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Took 5 minutes for me to make the decision that this is the favorite bar out of all the ones I've visited on my Aussie/NZ adventure. First of all, it's tiki based but has elements of a speakeasy as well. The drinks go down way too easy. They are so tasty, but they get you tipped up very easily...I had the knickerbocker & the coco chumbo. Both drinks amazing. Rum based. Sweet but many different flavor elements in both concoctions. And, who has a Tom Selleck 'Magnum PI' thing-of-a-jig that holds straws and cocktail making things? (I have huge crush on Tom Selleck, so that's secret is out now). And Magnum PI? That's a reach into the childhood. It's little crazy things like that that will make a place a keepsake. Not to mention that they're nostalgic about places their barkeep have visited in the world by having a wall with different money denoms on it. And then there was a Three Dots and A Dash reference. And the music they were playing... Very eclectic, many different genres and eras. Many things played into the atmosphere and authenticity of this place and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Made me extremely comfortable & I just felt at home.
Hidden gem...seriously, you have to really really look for it. No sign outside, but just a piece a paper before you head down some sketchy stairs. But it's nice and personable. There's actual seating by the bar too. Plenty of cocktails to choose from and from what I understand, they change it up from to time. I had a great time here, I came back a second time, met some cool strangers and drank until I couldn't think on my own.
No more shines Billy. I said, No more shines. The baws Tony G was in town so we couldn't miss the opportunity to create some made men. Spitshine Tommy and I rounded up the crew and we hit Grandma's. We pondered briefly on a Wolf of Clarence Street before declaring the Smokin' Joe to be our drink of choise. We were all a little punchy and rum was gonna maintain that rage. Then Tony G said "Luca Brasi sleeps with the fishes", and we knew then that we were all Made Men - Talisker 10 whisky combines with Ron Zacapa 23 rum stirred over ice with sweet vermouth and aromatic bitters to create a drink that is rich, strong, smoky and smooth - Just like us. Now go home and get your f@#$%^' shinebox!
One of my favorite cocktail bars in Sydney. The Bear Country is a must-order if you are a whiskey fan. The environment is cozy and very relaxed. The entrance is not marked so I walked back and forth a few times trying to find it, but trust the map and look for an open door leading downstairs. Is it weird that I was entertained by the way the toilet flushes? I guess us Americans are easily entertained!
Small bars are super cute. Especially when they remind you of your grandma. No, I didn't just lose my mind. But I have been totally charmed by this delightful, boutique basement bar, where you can sink into rocking-chairs and pick up a pair of knitting needles (really). The charming "faded granny glamour" decor is matched by some old school service-with-a-smile and a great drinks list. Plus if you're peckish there are jaffles! Do you remember the hot deliciousness of jaffles? They might even be better than my grandma used to make. It's true that Grandma's is tricky to find. But if you wander down the Town Hall end of Clarence Street and look for The Guitar Lounge, then you'll just need to lower your gaze to peek into the domestic haven of Grandma's. Another tip: try and get there before 6pm if you're dropping by from Thursday night onwards. Grandma's might be homey, but it's also a small bar.
Grandmas has been open for a while now, but Grandmas is SO good, I have FINALLY gotten around to writing about it! My problem being that I spend all my spare time there! Grandma's Bar, much like my beloved Grand Parents homes, is exactly that. A home, a place that eases you out of that crappy day you've just had at the office, or on the road, and in seconds, you are relaxed and chilled. A place where all the regulars know each other, and the staff know you by name, and will have your regular drink on it's way the second you walk in the door. Choosing a favorite drink is probably the single most difficult thing to accomplish here though - the cocktail list is quite extensive, and packed with top quality concoctions that will have you all umming and ahhhing about who's got the best drink! From Exotic Tiki drinks like the Brazilian Batidas & their flaming Ultimate Mai Tai, to classics such as the skillfully made Negroni's and Hemingway Daiquiri's - it's a tough choice, that will keep you coming back for more! Grandma's also has the widest, and best Rum selection I have seen in Sydney. Rum has long been over-looked here in Australia, but it is fast attracting a great following. Rums from the obvious cornerstones of the Industry, Cuba, Jamaica and Barbados adorn the back bar, but it's Rums from Venezuela and Guatemala that really catch the eye, and more importantly, the taste buds. The GrandKids (bar staff) are truly amazing in their knowledge and skills with this sumptuous dark spirit, and are only too willing to help you get your teeth into it! YUM! Finally, but not forgotten is the service. From the minute you enter, to the the last second you're there, James, Warren and the other GrandKids, will sweep you off your feet with a level of service I have not seen anywhere else in Sydney. You will be amazed - Get down There now Sydney! **EDIT - Recent recipient of Time Out Sydney's Best Small Bar 2011-12.
Went in for my birthday celebrations and we sampled many of their cocktails. All of them were delicious. The "Dark and Stormy" is a standout as is anything that uses their homemade ginger beer. Lots of variety and the menu gives you plenty of detail for each cocktail. Seating is a little uncomfortable but if you can score the one booth under the street window you can settle in for the night. The bartenders Dean and Tristian (T-Bone) will do table service and constantly do the rounds to make suer everyone is happy, comfortable and has a drink or one on the way. Speaking of which, Dean and Tristian are both lovely (to look at as well hehe) and offer suggestions and recommendations based on your likes and what you may feel like. My friend ordered "give me something fruity and fun" and that was exactly what he got - an "Apricot Honeysuckle" The "Ultimate Maitai" is also a spectacle to behold. They flambe rum at the table and then shake cinnamon thru the flames as well creating your own mini fireworks. Have your cameras ready.
I don't know what your grandma was like, but mine was (were) pretty rad. Who else can you look to to spoil you silly and cater to your every whim? Bingo. Small gimmicky bars seem to have an upper hand in Sydney, perhaps because they are so rare. Grandma's is very well done when it comes to theme and decor and offers you that "dirty little secret" feeling. I don't know when you last sipped scotch while in the presence of grannie's rocking chair and knitting needles, but it just feels a teeny bit wrong and conversely, oh so right. I would advise you to check out this tiny- reiterating, TINY- spot on a weeknight. You might even want to go post happy hour if your sore feet need a-restin,' because there's no way that between 5:30-7, or later on the weekend nights, that you're going to get a seat. I honestly wonder what a fire marshal would think if he saw the amount of people that pack into that little hat box of a bar on a regular basis. Eep! Either way, pick an opportune time and give Grandma's a whirl. The cocktail menu, separated by booze type and style, is definitely a throwback to when your grandparents were hip and happening. The only thing that would make this bar a little more theme accurate would be if they hired real life grandmas to come through at closing and brush everyone's teeth for them while forcing them toward their beds. That might be a difficult hire, but Grandma's Bar should look into it.
Stopped in for a quick drink here. Ordered the Phoney Negroni - and sampled the Ultimate MaiTai Both well made and theatrically presented. Great relaxed feel to the place. Friendly, generous professions bartenders. Could see this becoming a regular place if I happen to be lucky enough to live here - the sort of place that says "Stick around and let's shut this place down".
Who knew that Sydney was becoming the new Melbourne? As an out of towner with a distinct impression of what I thought the Sydney scene was - boy was I proven wrong. Forget the flashy and over the top ritz for what Sydney city style is synonymous with, this is a hidden away basement bar with some serious understated hipster class. From the entrance with only a faint hint of what's within from a glowing basement window, what awaits you is a cozy nook with all things your nanna would totally treasure including a delicious old fashioned yet "famuly secrets" style cocktail menu, a couple if pairs of knitting needs and rocking chair. Simple, friendly and definitely bucked my stereotype of inner Sydney bars, definitely worth a visit to Grandma's for a couple of cocktails and crochet times :-)
Monteiths and a huge selection of rum with awesome cocktails to match make it awesome for a kiwi. Good otherwise though - skilful bartenders adapt if you want something off- the- rum, and if you do... You will have a good time. In particular, grab a ultimate mai tai for a show, dark and stormy for relaxation, and chase with a sipping rum shooter. It may be the drink of sailors, but by god they make it classy
The thing that makes this place stand out is that I was told off for ordering a beer in a cocktail bar. Honestly, I really don't care all that much considering that I'll order what I like where I like, unless of course it isn't available. Well, despite it being a cocktail bar, that did happen to have beer available here, though I must admit that the place was a little dark, though that probably does add to the atmosphere. Yeah, it was okay, but not one of my favourites. read more
I loved this bar. The drinks are creative and delicious and the service was good! We came on a Friday night and were expecting it to be packed, but surprisingly we were given a table within 10 minutes of arriving. It probably helped that we were only a group of 2, but still. The server came over a couple of times to check on us and take another drink order, which was nice to not have to fight our way to the bar. Be prepared because the drinks aren't cheap, but worth every dollar! read more
Took 5 minutes for me to make the decision that this is the favorite bar out of all the ones I've visited on my Aussie/NZ adventure. First of all, it's tiki based but has elements of a speakeasy as well. The drinks go down way too easy. They are so tasty, but they get you tipped up very easily...I had the knickerbocker & the coco chumbo. Both drinks amazing. Rum based. Sweet but many different flavor elements in both concoctions. And, who has a Tom Selleck 'Magnum PI' thing-of-a-jig that holds straws and cocktail making things? (I have huge crush on Tom Selleck, so that's secret is out now). And Magnum PI? That's a reach into the childhood. It's little crazy things like that that will make a place a keepsake. Not to mention that they're nostalgic about places their barkeep have visited in the world by having a wall with different money denoms on it. And then there was a Three Dots and A Dash reference. And the music they were playing... Very eclectic, many different genres and eras. Many things played into the atmosphere and authenticity of this place and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Made me extremely comfortable & I just felt at home. read more
7 years ago
We found Grandma's based on a Yelp recommendation and so glad we check it out! A hidden jem with unique and tasty drinks. Fun, relaxed atmosphere and friendly staff. It's a little tricky to find, watch for the street address (275) and then go in and downstairs. read more
Hidden gem...seriously, you have to really really look for it. No sign outside, but just a piece a paper before you head down some sketchy stairs. But it's nice and personable. There's actual seating by the bar too. Plenty of cocktails to choose from and from what I understand, they change it up from to time. I had a great time here, I came back a second time, met some cool strangers and drank until I couldn't think on my own. read more
8 years ago
No more shines Billy. I said, No more shines. The baws Tony G was in town so we couldn't miss the opportunity to create some made men. Spitshine Tommy and I rounded up the crew and we hit Grandma's. We pondered briefly on a Wolf of Clarence Street before declaring the Smokin' Joe to be our drink of choise. We were all a little punchy and rum was gonna maintain that rage. Then Tony G said "Luca Brasi sleeps with the fishes", and we knew then that we were all Made Men - Talisker 10 whisky combines with Ron Zacapa 23 rum stirred over ice with sweet vermouth and aromatic bitters to create a drink that is rich, strong, smoky and smooth - Just like us. Now go home and get your f@#$%^' shinebox! read more
One of my favorite cocktail bars in Sydney. The Bear Country is a must-order if you are a whiskey fan. The environment is cozy and very relaxed. The entrance is not marked so I walked back and forth a few times trying to find it, but trust the map and look for an open door leading downstairs. Is it weird that I was entertained by the way the toilet flushes? I guess us Americans are easily entertained! read more
15 years ago
Small bars are super cute. Especially when they remind you of your grandma. No, I didn't just lose my mind. But I have been totally charmed by this delightful, boutique basement bar, where you can sink into rocking-chairs and pick up a pair of knitting needles (really). The charming "faded granny glamour" decor is matched by some old school service-with-a-smile and a great drinks list. Plus if you're peckish there are jaffles! Do you remember the hot deliciousness of jaffles? They might even be better than my grandma used to make. It's true that Grandma's is tricky to find. But if you wander down the Town Hall end of Clarence Street and look for The Guitar Lounge, then you'll just need to lower your gaze to peek into the domestic haven of Grandma's. Another tip: try and get there before 6pm if you're dropping by from Thursday night onwards. Grandma's might be homey, but it's also a small bar. read more
14 years ago
Grandmas has been open for a while now, but Grandmas is SO good, I have FINALLY gotten around to writing about it! My problem being that I spend all my spare time there! Grandma's Bar, much like my beloved Grand Parents homes, is exactly that. A home, a place that eases you out of that crappy day you've just had at the office, or on the road, and in seconds, you are relaxed and chilled. A place where all the regulars know each other, and the staff know you by name, and will have your regular drink on it's way the second you walk in the door. Choosing a favorite drink is probably the single most difficult thing to accomplish here though - the cocktail list is quite extensive, and packed with top quality concoctions that will have you all umming and ahhhing about who's got the best drink! From Exotic Tiki drinks like the Brazilian Batidas & their flaming Ultimate Mai Tai, to classics such as the skillfully made Negroni's and Hemingway Daiquiri's - it's a tough choice, that will keep you coming back for more! Grandma's also has the widest, and best Rum selection I have seen in Sydney. Rum has long been over-looked here in Australia, but it is fast attracting a great following. Rums from the obvious cornerstones of the Industry, Cuba, Jamaica and Barbados adorn the back bar, but it's Rums from Venezuela and Guatemala that really catch the eye, and more importantly, the taste buds. The GrandKids (bar staff) are truly amazing in their knowledge and skills with this sumptuous dark spirit, and are only too willing to help you get your teeth into it! YUM! Finally, but not forgotten is the service. From the minute you enter, to the the last second you're there, James, Warren and the other GrandKids, will sweep you off your feet with a level of service I have not seen anywhere else in Sydney. You will be amazed - Get down There now Sydney! **EDIT - Recent recipient of Time Out Sydney's Best Small Bar 2011-12. read more
7 years ago
Wonderful cocktails. Small underground bar. Can get a little cramped, but not the worst I've seen. read more
13 years ago
Went in for my birthday celebrations and we sampled many of their cocktails. All of them were delicious. The "Dark and Stormy" is a standout as is anything that uses their homemade ginger beer. Lots of variety and the menu gives you plenty of detail for each cocktail. Seating is a little uncomfortable but if you can score the one booth under the street window you can settle in for the night. The bartenders Dean and Tristian (T-Bone) will do table service and constantly do the rounds to make suer everyone is happy, comfortable and has a drink or one on the way. Speaking of which, Dean and Tristian are both lovely (to look at as well hehe) and offer suggestions and recommendations based on your likes and what you may feel like. My friend ordered "give me something fruity and fun" and that was exactly what he got - an "Apricot Honeysuckle" The "Ultimate Maitai" is also a spectacle to behold. They flambe rum at the table and then shake cinnamon thru the flames as well creating your own mini fireworks. Have your cameras ready. read more
15 years ago
I don't know what your grandma was like, but mine was (were) pretty rad. Who else can you look to to spoil you silly and cater to your every whim? Bingo. Small gimmicky bars seem to have an upper hand in Sydney, perhaps because they are so rare. Grandma's is very well done when it comes to theme and decor and offers you that "dirty little secret" feeling. I don't know when you last sipped scotch while in the presence of grannie's rocking chair and knitting needles, but it just feels a teeny bit wrong and conversely, oh so right. I would advise you to check out this tiny- reiterating, TINY- spot on a weeknight. You might even want to go post happy hour if your sore feet need a-restin,' because there's no way that between 5:30-7, or later on the weekend nights, that you're going to get a seat. I honestly wonder what a fire marshal would think if he saw the amount of people that pack into that little hat box of a bar on a regular basis. Eep! Either way, pick an opportune time and give Grandma's a whirl. The cocktail menu, separated by booze type and style, is definitely a throwback to when your grandparents were hip and happening. The only thing that would make this bar a little more theme accurate would be if they hired real life grandmas to come through at closing and brush everyone's teeth for them while forcing them toward their beds. That might be a difficult hire, but Grandma's Bar should look into it. read more
Stopped in for a quick drink here. Ordered the Phoney Negroni - and sampled the Ultimate MaiTai Both well made and theatrically presented. Great relaxed feel to the place. Friendly, generous professions bartenders. Could see this becoming a regular place if I happen to be lucky enough to live here - the sort of place that says "Stick around and let's shut this place down". read more
Who knew that Sydney was becoming the new Melbourne? As an out of towner with a distinct impression of what I thought the Sydney scene was - boy was I proven wrong. Forget the flashy and over the top ritz for what Sydney city style is synonymous with, this is a hidden away basement bar with some serious understated hipster class. From the entrance with only a faint hint of what's within from a glowing basement window, what awaits you is a cozy nook with all things your nanna would totally treasure including a delicious old fashioned yet "famuly secrets" style cocktail menu, a couple if pairs of knitting needs and rocking chair. Simple, friendly and definitely bucked my stereotype of inner Sydney bars, definitely worth a visit to Grandma's for a couple of cocktails and crochet times :-) read more
7 years ago
12 years ago
Monteiths and a huge selection of rum with awesome cocktails to match make it awesome for a kiwi. Good otherwise though - skilful bartenders adapt if you want something off- the- rum, and if you do... You will have a good time. In particular, grab a ultimate mai tai for a show, dark and stormy for relaxation, and chase with a sipping rum shooter. It may be the drink of sailors, but by god they make it classy read more
12 years ago
A 'not so hidden' cocktail bar in a narrow, long basement on Clarence. Great atmosphere and music for a different diverse crowd, helpful and knowledgeable staff and above average (when compared to other top rated speakeasy/Cocktail bars in the vicinity) cocktails. As a global taste tester for the spicier cocktails I can vouch for the Dark & Stormy and the El Diablo... the home made ginger beer giving them the extra kick they merit. Great find... makes my top 5 alongside Drink (Boston) and Artesian (London) but don't come here for fancy decor... come for authentic cocktails. Oh... And how could I forget.. They have handbag hooks girls...woo hoo' read more
8 years ago
Hard to find, but such a good one! Flaming Mai tai is money! Loud and hopping on a Friday at 5:30. read more
This place is pure genius! I feel like this is one of those venues that is purposely hidden to create a sense of mystic atmosphere. It is a neat little underground venue that has a delightful range of cocktails and drinks! A friend and i sat down in the grandma-chic venue and were greeted by friendly bar staff who then proceeded on to walk us through their great range of cocktails but i still went with my usual, Single barrel Jack Daniels (I mean really, Is their anything better?). We sat and the bar quickly filled up (but not to the point where we felt uncomfortable) and found that this quirky spot is subject to nearby CBD 'work-drinks'. My favourite part of the whole experience has to be seeing a deer's head mounted upon entry, totally rad! read more
12 years ago
Great place - do walk down those stairs even if you've had trouble finding the place and think ..... mmmm it looks dingy. It is super cool, smaller than I expected, but the staff were loads of fun and really great helping us find a spot to sit and stay a while - pretty soon more spaces became free. Awesome music, did I mention super cool staff - very friendly. Who doesn't love a jaffle and cocktail - great place to hang out or go to for a quick drink! read more
14 years ago
11 years ago
We went here on whim for pre-dinner drinks but wished we could've stayed longer. Would've love to have gone through more of their cocktails. The array of cocktails is vast and funky it's hard to come to a decision but found two nice strong ones that hit the spot. The cocktail menu describes the cocktails accurately and interestingly as possible so you have some clue what to anticipate. The bartenders were welcoming and friendly and one of them reminded us that "this is where the party happens". Hm. The vibe inside is perfect: small, intimate, chilled music, hip, old style but enjoyable. It's in a basement so watch those stairs on the way down. I can think of many mates I'd love to drag over here so it's got return value. Have to try the jaffles menu next time damn sometimes you just need some grilled sandwiches. See you again Grandma's! read more
7 years ago
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More info about Grandma's Bar
275 Clarence St
Sydney New South Wales 2000
Australia
Sydney
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(02) 9264 3004
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http://grandmasbarsydney.com.au/
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Grandma's Bar - cocktailbars - Updated May 2026
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