From speakeasies to barber shops that moonlight as bars, these spots might be hard to find, but they’re well worth the effort.
There’s just something about a bar that’s hard to find, right? Those elusive venues that are tucked behind secret doors with little-to-no signage: so inconspicuous that even Google Maps struggles to locate them. It can easily head into cheesy territory, but when done right, it’s these unassuming gems scattered across our cities – in this case, Sydney – that make a knockoff drink or birthday outing a fun, often mysterious, adventure for all involved – us included!
Take Employees Only: blink and you’ll miss this New York-style speakeasy, with an entrance that’s anything but obvious. In fact, the only hint of a venue is an EO logo on the doors under a neon “Psychic” sign that intrigues as much as it misleads. Take the stairs to the basement (past the tarot reader, if they’re in residence), and odds are the place will be humming, with the bar lined with guests, the tables packed and cocktail shakers rattling. This venue definitely wins extra brownie points for combining cocktails with big clairvoyant energy, and we’re here for it.
From tarot reading to a short back and sides, if you want a secret venue and a haircut to boot then the Barber Shop (pictured) is a no-brainer. This bar has, you guessed it, a secret entrance that still manages to drum up a great deal of excitement for first-time visitors and out-of-towners. The barber shop out front is a fully functioning operation devoted to traditional parlour services, including haircuts, beard trims and cut-throat razor shaves. As for a tipple to enjoy after your trim? Given this joint has more than 700 gin labels, it would be rude not to order a classic Dirty Martini.
Then there’s Shady Pines: Sydney’s original Nashville-style honky-tonk bar. Pop down the secret stairs and your ears will be met with Johnny Cash and a dimly-lit space with peanut shells strewn on the floor, framed black-and-white photos from the Old Southwest, barrels stood in corners and even a saloon-style piano.
