Sydney's speakeasy scene has exploded since the lockout laws were repealed. We've spent way too many Friday nights hunting for unmarked doors, walking through bookshops, and descending dodgy-looking staircases — all in the name of research, obviously. Here are the ones actually worth the hunt.
Budget about $25 per cocktail at the upscale spots. Weeknights are quieter and some places do discounted menus — Eau de Vie is best on a Thursday.
CBD & Surry Hills
Eau de Vie
COCKTAILSKirketon Hotel, 229 Darlinghurst Rd, Darlinghurst
One of Sydney's original speakeasies. Enter through an unmarked door in the Kirketon Hotel lobby. Dark, moody, theatrical cocktails with liquid nitrogen and smoke. The Whisky Room in the back is invite-only on busy nights.
Maybe Sammy
WORLD-CLASS115 Harrington St, The Rocks
Ranked in the World's 50 Best Bars. 1950s Palm Springs vibe — pastel colours, arched doorways, terrazzo. Cocktails are inventive and precise. Book ahead on weekends.
Burrow Bar
SECRETCrown St, Surry Hills (below street level)
Literally underground. Nondescript staircase into a candlelit basement with exposed sandstone walls. Menu changes seasonally. Bartenders will make anything off-menu.
Newtown & Inner West
Earl's Juke Joint
DIVE BAR407 King St, Newtown
Door looks like storage. Inside: vinyl booths, low ceilings, blues music, excellent bourbon cocktails. Cash preferred.
Jacoby's
MEZCALEnmore Rd, Enmore
Hidden behind a taco shop. Walk past the kitchen into a room like a Mexican abuela's living room. 100+ mezcals, incredible margaritas.
Tips
- Book ahead. Most hold 30–50 people. Fri/Sat need reservations.
- Smart casual. No singlets or thongs at upscale spots.
- Ask the bartender. Off-menu drinks are often the best.
- Go weeknights. No queue, more attention, sometimes discounted menus.
Bar details (addresses, prices, opening hours) were verified via Google Business listings and venue websites in March 2026. Cocktail prices are approximate. Some of the platforms we've linked to are affiliate partners — if you buy through our links, we might earn a small commission. Doesn't cost you anything extra.