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

A rollicking small bar disguised as a butcher.

There’s a water feature with a huge buddha head, an illuminated technicolor jungle motif and stone-stacked walls covered in vines. It’s straight out of Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.

Locate the discrete ground-level entrance, then climb four levels of steep, narrow stairs to reach this hidden rooftop. It’s completely worth it – you'll be rewarded with a killer cocktail bar set against a backdrop of towering CBD highrises.

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

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

One for the gin fans.

Word of warning: don't bother bringing a large group to this tiny mezcal-centric laneway bar – even if it were completely empty, you probably wouldn't fit. It's by the team behind Tio's Cerveceria. The friendly, knowledgeable staff here will help you navigate the cracking cocktail list with confidence (and you might even end up ordering Sydney's best Margarita).

A 100-seat cocktail bar beneath Fred’s.

Look for the sewing machines at street level.

Look behind the old wood door at the back of the Cove deli and you'll find The Cumberland – one of Sydney's finest underground bars. The drinks list includes 250 whiskies, an impressive wine cellar and three distinct cocktail lists. Plus a hearty food offering that includes melty raclette.

A delightful, candle-lit den in the CBD.

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

Seventy-five whiskies in 26 square metres.

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

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

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

A secret cocktail and craft-soda bar.

A basement haunt for CBD dwelling jazz lovers.

Anyone for a trim, a shave and a cocktail?