For the experience… and for the ‘gram!
We Have the List You’ve Been Looking For!
There’s something a bit special about discovering a speakeasy. The unexpected thrill of opening the nondescript door to a magical place with the best drinks is invigorating. If you’re visiting Sydney, you’d be happy to know that Sydney is jam-packed with these hidden gems and here are some you might want to try.
Uncle Ming’s
This is the perfect place to go to if you’re out on a date and craving for a nightlife adventure. Try their signature cocktail Taketsuru’s Secret Garden – it is made from Taketsuru Japanese whisky, Grand Marnier, Bulleit Rye whisky, cardamom, rosemary, and bitters.
Uncle Ming’s offers a seductive mood using tea-light candles, red lanterns, and low lighting, but the highlight of your visit would be their freshly prepared fresh dumplings. Find Uncle Ming’s by entering the stairwell at 55 York Street – pretend that you’re planning to go to the suit shop but follow the aromatic scent of incense instead.
The Doss House
Irish ex-pats Eoin Daniels and Colm O’Neill own this classic old-world cocktail and whisky bar where businessmen in suits and tourists mix in one venue. You’ll fall in love with the leather couches, candles and old books on display.
The Doss House also has a Chinese opium room (without the opium) inspired by the building’s historical background. Head to 77/79 George Street, the Rocks. There’s signage at the front that seems to be for a clothing store. Go to the back of the building, turn right, and go down the outdoor stairs.
Make sure to buy their signature cocktail, “My Name is Earl”. It’s a refreshing peach aperitif with orange marmalade, Earl Grey-infused gin, basil, fresh lemon, and egg white.
Shady Pines Saloon
The path towards Shady Pines Saloon is quite intimidating – you need to go through a dodgy looking alley on Crown Street in Darlinghurst, but it’s all worth it, trust us. Once inside, you will be amazed at the moose heads adorning the walls. They offer a wide array of whiskies and whisky-based cocktails. Their famous drink is the apple and whisky that goes down a little too easily!
Door Knock
Do you believe that the journey is as valuable as the destination? To get to Door Knock, you will take two flights of stairs beside a café in Pitt Street near Hunter St – you’ll see a cellar cocktail bar made out of fairy bower and timber ship’s hold.
Down there, you will feel pleasantly isolated from the outside world. The room has a modern bar design with faux vines, fairy lights and hanging ropes. The overall ambience is a gentle, nice and moody spot for a drink after work.
Speaking of drinks, try their rich and sturdy cocktail containing fruity oloroso, honey, fresh thyme, and Maker’s Mark. They also have the Dub Style Tangerine No 1 viognier – a superb orange wine that’s well worth a try.
Old Mate’s Place
Old Mate’s Place is located on Level 4/199 Clarence Street. Ride the lift to get to the 4th floor, show your beautiful smile to the security guard, say “Old Mate”, he’ll open the door.
You’ll be in awe of the vast and gorgeous room and its dramatically high ceiling. The hanging plants, chandeliers, candles, old books, and memorabilia further add to the drama. Go to the rooftop to savour the city skyline’s grandeur.
They don’t have any particular signature cocktails. A rum-and-coconut combo is enough for you to enjoy a relaxing night.
Palmer and Co.
Do you want to experience the feeling of travelling to another place and time? Try Palmer and Co. on Abercrombie Lane in the City Centre. Go through the cobblestone alleyway, then the narrow fire escape stairwell to enter the bar.
You will feel nostalgic with the black and white photographs and antique knick-knacks displayed on the wall. You may be planning just to have one drink but will surely end up staying longer. The live swing band and dancers will make you glued to your seat. They may even convince you to hit the dance floor!
One drink you need to try here is Bloomsday. It is sweet and smooth with egg white, grapefruit, elderflower, sake, lemon sherbet, and Absolut Elyx vodka.
The Baxter Inn
This candle-lit basement bar on Clarence Street will surely make any whiskey enthusiast stop dead in his tracks. The Baxter Inn has a wall of whiskey collection that can only be accessed using scrolling library ladders.
The menu board has three columns – the list starts at the ceiling and continues down the counter and out of sight. You’ll never run out of new tipples to try, but the bartenders are ready to help if you’re having a hard time narrowing down your choices. They have a talent for determining the perfect drink for those who have an indecisive palate.
The Barbershop
The back entrance of The Barbershop is in the same area as the Baxter Inn. Just like in its name, the bar’s front is indeed a fully operational barbershop. You can choose to have a beard trim or hot towel shave first before going to the bar.
While Baxter Inn is a place for whiskey lovers, The Barbershop caters to gin enthusiasts. They offer varieties from Australia to Sri Lanka and other countries in between.
Earl’s Juke Joint
Earl’s Juke Joint is concealed by the old Betta Meats butchery that previously operated here. Upon entering the front door, you will immediately sense the strong flavours of the cocktails behind the bar.
The bar’s decoration is simple, more focused on making small booze dens to have more space for sitting and drinking. Try having a Sazerac in their long timber bar.
Energise at The Savoy hotel, Then Explore Sydney’s Speakeasy Scene
Sydney boasts a plethora of speakeasy bars that are worth paying a visit – once you know where to find them, that is! You’ll need much more than a night’s stay to experience the best that Sydney has to offer!
To make sure your Sydney trip is relaxing, comfortable and hassle-free, book your accommodations at the Savoy Hotel in Double Bay. Our clean, comfortable and relaxing rooms are guaranteed to help you get the rest you need. Call us today on 02 9326 1411 to book in advance and get your sleek on, in Sydney’s speakeasy scene.