Wow, so many great bars in such a small area. This has to be the inner city of Sydney (or…read moreMelbourne, but no, it is Sydney). This is one of those bars, and even though they didn't have a great range of beers, they still have a decent enough selection to make this place worthwhile. I guess it is one of those places that simply have that atmosphere about it that gives it a real electric feel. Yep, this place is actually pretty awesome, and certainly a place I'd have not hesitation in returning to.

Arcadia opened last Friday, and it's already apparent that these guys are pros. Pros with beards…read more One is quiet, one of them never stops talking. He used to run The Old Fitz in Woolloomooloo. After several months of hammering shit together and an injury or two, these two fellas have found their Arcadia, and joined the Sydney small bar scene. Arcadia is right near that really ugly sculpture on the corner of Redfern & Regent. When you walk in, the light is warm (maybe a little too bright?) and the place is decked out delightfully: exposed bricks, rustic metal chairs, stunning glass mirrors (from Rozelle markets), and a back patio area full of well tended plants. It's a gorgeous garden space, and yes, this does provide a spot for smokers. The bar itself is large & wooden), with the bar stools just a tiny bit too low. Like The Dock nearby, this is a place where it's fine to linger at the bar all night, chatting with the owners. It's a spacious place, and we spotted an upstairs - though didn't venture up there on this visit. There are 2 beers on tap (Coopers & a crisp German Larger of some description), and right now they've printed up their wine list, with the cocktail menu still in the works. Actually that's quite good because you can ask the guys for classic cocktails & they're happy to oblige (at approx $12, depending on what you order). The Old Fashioneds were excellent, and mixed with precision & humour. You can order food from Wah Fung (across the road) and eat it in the bar, and they'd probably let you bring in a Vietnamese roll from that little place nearby. It's pretty laid back. All in all, this place is excellent, and will most likely get rather busy on weekends. I almost wanted to give it a bad review just so we can keep it to ourselves.

As a frequent visitor to this VERY traditional establishment I'm happy to report that its food and…read moreservice are as good as any Resturant. However, the highlight for me is the sumptuous collection of Australian art, both modern and traditional; considered by many the finest private collection in Australia. It's the oldest club in Australia. founded 1838, you should jump if the opportunity presents to visit.

Escapism is SUCH a great idea! I went with four friends and we all loved it. They put you in a room…read moreand really don't explain anything, and it's up to you to figure things out before the time runs out. We were sooo close to finishing, but didn't quite make it - just one more clue to go! We all want to come back again soon and try out one of the other three rooms. It really is a brilliant idea, and a unique way to spend an evening with a small group of friends. We also decided to get food afterward. We tried different pizzas, which were all good, but we really did have to wait quite a while for each one. Suggestion: Order the food before you go in the room, asking for it to be ready when you get out of the room. No waiting time needed!

Sorry, Sydneysiders, but real bowling alleys don't look like this. First, it's way too dark inside…read more Second, the bowling lanes should be light blonde wood with lines so that you can line up your ball. And those videos at the end of the lane are too damn distracting! I think I've turned into a grouchy American Expat reviewer. Sorry about that, but this place... Not my thing.

Had a great time using their promotion. Lovely food and cocktail…read more Relaxed atmosphere. Good to rest before tackling the city.

"My god" he exclaimed in a state of bewilderment and shock, "the pool tables are free to play." And…read morein a room full of deer trophy heads and regal wood laden benches you'll enjoy it. With such decor one could even mistake themselves for a dapper rifle-toting gentleman. The food however is not free. You are going to wish you used your rifle to kill your own food. I.e. If you want overpriced cuisine don't be afraid to come here. The fish and chip are tasty but not large or in any way special. This is OK really because next time your eyes will be drawn to the corn beef on the menu which is a refreshing sight (and taste, in a burger schnitzel driven pub food scene). You pay for the group-friendly tables. Fit with leather backed benches and a TV to control as your own. American sports are available too - those NBA playoffs won't watch themselves in your work lunch break. When it's not busy the waitstaff are pretty accommodating too. This makes it the sports bar you've been looking for! 4 deer heads out of 5.

A couple of the reasons I sort like The Columbian Hotel is that the crowd that gathers,…read morepredominately if not all gay male, happen to be of a mixed bag when it comes to ages and stereotypes. There are a few ravers, dancer types as well as those just out for a casual good night on the town. I note that others have complained of druggies or drug dealers but I didn't see any, but then again maybe I didn't because that wasn't what I was look for. As for drinks, I had a few rum and cokes, and found them to of a better more decent pour than most of the other nearby Oxford Street gay bars. On weekends they have some go-go boy type dancers but what they had were really in dire need of some good dancing lessons. Their dance steps were more akin to that of some sod buster following a tractor through the fields than those of professional dance moves.

There is never a dull moment at the Colombian. Day or night, faithful patrons occupy this local…read morewatering hole to thirst-quench, socialize (read: troll), or boogie. The large front windows lined with counter tops and stools make for some optimal Surry Hills people watching. And man are there people to watch there on the corner of Crown and Oxford. On a weekend night, the energy is fun, flirty and upbeat. Grab a cosmo shooter and head upstairs to dance alongside the best of 'em. Don't be deterred, the Colombian gets pigeonholed as a strictly gay bar, but that's not necessarily the case. It's definitely an everyone-welcome establishment with a helluva lot of spirit to offer. If you're feeling like making a "night" out of your night, skip on over to the Colombian asap. If you're a go-gettin' party animal, you won't be sorry.

I'm not really sure whether I can consider this to be a hidden pub, but then again it does happen…read moreto be on one of the backstreets. As a pub it was actually really nice, especially the lounge area out the back (though there wasn't much in the way of a beer garden). The staff were pretty cool, and they had a nice selection of beers on tap, though the fact that I was wearing my Cooper's T-shirt that day meant that pretty much everybody served me a midi of Coopers before I could make my order.

I was on the hunt for a typical pub with a fireplace to sit in front of with a glass of wine and a…read moregood meal so I decided to check out 3 Weeds. This is a nice big old pub with numerous areas to drink and eat including my favourite "no kids" area with big comfy lounges, fireplace and big windows letting lots of sun in. 3 Weeds seems to be a place for the locals as there were lots of groups. For food I shared the meats and cheese platter which I was a bit disappointed with as it only came with 1 type of cheese and no fruit. I did however enjoy my sirloin steak with a delicious garden salad topped with balsamic vinegar. I usually dislike pub side salads but this was a winner.