1979 Manly

Tucked away on the E Esplanade with zero signage—you have to trust your instincts to find it. 1979 Manly is a pure retro groove. Incredible decor. A booming soundtrack. The late-night crowd on the Northern Beaches points to this dimly lit room as the undisputed heavyweight for proper drinks. Inside, the energy just flows. You’ve got a pool table in the back and serious talent behind the stick. Cocktail purists single out the crew—especially Davidé, Mack, and a legendary American import—for pouring complex builds with absolute sprezzatura. The music gets loud. The vibe stays electric. Sure, the Saturday night dress code occasionally skews a bit boardshorts-and-caps, but when that perfectly balanced glass hits the coaster, none of that matters. Skip the usual waterfront traps. Grab a cue. Let the night unravel.