Cafe Pacifico- Woolloomooloo

Craving a holiday to South America? Save your airfare and head to Café Pacifico- A Mexican haven of tequila and tacos.

Hidden off William St. Sydney, follow the red brick wall, past the yellow door, and up the stairs to a bar-haven of tequila and tacos that will leave you reaching for your Sombrero and spurting a big black moustache.

Come to this bar for a big feed, or nibble before dinner… Burritos, tacos, nachos, quesadillas, fajitas, sizzling plates of meats… the list goes on, and you won’t be disappointed.

If you come with a large group, a banquet is the way to go. You’ll be given a long candle lit table, get awesome service and enough food to make you feel giddy (or maybe that was the tequila). Watch out for the spirit bottle clearly market with a skull and crossbones. As part of the ‘experience’ a waiter will walk around offering anyone daring enough a taste of this chilli sensation. Just a straw-full will leave your mouth on fire- reaching for the nearest glass of liquid (which conveniently may be your margarita, or another tequila from the bar)… A very clever strategy for drinks sales if you ask me!

For a Social.Aperitif, you can’t go past tequila, tequila, tequila. With 90 tequilas at the bar to choose from that range in price and style you can’t go wrong. Have it with salt and lemon, on the rocks, mixed with lemonade, or in a margarita. Branch out for a refreshing mojito or caprihina to keep with the Mexican theme. Definitely recommend this place- a truly Mexican bar in the heart of Sydney!

Grandma's Bar- Clarence St

Craving a touch of Granny’s rocking chairs and doilies? Then you owe it to yourself to visit to Grandma’s Bar. Hidden off Clarence St. Sydney, you almost need a GPS system to navigate you from its doorstep. Weaving your way through a corridor, you finally see the licensing sign above the doorway- x marks the spot- you feel a sigh of relief in that the place does actually exist…

Down the spiralled staircase the bar awaits- one of the smallest bars in Sydney that I’ve come across those rocking chairs and knitting needles, wall paper and old lamps that you swear have been teleported from Nanna’s house all those years ago.

There’s a warmness to the ambience here, like all the grandma’s in the world are enjoying the moment with you.

Simon Food Favourites

You walk to the bar, decorated with grandma’s mugs, and other nick nacks, and expect to see an 80 year old lady with glasses and a shawl to greet you, however instead, you meet 2 young (and handsome) owner bartenders, professional enough to assist you in every step of your purchase, in a non ‘intimidating’ manner.

Whether it’s a lemon lime and bitters for the delegated driver, or a ‘Knickerbocker’ from the cocktail list, you’ll be treated as though you’re the only one in this busy little hideaway.

Mind you- Grandma doesn't like too many visitors- this place has approved occupancy for only 50 people. 

Don’t forget to try one (or all) of their fantastic jaffles- grandma would want you to… 

The Tea Parlour- Redfern

Welcome spring no matter what the weather is at the Tea Parlour in the heart of Sydney. With Marie Antionette as their inspiration, this Tea Parlour exudes elegance. Pop on a frock, some heels, and grab the ladies for an afternoon of tea, sweets and cucumber sandwiches.

Tea Time

Ornamented with fine china, floral upholstered armchairs, beautifully extravagant peacocks, crystal chandeliers, butterflies, roses, and drapes gracefully cascading the interior. It’s alike walking into a spring garden party- a breath of fresh air amongst the up and coming streets of Redfern.

Don’t expect to come into the Tea Parlour without testing their tea- which includes an assortment to tickle even the faint hearted tea drinker. 

Devonshire, chai, Mongolian herbal. Peppermint, green, lavender, rose, jasmine, wuji rock oolong, honey orchard black or white peony tea- truly exquisite.

But if a chilled beverage is more your cup of tea, try their range of iced tea including vanilla blackberry and white tea, apple lemon & Ceylon tea, or passionfruit, mint & white pearl tea.

Couple your tea with nourishing sweets- with a changing selection of cakes, and scones with jam. If savory is more of what you’re after, delve into a ham and mustard pickle so cucumber and cream cheese sandwiches.

Turning a new leaf

Mind you it’s only open from Thursday to Sunday, so make sure you pencil it in for a ladies end week high tea . The venue is also available for events- what a perfect way to celebrate a baby shower, hens party, or simply the end of a long week!