A small bar with a laid-back, unpretentious vibe, Bulletin Place is perfect for a relaxed night out. This is a bar that places a lot of emphasis on personalized service, and it certainly delivers. Wooden floors, communal tables, mural-adorned distressed walls and lots of potted plants lend this bar a rustic appeal, which, coupled with the service, makes for a wonderful experience. The handwritten chart of cocktails displays new names every day, and there is also a good selection of whiskeys and wines. Reservations are not accepted.
Although it is hidden away in a basement on Clarence Street, by no means is The Baxter Inn a quiet bar. Owned by the same pair responsible for the Shady Pines Saloon, this whiskey bar takes its inspiration from the Prohibition Era speakeasies. In keeping with the theme, you get a change from the usual bar music, being treated instead to tunes from the 1920s, enhanced by fantastic acoustics. That's just the beginning, though; the real winner is the wall of whiskey, which boasts over 300 varieties. The bartenders are more than willing to make suggestions, and will even hand you some complimentary pretzels while you wait for your order.
Established by an independent wine merchant in Sydney is The Wine Library. The place is basically a wine bar with exquisite wines from across the globe all culminated at one place. Its collection of wine is impeccable and one of the greatest in Australia. They also offer an extensive food menu of everything that goes well with wine. So if you are a wine connoisseur, this is the place you must visit when you are in Sydney.
Dine with a fabulous view of Bondi Beach at Icebergs. This trendy restaurant and bar is the place to see and be seen! With main courses like Spaghetti with Clams and Zauchini Flowers, its tasty Mediterranean cuisine is a definite draw. You can hang out with a chilled cocktail at the trendy 1970s inspired bar, or sip on some wine as you enjoy the scenic surroundings. Icebergs can also be hired for exclusive events and private dining. Despite the name, this is one venue that is definitely hot!
The ultra-modern, uber trendy luxe Ivy is the newest and hippest way to party in style. This upmarket CBD nightclub is a regular to the fashionistas and style-conscious crowds of Sydney and is anything but lame. Built on three massive levels and housing over eight bars in all, the chic and modern interiors, warm friendly staff and extravagant services that the place offers would make even the most hard-core party animal salivate at the mouth. Once inside get lost within the different areas, the lounge, courtyard, under the Japanese maple tree and any cozy spot that you can call your own. With places like these, who needs to look elsewhere for the entire month's schedule?
Chinese Laundry is an underground party hot-spot that is an extension of the Slip Inn club. With a strong Eastern influence and rustic touches to the interiors, the oriental theme is welcoming with bright colors around. With a great atmosphere, increasing crowd every night and a booming sound system, Chinese Laundry is very popular. It is highly regarded for its electro, techno and house night with a number of international and fine DJs featured nightly to rock the house.
Located somewhere in the bustling Fairfield West is Gigino, a humble Italian Restaurant that would remind you of the food cooked by your Nonna (grandmother). It is because of this reason that people of Fairfield West visit this eatery. The black and white photographs and dim lighting give the restaurant a comfortable and cozy atmosphere. Gigino successfully blends the modern techniques of urban restaurants with the authenticity of traditional Italian home-cooked dishes. The aforementioned feature is especially observable in dozens of their Italian specialties and pizzas. Some of the delicacies served here include Proveleta, Pappardelle Pasta, Margherita, Napoli and Chicken Cotolette with fries. After finishing the course, you can cap off the meal with desserts like Crème Brûlée, Pannacotta, Millefoglie, Gelato and Tiramisu.
Hidden away in an old garage, off Kent Street, Papa Gede's is a little corner that will transport you to N'awlins in a jiffy. There are plenty of New Orleans elements in the decor - replete with candle-lights and voodoo dolls. The bar program is just as impressive as the rest of the place - along with the usual suspects, beers, spirits, wines, they serve a range of fun concoctions that are pleasing and potent. But the hero (or should we say, the heroine) on the menu is absinthe that's served the traditional way - with sprinklers and sugar cubes. All in all, Papa Gede's Bar makes for good night, one that you wont be forgetting any time soon (or perhaps, won't remember at all).
Who said cocktail bars can't be bright, breezy and cheerful? Challenging this notion is Wilhelmina's, a cocktail bar and small plates restaurant with anti-brooding vibes, light, airy curtains and a larger-than-life mural meant to depict the eponymous dream girl, Wilhelmina. Owned by booze veterans James Bradey and Warren Burns, this eatery and bar has gotten on board ex-Masterchef participant Jamie Fleming who helms the kitchen scene. While you're here, sit at the long communal tables, share the delicious small plates offering light, seasonal fare and sip on boozy cocktails and juices.
Taking its name from Tuscany's famous Bistecca Alla Florentina or the T-Bone steak, Bistecca is Downtown Sydney's best Italian hideout. The dimly lit, all-white space with rustic wooden and open brick accents exudes the charm of a quaint, Tuscan style eatery. Guests can choose and weigh their steaks which are cooked over charcoal and served with a variety of Italian herbs and sides like white beans, mushrooms, parmesan, to name a few. You can head down to the wine cellar and choose your favorite bottle or ask for a suggestion to pair with your juicy steak. The drinks menu also offers an array of cocktails and digestives. Keep a little appetite for the delectable desserts like Tiramisu or their cheese assortments. Experience the authentic flavors of Tuscany at this charming restaurant.