You've probably noticed the hype around Melbourne's hidden laneway and rooftop bars. Yes... Melbourne is pretty darn cool but Sydney has just as much to offer (we just don't brag about) - after all, the best kept secrets are those that are kept secret right? To contradict that very statement, here are our Top 10 hidden and secret Sydney bars.
From retro style bowling alleys, bars that can only be reached by making your way through a fridge door and a classy whisky bar hidden behind a wheelie bin - Sydney's got it going on. Why are we sharing this valuable information? Because there's nothing more exciting that stumbling upon a little local's secret when travelling the world.
Best (Secret) Bars in Sydney
1. Mojo Record Bar
Basement, 73 York Street, Sydney
"Booze. Tunes. Rock n Roll."
So Sydney - where else can you buy a vinyl record whilst knocking back a sweet, sweet cold craft Aussie beer? Mojo Record Bar can be found at Basement level in Sydney's CBD and the venue itself is a sight for sore eyes. You will find vintage vinyl wall art spanned across the walls and a huge range of new or pre loved vinyls to browse through (or whack on the credit card)! Tip: head to Mojo on a Thursday night and hit the D floor alongside some Australia's best vinyl DJs.
2. The Barbershop
89 York Street, Sydney
"Pass through the Barbershop partition door and step into a welcoming place"
Before we begin... yes you can actually get a haircut here. Hidden at the back of the classically styled barber sits a small bar - unknown to the unsuspecting eye! There is a great wine list, cocktails, a huge selection of Gin and boutique bottled beers. Yep - another one for the bucket list! Oh and Bearded men rejoice - you can get the ultimate Bearded treatment for (including an oil treatment) for around $30.
3. The Rook
56 - 58 York Street, Sydney
"Cool rooftop spot with wood walls, painted murals, burgers & cocktails"
Secretly hidden inside an office building, the only way you will find this popular local hot spot is if you know of it! The Rook has an outdoor area overlooking the towering Sydney skyscrapers and a great menu if you fancy feed. Feeling thirsty?
4. Soda Factory
16 Wentworth Avenue, Surrey Hills
"US style diner and bar serving hot dogs and retro cocktails with live music and DJs"
Not only a great place to grab a cheap eat, but this bar is only accessible through a secret Fridge Door. Cool huh? The Soda Factory is open until 3:00AM Friday, Saturday AND Sunday nights and is a great place to hit the D floor! Tip: Try the $10 gourmet hot dogs or... wait for it... a deep fried Mac N Cheese Spring Roll. Yummo!
5. Sweethearts Rooftop Bar
33 - 35 Darlinghurst Road, Kings Cross
"Rooftop garden bar. Good times. Urban skylines"
We love a good Rooftop Bar! Sweethearts is a great place to grab a cheeky pre night bevvy before hitting the notorious night clubs of Kings Cross. You can grab a feed there but it is a little bit beyond the old backpacker budget. TIP: try the $20 jugs of Sangria or if you are feeling like a splurge may be on the cards - the $30 Pimm's Pitchers are a treat!
6. Frankies
50 Hunter Street, Sydney
"beer. Pizza. Rock n Roll"
As you make your way through this tiny, unsuspecting pizza place you will be blown away by the bustling bar out the back! Not only can you grab a US style pizza by the slice, but Frankies has live entertainment on every night of the week, from glam rock, local bands and DJs. Tip: Head there on a Wednesday night for $15 all you can eat pizza.
7. Shady Pines Saloon
Shop 4, 256 Crown Street. Darlinghurst
"Cowboy themed, specialty whiskeys, craft ales and peanut snacks"
Hidden down an alley way off the bustling street of Oxford, Shady Pines Saloon (don't let the saloon title fool you) takes the western theme to the next level. Expect great Whiskey, craft beer, live music and always a fun night out - great for Winter! Tip: try the Green Apple Whisky.
8. The Baxter Inn
Basement, 152 - 156 Clarence Street, Sydney
"rated 6th in the World's Top 50 Bars in 2015"
This little basement whisky bar is hidden down an alley way behind a set of wheelies bins - can't get anymore secret than that! The Baxter Inn is a great place to hide away from the cold weather and grab a whisky (of course), a craft beer or a fancy cocktail. Tip: ask the bartender for their recommendation for the day.
9. The Standard Bowl
Level 3, 383 Bourke Street, Darlinghurst
"4 bowling alleys, dynamic bar, brick walls with American themed street art"
You can't get any more Sydney than this - a pumping bar, live music and street art nestled aside 4 retro style bowling lanes. The Standard Bowl is open Friday and Saturday nights until 3:00am with live DJs. Tip: Head there on a Wednesday for $1 Dumplings.
10. The Scary Canary
469 Kent Street, Sydney
"Cocktail jars, wood fired pizza and burgers in a boisterous bar known for its late night party vibe"
Ok so we HAD to throw in The Scary Canary! It may not be a 'secret' Sydney so to say, but it's a must visit when travelling Sydney. Not only is the food amazing and affordable, but the D Floor and the vibe is pumping every night of the week - Brainrave Trivia (not your average trivia), Live Bands, Foam Parties, Silent Discos - aww yeah! TIP: dust off the hangover and head to Scarys on a Sunday between 4 - 9pm for 50c Chicken Wings... mmm!
Need to soak up the booze? Check out things you need to eat in Sydney
Staying in Sydney? Stay at Nomads Sydney!
