There’s nothing like a quiet corner where the drinks are strong and the lights are dim to unwind. This city of ours, however unforgiving it may be from the hours of nine to five every business day, still has something to offer us. Look closer at the map and you’ll find some hidden gems.
Here are five of the best and coolest underground bars you’ll find in Sydney:
The Baxter Inn
Basement 152-156 Clarence Street, Sydney 2000
Baxter Inn is a tribute to ye olde whisk(e)y bars from a bygone era. Their selection is a renowned one, having been described as a “… collection that would make a strong man weak at the knees…”. And the physical environment is one that bleeds with nostalgia. As one would expect, this place gets pretty busy, pretty often.
Stitch Bar
61 York St, Sydney 2000
Walls lined with sewing machines, this one derives its name and theme from a love of threading needles. So much so the tables are sewing tables, complete with foot pedal. But fear not, as it isn’t all bells and whistles. There’s gumption to back the gimmick. Satisfying brews, well-crafted cocktails, and “boutique bites”. Sold.
The Blind Bear
28 Cronulla St, Cronulla 2230
My absolute favourite bar in all of Sydney, this where you’ll find (probably) the best Old-Fashioned across the East coast. Don’t believe me? There’s only one way to find out now, isn’t there? Nestled away in a little corner of Cronulla, The Blind Bear never fails to impress with their range of cocktails.
Bonus: head upstairs to The Happy Panda for a solid Asian-fusion feed. Word on the streets is they’ve just updated their menu.
Lobo Plantation
1/209 Clarence St, Sydney 2000
What better way to warm up this frosty Winter than to get into more of a Caribbean mood? Rum is the name of the game here, with a handpicked collection of over 250 local and international rums. Sourced both locally and internationally. These 250 selected varieties hail from all corners of the world, including but not limited to:
- Antigua
- Bermuda
- Cuba
- Jamaica
- Martinique
- Puerto Rico
- Grenada
- St Lucia
- Trinidad
- Tobago
- Guatemala
- Belize
- Nicaragua
- Costa Rica
- Panama
- Colombia
- Venezuela
- Guyana.
Some of the “… rarest and oldest…” of the world’s most beloved rum brands, with some dating back as far as 1930. Impressive.
The Golden Age Cinema & Bar
80 Commonwealth St, Surry Hills 2010
This place is an institution. Located in the Paramount building, it still retains the original Paramount screening room. Beyond that, Golden Age also hosts some of the most delightfully intimate musical acts free of charge. All they ask is that you order a drink or two. But really, with the quality of their menu and how outstanding their service is, you’re still coming out on top.