Best pint-sized bars of central Sydney

By ALEC SMART

Neighbourhood Media finds the best small inner-Sydney watering holes in the city’s buzzing YCK precinct – York, Clarence and Kent streets – at the heart of the CBD.

Note: Most of these venues are small (less than 100 capacity) and may require advance booking.

Baxter Inn

What they say: “We like whisky here. And whiskey too, for that matter. A place where John Cheever and Johnny Walker might spend some time together. The lights are low, the blues are blowing, and the spirits are high.”

Opening hours: Mon - Sun 4pm - 3am

Where: Basement 152-156 Clarence St, City Contact: pretzels@thebaxterinn.com

https://swillhouse.com/venues/the-baxter-inn

Burrow Bar

What they say: “A small boutique cocktails and spirits bar hidden in the heart of the Sydney city. Nominated for Australian Bartender Magazine's Bar of the Year, NSW Bar of the Year and Small Bar of the Year for 2019.”

Opening hours: Tues - Sun 5pm - 12am

Where: Basement, 96 Clarence St, City Contact: 0450 466 674 curious@burrowbar.com.au

https://www.burrowbar.com.au/

Grandma’s

What they say: “Tongue-in-cheek from design to drinks, the only thing taken with utmost seriousness is production of quality, specializing in fun tiki/rum style cocktails using booze of the boutique sort and personally sourced beer and wine for a more tailored approach.”

Opening hours: Mon - Fri 3pm - late; Sat 5pm - late

Where: Basement, 275 Clarence St, City Contact: 02 9264 3004 curious@burrowbar.com.au

https://www.grandmasbarsydney.com.au/

Papa Gede’s

What they say: “Infused with the spirit of witch-doctor apothecary, home-made herbal elixirs, plenty of classic & tiki cocktails, craft beers, a smorgasbord of absinthes traditionally served, great wine, funk, soul & rituals of relaxation.”

Opening hours: Mon - Sat 5pm - late

Where: Rear lane behind 348 Kent St, City Contact: drinks@papagedes.com

http://www.papagedes.com/

The Rook

What they say: “Our beautiful open rooftop bar is the best place in Barangaroo to sit on a dry day and soak up the harbour views and Sydney sunshine.”

Opening hours: Mon 12pm - 10pm; Tue - Thur 12pm - late; Fri - Sat 12pm - 12.30am

Where: Level 7, 56-58 York St, City Contact: 02 8322 2008 info@therook.com.au

https://therook.com.au/

Since I Left You

What they say: “Infused with the spirit of witch-doctor apothecary, home-made herbal elixirs, plenty of classic & tiki cocktails, craft beers, a smorgasbord of absinthes traditionally served, great wine, funk, soul & rituals of relaxation.”

Opening hours: Tue - Fri 4pm - late; Sat 6pm - late

Where: 338 Kent St, City Contact: 02 9279 2084 info@sinceileftyou.com.au

https://sinceileftyou.com.au/

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YCK Laneways

A consortium representing businesses in the York, Clarence and Kent Streets precinct.

https://www.ycklaneways.com.au/

Other small bars in the YCK precinct that are highly recommended:

The Barber Shop; Duke of Clarence; Esteban; The Lobo; Prince of York; PS40; Sammy Junior; Spawn Point Gaming Bar; Stitch Bar; The Swinging Cat; Uncle Ming’s

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