One of the prettiest bars I've ever seen. Very "Newtown-esque" hahaha. Friendly, great staff too…read more Their jalapeño margarita was a bit too chilli for me but the bartender was wonderful and offered to make me a new one just because of that (I didn't take it of course!). However, I'd recommend the Lime Bramble cocktail for anyone looking for something nice and fresh.

I arrived 90 minutes early for a show at The Enmore and needed somewhere to pass the time. Secret…read moreGarden was the first place I passed that happened to have a liquor licence, so I went on in. This place boasts 3 rotating taps and a Newtown-worthy selection of about a dozen or so bottles. I grabbed a Sierra Nevada and settled in to wait for my date. The smell of pulled pork filled the room and I couldn't resist ordering a couple of sliders (pork or beef $5/each, $12/3). Both were pretty tasty. I'd happily return to Secret Garden next time I'm early for a gig at the Enmore.

Another one of the great bars in the Newtown Area. I actually spotted this one quite by accident,…read moreand decided to simply go and check it out while wandering around the area. Well, it certainly turned out to be worth it because the atmosphere was great. The staff were really friendly and welcoming, which is something that always grabs my attention, and there were also some pretty nice beers on tap as well. This is another one of those bars I'd have no problems returning to in the future.

A great little bar in Newtown, perfect location for any post meal drinks and for a little bit of a…read morechill out. They have occasional Live music, although the venue is small it isn't overly loud and your friends are still somewhat audible during. I love the changing selection of beers on offer (Had a watermelon pilsner I'll never forget) and a pretty mean cocktail menu for the brave. I haven't had the food here as of yet since Newtown is bursting full of new places but no matter what I tend to come back to this little bar.

Came in on a Tuesday night with a fairly large group. Was pretty empty besides us. Super hipster…read morebar with a dark seediness to it. Both bartenders were quick, courteous, and gave awesome recommendations. I usually drink beer but since this was more of a cocktail bar, I started with a margarita. I asked for the basic, but the bartender quickly tried to get me to try the jalapeno margarita. I was quick to decline since I'm not into jalapeno or spicy drinks. The drink was mixed and strained into a martini glass... didn't seem to be as full as it should have been, but I wasn't upset. Drink tasted great, not too strong, too sweet, or too tart. I noticed lots of people getting the freshly pressed apple drinks, so I decided to try one. When in Rome, er, Newtown.... Asked for the Sailor Jerry and apple, but once again, the bartender was quick to recommend something different. He wanted me to try JD Tennessee Fire and apple. I know it's like Fireball, which I hate, but he was very persistent with his glowing recommendation, so I obliged. I'm glad I did, because it was delicious. You could only taste a hint of the whiskey, but mixed in with the fresh apple juice - which had a nice frothy foam on top - it was like cinnamon spiced apple sauce. Yum! If you don't listen to the bartender's advice, listen to mine! Prices? Eh, it's Sydney, not cheap. It is what it is. In the end, very pleased with my visit. Kind of annoying that both times I asked for a drink, they tried to convince me to make me something else (must have been competing on a promo or something), but hey, their advice was sound and if I didn't listen, I would't have had my delicious applesauce drink!

Great little bar to catch up with friends or to kill time!…read more Bartender is very chilled and down to earth, very hospitable. Lots of beer choices as well as wine, fresh apple juice to go with your vodka for those on a health kick ;) First time visit and already I feel at home. If your in the area stop by for a beer and some hot dogs.

The Bank Hotel is one of Newtown's busiest pubs and I've been kicking around here for as long as I…read morecan remember. They renovated a few years ago and it's now a lot more pleasant with a lovely beer garden that houses the Bank's great Thai restaurant, and that is also venue to a ripping game of 2-Up on Anzac Day. I'm sure they do other stuff in here but they're the only things I've done downstairs! My preferred spot is in the windows, watching the peak of King Street crazy from a safe vantage-point while nestling a beer. The Bank is also famous for it's long-running Wednesday night Girl's night (for girls who like girls) and as I saw on the poster outside, they are kicking off Summer with a Drag Queen hosted "Sausage Fest". I laughed.

I came through the Bank Hotel and sat at the back open air courtyard which was a bit cold in…read morewinter. It was a Friday night, and the place wasn't too packed, it was calm and responsible - which wasn't what I thought it would be by the interior and exterior contemporary design - looked more publish, with a TAB & late night cosy couches. Maybe it was just the cold weather. The outside was where I spent the most of my time, and it was pleasant, and lively at times, and one of the biggest courtyards I've seen. Beware of the many smokers that use this area, on the flip side, it's smoker friendly. The drinks were well priced, and the specials were great, the bar tenders were very helpful in recommending some different drink inventions. Although the overall place missed a vibe I was used to, and it just wasn't the most interesting place to have a few drinks.

I like hive bar for it's $10 cocktail nights. Espresso…read moreMartini relieves my depresso. The staff are all pretty cool, and even though it's a small cramped space, it provides just the right ambiance for after work drinks. The food here is phenomenal. The menus are presented inside old Vinyl record covers, ours was the sounds from Hitchcock films, which was just awkward enough to laugh at. We had the platter that included Kangaroo kebab sticks, pate... oh my.. the pate. Other charcuterie standard fare and lebanese bread. I think around $30 rods, but well worth it for a work weary start to the weekend. You can also hire the upstairs room for your party. The craft beer selection is off the hook with some nice IPAs, Young Henrys on tap as well as others in the fridge. Get on down here after work on a Friday night.

I was only lucky enough to go in store briefly here for a brewsky while on a food tour of Sydney…read morebut what impressed me the most about Hive Bar was the wonderful service, clean floors and diversity of menu and coffee offerings this place had to provide clients outside of its nightlife entertainment. I also admire the fact that The Hive Bar has embraced its local, inconveniently located, smallness and tried to offer local flavourings on its menu, inlcuding sourcing local brews from St Peters Brewhouse! I tried the E'Vile (a.k.a the Erskenville) brew on tap and was blessed with a deliciously pleasant boldly going where no man has gone before type beer! I am definitely coming back for brunch, lunch or dinner and one of their many themed nights on my next adventure to Sydney!

Always wanted to go here every time I pass by..and when I did, I couldn't wait to go back.read more

This is the most amazing new nightspot in sydney, Great…read morelive jazz bands and the best DJ's that play old records of some real classics Craig the owner and barman is out of this world this place is going to do really well. Hidden just off the main street of Marrickville up a few flights of stairs you walk in to a awesome bar with the roof painted with a huge Kama sutra mural and tin roof tiles and leather lounges. Licensed to 3am with great wines and boutique beers on tap.

This place has three levels? I feel like this review might be hampered by the fact that I only…read moreexperienced the ground floor drink/dine area, but with that being said the 1/3 of the pub which I did experience was a nice place to hang out. The deco is confusing, however charming. A bare brick wall, racked ceiling with chicken wire, plumbing with light globes coming out every which way. Like an outback pub trying to keep things modern and trendy. The bar lady seemed a touch preoccupied. As if she was expecting an order of something to arrive. Such behaviour isn't indicative of bad service, it was just slightly distracting to continuously see a head pop out from behind a wall to gaze over the front entrance. I went for the $12 lunch special. One Black Angus Beef Burger with thick cut chips and ketchup on the side. The chips lived up the standard thick cut. Decent amount of crunch while fluffy inside. I believe the ketchup was made in house. Tasted like smooth tomato chutney which a touch of chilli for warmth. Nice. Everything about the burger was fresh. The beef wasn't over processed. The cheese and sauces complimented everything. The bun was soft. Simplictic and wholesome. Burgers like how mum use to make... but in a pub. For $12 it was a decent meal. I was certainly filled up by the end of it but not so much that I couldn't walk. When you're in Newtown you need to be able to use your legs. I'd like to return here with a group of friends. The six seated high tables looked comfortable enough to enjoy a few drinks over the course of a couple of hours.

This bar was nothing short of awesome, but then again I've come to expect this standard from…read moreNewtown. To say that they had a good selection of beers is an absolute understatement because, being Newtown, you are going to find great selection of beers in their pubs. The thing that I loved the most about this pub though was the rooftop bar that gives you a great view of the surrounding area. The place is relaxing, and the view is magnificent. I could literally spend ages up here.

Ordered a vegan cauliflower burger and was given chicken (which I only found out after biting into…read moreit). If you are vegan or have food allergies, I'd steer clear.

I walked in and Black Sabbath's children of the grave was blasting on the house speakers. I knew I…read morewas going to like this place. Full bar, craft beers on tap, demonic murals and sick, twisted graffiti on the walls, sets the tone. Kinda a "filthy hipster" vibe. One of the servers had a tee shirt on that said "eat dick mate" it's like that. And the food. Sick burgers, some of the best in Sydney. Done properly, fried on a griddle, old school. Nice squishy toasted buns. Fucking yum! Fried chicken, their other specialty, equally awesome, offering mashed and gravy. Not sure what Aussie obsession with gravy is all about, but they offer it in portion cups like catsup in the States. WTF? Mary's gravy is worthy of the extra calories to help lube up the crusty, fried chicken. Their have been some mixed reviews about this place, but it's legit in my book, rock on Mary's!

I have never eaten here so my review is not for the food! I love the vibe here, everyone is always…read morehappy and in a good mood here, it's a popular gay/drag bar where everyone is welcome! I love dancing here. It's great as a last stop before heading home :)

I am going to miss living around the corner from this place and watching the owner transform it…read morefrom a very run-down, seedy bar back into the glamorous gay institution it deserves to be. The transformation is pretty much complete at this point, so this Mardi Gras is going to be the best one yet. Sing it, Ladies!

Come Friday night you can expect this place to be absolutely packed, but then again it does happen…read moreto be Newtown, and this is one of those pubs that happen to be tucked away down a side street. A hidden gem if you will, but then again, from the crowds it attracts, it doesn't seem to be all that hidden. They do have some nice beers available, but as I suggested it can be very difficult finding a seat. Still, I loved this place, and wouldn't have a problem coming back when it doesn't happen to be a Friday night.

The Courthouse is THE Inner West watering hole…read more Coming from a small town, I'm used to walking into a pub and knowing most of the faces. And yet, I wasn't expecting this familiarity to follow me to Sydney. Between walking through The Courty's front doors to finding a rare empty table in the buzzing courtyard out back, you inevitably run into someone you know. In country towns, this is because there's no where else to go. In Newtown, it's because you wouldn't want to go anywhere else. Monday to Sunday, the courtyard is packed with hundreds of indie 20-somethings slurping ciders, scooping sour cream onto wedges and screaming to be heard over the raucaus laughter of the three other groups of people sitting at their table. Capturing the heart of Inner West casual cool, there is nothing boastful about The Courthouse. In fact, with consistently great tunes pumping from the jukebox, good pub-food at decent prices, two different ciders on tap (yes, cider is a game-changer for me), a courtyard that defines summer drinks and weekly Crab Races (no word of a lie), it's safe to say that considering how clearly superior it is, The Courty is pretty modest. See you there.