Intro
If you’re keen to mix up your night and go beyond the standard speakeasies and rooftop bars, this guide is for you. The Bardar team has worked hard to put together this list of (in our opinion) Sydney’s most unique bars. Rather than just looking for gimmicks, we’ve searched for venues that combine a unique aesthetic, atmosphere and combination of features to create an out-of-the-ordinary vibe.
The Guide
1. Pleasure Club
Pleasure Club is one of Sydney’s weirdest bars, with bizarre cocktails (i.e. the “Chicken Parm” and “Vegemite”), hot dogs, mystical interior design and live music until 4 am.
This lasciviously named basement bar revels in its completely outlandish mix of aesthetics and concepts – live music (mostly jazz) late into the night, hot dogs, eclectic cocktails ranging from delish to deliberately disgusting and an occult retro-future aesthetic (which may sound like complete gibberish, but is 100% accurate). Even if that doesn’t sound like it’s for you, indulging in the many Pleasures of the Club is a fantastically entertaining experience you should at least try once.
2. Tiva Bar
Tiva Bar is a sophisticated, super high-end bar that also hosts club nights focusing on afro, house and melodic techno.
At the opposite end of the spectrum from Pleasure Club, Tiva is a lavish bar that focuses on exceptional drinks, exceptional vibes and (later in the evening) exceptional music. Words like “opulent” and “luxurious” all spring to mind when first feasting one’s eyes on the interior of Tiva, but make no mistake – things get pretty silly and sweaty on the weekends when the DJ decks come out and the d-floor opens up.
3. Since I Left You
Since I Left You is a fantastic small bar situated entirely around a courtyard space in the centre of the city.
Hidden down an alleyway in an office-building courtyard, Since I Left You (SILY) is a charming bar that feels like an inner-city oasis. The main area of the venue is a courtyard space with astroturf, numerous potted plants and fairy lights, creating a magical garden atmosphere. SILY is known for its creative cocktails and delectable bar bites, making it a perfect spot for relaxed after-work drinks with mates. Live music and themed events add to its unique charm.
4. Buddy’s Newtown
A lively bar and pub in Newtown with a unique twist – all the delicious beverages on offer (beers, wines and cocktails) are self-served from a tap.
Buddy’s is a relaxed self-serve boozer in Newtown with a chill vibe, tasty pub food including pizzas, burgers and snacks and a regular rotation of events including bingo, live DJs and comedy.
5. Jakobi’s Tiki Bar
Sydney’s OG and most decorated tiki bar, Jakobi’s stands out with a unique aesthetic that’s one part Hawaiian boat-house, one part Twin Peaks homage and overall enormously fun.
You would be hard-pressed to find a more broader and more entertaining collection of tiki cups anywhere in Sydney, and while it would be fun drinking anything out of these extravagant chalices, the fact that the cocktails are unreal makes it all the better. The cocktail menu is diverse and delicious, with some of the more spectacular items being served spouting plumes of smoke and jets of flame. The lively atmosphere and friendly staff make it a great spot to escape the everyday and indulge in a bit of island fun.
6. Ante
Ante offers a minimalist and sophisticated setting to enjoy Sake while listening to judiciously selected jazz records pumping on a hi-fi sound system.
While the Japanese style sake and vinyl listening bar has become something of a trend, Ante is the prototypical example of this venue type and it makes an art form of the experience. The knowledgeable staff are passionate about their craft and are always forthcoming with excellent recommendations, while the interior design and overall aesthetic create the perfect vibe for appreciating sake and vinyl of only the highest quality.
7. Rosie Campbell’s
Rosie Campbell’s offers a vibrant Caribbean experience with reggae tunes, tropical cocktails, and delicious Jamaican cuisine.
Rosie Campbell’s brings a slice of the Caribbean to Sydney. This lively bar and restaurant is known for its vibrant atmosphere, reggae tunes, and mouthwatering Jamaican cuisine. The cocktail menu features tropical delights that perfectly complement the spicy dishes. It’s a place where the food, drinks, and music come together to create a festive and welcoming vibe.
8. Golden Age Cinema & Bar
With this beautiful art-deco cinema/ bar combo screening fantastic old and new films, hosting DJs and live music and mixing unreal drinks, the question is not “Why go?” but “Why leave?”
Golden Age Cinema & Bar offers a unique blend of film, drink and live music, located in the beautifully restored Paramount building in Surry Hills. The intimate cinema screens classic and independent films, while the adjoining bar serves up expertly crafted cocktails and gourmet snacks. The Golden Stage, meanwhile, hosts live music events ranging from hard-edged UKG DJs to relaxed R&B and Jazz live performances.
9. Tucanos
Tucanos is an energetic, tropical bar that combines Mediterranean, Hawaiian and Disco aesthetics, with regular live music, vinyl DJs and a thriving dance floor.
Tucanos is a vibrant Brazilian bar that brings the energy and excitement of Rio de Janeiro to Sydney. The décor is a riot of colours, and the atmosphere is always buzzing with the sound of samba and bossa nova. The cocktail menu is inspired by Brazilian flavours, featuring refreshing drinks like caipirinhas and batidas. With live music and dance performances, the party never stops at Tucanos.
10. Ivy Pool Club
The Ivy Pool Club is a summer party hotspot, when it’s Friday and Saturday night events attract international house music DJs, and nobody is afraid to risk a dip.
As Sydney’s only pool club, this bar is a necessary inclusion on any list of Sydney’s most unique bars. The Ivy Pool Club is a glamorous rooftop bar that feels like an oasis in the middle of the city. With its luxurious cabanas, sparkling pool, and lush greenery, it echoes the beach bars of the Mediterranean coast. Functioning as a bar earlier in the evening and transforming into a club as the night runs on, the only laps you’ll be doing are of the dance floor.
Outro
However strange, distinctive and wonderful these venues look on paper, they are even better in person! Sydney’s most unique bars are best experienced, rather than read about – and (while we’re pretty biased) the best way to experience Sydney nightlife is with the Bardar app in hand! Bardar gives you real-time info on all these venues including how busy they are, what’s on and any upcoming events. Use it to make the most of your nights visiting Sydney’s most unique bars.
