Lord Wolseley Hotel

The Lord Wolseley Hotel has been pouring drinks on a quiet Ultimo corner since 1881. A whitewashed heritage facade, Grifter Brewing Co signage out the front, Wentworth Park just across the way. The bar opens midday to midnight; the bistro adds dinner Wednesday through Saturday. Saturdays bring a $1 oyster deal. Pub classics do the lifting — the OJ Burger, steak with chips and onion rings, and the Absolutely hash. In the venue's own words, it's been in continuous service to the international community for more than 140 years.

Dogs are welcomed inside the main bar and in the outdoor area next to the park. That's a rare indoor and outdoor combination for an inner-Sydney pub. It makes the Lord Wolseley a genuine year-round option in Ultimo when the weather turns.