Formerly known as the much-loved Herbs Taverne, Bar Herbs is a quiet CBD comeback worth seeking out. Tucked away from the main drag, this low-lit bar trades flash for familiarity, with a relaxed, locals-first feel that makes it easy to lose track of time. Expect well-made cocktails, a thoughtful martini list and the same understated charm that made its predecessor a cult favourite.

Hidden behind an unassuming door in the heart of the CBD, Eau-de-Vie is one of Sydney’s original speakeasies, and still one of its best. Inside, it’s all moody lighting, leather booths and old-world glamour, with bartenders who treat cocktails as theatre. Expect rare whiskies, meticulously crafted classics and a sense of stepping back in time. It’s the kind of bar you don’t accidentally stumble upon, but you’ll keep seeking out.

Prohibition-style drinking is hidden in Abercrombie Lane, inside a brick-vaulted basement also known as Palmer & Co. The 1920s-themed cocktail bar offers all the classics as well as share plates for those feeling peckish late into the night. Jazz bands like to entertain here and the bar has the Merivale polish that only Justin Hemmes can execute.

Prohibition-style drinking is hidden in Abercrombie Lane, inside a brick-vaulted basement also known as Palmer & Co. The 1920s-themed cocktail bar offers all the classics as well as share plates for those feeling peckish late into the night. Jazz bands like to entertain here and the bar has the Merivale polish that only Justin Hemmes can execute.

Enter the underground bar via cobblestoned Kent Street and emerge into a haven of exposed brick, walnut-stained timber and mood lighting. Over 50 bottles of wine are available by the glass on any given day with a focus on lesser-known regions such as Lebanon, USE and Greece. As for bites, Letra House’s menu revolves around Spanish-style plates with tapas, cured meats and larger plates.

Beneath the Hilton in Sydney’s CBD, Marble Bar is a Victorian-style escape with marble and mahogany interiors. From Prohibition mixes to single malt scotch, whiskies and rum, the drinks menu here has bite and offers a killer Negroni. A live music venue too, drinks are often accompanied by good tunes, making it hard to escape.

The Lobo Plantation is a Caribbean-themed watering hole with one of the best rum lists in Sydney. With cocktails garnished with flames and high-end rum flights as well as a Cuban-inspired menu, there’s so much to love about this CBD small bar.

A self-described micro-mezcal Mecca, Cantina OK! is the epitome of a Sydney small bar. In fact, we’re willing to dub Cantina OK! the smallest of small bars, built atop of a disused car space. Stocked with small-batch wonders from handmade agave and tequila, their world-famous margaritas and classic cocktails are made with hand-shaven ice and hand-pressed limes.

This underground drinking den in Hinchcliff House will have you swooning. Apollonia is mysterious and seductive and provides the perfect spot for a post-dinner nightcap. The bar takes its name and inspiration from The Godfather’s tragic bride and bills itself as a fictional Sicilian bandit drinking den. With their hitlist of specialty cocktails, cool vibes and extensive drinks list, you will be sure to find your new signature libation.

Let’s do Dolly proud by sinking a few at York Street’s Nashville-inspired whiskey, cocktail and live music bar. In the proper Southern tradition, you can expect a back bar over 150 whiskeys strong. Jolene’s pays homage to late nights spent on the town in Nashville. Whisky lovers will rejoice as this bar stocks some of the most delicious, rarest drops usually not available down under including Angel’s Envy Rye Whisky (if you know you know!).

Behind the doors in Sydney’s CBD, you’ll find a veritable wonderland of cocktails, champagne and more. Door Knock is hidden behind a basement security door and marked with a brass pineapple. Knock and see what happens next!

Make your way through a retro barber shop to this hidden watering hole, where impressive cocktails, an extensive wine list and craft beers await. South Australian and French drops dominate the wine menu while Young Henry’s and Little Creatures keep craft beer lovers content.

Cosy but not quaint, Dulcie’s is the mysterious parlour bar that will take your date night to a new level. Dulcie’s Bar has reinvigorated the Golden Mile by slinging prohibition-era cocktails and showcasing some of Sydney’s best underground cabaret acts.

Tucked below Fred’s, Paddington’s favourite fine diner, Charlie Parker’s is a stylish, subterranean speakeasy in the heart of Paddington. Perfect for a pre-dinner cocktail or a naughty nightcap, this is one of our favourite hidden bars in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs.