Say hello to Leichhardt’s newest neighbourhood bar, Otis! Located just a few doors down from Bar Italia on Norton Street, this newly rebranded cocktail bar has already captured the hearts of locals with its friendly and approachable team.
The team has been carefully selected from some of Sydney’s top-tier bars, with Kelsey Blacksmith leading the front of house alongside owners Conor O’Brien and Dan Teh. Conor and Dan have an impressive track record in the hospitality scene, having worked at some of Sydney’s most famous and award-winning bars. Together, they plan to bring life and energy back to the Leichhardt area.
Otis places a strong emphasis on community and getting to know your neighbours. The bar has already collaborated with its next-door neighbour, Crosstalk Records, and has plans for more exciting partnerships with other brands around the Sydney scene. The cocktail menu is on par with some of the city’s most decorated cocktail bars, featuring seasonal ingredients, foams, fat washing, house ferments, and natives. The wine list showcases smaller producers and interesting drops, and the fridges are well-stocked with local craft beers and seltzers.
Otis has revamped its menu with a more casual dining style, but the dishes are just as mouth-watering as ever. The star of the show is the Porchetta Roll, sourced from Whole Beast Butchery in Marrickville, with sun-blushed mayo and salsa verde. They also offer possibly Sydney’s best cheese toastie, mixed with truffle mayo and pickled red onion. On Sundays, you can pair this cheesy delight with their deliciously smoky Bloody Marys for only $20.
Happy hour at Otis is an experience not to be missed. From 5-7 pm, Tuesday to Saturday, patrons can enjoy pints at schooner prices and $12 Tommy’s Margaritas and Negronis. You can soak up the atmosphere from the sunny nook at the front of the bar or the newly refurbished lounge area upstairs, complete with a balcony perfect for people-watching. And if you stick around long enough, you just might find yourself dancing the night away under disco lights to 90s/00s deep cuts.
Otis has quickly become Leichhardt’s worst-kept secret, and it’s about time you discover it for yourself. With its warm and approachable team, delectable menu, and outstanding drinks, Otis is the perfect spot to unwind with friends and make new connections with your neighbours.
