Best Hidden Bars in Sydney

There's something inherently satisfying about discovering a secret bar. Sure, Sydney's "secret" bars probably aren't that secret (sometimes the queues outside are a dead giveaway), but tracking down nondescript, sign-less doors makes those cocktails taste just a little bit better.

Ramblin’ Rascal Tavern

The door is marked only by a black sign with three skulls.

199 Elizabeth Street, Sydney

Shady Pines Saloon

An old-world saloon, sans signage.

Shop 4 256 Crown Street, Darlinghurst

Earl's Juke Joint

A rollicking small bar disguised as a butcher.

407 King Street, Newtown

Old Mate's Place

You’ll need to locate the discrete ground-level entrance and then climb four levels of steep, narrow stairs to reach this indoor cocktail bar and adjoining rooftop bar.

Level 4 199 Clarence Street, Sydney

Ron's Upstairs

Barbequed chooks, vino and fake grape vines from the Arcadia Liquors and Redfern Continental team.

133A Redfern Street, Redfern

Door Knock Bar

Walk down a long corridor and knock three times on the brass pineapple to enter for cocktails and homey bites.

B2 70 Pitt Street, Sydney

Moya’s Juniper Lounge

One for the gin fans.

101 Regent Street, Redfern

Charlie Parker’s

A 100-seat cocktail bar beneath Fred’s.

380 Oxford Street, Paddington

Stitch

Look for the sewing machines at street level.

61 York Street, Sydney

The Rook

Cocktails and lobster on a hidden rooftop.

Level 7 56-58 York Street, Sydney

The Cumberland

Go through a fridge door to the bar below, where there are 250 whiskies, three cocktail lists and melty raclette.

17-19 Central Avenue, Manly

Grandma’s Bar

A delightful, candle-lit den in the CBD.

275 Clarence Street, Sydney

Taylor's Rooftop Bar

Slip down Tank Stream Way, then climb a substantial flight of stairs to find this greenery-filled rooftop.

69-73 Pitt Street, Sydney

Alleyway

Seventy-five whiskies in 26 square metres.

Shop 3 200 George Street, Sydney

The Wild Rover

The good times will come easy – if you can find the door.

75 Campbell Street, Surry Hills

The Baxter Inn

Descend the hidden staircase to a wide world of whisky.

Rear Basement 152-156 Clarence St, Sydney

Papa Gede's

A New Orleans-style cocktail bar in an old garage.

346-348 Rear 348 Kent Street, via laneway, Sydney

Huxley’s

A secret sports bar serving US-style food hidden in a pizzeria fridge.

32 Banskia Rd, Caringbah

Uncle Kurt’s

Parramatta's first small bar is hidden in a carpark.

22B Hornwood Place, Parramatta

Redfern Continental

Head up the back to find GDR (Gunther’s Dining Room) with floor-to-ceiling wood panels, olive-coloured velour booths and a disco ball, like a '70s porn set.

180 Redfern Street, Redfern