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 A club with all the extras |
16 Flinders Street Darlinghurst Sydney, NSW 2010 Australia +61 2 9380 8700 http://www.arqsydney.com.au |
A fairly new, gay venue, beginning to make its mark on Sydney's clubbers as a location with the lot. Within the complex are a club, a bar, a wine bar, an oyster bar, a cocktail bar and a restaurant. The nightclub area houses two dance floor areas so there is plenty of room to get sweaty in! There are also Drag shows, a function area and a weekly Monday recovery party. Different levels mean different music vibes are on offer throughout the night. Popular with gay and straight, you get all sorts here. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Tim |
 Photo: Tim |
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Inspiring harbourside setting |
5-7 Macquarie Street Shop 18, Opera Quay Sydney, NSW 2000 Australia +61 2 9251 0311 |
What a location to relax and enjoy the expansive views over Circular Quay Sydney Harbour Bridge. In warm weather, this bar has outdoor seating overlooking the harbour and serves cocktails and delicious snacks like pizza, antipasti and pasta. The décor is slick and minimalist and the clientele locals and tourists. The very popular Aqua Luna restaurant next door is a fine dining experience. Utilising home-grown organic produce and local and overseas chef stars, the food is contemporary Australian, with a dash of seafood and accessorised by a great cellar of premium Australian and Italian wines. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Five-Bar Lounge |
12-18 Argyle Street The Rocks Sydney, NSW 2000 Australia +61 2 9247 5500 http://www.theargyle.biz/ |
Located in Argyle Stores Argyle is a five-bar lounge in the oldest part of the city. The 18th century architecture lends a certain charm to this place that is as big as a boutique hotel. With space not being a constraint, the seating is spacious and comfortable. Muted lights, wooden rafters, huge pillars and glass urns make up the interiors. You are spoiled for choice between the 'Lava Bar,' 'The Perch,' 'The Lounge,' or 'Courtyard'. The staff is extremely friendly and this place is a must-visit for its ambiance, food, and margaritas. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Simply Cocktails |
235 Victoria Street, Level 1 Dalinghurst The Victoria Room Sydney, NSW 2010 Australia +61 2 9357 4488 http://www.thevictoriaroom.com... |
The Bar in The Victoria Room is one of the most awarded bars in Sydney. You can find exquisitely mixed cocktails here, right along with sumptuous food from the restaurant. Constantly innovating this bar has something new for you every time. Get your drink personalized to your tastes and likes. Sip on a rose petal martini, or one of the spirits from the list. If nothing else you can always have a soft drink or a beer from their menu. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Great for live music |
71 Beach Road Bondi Sydney, NSW 2026 Australia +61 (0)2 9130 7247 |
To the mostly local patrons the hotel in which this restaurant is nestled, is known as the Regis (once its old name). Within the hotel there is a betting area, pool hall, pokies and No Names—a very cheap pasta restaurant. There are also three bar areas. The ground floor bar is filled with casually dressed locals. Upstairs it is a lot trendier and younger: the upmarket rear bar often has jazz bands playing, and the other bar is filled with pool tables and contemporary bands or DJ's playing mostly hip hop. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Top Floor Bar in Shangri-La Hotel |
Shangri-La Hotel, Level 36 176 Cumberland St., The Rocks Sydney, NSW 2000 Australia +61 2 9250 6013 http://www.shangri-la.com/sydney |
Either as a guest or a local of Sydney, take in the beautiful decor and breathtaking city views from the top floor of the Shangri-La Hotel. The sophisticated Blu Horizon Bar offers a wide selection of the latest cocktails, premium wines and champagnes. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Amit Karmakar |
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Pick of the North Sydney bunch |
107-109 Mount Street North Sydney Sydney, NSW 2060 Australia +61 2 9954 4919 |
Blueberries is a microcosm of North Sydney itself--office, eighties-style architecture, lots of suits, conservative at lunch time, wild after those après-work cocktails have kicked in, and the back dance floor area transforms into a strobe-lit nightclub. This is one of the latest closers in the area. Tables surround the centre bar and big, comfy booths line the walls--the perfect spot for a power-lunch or sharing a cosy cocktail. Food choices include New York-style Wedges and Sour Cream, Nachos, Pastas and Seared Sirloins. Daiquiris are a perennial favourite. Blueberries also does a decent Bloody Mary. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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The view will take your breath away! |
Level 3, Overseas Passenger Terminal West Circular Quay, The Rocks Sydney, NSW 2000 Australia +61 2 9251 1188 http://www.cruiserestaurant.co... |
Wish you could sit and sip a drink at sunset, while looking out across a harbour and at the twinkling lights of a city? Cruise Lounge offers you the chance to do just that. And from its vantage point, you'll get the most stunning view of the Sydney Opera House. Come here to unwind and relax, and watch vessels big and small sail in and out of the harbour as you enjoy the excellent service and a few choice snacks, such as Carpaccio of Smoked Salmon with Asparagus and Salsa Verde, or Persian Feta with Olive Tapenade and Toasted Sourdough. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Party after dark |
242 Arden Street Sydney, NSW 2034 Australia +61 2 9315 9130 |
Located at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, this bar, lounge and restaurant has a lot to it. It is one of the best night spots in the eastern suburbs, where you can relax with a panoramic view of the ocean. The food is modern Australian with mouth watering entrees, such as Honey Five Spice Chicken and Pacific Oysters on offer. For the main course, go for the Grilled Chilli Garlic Prawns and Sefood Ragout with Smoked Paprika. The seafood really matches the view. Enjoy your favorite wine from the elaborate wine list. With so much to choose from, chances are that you might not want to go home! Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Disco freaks, drags and weirdos |
33 Oxford Street, Level 1 Darlinghurst, UN Nightclub Sydney, NSW 2011 Australia +61 2 9267 7036 http://www.dcmsydney.com/ |
Arguably Sydney's most popular venue with a massive capacity of 1500. UN has been around since the early 90s and still packs them in. Generally it attracts a mixed crowd of gay and straight, loads of silicon, muscles and tight clothes. Gay night is on Thursdays when Drag Shows come on around 2a. It does not have the cheapest cover charges in Sydney and the drinks are priced to match. It is a club full of committed clubbers dancing to fast pumping house music. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Cocktails and cigars |
Burdekin Hotel 2 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst Sydney, NSW 2010 Australia +61 (0)2 9331 3066 |
Tucked away under the Burdekin Hotel this intimate space is staffed by friendly folk who mix a mean cocktail. The décor is wood paneled and the walls and floor are decorated with the old pub-style tiles. There is a cigar room with an excellent range of Cubans and well-known varieties. The clientele are a mix of straight, gay, beautiful, mad and groups out having a hoot. Early in the evening enjoy complimentary nibbles served with New York style cocktails. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Beautiful views from a beautiful bar |
63 Macquarie Street, Quay Grand Hotel Circular Quay Sydney, NSW 2000 Australia +61 (0)2 9256 4000 |
The obvious draw at this chic bar is the outdoor patio with simply amazing views of the harbor and the Harbour Bridge. But for a bar so hip, there is a variety of fashionable and very casual looks so do not feel the need to dress-up to enjoy. The crowd is an interesting mix of well-heeled tourists and business folk enjoying the ultra modern décor which includes plenty of seating both inside and out. Of course, you want a seat outdoors. Surprisingly it is not too pricey, you can buy great stuff that are moderately priced. Bar snacks such as pizzetta and bruschetta are also available. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: headingdownunder  |
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Seafood Extravaganza |
Pier 21 19-21 Pirrama Road Sydney, NSW 2009 Australia +61 2 9518 6677 http://www.flyingfish.com.au |
Located in a loft, Flying Fish serves traditionally Australian cuisine but the emphasis is on seafood. Chef Peter Kuruvita also has some interesting recipes up his sleeve that have taken inspiration from France and other parts of the world. The food is fresh and the best produce of the season is served. Don't forget to try the Yellow Fin Tuna with Sweet Crackling Pork and Ruby Grapefruit, the Crispy Skin Meadows Farm Duck with Brinjal Pickle and Cumin Sauce, and Honeycomb Bombe Alaska with White Chocolate Sauce. With an amazing view of the harbor, this restaurant also has a special menu for kids and vegetarians. Also, check out the exquisite cocktail and wine list. Witness the confluence of delectable cuisine and beautiful ambience at this restaurant. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jennifer Lam |
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Extravagant Cocktails |
134 Oxford Street Darlinghurst Sydney, NSW 2010 Australia +61 (0)2 9331 3467 |
After extravagant cocktails? This is the place. Overlooking Taylor Square sit here sipping your pina colada whilst watching the many clubbers scurrying by. There are groovy tunes, comfortable lounges and even table service. Long mirrors reflect the happening crowd which is made up mostly of locals though some tourists with a bit of insider knowledge also make their way here. This place was the first ever cocktail bar in the area and has been a spot for many Sydneysiders' (be they gay or straight) pre club or dinner drinks. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Restaurant, bar and nightclub |
Oxford St and South Dowling St (Paddington) Sydney, NSW 2021 Australia +61 (0)2 9331 7108 |
A restaurant, a bar, and now a nightclub, the high ceilings and classy interior provide a great space for a young Paddington things to sip their cocktails. This old building is anything but a dingy club, and more a refined place to have dinner. The menu is modern Australian and the kitchen delivers a great pan-fried wild barramundi, the grilled T-bone with field mushrooms, and an irresistible dessert list. It can be as fun or romantic as you like. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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1920's decor |
383-387 Bourke Street, Taylor Square Darlinghurst Sydney, NSW 2010 Australia +61 2 9331 3100 http://www.kinselas.com.au |
The bar area here was restored to its original 1925 grandeur with no expense spared. One of Sydney's hottest night spots the clientele is mixed but mostly locals. Drink, dance have a game of pool or chance the pokies, the decision is yours. Or simply enjoy the regular live bands and DJs. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Joss Wee |
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Fantastic Bondi views |
Corner Beach Rd & Campbell Parade Bondi Beach, Swiss-Grand Hotel Sydney, NSW 2026 Australia +61 (0)2 9365 5666 http://www.swissgrand.com.au |
Part of the Swiss-Grand Hotel Bondi Beach the view from the terrace of this comfortable bar over the golden sands of Bondi is about as good as it gets. The service is to a hotel standard with prices to match. The clientele are mostly well-heeled overseas tourists or visitors to Bondi. Enjoy a leisurely drink on the terrace or a snack from the bar menu as you absorb the Bondi atmosphere. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Martini by the harbour |
Pier One Parkroyal Hotel 11 Hickson Road, Walsh Bay Sydney, NSW 2000 Australia +61 2 8298 9999 |
Situated on one of the historic Walsh Bay wharves with great water views, this bar is a real treat. It has comfortable table and lounge seating inside for the cooler months but really comes into its own when the weather warms up and you can sit outside beside the gently lapping water and watch the sun set over Sydney's bustling harbour. The bar specialises in martinis AUD11 and assorted cocktails. Clientele range hotel guests and tourists to locals out for a good time. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Wild baroque decadence |
Sydney Hilton Hotel 259 Pitt Street Sydney, NSW 2000 Australia +61 (0)2 9266 2000 |
Originally built for the Tattersall's Hotel in 1883, this marvellous bar was rescued from destruction by the Hilton Hotel and installed in the basement in the early 1970s. A firm favourite with Sydneysiders it is a riot of indulgent Italianate gold, marble and rococo extravaganzas and a very nice place to have a drink and listen to live music. Graceful arches, glorious stained glass ceilings and doors and a carved bar make this a wonderfully eccentric watering hole. There is also a gallery of original Julian Ashton paintings. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Oat Vaiyaboon |
 Photo: Oat Vaiyaboon |
 Photo: norris |
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Rhythm and Blues and great pasta |
Level 1, Hotel Coronation 7 Park Street Sydney, NSW 2000 Australia +61 2 9267 8362 / +61 2 9266 3100 http://www.hotelcoronation.com... |
The Mezz Bar is several genres all rolled into one. It is a bar, an Italian restaurant called Amalias@Mezz and once the dining is done, it turns into a dance party with a revolving selection of late-night DJs. Popular with city workers, it is cosy and comfortable and quite large, with bar and restaurant seating that can be moved back when the dance floor is pumping. Pasta dishes include popular favourites such as Lasagne and Spaghetti Napoli and tempting alternatives such as Fettuccine with Tiger Prawns. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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A Sydney secret...but not for long |
53 Martin Place Sydney, NSW 2000 Australia +61 2 9233 5388 |
This great space is the perfect haven for movers and groovers looking for something a little different. It is more sophisticated than a pub, but not quite as sophisticated as some of the other inner-city venues. On Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights relax with a drink and listen to urban funk played by an ever-changing line-up of the latest DJs. There is an extensive array of cocktails available, as well as wine by the glass and beer on tap. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Gastronomic Revolution |
264 George Street Level 47 Australia Square Sydney, NSW 2000 Australia +61 2 9247 9777 http://www.summitrestaurant.co... |
Orbit Bar is an elegant revolving bar, atSummit Restaurant (The). A full rotation provides the most spectacular panoramic views of the city. The decor is chic with stylish white chairs and contrasting carpet. A variety of appetizing tapas prepared with finest ingredients is served on your platter. Diners can experiment with grilled oysters or nibble on 'hot butter almonds with scorched orange'. Indulge in the organic experience with organic vodka, organic fresh watermelon and lime juice shaken with mint, served in a martini glass with a pernod rinse. Undeniably, an ideal place to watch a sunset while sipping on a cocktail! Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Be seen here |
16-18 Oxford Square Darlinghurst Sydney, NSW 2010 Australia +61 (0)2 9262 4858 |
Not a place to go if your ego is feeling a little battered this is a place of glamour and posing. Rogues has been a part of the Oxford Street scene for many years and it is a desirable place to be seen. The club area plays mostly house music. The bar area upstairs is serviced by cocktail waitresses in short tight black dresses. (Unfortunately the male bar staff are not dressed the same.) There are sometimes live music events. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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An upmarket Sydney bar and club |
171 Victoria Street Kings Cross Sydney, NSW 2011 Australia +61 (0)2 9358 6511 http://www.sohobar.com.au/ |
Just off the hustle and bustle of the main Kings Cross drag, Soho has been attracting the coolest Sydneysiders since it opened in 1980. Consistently renovated to keep up with changing fashions, the interior is sleek and contemporary. Punters hang downstairs for a boogie and go upstairs for a cocktail from the bar. A favorite amongst celebrities, Soho was rumored to be the meeting spot of Kylie Minogue and the late Michael Hutchence. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 All under one roof |
80 Pyrmont Street Pyrmont Sydney, NSW 2009 Australia +61 2 9777 9000 http://www.starcity.com.au |
If gambling is your game, you are spoilt for choice with 1500 pokies (slot machines), a TAB lounge for horse punters, Blackjack, Craps, Baccarat, Sic Bo, Big Wheel, Roulette, Caribbean Stud Poker, and the quintessential Australian coin-tossing game Two Up. Star City is also home to two theatres, Cave Nightclub and 20 restaurants and bars including Trophies Bar. The retail arcade is lined with specialty shops and there is even a sculpture garden. There is also a conference and banquet centre, luxury hotel and, of course, lots of ATMs, and a massive car park. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Chris Carlin |
 Photo: Vanessa Pike-Russell |
 Photo: Kristin Bihr |
 Photo: Con Vougioukas |
 Photo: fluttrgrl |
 Photo: Noes! |
 Photo: Jaroslaw Gasiorek |
 Photo: Monkey_VN |
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Champagne in the city |
53 Martin Place Sydney, NSW 2000 Australia +61 2 9233 5300 |
A slick establishment, in both presentation and service this is one of the new breed of mid-city, way cool restaurants/bars taking advantage of the new liquor laws. That means enjoying the bar without having to order food, however, the adjoining restaurant should not be missed. There is a cocktail bar, cigar lounge, a function room called Private Banc and regular live jazz and funk bands. It is not cheap but the patrons do not care much. Review © 2007, Wcities |