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    Grandma's Bar

    4.4 (63 reviews)
    ModerateCocktail Bars
    Open 3:00 pm - 12:00 am (Next day)

    Grandma's Bar Photos

    GRANDMA'S BAR ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Hipster
    Classy
    Casual
    Moderate noise

    Recommended Reviews - Grandma's Bar

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    Reviews With Photos

    Tom Selleck on fleek #yasss
    Joelle G.

    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.

    Ryann R.

    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.

    Flaming Mai tai
    Mike C.

    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.

    The Wolf of Clarence Street, Grandma's Bar
    Dan P.

    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!

    Bear country
    Sara P.

    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!

    Then wander down the stairs.
    Alice T.

    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.

    Cocktails and knitting next seasons must have Scarf!!!
    Niel I.

    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.

    Chiara B.

    Wonderful cocktails. Small underground bar. Can get a little cramped, but not the worst I've seen.

    The ultimate MaiTai
    ScotJay L.

    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.

    Leah C.

    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.

    Welcome to Grandma's
    Scott L.

    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".

    Paloma and friends
    Janita D.

    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 :-)

    Mild drink
    Regan R.

    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

    Dark & Stormy.. Home made ginger beer makes it!

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    7 years ago

    Absolutely glad we found this place. It's easy to miss but well worth it. My partner and I really enjoyed the place and of course the drinks

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    The Swinging Cat - The Swinging Cat - underground Sydney cocktail bar

    The Swinging Cat

    4.6(14 reviews)
    0.4 kmSydney
    $$

    Great chips brought to start up - very smooth prohibition vibe Tge service was fast, attentive,…read moreand upbeat attitude. Loved the atmosphere, very New Orleans, easygoing positive and Rey!

    I love all things NOLA. I mean, I had been there 3 times and still had my bachlorette's in New…read moreOrleans. We did not have a reservation, but they fit us in as a walk-in at a small coffee table with 2 ottoman seats. Not the most comfortable set up, but I appreciate the cozy atmosphere, almost like you are sitting in someone's very posh and dimly lit den. All the NOLA classics were featured, like Vieux Carre (no likey), old fashioned (likey), and hurricane. There were some twists on the classics as well. I liked the newer house specialties, and ended up having 3 drinks, more than I intended. We snacked on some popcorn chicken, which was nothing special, but very satisfying when hungry. We were also lucky enough to be there when the live jazz band played a brief set, which really set the mood. I took off a star because not every drink was a homerun, and the service was a bit too impersonal for a speakeasy. We had a different server each time. One of my favorite parts of going to a speakeasy is to watch the bartenders work their magic and ask them for recommendations, and if I'm lucky, maybe get an off menu drink. Not quite set up that way here.

    Photos
    The Swinging Cat - The Swinging Cat - Sydney Cocktail Bar with space for reservations and functions

    The Swinging Cat - Sydney Cocktail Bar with space for reservations and functions

    The Swinging Cat - Interior - beautiful lighting

    Interior - beautiful lighting

    The Swinging Cat

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    Palmer & Co - Cheese board

    Palmer & Co

    4.2(74 reviews)
    0.9 kmSydney
    $$$

    One of the absolutely coolest spots that I visited in Sydney…read more I honestly hope it's still here. We came during a business conference and ended up here 4 nights in a row.

    My friend and I stopped in for drinks after a concert. The entrance is located in an alley, and…read morethere is a small sign. It totally has a speakeasy vibe despite the sign at the door. The photos in the entry way were super cool. As we descended down the stairs, it felt like we were going back in time to the Roaring 20s. It was a Wednesday night, so the bar wasn't terribly crowded, though it was still busy. We grabbed a seat and browsed the menu. After a few minutes, no one came by so I eventually got up and ordered at the bar. I had to wait nearly 10 minutes before I was even able to order a drink. I don't know what the hold up was, but the service was extremely slow. While I was waiting, there were some drunk guys who were pushing the hanging light fixtures. This went on for a few minutes and the staff never said anything to them. It was annoying and extremely off putting. Once I was finally able to order a drink, I asked for a Martinez. The bartender could not understand me. I think I repeated myself at least three times. I guess the way I pronounced "Martinez" sounded like "martinis" lol. I ended up pointing to the drink in the menu before he finally understood what I was trying to order. I know I have an accent, but I didn't think it was that heavy lol. I will say that my Martinez was well made and tasted so good! My friend had planned to order a drink, but changed her mind after she saw how long it took for me to get my drink. Luckily she's a local, so she can go back whenever she wants. If it weren't for the long wait and the annoying drunk guys, this would have been a 5-star experience. If you enjoy craft cocktails and have patience, go check it out.

    Photos
    Palmer & Co
    Palmer & Co
    Palmer & Co - Interior.

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    Interior.

    Grandma's Bar - cocktailbars - Updated May 2026

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