In Sydney, the top secret bars urge you to relax and have fun if you can discover their elusive entrances.

The hidden bars in Sydney have a unique decoration, renowned cocktails, and an exclusive atmosphere that cannot be copied by bigger establishments. These bars offer alluring havens and part of the excitement is in the challenge of finding them. These secret spots are popular among local night owls and are definitely worth the search. Here is your all-access pass to each and every one of them.

1. Restricted to Employees Only: Sydney’s Central Business District

Cost: $$$

Ideal for: Unwinding during post-work gatherings.

The owners of the famous New York bar, Employees Only, have brought their meticulous approach to detail to this establishment. The level of attention given to every aspect, from the exceptional staff and luxurious interior design to the delectable drinks, snacks, and dinner options, is truly remarkable. They even offer lockers for guests to recharge their electronic devices. To locate the entrance, keep an eye out for the vibrant red ‘Psychic’ sign, and descend the lavish black and gold staircase to visit the tarot card reader before making a right turn.

Join the trendy group, indulge in the attentive service, consult the in-house fortune teller, and groove to the unplanned performances of burlesque dancers on the bar. The drink selection boasts a variety of top-notch cocktails, such as the classic Manhattan, while those with a sweet tooth will be drawn to the Amelia – a blend of Wyborowa vodka, St. Germain elderflower liqueur, tangy lemon, and pureed blackberries.

Unwind at Employees Only, located in Sydney’s CBD, after a tiring day at the office.

Location: 9A Barrack Street, Sydney

2. Redfern, Mjolnir

Cost: $$$

Ideal for: Hanging out with pals.

Enter through the solid wooden door and descend down a dimly lit staircase. Mjølner, created by Norwegian-born Sven Almenning and The Speakeasy Group known for their stylish small bars, is a lavish hideaway inspired by the Vikings. The bar pays tribute to Thor, the god of thunder in Norse mythology, and is adorned with copies of Viking swords and arms. Keep an eye out, as you may spot a skeletal hand of a casualty lurking in a nook.

The combination of candles, wooden seating, and brick walls creates a sophisticated mix of contemporary and Nordic styles. Beyond the restaurant, the speakeasy bar stands out with its impressive selection of over 400 whiskies and delectable bar snacks, such as cured salmon and roast bone marrow. For a unique drink, request the bartenders to prepare a Battle Axe V3 made with woodchip-infused Dewars scotch, maple, shiraz reduction, and bitters.

Location: 267 Cleveland Street, Redfern

3. The Saloon at Shady Pines, located in Darlinghurst

Cost: $$

Ideal for: Pre-dinner drinks for a date night.

Experience the Wild West at Shady Pines Saloon where you can encounter a diverse mix of both locals and visitors. The only indication of the entrance on the Woolloomooloo side of Crown Street, behind Oxford Street, is a security guard.

Head over to the bar and engage in conversation with the friendly staff and fellow patrons, or gather at a table with friends to enjoy the night. Don’t forget to indulge in the unlimited peanuts under the moose head. Choose from a wide selection of high-quality beers and wines, or opt for a freshly squeezed apple juice and your preferred type of whisky. And on Sundays, be sure to stop by for some live music.

Make sure to make room at Shady Pines Saloon for a toast to celebrate.

Location: 4/256 Crown Street, in the neighborhood of Darlinghurst.

4. Bar Owned by Uncle Ming

Cost: $$

Ideal for: Enjoying lively drinks while indulging in delicious dumplings.

The ambiance at Uncle Ming’s Bar is alluring, with the dim lighting, red lanterns, tea-light candles, and the sight of steam rising from freshly prepared dumplings on tables scattered throughout the hidden space. When entering the stairwell, it feels as if you’re headed to a tailor shop, but instead, follow the aroma of incense downstairs. This spot is a blend of a date night and a hangout spot for those seeking adventure. Choose a cozy table or take a seat at the bar and engage in conversation with the imaginative bartenders. As for drinks, the Sunday Szech is a must-try, made with Szechuan Mezcal (a clever name, right?), Ancho Reyes Verde, pineapple, and lime.

Get dressed up for a night out on Friday at Uncle Ming’s Bar.

Location: 55 York Street, Sydney, Lower Ground level

5. Bar Stitch

Cost: $$

Ideal for: Creative cocktail gatherings with friends.

Located in Sydney, this hidden bar combines the elegance of a classy cocktail bar with the nostalgia of a classic American diner. Tucked away above a seamstress shopfront, guests can make their way past the sewing machines and downstairs to discover the Stitch Bar. The interior boasts a variety of seating options, including tables and booths adorned with old newspaper clippings, as well as candles and a private room. One can either cozy up in a dark corner or engage in lively banter with the friendly locals and staff at the bar. Be sure to try their signature drink, the Barry B Bitterman, a delightful blend of whiskey, Oscar 697 rosso, Campari, and honey that is aged in bottles lined with beeswax. Visit Stitch Bar for a unique and enjoyable experience.

Location: Sydney, 61 York Street.

6. Knocking on Doors

Cost: $$

Ideal for: Innovative twists on traditional cocktails.

The atmosphere is comfortable and charming without giving a feeling of confinement, similar to being in a stylish vacation home of a close friend that is adorned with a fireplace, carpets, sofas, and lamps. The mojitos at Door Knock are delicious and they also offer a decent variety of organic wines.

Take a stroll down the stairs located at 70, then proceed along the dim, lengthy hallway. Eventually, you will come across a door. Give three knocks on the brass pineapple to gain entry.

Location: B2, 70 Pitt Street, Sydney.

7. Palmer & Co.

Cost: $-$$$

Ideal for: Getting to know someone new – the atmosphere is playful and flirtatious.

If you decide to visit Palmer & Co for a quick drink, chances are you’ll end up staying late and enjoying a lively atmosphere. This hidden bar in Sydney is a popular spot for lawyers, locals and tourists. Look for the small black and white P & Co sign with an arrow, which will lead you down a laneway to a door adorned with a vintage lamp.

At times, there are lively swing bands and dancers inside – observe while you sip and socialize or join them on the dancing area. For a sweet and effortless taste, give the Sunday Morning a try, a delightful blend of gin, elderflower, sauvignon blanc, lime, vanilla, orange blossom, and prosecco. Additionally, there is a selection of excellent charcuterie and delicious black truffle mac and cheese.

Indulge and imbibe until the early hours of the morning at Palmer & Co.

Location: Sydney, on Abercrombie Lane.

8. The Doss House

Cost: $$$

Ideal for: Enthusiasts of whiskey who are craving for high-quality products.

Located in a charming old-world setting, this whisky and cocktail bar is owned by two Irish expats, Colm O’Neill and Eoin Daniels. The bar attracts both business professionals and tourists, creating a cool and diverse atmosphere. However, finding this hidden gem may prove to be a challenge. While there is a sign out front for The Doss House, it may be mistaken for a clothing boutique. Don’t be deceived and instead, make your way through the building and exit through the back, then take a right and descend the outdoor stairs.

Upon arrival, one will be greeted by the sight of leather couches, flickering candles, and shelves of antique books, creating a cozy atmosphere. Additionally, there is a Chinese opium room, although without the actual opium, as a tribute to the building’s past in 1844. On weekends, live music is also offered for entertainment. As one’s thirst grows, it would be difficult to resist trying the house’s signature drink. The menu includes a variety of whiskey choices, categorized by their region of origin, and presented in flights that are both pleasing to the eye and palate.

Experience the sensory stimulation of whiskey at The Doss House. (Image: Destination NSW)

Location: 77/79 George Street, The Rocks

9. The Cat on the Swing

Cost: $$

Ideal for: Excellent music and enjoyable gatherings.

The design of The Swinging Cat is reminiscent of the French Quarter in New Orleans, featuring wooden floors, low couches, cushions, and greenery. However, locating the establishment can be challenging. The windows at ground level may go unnoticed or appear to lead to a small, unremarkable venue. Instead, one must make their way towards the Subway fast food restaurant and turn left to descend a flight of stairs.

For a fun and lively conversation with your date or friends, there’s nothing quite like the accompaniment of blues music. To truly elevate the experience, a live performance from a Dixieland or blues band would be the cherry on top. Be sure not to overlook The Royale for a delightful mix of flavors, including vodka, white chocolate liqueur, passionfruit, vanilla, egg white, and lemon.

Enjoy a refreshing beverage with your friends at The Swinging Cat.

Location: Sydney, 44 King Street

10. The Place of Old Mate

Cost: $$

Ideal for: A first romantic encounter.

Ride the elevator to the fourth level of 199 Clarence Street, greet the security personnel with a smile and refer to him as ‘old mate’. This small gesture will be appreciated and will grant you access to the entrance of Old Mate’s Place. Upon entering, you will come across a spacious area with grandiose lofty ceilings, vintage literature and mementos, suspended greenery, elegant light fixtures, and flickering candles.

Frequently, the place will be bustling with activity. If you arrive early, you can go up to the small rooftop and secure a table to admire the view of the city. During a quieter time of the evening, you can snuggle up on a couch and peruse the bookcase. While the cocktail menu is constantly changing, you can never go wrong with a rum and coconut drink.

Experience the city from the rooftop or enjoy the comfort of Old Mate’s interior.

Location: 199 Clarence Street, Level 4, Sydney

11. Manly’s Cumberland Beach

Cost: $$

Ideal for: A remarkable shift in scenery across the Harbour Bridge.

Do you have a fondness for the secret bars in Sydney that require a bit of effort to find? One such bar is The Cumberland, located behind a refrigerator door within a charming duck egg blue bodega-style deli. This establishment is without a doubt the most well-hidden and beloved drinking spot on the northern beaches.

Descend to the subterranean drinking establishment. (Image: The Cumberland)

Descend the stairs and enter a stunningly designed space filled with luxurious wood, vintage decor, and hints of marble. With over 250 whiskey options, a variety of beers and wines, top-notch Champagnes, and a selection of classic and modern cocktails, there is something for everyone. Don’t miss the ‘Foraged & Found’ section of the cocktail menu featuring ingredients from Manly and its surrounding areas.

Explore a diverse selection of cocktails available at The Cumberland.

Location: Manly, 17-19 Central Avenue

12. Newtown’s Juke Joint owned by Earl

Cost: $$

Ideal for: Creating a fun atmosphere and providing excellent refreshment.

The atmosphere at Earl’s Juke Joint is electric. On a Friday night, the place is packed with people and there’s barely any standing room, even away from the bar. It’s buzzing and exactly what a night out in the inner west should be. When you step inside ‘Betta Meats’ butcher on King Street, get ready for expertly crafted cocktails, beers, ciders, and amazing wines. But the real star of the show is the Bam Bam cocktail. Made with a blend of rum, Brazilian banana liqueur, the complex Amaro Montenegro Liqueur, citrus, coconut-banana foam, and other magical ingredients, it’s like a vacation for your taste buds.

To secure a seat at Earl’s Juke Joint, it is recommended to arrive early. (Image: Christopher Pearce)

Location: 407 King Street in Newtown.

13. Paddington, the Home of Charlie Parker

Cost Range: $ to $$$

Ideal for: Refreshments that will keep the fun going post-dinner.

One might be tempted to remain on the upper floor and try to secure a table at Fred’s, but descending one level below the Paddington restaurant will lead you to a charming basement bar filled with its own delightful indulgences. Charlie Parker’s boasts intimate seating options and is nestled in exposed sandstone, creating a secretive hideaway that is ideal for unwinding. Incorporating the finest seasonal ingredients, their cocktails are simply magical, featuring both classic favorites and unique creations such as the Watermelon & Cinnamon, a blend of Hennessy VS, Goldielocks Gin, and Choc Mint.

At Charlie Parker’s, have the resident bartender mix your preferred cocktail.

Location: 380 Oxford Street, Paddington

14. Bar of Papa Gedes

Cost: $$

Ideal for: Enjoying a drink after work before rushing to catch the train.

For those who are drawn to the pirate lifestyle, a visit to Papa Gedes Bar is a must. This unique cocktail bar focuses on rum and takes inspiration from the voodoo spirit Papa Gedes, known for his association with desire and merriment. What better way to spend an evening than in this hidden gem, tucked away in a rocky alley and beckoning with dimly lit candles.

One can delve into the world of cocktails inside and admire their creative names (such as Sloe News Day). And worry not, they also taste delicious. As for food, there are affordable and satisfying options such as a classic ploughman’s platter and zesty pork crackling.

Enhance your evening with a touch of rum at Papa Gede’s Bar. (Image: Destination NSW)

Location: Our office is situated at 348 Kent Street in Sydney.

15. Alice, known as The Rocks

Cost: $$$

Ideal for: Enjoying sophisticated drinks before or after dinner at a fancy location.

Boasting the smoothest street reputation, Alice, created by the same team behind Rockpool Bar & Grill and Spice Temple, stands out as an elegant secret bar in Sydney. Its entrance lies behind unmarked gates of the old bond stores on a cobblestoned section of Argyle Street, leading down a striking flight of stairs.

Relax on the velvet sofa at Alice, located in The Rocks. (Image: TFPhoto)

The ambiance of this place exudes a sense of old Hollywood glamour with its velvet booths, plush fabrics, marble and gold accents, and rich timber beams. It also has its own VIP area for a luxurious experience. The drinks are newly made and the food is prepared by the same chefs from the renowned restaurants, promising a delightfully indulgent feast. Their menu boasts of a variety of creative cocktails, topped by their signature Alice Spritz which combines aromatised wine, prosecco, and blackberry shrub. The kitchen also offers a fusion of Japanese-inspired snacks and pizzas.

Unwind while holding a beverage. (Image: TFPhoto)

Location: The Rocks, 16 Argyle Street

Visit www.hiddenspeakeasy.club for more information, vouchers, discounts and special invitations and directions