Fewer people, a unique atmosphere, cosy set-up – what’s not to like about small bars?
It has been a trend over the past couple years in Sydney towards the small bar, and they’ve been popping up left and right throughout the best parts of the city. Known for having unique themes and a secretive vibe (you might pass one up without even knowing), small bars are totally cool in my book. Here are some of the ones to check out around Sydney:
182 Campbell Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010
Situated on top of the Table for 20 restaurant, Sticky Bar is a unique bar featuring comfortable lounge seating, an eclectic mix of armchairs and ottomans, with an Italian wine list and the ability to order any drink in the book (with a price of course).
48 Erskine Street, Sydney NSW 2000
smallbar.net.au
Small Bar is found in two different locations around Sydney: one in Crows Nest and the other on Erskine Street, downtown. The downtown version is tucked away in the space of an old terrace house, featuring a wide drink selection and simple food. The atmosphere is no other than cosy with wooden furniture and floors.
48 Erskine Street, Sydney NSW 2000
balconybar.com.au
Balcony Bar is just next to Small Bar and features a classy, cosy interior and a huge Australian wine list. Besides this there is modern Australian cuisine and local and international beers for the picking… oh, and canapés.
256 Crown St, Darlinghurst New South Wales 2010
Shady Pines Saloon is my favorite small bar of the bunch, bringing a little bit of the country-western to Australia. It is here that you will encounter stuff animals on the wall, peanuts in the shell free on every table and a bar you just sit at and drink a good whisky drink. There is no sign for this bar except for a tiny piece of paper in the window, so you’ll have to look for the bikram yoga place and find the bouncer nearby.
87 Albion Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010
absinthesalon.com.au
For the truly unique small bar experience, head to the Absinthe Salon where you can choose from 18 different types of absinthe, but with a 3 drink maximum per visit. You should make reservations in advance for the weekends.
13 Burton Street, Sydney NSW 2010
pocketsydney.com.au
Pocket Bar is a secluded establishment with a classy food and drink menu and a whole lot of flavor. You can order wine or beer (not on tap) and cocktails of all shapes and sizes. The food ranges from tapa-style starters to savory crepes and even pork belly.
302 Crown Street, Darlinghurst NSW 2010
low302.com.au
Low provides a small, cosy feel with soft lighting, tapas-style food and extraordinary cocktails. Live music is found at random days of the week in the form of Blues, Soul, Rock ‘n’ Roll and Jazz.
93 Erskineville Road, Erskineville NSW 2043
thehivebar.com.au
The Hive Bar is located in the Sydney suburb of Erskineville. This bar may have a simple menu, but the drinks are always nice (great coffee, too!), and the vibe is one of a friendly, quaint wine bar (so grab a pizza while you’re at it!).
544 Bourke Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010
www.ficowinebar.com.au
If you like wine of the Italian, Australian or New Zealand kind, then fiCO Wine Bar in Surry Hills is a definite must. On top of the wine (and cocktails and spirits of course) is some typical Italian grub, including a dessert plate with tiramisu as an option.
31 Oxford Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010
www.thefalconer.com.au
The Falconer could be classified as a cafe that is licensed because it serves up the typical cafe-style breakfast, lunch and dinner, but it also acts as a place to grab some drinks in the late evening with mates.
397 Crown Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010
Mille Vini is Italian for 1000 wines, so you can expect some great wines from this Italian-style small bar. And, the food – well, there’s everything from cheese and meat platters to gnocchi to indulge in.
197 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst NSW 2010
namethisbar.com.au
Name this Bar is known particularly for the ambience. Inside this bar of no name lies the location of art wars or live music throughout the week. In the midst of typical tapas-style eats, there’s the inclusion of Chinese dumplings on the menu.
Photo credit.
