Where to find Sydney’s best hidden bars

When walking around Sydney, a lot of the city's most famous landmarks aren't exactly hard to find, including the Opera House, Harbour Bridge and Queen Victoria Building. However, sometimes it's nice to stumble across hidden gems that aren't packed to the rafters with people and instead, enjoy the secret spot in all its glory.

The Macleay Hotel isn't just affordable and central city located accommodation, our friendly staff are also in the know on everything Sydney, including hidden spots, and bars.

Here are our three favourites.

Gunther's Dining Room

Redfern Continental is a contemporary European eatery, about 20 minutes on public transport from the Macleay Hotel. Once there, head down a corridor at the back of Redfern, through a large, wooden door and through to the vintage, hidden hotspot of Gunther's Dining Room. This dimly-lit cocktail bar serves up exquisite cocktails to Sydneysiders in the know. Take a seat on a velour couch and sip the night away on a Manhattan or two.

Prepare to throw some shapes as the DJ spins throwback, retro anthems underneath the resident disco ball.

Grandma's Bar

Grannys are known to be gentle, friendly and polite, but not this one! Grandma's Bar is loud, glamorous and completely kooky! Tucked away in a basement beneath the Guitar Lounge on Clarence Street, expect to drink rum, and lots of it! Enjoy it mixed in a variety of styles and tastes in this home away from home styled space. Find parrot wallpaper, lampshades and tropical features in this underground haven.

Hungry? Grandma's are famous for their variety of jaffles which are the perfect side dish to a 'Rum DMC' cocktail!

Earl's Juke Joint

What may look like an old meat shop from the outside, is in fact one of Sydney's best hidden bars: Earl's Juke Joint. In the inner west suburb of Newtown, don't be fooled by the butcher branded exterior, venture inside to a taste of the deep south. Earl's have created a Louisiana-style saloon feel complete with old time photos, dim lighting and rustic interior.

Known for its live music, expertly crafted cocktails and wild, dancing-filled nights, it's a recipe for a night to remember!

Drinking cocktails all evening truly is hard work. Thankfully, the Macleay Hotel is in Sydney's city centre, meaning that a good night's sleep isn't far away, wherever you go. Call us to see how special we can make your Sydney trip.