The Cliff Dive

Walking up Oxford Street on a Saturday night, it’s not unusual to see a massive crowd lined up outside a low-key door just up from Oxford Art Factory. They’re here for The Cliff Dive, a pumping nightclub and bar from Mucho, the hospitality group behind Cantina OK!, Tio’s Cerveceria, Bar Planet and Centro 86. And you’d better believe they’re here to dance.

The underground space is an old Darlo nightclub that’s been converted into a colourful, low-lit cavern decked out with a few tables, comfy booths (it’s one of the only nightclubs in Sydney where you don’t have to pay for a seat) and plenty of neon.

But after almost a decade, the sunken dancefloor is still where it’s at, with an evolving line-up of DJs spinning the best of hip-hop and R’n’B until 4am. Somehow, the floorboards have withstood the test of time, sweat and tears. Entry is free before 9pm.

Given the crew behind the place, Cliffy kills it in the drinks department. Order the Cliffy Juice (vodka, soju, blue lemonade served in a very sippable bag) before 9pm and it’ll set you back just $7. Otherwise, the Monkey Hat (vodka, watermelon and jasmine) dials up the wow factory with a plume of dry ice, and comes in a cute monkey-shaped vessel.