unrivaled in the CBD. Sitting in Australia Square, it's quite central to everything and makes … for an easy pit stop as you trek around the city. Turns it on early with the crowds once the work day finishes. [link]

The Manly Wharf is more of a deck than a beer garden per se, but it's still outdoors, and on top of that it features a great view back over the harbor. Watch the ferries … coming in from the city and take advantage of the $12 dinner and a beer offers early in the week, or come down and join the Sunday afternoon debauchery as the locals wring as much out of the weekend as possible. [link]

The Coogee Bay Hotel is a sprawling complex set right beside Coogee Beach. As well as a sports bar, nightclub, and gambling room, they have a huge beer garden with a … bistro that allows you to cook your own steak. If you're too lazy for that sort of thing, you can grab a jug of beer and occupy yourself by hitting on the hordes of English backpackers whilst awaiting your meal. [link]

Your best option in the Newtown area is the Courthouse. Despite its dilapidated frontage, the neon sign now proudly attracts attention to the Ho Court; they bring … out buckets when it rains, and they've managed to fix up a spacious beer garden out the back. Sit underneath the trees and knock back a beer or ten with the locals. [link]

Just back from the Woolloomooloo wharf you'll find the Tilbury and its ample outdoor drink space. Take a seat in the downstairs beer garden or head upstairs to the large … deck area. In a city full of badly renovated pubs, the Tilbury stands out as all class. The clean lines, slate floors, white walls, and Japanese influenced water feature give it a serene feel, though of an evening it pulls a large and noisy crowd. [link]

Take a welcome respite from the cheese of nearby Darling Harbour in the courtyard oasis of the Slip Inn's garden bar. There's a good, cheap Thai menu to choose … from, and the downstairs Chinese Laundry nightclub is always quality if you decide to kick on. [link]

The eastern suburbs' answer to the Oaks, the Golden Sheaf attracts a crowd that tries to reflect the glamour of its prestigious Double Bay postcode. The beer garden is … quite pleasant with a decent bistro but can get a bit rammed later on. If you're in the mood for a late 20s/ early 30s meat market, be sure to stop here. [link]

Another great scenic option is the Watson's Bay Hotel. The usual breathtaking views of the harbor are in play here and they run a BBQ with lots of seafood options in the … beer garden. Be warned that it is a bit out of the way and transport can be a pain late at night. [link]