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! 

Stitch Bar- York St

Don’t be tricked into walking into ‘Stitch’ with your pants to be hemmed and jackets to be tailored… As this Sydney ‘tailor’ is not just what meets the eye…

Hide and Seek

Hidden next to the Cup Cake shop on York St. Sydney, at street level you’ll walk into a ‘shop’ entrance to find sewing machines, balls of yarn, shirts hanging on a rod…

However, keep on walking, through the corridor, and down the stairs, to be greeted with a funky underground bar and restaurant. Dimly lit with candles and lanterns, and an exotic and erotic ambience is instantly created. You’ll be warmly greeted by staff, who will eagerly assist as you make your decision as to where to set up camp for the evening. There are small barrel tables for the smaller groups, booths, and even underground caves where you and your fellow diners can sit on exotic cushions, teleporting you to a Middle Eastern oasis worlds away. 

Simon Food Favourites

If you choose to stay for just a Social.Aperitif, this Sydney bar is the perfect place to perch and satisfy your beverage and social needs. The bar itself is actually constructed form old sewing machines stacked on top of each. Looking around, you are surrounded by sewing paraphernalia-sewing machine covers dangle from above the back bar, thread rods and knitting needles- enough to spark the sewing bug in even the least sew-literate person.

Definitely put this one up there on your ‘Social.Aperitif’ list- it’s bound to impress all!

Ms. G's- Potts Point

In the back alley of Kings Cross, Sydney, comes this little gem of a bar.

Open the slide glass door and step into what feels a busy Asian marketplace.

Lanterns, Tsing Tao, graffiti and chopsticks.

Take the time to breathe in the surroundings, as everywhere you turn is an experience in itself. Walk through the hustle and bustle of the bottom dining room and bar. Walk up the stairs and you'll be blown away by the magnificent view of the city of Sydney- equip with sky scrapers, Centre Point, and Harbour Bridge. Even in terrible weather the ambience is magical.

Concrete Playground

This level offers communal dining on long wooden tables, creating the perfect environment for chatty groups…and if there’s just the two of you, I assure you you’ll leave with plenty of new friends. 

Don’t forget to check out the bathroom- all the way down the bottom of the stairs, past the busy kitchen, to what feels like a dungeon. They can only be described as styled as ‘marketplace elegance’. A simple wooden bucket as a sink with an outdoor tap, coupled with beautifully framed fence post-wooden mirrors.  

My 24/7

If you're simply here for a Social.Aperitif, head straight up to the top level, where the bar awaits you. This level is littered with people, and especially on weekends, is difficult to find a seat. The walls have been delicately engraved with graffiti, leaving you wondering whether or not its intentional. One thing you can't go past at this Sydney bar is the slurpie cocktails- delicious cocktails vacuum sealed in a plastic cup, stabbed with an oversized straw.- perfect for the Social.Aperitif. that will bring out the big kid in all of us...

The Fringe Bar- Paddington

Imagine stepping into the world of Alice in Wonderland. Teacups filled with flowers, black and white checkered floors, red velvet curtains… even a cows head plays its part. Welcome to the Fringe Bar. A trendy pub in the heart of Paddington, Sydney. Pop in for a Social.Aperitif after a long day of shopping, or couple it with shopping at the Saturday Sydney Fringe Bar Markets…



This bar offers a range of cozy hide-aways- the general bar is beautifully decorated with chandeliers, elaborate gold framed mirrors, and red velvet curtains dressing its exposed brick interiors. Out the back is the birdcage- filled with candles, aged photographs, bird cages (hence its name), bright red lamp shades and vintage furniture. And down stairs is the ‘dungeon-like’ green room, littered with candles, modern décor and its very own bar.

Make sure you pre plan your trip here, whether it be comedy, or trivia, there’s something happening every night, so probably book to avoid disappointment.

Drinks: Punch Bowls for the ladies- come in and share a punch bowl filled cocktail- equip with its own ladle.

Food: you really can’t go past their $10 steaks… and don’t forget to check out their famous ‘sauce rack’ (it’s got EVERYTHING)

The Flinders Bar- Surry Hills

If you’re strolling along Crown St, Sydney, be sure to turn off onto Flinders St for your perfect Social.Aperitif at Flinders Bar.

Behind the neon ‘cold beer’ flashing light is a humble, quirky bar- a trendy hide-away (without being too pretentious).

From the minute you walk in the door you’ll be whisked into a warm, inviting oasis. The bar is littered with paraphernalia including artworks, stuffed animals, quotes, poems- your eyes will be kept busy for hours.

The staff at the bar are super friendly and always up for a chat- if your stuck deciding what it is you want to drink, they’ll quiz you with a few simple questions and within a couple of minutes you’ll be happy as Larry with the drink of your dreams. They’ll even let you engrave your name into the bar- that is, if you can find a spot next to the thousands of other visitors and locals.

It’s recommended to get into this Sydney bar early, especially on weekends, as it’s under high demand, and the line does accumulate (it’s so you’re not all packed in like sardines). It’s well worth the wait though, once you’re in, the late night dance floor will have everyone kicking up their heels!

Picture thanks to 4bars

Drink: Why not kick the night off with a ‘pickle back’- a shot of Jamesons whiskey followed by a shot of pickle juice. Bound to tickle your taste buds…

Recommended dinner options afterwards: Right upstairs- The Duke Bistro, where the quirkiness continues…

Shady Pines- Darlinghurst

A visit to Shady Pines will leave you ‘yee-ha-ing’ and searching for your cowboy boots.

A humble & inconspicuous white door in an ally way off Oxford St leads you to a haven from the ‘Wild Wild West’.

You’re greeted with country and western music, mousse heads, stuffed foxes and plenty of pine wood- feeling as though you’ve teleported into a Clint Eastwood movie.

Clusters of small wooden tables are scattered around the room, perfect for the chattering groups that litter them.  On each table is a complimentary bowl of peanuts- the type that you crack and peel so you keep your hands busy and your tummy happy!

The bar itself is large and choc full of top shelf (and bottom shelf) spirits, liqueurs, and cocktails. There’s no drinks menu, so just ask the bar tenders for their recommendations- they’re a fountain of information.

It’s best to get in earlier (for your Social.Aperitif) as if you leave it to after dinner you may be greeted with a line… mind you it’ll be with the friendliest bouncer/door host I have ever come across. They have no reservation lists, take no bookings, and don’t do functions- so everyone is welcomed as though they’re a local.

Cherry Picked

Drink- You can’t go past a top shelf whiskey here. To jazz it up a bit we chose a whiskey sour- a perfect way to start your evening.

The Foxtrot- Crows Nest

Nestled in the back streets of the North Shore, Sydney, comes a sheik yet funky, old skool wine and pizza bar. 

Hidden behind a deceptive big old white door is a buzz of activity. It’s only been open around 5 weeks, but it’s obvious this place won’t remain a secret for long.

Art of Sean

This bar is like a time warp. As soon as you enter, 1920's style cocktail music will dance around your ears. There are plenty of small nooks and crannies positioned up along an old creaky stair case- perfect hiding places. Even when it’s busy, you feel like you’ve escaped the hustle and bustle, and instantly relax.

The bar is decorated with furniture you may recognize from Nanna and Pop’s all those years ago- piano stools, lamp shades, even old suite cases play their part.

Even the bathrooms are welcoming- each one it’s own little room equip with sink, mirror wallpaper and doilies.

Staff are constantly whisking in to ensure all is clean, toilet paper is full, and your toilet experience is the best that it could be! It really does feel like home.

Foxy drinking hole

The atmosphere is warm and welcoming. The service is friendly and efficient and although the bar is small- it’s full of the essentials.

It's a little too easy to sink into a couch and get lost in time… One warning- this Social.Aperitif. may be very hard to move on from!

Drink- Monteiths Crushed Apple Cider- served chilled over ice in an old-fashioned beer glass.

(Love how the menu is incorporated into 'cat in the hat' picture books)