The one question I’ve never really asked myself is- what do I look for when going to a bar? Usually, my method of deciding if I like a bar works the same way as going on a first date, what I’m saying is that first impressions matter. So instead of aimlessly wandering through the city, hopping in and out of bars in the quickest bar crawl you’ve ever seen, I decided to do some research beforehand.
THE BEARDED TIT
Hold on to your horses for this one folks, cause it’s gonna be a wild ride. The campy circus vibes of The Bearded Tit is altogether fabulous, and very very cheeky. Don’t even get me started on the crocheted penises they have on display. If you appreciate a little eccentricity and are after some no barred comedic entertainment, then this is the bar for you. Think burlesque mixed with kitsch stage shows and very spicy Bloody Mary’s. The Bearded Tit is all that and more, doubling as an art gallery and exhibition space for all you aspiring artists out there.
THE LOBO PLANTATION
This one is for the rum connoisseurs. With over 250 local and imported rums sourced internationally from the likes of Central America, the Caribbean and South America, you’re bound to find a favourite. The bar itself is styled circa the caribbean colonial period, in an intimate scenery, with plantation vibes and lush greenery throughout. I recommend trying the Old Grogram, which is a spiced rum with lemon and vermouth set alight with flames.
EARLS JUKE JOINT
This bar is reminiscent of a saloon you would find in the Deep South, wit the jazzy vibes of New Orleans evident by the portraits of musicians that lines the walls. With a long bar, rustic tin ceiling and art deco lamps, the brainchild of the manager of Shady Pines Saloon’s, Pasan Wijesena brings to you a bar in which you can sit back and relax with the jazz tones, or on some days even 90’s hip hop which is a huge influence on the ambience of the bar.
SHADY PINES SALOON
Welcome to the Wild Wild West! Unfortunately Will Smith will not be making an appearance, however you’ll still have a great time here. This inconspicuous bar is so easy to walk past due to the fact that there’s no signage out front, that you’ll feel as though you’ve stumbled into one of Sydney’s best kept secrets. As you walk inside the frontier inspired saloon, a lowly lit room is layer out before you, the sound of old country songs playing softly above and the crunch of peanut shells under your (cowboy) boots below. If a sturdy old wooden bar and stuffed animal heads around sounds like your thing, then look no further than the Shady Pines Saloon.
KITTYHAWK
If ever you’ve wondered what 1940’s Paris looked like, Kittyhawk is the answer. A bar that doubles as a French restaurant, this venue is directly inspired b the liberation of France by the United States. With over 900 spirits to choose from on a menu that looks like an airplane manual, old world Parisienne luxury combines here in military-esque fashion, complete with original wartime posters and a lovely oak bar.
Looking for something to do during the day for your time in Sydney? Check out Sightseeing Tours Australia for their Sydney City tours to discover more of the bustling metropolis!
