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Introduction

Welcome to my ultimate guide for discovering nine of Sydney’s hidden dive bars that even the locals don’t know about. If you’re tired of the mainstream bar scene and want to explore something off the beaten path, this guide is for you. These bars are perfect for anyone who enjoys a laid-back atmosphere, unique ambiance, and engaging conversations. Grab a drink, and let’s dive in!


Sydney is a city known for its vibrant nightlife, beautiful beaches, and iconic landmarks. However, beneath its glittering surface lies a world of underground dive bars that offer a completely different experience. From hidden speakeasies to grungy basements, Sydney’s dive bar scene is a treasure trove waiting to be explored. Below, I’ll take you through nine such bars that promise to deliver an unforgettable experience.

1. The Baxter Inn

Located in an unmarked alleyway in the heart of Sydney, The Baxter Inn offers an unparalleled whiskey experience. This hidden bar features over 800 varieties of whiskey from around the world. The candlelit ambiance and vintage decor transport you back in time, while the bartenders’ expertise ensures you receive the perfect drink every time. The Baxter Inn is a must-visit for whiskey enthusiasts and anyone looking to enjoy a quiet night out.

Secret Location

Despite being one of the best dive bars in Sydney, The Baxter Inn remains hidden from plain sight. You’ll find it tucked away behind a nondescript door in an alley off Clarence Street. The lack of signage adds to the mystique, making it a well-kept secret that even many locals haven’t discovered.


Unique Drink Selection

One of the standout features of The Baxter Inn is its extensive whiskey collection. From rare single malts to well-aged blends, this bar has something for every whiskey lover. The knowledgeable bartenders are more than happy to provide recommendations based on your preferences.

Ambiance and Decor

The vintage-inspired decor and candlelit atmosphere create a cozy and intimate setting. The walls are adorned with antique pictures and quirky memorabilia, making you feel like you’ve stepped into a different era. It’s the perfect place for a romantic date night or a quiet evening with friends.

2. Shady Pines Saloon

Shady Pines Saloon is a hidden gem located in Darlinghurst. This quirky dive bar offers a unique blend of Southern-style hospitality and wild west decor. With taxidermy animals on the walls and country music playing in the background, Shady Pines Saloon provides an authentic and fun atmosphere. The friendly staff and extensive drink menu make it a favorite among those who know about it.

Authentic Western Vibe

The decor at Shady Pines Saloon is straight out of a classic Western movie. From the dark wood furniture to the mounted animal heads, every detail is meticulously crafted to transport you to the American frontier. The atmosphere is relaxed and unpretentious, making it a great spot to unwind and have a good time.


Signature Cocktails

Shady Pines Saloon offers an extensive drink menu that includes a variety of cocktails, spirits, and craft beers. Their signature cocktails, such as the “Whiskey Apple” and “Spiced Rum Punch,” are a must-try. The bartenders are skilled and can whip up personalized drinks based on your preferences.

Laid-Back Ambiance

The laid-back ambiance at Shady Pines Saloon is one of its biggest draws. The friendly staff goes out of their way to make you feel welcome, and the down-to-earth vibe makes it easy to strike up conversations with other patrons. Whether you’re there for a quick drink or a long night out, you’re guaranteed to have a great time.

3. Frankie’s Pizza

Frankie’s Pizza is another hidden gem in Sydney’s dive bar scene. Located in the heart of the CBD, this underground bar offers a unique combination of delicious pizza, live music, and a vibrant atmosphere. The retro decor and eclectic crowd make it a must-visit spot for those looking to experience something different.

Delicious Pizza

As the name suggests, Frankie’s Pizza is renowned for its delicious pizza. The menu features a variety of toppings and styles, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re craving a classic Margherita or something more adventurous like the “Frankie’s Special,” you’re in for a treat.


Live Music

One of the highlights of Frankie’s Pizza is its live music scene. The bar regularly hosts local bands and DJs, providing an energetic and lively atmosphere. The music ranges from rock and roll to punk, ensuring there’s something for every taste. Make sure to check their schedule to catch your favorite act live.

Vibrant Atmosphere

The atmosphere at Frankie’s Pizza is vibrant and eclectic. The retro decor, neon lights, and quirky artwork create a unique and fun setting. The crowd is diverse and friendly, making it easy to mingle and make new friends. Whether you’re there for the pizza, music, or drinks, you’re guaranteed to have a memorable night.

4. Ramblin’ Rascal Tavern

Hidden beneath a nondescript building on Elizabeth Street, Ramblin’ Rascal Tavern is a cozy dive bar with a distinctive personality. This bar offers a range of classic and creative cocktails, along with a selection of craft beers and spirits. The laid-back atmosphere and friendly staff make it a favorite among those who know about it.

Classic Cocktails

Ramblin’ Rascal Tavern is known for its expertly crafted cocktails. The menu features a range of classic cocktails, such as the Old Fashioned and Negroni, as well as creative concoctions like the “Rascal’s Remedy.” The bartenders are highly skilled and can create personalized drinks based on your preferences.


Chilled Atmosphere

The atmosphere at Ramblin’ Rascal Tavern is relaxed and unpretentious. The dim lighting, cozy seating, and vintage decor create a comfortable and inviting setting. The friendly staff goes out of their way to make you feel welcome, and the laid-back vibe makes it easy to unwind and have a good time.

Craft Beer Selection

In addition to its impressive cocktail menu, Ramblin’ Rascal Tavern also offers a selection of craft beers. The bar features a rotating selection of local and international brews, ensuring there’s always something new to try. Whether you’re a beer connoisseur or just looking to try something different, you’re sure to find something you’ll enjoy.

5. Earl’s Juke Joint

Located in a former butcher shop in Newtown, Earl’s Juke Joint is a hidden gem that offers a unique blend of southern charm and vibrant nightlife. This dive bar features a range of classic cocktails, craft beers, and spirits, along with an eclectic mix of music. The cozy atmosphere and friendly staff make it a must-visit spot for anyone looking to experience something different.

Southern Charm

Earl’s Juke Joint is known for its southern-inspired decor and ambiance. The bar is adorned with vintage posters, neon signs, and quirky memorabilia, creating a unique and charming setting. The atmosphere is relaxed and inviting, making it the perfect place to unwind and have a good time.


Classic Cocktails

The drink menu at Earl’s Juke Joint features a range of classic cocktails, such as the Sazerac and Mint Julep, as well as creative concoctions like the “Juke Joint Collins.” The bartenders are highly skilled and can create personalized drinks based on your preferences.

Eclectic Music

One of the highlights of Earl’s Juke Joint is its eclectic music selection. The bar regularly hosts local DJs and live bands, providing an energetic and lively atmosphere. The music ranges from blues and jazz to rock and roll, ensuring there’s something for every taste.

6. Freda’s

Freda’s is a hidden gem located in Chippendale. This dive bar offers a unique blend of creativity and culture, with a focus on art, music, and community. The bar features an ever-changing lineup of events and exhibitions, along with a range of delicious drinks and snacks. The vibrant atmosphere and friendly staff make it a must-visit spot for anyone looking to experience something different.

Creative Cocktails

Freda’s is known for its innovative and creative cocktails. The menu features a range of classic cocktails with a twist, as well as unique concoctions like the “Freda’s Margarita.” The bartenders are highly skilled and can create personalized drinks based on your preferences.


Art and Culture

One of the standout features of Freda’s is its focus on art and culture. The bar regularly hosts exhibitions, performances, and events, providing a platform for local artists and creatives. The ever-changing lineup ensures there’s always something new and exciting to experience.

Vibrant Atmosphere

The atmosphere at Freda’s is vibrant and eclectic. The colorful decor, unique artwork, and lively crowd create a fun and engaging setting. The friendly staff goes out of their way to make you feel welcome, and the diverse events make it easy to meet new people and have a great time.

7. The Bearded Tit

The Bearded Tit is a quirky dive bar located in Redfern. This bar features a unique blend of art and entertainment, with a focus on inclusivity and community. The eclectic decor, vibrant atmosphere, and friendly staff make it a must-visit spot for anyone looking to experience something different.

Quirky Decor

The Bearded Tit is known for its quirky and eclectic decor. The bar is adorned with colorful artwork, vintage furniture, and unique memorabilia, creating a fun and engaging setting. The atmosphere is relaxed and unpretentious, making it the perfect place to unwind and have a good time.


Inclusive Atmosphere

One of the standout features of The Bearded Tit is its focus on inclusivity and community. The bar regularly hosts events and performances that celebrate diversity and creativity, providing a platform for local artists and performers. The friendly staff goes out of their way to make everyone feel welcome.

Unique Cocktails

The drink menu at The Bearded Tit features a range of unique and creative cocktails. The bartenders are highly skilled and can create personalized drinks based on your preferences. Whether you’re looking for a classic cocktail or something more adventurous, you’re sure to find something you’ll enjoy.

8. Hero of Waterloo

Located in the historic Rocks district, The Hero of Waterloo is a hidden gem that offers a unique blend of history and character. This dive bar features a range of classic drinks, live music, and a cozy atmosphere. The friendly staff and historic decor make it a must-visit spot for anyone looking to experience something different.

Historic Setting

The Hero of Waterloo is housed in a historic sandstone building that dates back to the early 19th century. The bar is adorned with antique furniture, historic memorabilia, and vintage decor, creating a unique and charming setting. The atmosphere is relaxed and inviting, making it the perfect place to unwind and have a good time.


Live Music

One of the highlights of The Hero of Waterloo is its live music scene. The bar regularly hosts local bands and musicians, providing an energetic and lively atmosphere. The music ranges from blues and jazz to folk and rock, ensuring there’s something for every taste.

Classic Drinks

The drink menu at The Hero of Waterloo features a range of classic cocktails, craft beers, and spirits. The bartenders are highly skilled and can create personalized drinks based on your preferences. Whether you’re looking for a classic cocktail or something more adventurous, you’re sure to find something you’ll enjoy.

9. The Midnight Special

The Midnight Special is a hidden gem located in Newtown. This dive bar offers a unique blend of rock and roll charm and cozy ambiance. The bar features a range of classic and creative cocktails, along with a selection of craft beers and spirits. The friendly staff and eclectic decor make it a must-visit spot for anyone looking to experience something different.

Rock and Roll Vibe

The Midnight Special is known for its rock and roll-inspired decor and ambiance. The bar is adorned with vintage posters, neon signs, and quirky memorabilia, creating a unique and charming setting. The atmosphere is relaxed and inviting, making it the perfect place to unwind and have a good time.


Creative Cocktails

The drink menu at The Midnight Special features a range of classic cocktails with a twist, as well as unique concoctions like the “Midnight Martini.” The bartenders are highly skilled and can create personalized drinks based on your preferences.

Cozy Atmosphere

The atmosphere at The Midnight Special is cozy and unpretentious. The dim lighting, cozy seating, and vintage decor create a comfortable and inviting setting. The friendly staff goes out of their way to make you feel welcome, and the laid-back vibe makes it easy to unwind and have a good time.

My Thoughts

Exploring Sydney’s underground dive bar scene is a must for anyone looking to experience something different. From hidden speakeasies to grungy basements, these bars offer a unique and unforgettable experience. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, I hope this guide helps you discover some of the city’s best-kept secrets. Happy exploring!

Now that you’ve got my guide to the hidden dive bars of Sydney, why not take a break and check out my next post about cultural tips for single travelers in Rome? Let’s immerse ourselves in Italian Heritage!


Introduction

Italy’s capital, Rome, is a city teeming with history, culture, and an intoxicating ambiance that makes it a travel destination for millions. However, as a single traveler, navigating the city and blending into its rich tapestry of cultural heritage can seem daunting. Fear not! This guide is tailored specifically for single travelers who wish to immerse themselves fully in Italian culture and make the most of their Roman holiday.


Rome is more than just its iconic landmarks; it’s a living, breathing embodiment of Italian heritage. From the cobblestone streets and ancient ruins to the bustling markets and cozy cafes, every corner of the city has a story to tell. In this guide, I’ll walk you through 15 cultural tips that will help you navigate Rome with confidence, ensuring you have an enriching and memorable experience.

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