As the nightlife of Sydney slowly starts to resurrect itself from what was the darkest period in it’s history, the bar scene in particular seems to be going through a transitional period, not unlike a crippled caterpillar about to turn into a sprouting butterfly.

With a dishevel clientele still struggling to find their place in bars after the closure of the Kings Cross club scene, and a raft of venues closing and reopening, and rebranding and remodelling, It’s important have a solid list of places to go that you’re not gambling your night on.

Whilst we trudge through this period of metamorphosis and await for the reign of the sith lord Baird to be over, we’ve put together the list of places that you can’t go wrong with, whether it’s catch up drinks with tha boyz, or an impressive and fun night out for a date.

 

1. Tio’s

 

I love tios. Firstly it’s in that part of the city, that’s not quite city and not quite surry hills, but is so close to get to, and get out of. That gets a massive tick. Secondly, it’s anything you want it to be. If you want to sit back and have a beer, a tequila or non-mexican themed drink you can. If you want to get involved in a bit of vibrancy, and make an entire friday night out of it, you can. If you want free popcorn with your beverage, you’ll can have that too.

The place is fun and works well for either after work drinks, or a bit of a Friday night out. They’re super chilled and let you order any food from the countless joints around the area. The beers are a bit on the steep side, but the drinks are well made. Plus the bar manager is a bit of a ledge, which also makes us warm and fuzzy inside.

 

 

2. The Old Growler

 

Whenever I have to describe the location of the Old Growler to someone when meeting them there, it’s always met with a degree of skepticism, usually reserved for when politicians argue that that massive donation from an oil company didn’t affect the new announcement for the billion dollar fossil fuel subsidies. It is unfortunately placed right next to dirty backpacker favourite, O’Malley’s on William St in the Cross. But after venturing past the spewing Irish chicks and disappointed Scandanavian backpackers, you stumble upon a subterranean bar that has both a warm and cozy atmosphere, and a selection of decent cocktails and beers. I’d recommend a Tommy’s Margarita & one of their Dark and Stormy’s.

It doesn’t try to hard to be something it’s not, nor does it typically attract those type of people. The low lighting and wooden furniture gives it good vibes for mingling and/or meeting a group of friends for drinks.

 

 

3. Earls Duke Joint

 

There’s so much goodness going on at the moment deeper past the Enmore rd fork. Escaping the new Kings Cross, aka central King st on a Saturday night is a must if you’re to experience what Newtown has to offer. And where else to check out then Earls.

It’s deceiving 1970’s butcher exterior opens into this beautiful bar that stretches so far down the venue you’re probably crossing suburbs. People line the high seats along the bar, creating easy conversation and a fun atmosphere amongst people (although sometimes a little difficult to get served). The cocktails are great, definitely worth a hang out.

 

 

4. The Lord Gladstone

 

The Gladstone. Part pub, part arts venue, part sports bar, part party pub, part everything you want. The gladstone holds that Chippendale vibe that we all remember from the days of the Purple Sneakers courtyard at the Abercombie. Actually now that I think about it, it has a lot of Abercombie feels going on, which is a great thing. With it’s location close to Central Park and all the unis, it’s graff clad courtyard walls and cheapish drinks, you get a young, arty, studenty, fun crowd coming through. Good for midweek or weekend drinks.

 

 

5. Freda’s

 

Freda’s is definitely a favourite, it’s cool fit out is complemented by its diversity as a place to have a drink, but also have a little bit of a pre-12am party. If you do err on the side of hipster caution though, I would recommend you skip back to previous entries, as it is does become a refuge for the Normcore scene of Sydney. Tucked away on Regent st in Chippendale, Friday and Saturday nights are usually packed with an active dance floor playing a range of cool shit. The last time I was there they had a full African bongo band set up (direct from Africa), the whole bar was bouncing.

The essential outside courtyard makes for a smokers relief but also a breather from what can get a bit full on in the high energy, high people content bar. A good option to keep up your sleeve.

 

Feature image: Yeah Sure

Words: Carlos Danger