Offering a modern coastal twist on traditional Italian cuisine, at Pixie you’re invited to enjoy a cocktail and snack at the bar, sip a spritz on the terrace or settle into the main dining room for lunch or dinner. Classic Italian cocktails have had a Pixie shake up, think Ginger Orange Spritz with Aperol, ginger, orange and Prosecco or a Pixie Bellini with mandarin, honey, lemon and Prosecco.

Not just for the fortunate few, Raes welcomes locals and visitors to their Cellar Bar & Terrace with unrivalled views of stunning Wategos Beach. Enjoy relaxed yet refined bar snacks including Yellowfish tuna tartare with cultured dashi cream, radish and mustard leaves or Salt baked beetroots, whipped chevre, pickled beetroot, rosella and hazelnuts alongside a curated beverage list including the prettiest Paloma. Open seven days from midday, Raes allows for walk-ins only, seated on a first come first serve basis, so plan ahead and as parking can be at a premium in popular Wategos.

All are welcome to breeze into Verandah by Forest at Crystalbrook Byron. Relax and unwind on the shaded verandah overlooking the sparkling swimming pool and rainforest beyond. With sustainability at its heart, sip Kirra’s Tea the signature cocktail inspired by the ingredients in the rainforest, a blend of local Winding Road Distilling Co. Citrus and Sea Gin, honey from the resort’s own on-site Flow Hives, local lemons, native thyme and lemon myrtle leaves for a true taste of Byron.

If you’re after a quintessentially Byron experience, head to the relaxed beachside locale of Belongil Beach where Treehouse offers wood-fired pizzas, live music and good vibes. A long time favourite with locals and travellers, settle in under the palms with a Holiday Margarita, a frosty concoction of 1800 Coconut Tequila, shaken with vanilla liqueur, pineapple juice and lime served with a coconut sugar rim and toast laidback days ahead.

Perennial favourite Balcony Bar holds court on the corner of Lawson & Jonson Sts, where guests can sip cocktails and watch the world go by. The menu highlights include Oyster Shooters and signature cocktails like the Hinterland Paloma featuring Lord Byron Hinterland Gin, rosemary, salt, grapefruit, lime and soda as well as the classics.

Occupying an elevated terrace position just moments from famous Main Beach, sip summery cocktails in the casual coastal ambiance of Loft Byron Bay and take advantage of the lofty heights for great people watching. Head Chef Juan Hernandes brings a passion for fresh ingredients and seafood to the menu including new dishes such as Avruga Caviar Oysters with raspberry vinegar, basil oil and lemon balm or the reminagined prawn cocktail featuring local Ballina prawns, iceberg and cocktail sauce in a bun.

While the Summer Salt Bar is reserved for the exclusive use of inhouse guests, the Lobby Bar & Fire Pit welcomes locals and visitors alike for signature cocktails, local brews and fine wines. As the temperature cools, sip Negroni’s fireside and toast to warm Byron days ahead.

An illuminated crescent moon is your beacon on Bay Lane to step inside and discover the Bay’s hidden gem, Moonlight Hibachi & Wine Bar. The moody and monochromatic interiors are a contrast to the usual sunny vibes found in Byron. The intimate 45-seat restaurant and bar serves modern Japanese bar bites alongside biodynamic wines picked according to the Luna cycle, a stellar Saki selection and killer cocktails.

This Parisian-inspired petite bar and restaurant is the brainchild of Luna Wine Store’s talented team. With over 700 natural wines from around the world, you can swirl and sniff your way through the list while snacking on the wine-friendly menu created by Chef Ollie Wong-Hee (previously Ester, Sixpenny and Franklin) with highlights including raw fish, meyer lemon, shiso and the delectable potato chip, manchego, shitake. While wine is most definitely the focus, a popular starter is Heather’s Half Tini a perfectly proportioned mini martini. There’s a lot to love about Bar Heather and it’s a breath of fresh air in Byron.

The handiwork of Melbourne native Kim Stephen, the friendly crew will guide you through the drinks list with expert care. A current fave with punters is the ‘Netflix and Chill’ featuring rum-soaked popcorn, Brookie’s macadamia gin, passionfruit and lemon. The creative garnish features popcorn nestled in passionfruit skin – genius! Interesting to note the team uses a vegan frother rather than the traditional egg whites in their cocktails, perfect for allergy sufferers and vegan friends alike. Hot tip: even in the shoulder season you’ll need to book ahead to secure a table.

Barrio is a favourite local meeting place boasting all day dining, where produce is smoked, cured and pickled in-house. Come for an aperitivo and sample the snack menu featuring the likes of smoked eggplant, agrodolce and tahini, chicken liver pate with onion jam and port or the simplicity of house pickles, each designed to pair perfectly with their concise cocktail list and natural wine selection as you drink in the sunshine from the expansive courtyard.

Local favourite, Bang Bang is a buzzing restaurant and bar offering a pan-Asian menu designed to share, with curious cocktails and beachside beats seven days a week. Highly recommend the nostalgic prawn toast in all its crispy glory washed down with a cocktail from their list ‘Bang Bang Bangers’.

Inspired by Moroccan architecture and the Greek Islands, The Mez Club is a breezy bar with Mediterranean style and holiday vibe. The upstairs mezzanine known as The Souk, has been designed to cater for groups, while downstairs locals and visitors mingle while grazing on tapas. Daily Happy hour includes signature espresso martini’s for the ultimate sunset sips.

Visit Stone & Wood’s ‘spiritual home’ in Byron Bay (the majority of production takes place in nearby Murwillumbah) home to a 31 Tank Brewery, tasting room, canteen and leafy beer garden. Walk in anytime for beers and bites or book ahead for brewery tours, it’s the perfect place to slow down and soak it up. Not a beer lover? They’ve got you covered with seltzers, hard ginger beer and non-alcoholic options too.

Tucked away in the Byron industrial estate you’ll find a fun Tiki Bar serving up fabulous cocktails from Tuesday-Saturday, where we highly recommend you try the Piña Colada served in a frosty pineapple for a truly kitsch Tiki vibe. If you’re keen to learn more, sign up for a cocktail masterclass where you’ll be guided through creating the perfect cocktail before enjoying the fruits of your labour.

Home of Brookie’s Gin, visit the distillery located just 15 minutes from Byron town centre. Enjoy Brookie’s signature Gin & Tonic, Slow Gin with ginger beer or a selection of seasonally crafted cocktails from the tranquil rainforest balcony. If you’d like to learn more about spirits, book into a guided tasting flight, whiskey tour and tasting or the ultimate Brookie’s Rainforest & Gin Tasting Tour to experience a full appreciation of the farm. Visits to the cellar door are by appointment only.