About Sweethearts Rooftop
Sweethearts Rooftop (sometimes branded as Sweethearts Terraza) is a lively rooftop bar and restaurant perched atop the Potts Point Hotel on Darlinghurst Road in Sydney’s Potts Point/Kings Cross precinct. It opened in 2012 as Sydney’s first upstairs barbecue-style bar and has since evolved into a Mexican-inspired cantina with a fun, festive vibe (concreteplayground.com ) (www.opentable.com.au ). The terrace seats roughly 120 guests (about 150 total capacity), making it one of the biggest open-air rooftop bars in the area (www.timeout.com ). The design is casual and leafy – picture long bench tables under pastel-coloured string lights, surrounded by potted trees and greenery (concreteplayground.com ) (www.therooftopguide.com ). As one reviewer put it, Sweethearts is “the Cross’s open-air diamond in the rough” (concreteplayground.com ), treasured by locals and visitors for its relaxed, party-friendly atmosphere.
The venue is built for year-round comfort: it has a retractable roof, misting fans and heaters so that you can stay all day or night in sun or rain (sweetheartsrooftop.au ) (www.opentable.com.au ). In fact, staff promise you’ll be “dancing to our funky DJ’s tunes come rain, hail or shine” on the terrace (www.opentable.com.au ). Sweethearts is part of a four-venue complex (above the pub level of the Potts Point Hotel), so guests often drift down to toast drinks at the ground-floor pub or head downstairs to the club (Kit & Kaboodle) after rooftop hours (sweetheartsrooftop.au ) (sweetheartsrooftop.au ). Between its skyline views, retractable pergola and mix-and-match lounge layout, Sweethearts stands out on Darlinghurst Road as a quintessential Sydney rooftop bar (www.opentable.com.au ) that indeed feels like “a breath of Mexico” in the CBD (www.timeout.com ).
Events and Programming
Music and events are a big draw. Sweethearts regularly hosts live DJs most weekends – from disco and soul nights to funky house (“Got Soul Collective” plays every Friday and Saturday) – creating a lively dance-party atmosphere under the stars (sweetheartsterraza.com.au ). Local and touring DJs spin popular party tracks and throwback sets; for example, in recent years acts like Hot Dub Time Machine and Cunningpants have played here, feeding the venue’s reputation as a hub for Sydney nightlife (sesh.sx ). Weekday nights often feature themed gatherings too. The rooftop runs a “Cinema” series (cult movies or classics shown on a big screen) typically Monday–Wednesday evenings (www.thekeystonegroup.com.au ), complete with pizza deals and cocktails. One reviewer recalls enjoying an all-you-can-eat $20 pizza-and-movie combo on a rooftop cinema night (www.tripadvisor.co.uk ). Other special events include holiday celebrations and big public-audience functions: for instance, the Melbourne Cup day party at Sweethearts features a complimentary welcome cocktail, a three-course banquet and a premium drinks package under a retractable canopy (sweetheartsterraza.com.au ). In short, the programming spans nightlife DJs and brunch or movie gatherings – plus private hire and birthdays – so there’s often a sticky-beer-sipping party or daytime meetup to join.
Tickets and Booking
For most regular evenings at Sweethearts Rooftop there is no cover charge – you can simply arrive, grab a table or stand, and buy drinks or food over the bar. There aren’t fixed “seating” tickets, and many visitors just walk in, especially on slower weeknights. To avoid disappointment on busy nights, it’s wise to book a table or reserve space ahead. Large groups (say, a corporate dinner or big birthday) can be accommodated on a share banquet menu – Sweethearts will take a credit-card deposit to hold the space and asks for 48 hours cancellation notice to avoid fees (www.thekeystonegroup.com.au ). (Regular dining reservations can usually be made via the venue’s website or by phone; note that Sweethearts is not on the OpenTable system so you must contact them directly (www.opentable.com.au ) (www.thekeystonegroup.com.au ).)
Special events and festivals at Sweethearts sometimes use paid tickets. For example, whilst the rooftop cinema had a food-package fee in the past (www.tripadvisor.co.uk ), the Friday/Saturday DJ sessions listed on their website are typically free entry. In general, visitors only pay for what they order at the bar. Cocktails there run around AUD $20–25 and signature shared plates or steaks $15–$25 each (concreteplayground.com ), so you can plan to spend perhaps $30–$50 per person easily. For big evenings or holiday specials, check the Sweethearts website or Facebook – they’ll list if a ticketed banquet or limited-capacity party (like a New Year’s Eve event) requires pre-purchase. For casual visits, though, just rock up (especially before 9pm) and enjoy the rooftop party.
Seating and Layout
Sweethearts Rooftop is an open-plan terrace rather than a fixed-seating auditorium. There’s a mix of casual seating: high bar stools along the railing, picnic-style wooden bench tables in the centre, cosy crushed-velvet lounge booths, and even some standing zones. Many tables overlook the city skyline, so grabbing a spot near the edge gives the best view of downtown Sydney. (If you’d rather pre-book, arrangements can often be made for a specific table or a small booth for your group.) The overall vibe is very social: you’re likely to be sitting on long benches mixed with friends, or at high tables watching the DJs. For the music crowd, the best vantage is near the open dance floor in front of the DJ booth; for a quieter hangout, either side terraces or the roped-off lounge cabana areas are great.
Acoustics are typical of an outdoor bar: the sound is pumped over speakers and can get vibrant on busy nights, but without the bass-thumping intensity of an enclosed nightclub. Crowd noise and music travel out to the neighbourhood, so don’t expect whisper-quiet conversations – it’s a party. Some spots can be warmer or cooler depending on the day (the retractable roof can shade you from the afternoon sun or close if it rains). Many visitors make a beeline for fountains or bars first, then stake out a seat. If you’re seating with scenic views, be mindful that tables under umbrellas or awnings offer sun protection in daytime. One tip: avoid the very corner next to the bathrooms (there’s a beer tap spillage smell there) and instead enjoy a mid-terrace table for airflow.
Getting There and Parking
Sweethearts Rooftop is located at 33–35 Darlinghurst Road, Potts Point (the address may also appear as Potts Point Hotel on some maps). By public transport it’s very accessible – the Kings Cross train station is only about a 5-minute walk (around 300m) down Darlinghurst Road. If you’re coming by bus, routes like the 311 and 324 run through Darlinghurst Road, with nearby stops within an easy couple of blocks. From the city centre it’ll take about 5–10 minutes on a train or bus to reach Kings Cross, then a short walk east along the main road to Potts Point.
Driving there can be tricky. Street parking on Darlinghurst Road and nearby side streets (like Kellett Street or Macleay Street) is metered or ticketed, with strict time limits on weekends. A few small paid lots exist a block or two away (for example, at the Kings Cross Centre on Macleay Street), but they tend to fill up quickly on nights and cost around a few dollars per hour. Road closures sometimes occur during late-night busy weekends. If you’re driving, allow extra time and bring change for parking meters or use an app like Parkmobile. Many guests prefer a taxi or rideshare drop-off at the Potts Point Hotel entrance to avoid parking hassles. Bicycles can be locked on street racks nearby, and even motorcycles have a small badge parking area at the corner.
Inside the Venue
On arriving, you’ll enter through the Potts Point Hotel entry and either take the stairs or (there is a lift) up to the third-floor terrace. Security is low-key – typically just staff checking IDs of younger patrons during peak hours – so no formal frisking unless there’s a special late event. Inside the roofed area, you’ll find the main bar flanked by bartenders in festive shirts serving cocktails, beers and tequila shots all night (concreteplayground.com ) (www.opentable.com.au ). They also run a full kitchen serving Mexican share dishes (fajitas, tacos, ceviches, spritzers, etc.) – it’s casual dining, so just order at the bar and they’ll bring your food out. One unique quirk: they have wines on tap, so you might get a glass of prosecco pulled like a beer (as noted by an early review) (concreteplayground.com ).
Sweethearts is family-friendly during the day but by night it’s mostly 18+ (as it’s a licensed venue). There’s very little coat-check or storage – just leave bags at your table. Public Wi-Fi is available for guests (www.tripadvisor.co.uk ). Restrooms are located just inside the rooftop (down a short flight from the bar area), kept stocked and usually with a small wait at peak times. A small merchandise rack sometimes appears (selling branded tees or caps) when events like the cinema nights run. Overall the atmosphere is very open and social, with friendly staff and a mix of locals and tourists chatting over music. You can come hungry for shared plates and stay for rounds of drinks or an afterparty downstairs – all within the same venue complex.
Nearby Amenities
Sweethearts sits in the heart of Potts Point, which means you’re surrounded by lots of dining and accommodation options. There are dozens of good restaurants within a few blocks – everything from modern bistros to pizza shops. Look for pit-stops like Chinese eateries in the nearby Woolloomooloo/Chinatown area or the cocktail bars on Macleay Street (e.g. Shady Pines Saloon, Bathers Pavilion). The famous Kings Cross pubs – like The London Underground or The Haymarket Hotel – are also just a short stroll up the road if you feel like post-rooftop drinks. For pre-show dinner, popular spots include local favourites around the corner (for example, modern Australian at “Penny Ha’Penny” or Greek at “Papadis”), and on-site the Potts Point Hotel pub has its own menu if needed.
If you need a place to stay, the Potts Point neighborhood has several boutique hotels and apartments. Hotels like The Lennox Curio Collection, Eastpoint Hotel or The Victoria are all within a few blocks. For late nights, note that Kings Cross still runs 24/7 taxi and rideshare, and trains typically run until around midnight or even later on weekends. After-hours public transit (NightRide buses or 24-hour services) are likewise close by. Essentially, once you’re at Sweethearts you’re also in easy reach of the city’s late-night transport network.
What Makes This Venue Special
Sweethearts Rooftop stands out for its unique blend of laid-back share-plate dining, catchy cocktails and uncompromising party energy all in a high-up open-air setting. The decor – with festoon lights, tiled tables and terracotta planters – evokes a mini Mexican escape above the Sydney skyline (www.timeout.com ) (www.notquitenigella.com ). It’s steeped in Kings Cross history too: it occupies the rooftop of the old Sugarmill Hotel (opened 1985) and in its early days reinvented the idea of a city “beer garden” upstairs. Legends of the local scene have come through here, and it’s hosted everything from techno DJ nights to communal long-table dinners. Its transformation into “Sweethearts Terraza” in late 2025 gave it a fresh Yucatán theme, making it one of the largest rooftop bars in Sydney’s inner city (www.timeout.com ). Patios with skyline views are rare in Sydney, so this niche – combined with a friendly, festival-like atmosphere – is why both performers and guests love Sweethearts.
Over the years the venue has built local traditions: for example, dance parties on warm nights (you might even catch impromptu limbo contests), film screenings with popcorn, and weekend bottomless brunches under the sun. It’s not just a place to drink; it’s part of Potts Point’s community vibe. The combination of kitschy charm, art-deco surroundings and genuine “Sydney multicultural” energy gives Sweethearts a personality all its own. Regulars will tell you: whether you’re there at sunset with a margarita or at 11pm tearing it up on the dance floor, Sweethearts Rooftop feels like a little urban oasis that always delivers good times.
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: The rooftop is wheelchair-accessible via a lift from the ground floor of Potts Point Hotel. Once inside, the terrain is flat. There are accessible restrooms available on-site. Staff are happy to assist if needed.Doors & Age limit: Sweethearts typically operates Friday/Saturday nights and weekends in the day. There is usually no official “cover charge” but ID checks apply after late evening (you must be 18+ with valid ID to drink alcohol). Under-18s can visit earlier in the day when food is served, but families rarely stay once the DJ starts spinning.Dress code: The vibe is casual-chic. Sydney summer sun can be intense, so a hat or sunscreen is smart for daytime. At night the temperature can drop on the open deck – bring a light jacket if it’s cooler. In summer barefoot sandals (thongs) are OK, but no full beachwear at night. Smart-casual attire (jeans, dresses, nice tees) is best for any time.Weather policy: Since there’s a retractable roof and heaters, Sweethearts stays open in most weather. It rarely closes unless there are extreme conditions (flooding, etc.). Even if it rains, the roof will cover the main seating area so your party doesn’t have to move.What to bring: Just bring yourself and your mates! Minimal essentials – phone, wallet, ID (over 18). It’s a good idea to bring cash as well as card: some specials like busker or market stalls at rooftop cinema nights may be cash-only. There’s free Wi-Fi so you can check the event schedule on the fly. Also bring an open mind for mingling – seating is shared.Photography: Personal photos are fine (lots of guests take selfies with the view). For weddings or pro shoots you’d need permission. Drone use is not allowed. There’s no strict ban on social media sharing, so you can hashtag #SweetheartsRooftop at will!Drinks policy: Obviously all drinks must be purchased from the bar. Outside food, alcohol or water bottles are not permitted (you can check them at the bar if needed). If you’re driving, take advantage of their range of alcohol-free cocktails and soft drinks.Typical mistakes to avoid: Don’t wait until the last minute to find parking on a Saturday – it’s scarce. Don’t assume it’s like a normal pub inside: much of Sweethearts is open-air deck space. And because it’s a long flight up from street level, take your time on the stairs or use the lift to arrive on the rooftop. Lastly, check seating locations carefully – if you want a view, avoid sitting in the very back row against the wall.Local timing: The precinct comes alive late. If you want to beat the crowds, arrive by happy hour. On Fridays and Saturdays it fills up by 9pm. Otherwise, the crowd thins out after midnight as people drift home or to the nightclub downstairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Sweethearts Rooftop located?
Sweethearts Rooftop is on Level 3 of the Potts Point Hotel at 33–35 Darlinghurst Road, Potts Point (Kings Cross) in Sydney. It's above the Potts Point Hotel pub and close to Kings Cross train station. You can reach it by entering the hotel lobby and taking the lift or stairs to the rooftop level.
What are the opening hours of Sweethearts Rooftop?
Sweethearts Rooftop is generally open Thursday through Sunday. Typical hours are late afternoon to midnight on Thursday and Friday, and midday to midnight on Saturday and Sunday. It's often closed Mondays–Wednesdays. Always check the venue’s website or social media for current hours or special event schedules.
Is there an entry fee or cover charge?
Most evenings at Sweethearts Rooftop have no entry fee – you can walk in for free and just pay for any drinks or food you order. Some special events or movies nights may have pay-for-entry deals (for example, a set menu or screening package). In general, casual evenings and DJ parties are “no cover.
How do I book a table or buy tickets?
You can reserve a table by contacting the venue directly (via phone or their online booking form). They are not on the OpenTable system, so email or phoning is best. For private groups and banquet bookings a credit card guarantee is usually required (www.thekeystonegroup.com.au ). Tickets for ticketed events (like race-day parties) are typically sold through their website or event partners; otherwise, normal visitations are first-come first-served.
What types of events take place at Sweethearts Rooftop?
Sweethearts hosts a variety of events – expect DJ dance parties (especially House, Disco and R&B nights on weekends), rooftop film screenings (cult classics on Mon–Wed), themed brunches and cocktail events. The venue also throws big Melbourne Cup lunches, New Year’s Eve parties and an occasional live band.
What kind of music is played there?
Expect upbeat, party-friendly music. On most weekend nights the sound is electronic/house/disco mixed by DJs, creating an open-air club feel. The house band “Got Soul” provides funk and disco on Fridays and Saturdays (sweetheartsterraza.com.au ). In short, the playlist is danceable and wide-ranging – anything from 70s-80s disco anthems to modern electronic tracks.
Is there a dress code?
Dress code at Sweethearts is casual but neat. Smart-casual attire is safe: think jeans or summer dresses. Thongs/sandals and singlets are fine in daytime. After dark it's still relaxed – smart sneakers or flats, sundresses or jeans and shirts are typical. Hats are okay earlier in the day, but usually people remove caps at night. There’s no formal coat room, so avoid bulky gear.
Do they serve food and is it good?
Yes – Sweethearts has a full menu of share-style Mexican and BBQ-inspired dishes. You’ll find tacos, skewers, ceviche, salads, baos and more (designed to share). Reviewers praise the menu as fresh and fun (www.notquitenigella.com ). There are also sweet treats and classic bar snacks. Cocktails (like Palomas and margarita spins) and snacks are a highlight, so plan to try some specialty drinks paired with plates.
Is Sweethearts Rooftop wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the venue is accessible. Enter through the Potts Point Hotel lobby and take the lift up to Level 3. The rooftop area itself is flat. Accessible toilets are available on the level. Staff are happy to assist if you need help getting settled.
Is there parking nearby?
Parking on Rankins Lane and Darlinghurst Road is limited to metered or timed street parking, which can be pricey on weekends. A better bet is a paid parking garage a few blocks away (for example, the Kings Cross Centre car park on Macleay St). Many visitors choose to take a taxi or rideshare instead to avoid the parking hassle.
Can you smoke at Sweethearts Rooftop?
Yes – Sweethearts is an open-air bar so outdoor smoking is allowed (as it is on licensed premises outdoors in NSW). You can smoke on the open deck area. However, there is no indoor smoking area – if you order food and sit under the umbrellas, people will generally smoke around the edges of the terrace.
Is there a view from the rooftop?
Yes, you get a pleasant cityscape view from the rooftop. There’s a 180-degree view looking back towards the city skyline, so at sunset and night you see city lights. You can also see some harbour glimpses to the east. Many people pick tables facing Sydney’s skyline to enjoy the vista as they dine or drink.
Are children allowed?
Children are technically allowed during licensed hours if accompanied by a parent (NSW law requires supervision). However, the atmosphere in evenings is quite nightclub-like and loud, so families usually visit during earlier daylight hours on weekends. After 9pm it becomes an adult crowd, so it’s not a baby stroller place at night.
What is the capacity of Sweethearts Rooftop?
The rooftop itself seats about 120 people, with additional standing-room capacity bringing total crowd size to roughly 150 when full (www.timeout.com ). This makes it one of Sydney’s larger rooftop bars. Because of the retractable roof and open sides, people can spread out under cover or in open air as needed.
Can I bring outside food or drinks?
No – as a licensed venue, all alcohol must be purchased at the bar and outside food is not permitted (NSW liquor law). You’re welcome to bring your non-alcoholic water bottle. The friendly bartenders will also keep your glass of water topped up if needed.
What should I do if it starts raining?
You don’t need to worry. Sweethearts’ large retractable awning will close over the deck in light rain (sweetheartsrooftop.au ). Staff quickly lower the roof and turn on heaters so the party continues uninterrupted. If it pours heavily some outdoor sections may close, but usually most customers stay under cover or move to protected spots.
What is the best way to get Wi-Fi at Sweethearts?
The venue offers free guest Wi-Fi. Ask a staff member for the login details. Coverage is good across the main deck. You can also use your mobile data – cell reception is generally strong up top since there are no tall buildings directly above.
