Negroni Series, Apollonia Credit: Steven Woodburn
A selection of negronis from Apollonia's Negroni Series, courtesy of a stack of celebrated international bartenders from The World’s 50 Best Bars.
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It may appear to be just an average shopfront, or an unmarked door down a mysterious alleyway, but for curious drinkers, nondescript facades can be an entrance to another world. From a dimly lit whisky bar behind a fridge door to carefully crafted cocktails inside a butcher shop, Sydney’s speakeasies offer some of the city’s coolest sips... if you can find them. Seek out some of Sydney’s best hidden bars and discover the thrill of the unknown.
Centro 86
Hosking’s Place laneway, a tiny alleyway off Pitt Street in the Sydney CBD, may not look like one of the hottest places to drink in the city, but head through the fire exit (with the illuminated Centro 86 sign above it) and you’ll enter a subterranean tequila-filled party palace. From the team behind some of Sydney’s best cocktail bars (Cantina OK!, Bar Planet, Tio’s) Centro 86 fits in with the family. Find 100 different tequilas, five different margaritas, fruity shaved ice concoctions, cosy booths, and their signature free spiced popcorn.
Apollonia
This little Sicilian cocktail bar is tucked away in the basement of heritage-listed sandstone building Hinchcliff House, a stone’s throw from Circular Quay. Named after the tragic wife of Michael Corleone in The Godfather, Apollonia is moody and intimate, dimly lit with flickering candles and detailed with marble, wood and gold finishes. The drinks menu is Italian-inspired (pineapple negronis, lemon myrtle limoncellos) and the food is of the same flavour (arancini, goats curd crostini, cheese and cured meats).
The Library Bar
It’s one of Sydney oldest and grandest buildings, yet even many Sydneysiders don’t know that the rooftop of the State Library has its very own cocktail bar. Peek around the side of the building to the aptly named Shakespeare Place, find the lift and head up to the rooftop. Along with up-close city skyline views, the open rooftop offers a lesser-known panorama of the harbour and Royal Botanic Garden. On the menu you’ll find an ode to NSW suppliers, from pinot noir from Tumburumba to Hickson Road gin and local cheeses.
The Doss House
The best speakeasies are the ones that tell a story, and The Doss House, an intimate whisky bar housed in a 170-year-old stone building in The Rocks, has plenty. Before it became the upscale cocktail haven it is today, this historic underground lair lived many lives: a former convict hospital, bootmaker’s, opium den and boarding house. Now, the heritage-listed bar features intimate rooms, an original fireplace and a 150-strong collection of whiskies.
The Cumberland, Manly, Sydney Credit: The Cumberland
The Cumberland, an underground drinking den in Manly, Sydney.
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The Cumberland, Manly, Sydney Credit: The Cumberland
The Cumberland, an underground drinking den in Manly, Sydney.
Negroni Series, Apollonia Credit: Steven Woodburn
Negroni Series, Apollonia
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Negroni Series, Apollonia Credit: Steven Woodburn
Negroni Series, Apollonia
The Cumberland
Don’t be fooled by the cheese and charcuterie, Cove Deli in Manly is a portal to one of the most stylish bars on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. A 1920s-era refrigerator leads to a descending spiral staircase into The Cumberland, an underground drinking den where reclaimed timber and antique brass mix with original convict-laid brickwork. There are more than 250 whiskies to choose from along with craft beers, natural wines and cocktails. And, if you’re peckish, meat and cheese boards from the deli above can be sent down by dumbwaiter.
Employees Only
When the original Employees Only opened in New York City it was located behind a clairvoyant’s salon on Hudson Street. These days a neon ‘Psychic’ sign is also found above the speakeasy-style bar in Singapore, Los Angeles and central Sydney, where you can walk down the stairs off Barrack Street to find a tarot reader in a heritage-listed basement. The cocktail list at Sydney’s Employees Only includes nods to New York with the West Side and Penny Stocks (a Manhattan with the addition of Guinness syrup), while the menu goes full luxe, with seafood platters, Tomahawk steak and more.
Double Deuce Lounge
A lone security guard on Bridge Street signals the entrance to this underground bar, a love letter to the ‘70s with wood panelling and red leather banquettes. The Double Deuce Lounge was named after the dive bar in the Patrick Swayze movie Road House, but feels more like it’s tapping into Boogie Nights with its adults-only VHS menu covers and fur-covered walls. As you may have guessed, it’s all about cocktails and flirty fun here.
The Baxter Inn
It’s easy to lose yourself in Sydney’s laneways, but getting lost in the CBD’s small bar precinct, YCK Laneways, can only end in high spirits. Down an alley off Clarence Street, basement bar The Baxter Inn resembles a vintage sports bar with a penchant for high-class whisky. From the team behind Shady Pines, the bartenders here have a story for every amber bottle. Considering there are more than 800 of them, that’s saying something.
Employees Only, Sydney Credit: Mark Namnoun
The speakeasy-style Employees Only on Sydney’s Barrack Street.
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Employees Only, Sydney Credit: Mark Namnoun
The speakeasy-style Employees Only on Sydney’s Barrack Street.
The Baxter Inn, Sydney Credit: Dan Boud; Destination NSW
The Baxter Inn Sydney CBD
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The Baxter Inn, Sydney Credit: Dan Boud; Destination NSW
The Baxter Inn Sydney CBD
Palmer & Co
Walking into this CBD bar off Abercrombie Lane is like a step back in time – Palmer & Co’s Prohibition-era bar sports black-and-white photos on the wall and antique shelves filled with apothecary bottles. But the real artistry comes on the drinks menu, with a long list of new, classic and forgotten cocktails (try the Paloma – Codigo Rosa, salted grapefruit, hops and soda). If you’re bringing your dancing shoes, live music plays every Friday and Saturday nights, with Sydney’s best jazz, swing, jump blues and boogie bands.
Shady Pines Saloon
Finding Shady Pines Saloon involves walking down an unassuming Darlinghurst alleyway and looking for an unmarked white door. Another door leads to a staircase and then – welcome to the wild, wild West. Leaving may be more difficult, however, because at this cowboy saloon-themed bar you can drink whisky and apple juice under the gaze of a vintage stuffed buffalo before joining a country singalong while peanut shells crunch underfoot. It’s honky-tonk fun you’ll want to stick around for.
Ramblin Rascal Tavern
Near the corner of Park and Elizabeth Streets in the city centre, a black sign with three skulls lets you know you’ve found the staircase to the basement to join the Ramblin Rascal Tavern crew. Down here the drink of choice is a good cognac, but if you’re not ready to join that revolution you can rest assured that their cocktail game is on point, beers are all Sydney local and their bar banter is strong. Dive into a booth and be entertained.
Stitch
It may look like a seamstress’s shop with sewing machines and spools of thread, but once you step through the doors on York Street in Sydney’s YCK Laneways and make your way down the grand staircase you’ll find a bar named Stitch. Take a seat in a leather booth where the vintage lights are low, sip a classic whiskey sour, and browse the American diner-inspired menu featuring hotdogs (both classic and duck sausage), burgers (a jackfruit option is available for vegans) and tacos. Happy hour flows from 4pm to 6pm.
Earl’s Juke Joint
On the outside, Earl’s Juke Joint, in the inner west suburb of Newtown, looks like a 1950s butcher shop. On the inside you’ll find dark timber floorboards, a tin-covered ceiling, posters of blues legends and an inviting, 11-metre-long bar. Southern US-inspired cocktails, craft beers and natural wines are the stars of the drinks list.
Palmer and Co., Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Couple ordering cocktails at Palmer and Co., Sydney.
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Palmer and Co., Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Couple ordering cocktails at Palmer and Co., Sydney.
Stitch Bar, Sydney CBD Credit: Destination NSW
Guests at the Stitch Bar Buenas Noches Long Lunch event, Sydney CBD.
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Stitch Bar, Sydney CBD Credit: Destination NSW
Guests at the Stitch Bar Buenas Noches Long Lunch event, Sydney CBD.
More Inspirational Stories
Corowa Whisky & Chocolate, CorowaCredit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a visit to Corowa Whisky & Chocolate, Corowa.
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Feast on the riches of one of Australia’s most important food bowls on a road trip through the Murray, named after the mighty river that flows through this southwest area of New South Wales. Float down the river on a historic paddlesteamer wine cruise, stop by farm gates to sample incredible fresh produce, and dine at chic restaurants and bars in this unique culinary playground.
Take the back roads for gourmet treats
Head off the beaten path along The Backroads Trail, a 250km driving route that passes through the small pastoral towns of Barham, Moama, Mathoura and Deniliquin on the upper reaches of the Murray River. Sink your teeth into fresh olives, avocados, free-range pork, honey and citrus fruit from farm gates along its loops and trails, and taste the region’s wines at vineyards such as Restdown Wines. While you’re at this winery, venture out along the Restdown Wetland Walk to encounter Aboriginal cooking hearths and an old sheep camp.
Cruise along to The Old School Winery & Meadery in Womboota to pick up wine, pottery and honey mead. Or seek out Ivy Joyce in Barham to indulge in a warm space, offering local produce from farms for a truly paddock to plate experience in the heart of Murray River country. For more snacks and meaty fare such as British-style pork pies and sausages, head to Pacdon Park’s factory shop in Moama.
You can work up an appetite as you build your own itinerary on the theme of food, paddocks and produce, and find suggested routes and maps to Murray River farm gates, at the Echuca Moama Visitor Centre.
Wine and dine along the river
Embark on a wine tour by water in Moama, where the first steamboats made their way up the Murray in 1853. Take a Murray River Paddlesteamers Wharf to Winery Cruise from the town to Morrisons Riverview Winery for a leisurely lunch. Or drive along the river, stopping in at Three Black Sheep for risotto and woodfired pizzas, and tasting crisp dry whites and full-flavoured reds at St Anne’s Vineyards, where you can nibble on a cheese platter overlooking a scenic lake.
Head east along the riverside roads to rest and recharge in the town of Tocumwal, known for its riverside beaches, golf courses, glider flying and iconic Big Murray Cod statue. Start the following day with a solid foundation of breakfast pizza (topped with bacon, eggs and a hash brown) at The Old Bank and indulge in a scoop of ice-cream or sorbet from Tocumwal Ice Creamery – flavours include rocky road, green apple or macadamia. If you’re in town on a Saturday, pick up honey, fruit, vegetables, olive oil, dressings and other condiments made by local producers at the Tocumwal Foreshore Markets.
Continue your odyssey along the river to Corowa, the birthplace of Australian Federation. Immerse in the town’s rich turn-of-the-20th-century colonial heritage as you make your way to the former 1920s flour mill housing Corowa Distilling Co. Here you can book a whisky tasting and behind-the-scenes tour and buy locally made chocolates and sweets from sister shop Junee Licorice and Chocolate Factory. Work off an indulgent afternoon with a walk along the river before settling into the stylish Circa 1936 hotel, which is housed in an Art Deco former bank on the main street of Corowa.
Celebrate regional ingredients in Albury
From Corowa, follow the Riverina Highway eastward to the city of Albury, a food, wine and culture hub. Taste how seasonality and locality are expressed at The Proprietor, a former butcher shop turned cafe offering brunch treats such as fruit toast with Beechworth honey and whipped ricotta, and banana waffles with Gundowring vanilla ice-cream. Or try the all-day breakfast offering at Mr Benedict, from cheesy bacon waffle with popcorn chicken to one of its signature eggs benedicts, including one with cider-braised ham hock.
At The River Deck restaurant, local ingredients are celebrated alongside stunning river views, and dishes may include chicken Caesar salad with Milawa eggs or beef brisket braised in coffee by Albury roaster The Brothers Cup. At tiny and elegant Bistro Selle, complement warm Gooramadda olives with a buttery Australian chardonnay and fresh market fish. Yardbird offers a bold-flavoured menu featuring dishes like scorched Albacore tuna, along with meats grilled in a Spanish woodfired oven.
In between meals, stroll along the Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk and take in the contemporary artworks by Aboriginal artists that line the Wagirra Trail. Meander through the Murray Art Museum Albury’s contemporary photographic collection, Aboriginal art and works by renowned Australian artist Sir Russell Drysdale. Afterwards, order lunch or dinner at the museum’s excellent Canvas Eatery – try the saltbush lamb rump or one of their Neapolitan-style pizzas.
The Old School Winery & Meadery, Womboota Credit: Destination NSW
Couple taste tasting mead at The Old School Winery & Meadery, Womboota
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The Old School Winery & Meadery, Womboota Credit: Destination NSW
Couple taste tasting mead at The Old School Winery & Meadery, Womboota
Morrison's Riverview Winery and Restaurant, Moama Credit: Destination NSW
Food and wine available from Morrison's Riverview Winery and Restaurant, Moama.
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Morrison's Riverview Winery and Restaurant, Moama Credit: Destination NSW
Food and wine available from Morrison's Riverview Winery and Restaurant, Moama.
Corowa Whisky & Chocolate, Corowa Credit: Destination NSW
Corowa Whisky & Chocolate located in a 1920âs old flour mill in Corowa.
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Corowa Whisky & Chocolate, Corowa Credit: Destination NSW
Corowa Whisky & Chocolate located in a 1920âs old flour mill in Corowa.
Canvas Eatery, Albury Credit: Destination NSW
Food and wine available at Canvas Eatery in Albury.
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Canvas Eatery, Albury Credit: Destination NSW
Food and wine available at Canvas Eatery in Albury.