The Best City Waterholes to Hideout in This Winter
As the city streets slowly return to life, our hospitality heroes keep spirits high and the seed of city life alive, serving warmth and welcome hidden in the depths of the best underground bars in Sydney. Whether in search of a cool cavernous reprieve during the Summer or a cosy cocktail bar in the Winter, Sydney has something for everyone.
Palmer & Co
Merivale takes the idea of a prohibition bar to another level with the glamorous Palmer & Co. Located down an alleyway in the heart of the city, Palmer & Co is polished and sophisticated with exposed brick, black and white photographs and dimmed golden lighting to create the perfect underground ambience. The drinks list is packed with signature and classic cocktails, with an equally impressive bar menu of marinated olives, cured meats, prawn cocktail and steak tartare.
Location: Abercrombie Lane, Sydney, NSW, 2000, Australia
Stitch Bar
Located on bustling York Street, Stitch Bar brings late night New York diner-inspired fun to Sydney. Hidden behind a seamstress shop front, aptly-named Stitch Bar keeps to the theme with old sewing tables and sewing machines scattered around the venue. The underground bar is the perfect place to sink a few cocktails and tuck into a menu of American classics like cheeseburgers, hot dogs, tacos and curly fries.
Location: 61 York St, Sydney NSW 2000
The Doss House
Once an illegal gambling hall, opium den and boarding house, The Doss House has been transformed into an underground bar with a stylish vintage interior. Located in a heritage building in the oldest city suburb, the Rocks, The Doss House has 5 cosy bar spaces with original sandstone walls and fireplaces. This Sydney bar is known for its impressive whiskey menu but also serves up cocktails, wine, beer, sharing platters and gourmet sandwiches.
Location: 77/79 George St, The Rocks NSW 2000
Shady Pines
Located down a dark alleyway in trendy Darlinghurst, Shady Pines is the ultimate city dive bar. The underground bar brings a taste of Nashville to Sydney, with an antique bar back, live music and a laid back atmosphere. If you love your bourbon neat and your beer cold, this cosy drinking den is the place for you.
Location: 4/256 Crown St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010
Alibi
Located on the finger wharf in Woolloomooloo, Alibi is a glamorous bar and kitchen with some of the most theatrical cocktails in Sydney. Whilst the cocktails will be hard to resist, the beautifully curated local and international wine list and spirit menu are equally impressive. The bar also serves up 5-star snacks, including parmesan fries, tacos, nachos and shiitake mushroom dumplings.
Location: Ovolo Woolloomooloo, 6 Cowper Wharf Roadway, 2011
Mr Percy
Over the bridge in historic Pyrmont lies Mister Percy, a stylish neighbourhood wine bar. Once a heritage wool store, the space has been beautifully transformed, merging vintage and modern elements to create an intimate setting. Select from a curated collection of boutique and local wines, and feast on a vegetarian menu of locally sourced produce and house-made bread, pasta, chutneys and more.
Location: 139 Murray Street, Pyrmont, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia