Sydney’s bar scene is getting a fresh spin with the rise of vinyl bars across the city.
From intimate vinyl hubs to chic DJ hotspots, these bars are the perfect way to throw it back, any day of the week.
Jam Record Bar, George St.
Sydney’s newest edition to the Vinyl scene is Merivale’s Japanese-inspired pink record bar, with 15,000+ vinyls. Jam Bar serves tasty Japanese-inspired snacks and inventive cocktails – think sandos, skewers, highballs, and saké. Located in Merivale’s energetic Ivy precinct on George Street, Jam Bar is open seven days a week and turns into a late-night bar from Thursday to Sunday, when records are being spun until 2 am. Head Chef, Michael Fox created the menu, and the beverage list was put together by Merivale’s creative cocktail lead, James Irvine. And with these two behind food and drink – you can guarantee it’ll be good. Cocktails go for $24 and snacks range from $10-$21.
Hours: Sun-Wed 12pm-12am. Thurs-Sat 12pm-2am.
Ante, Newtown.
Ante is Sydney’s finest example of a Japanese ‘jazza kissu’, AKA a “listening bar”. Ante is an intimate space where people gather for vinyl records and great drinks. Ante’s co-owner, Matt Young, imports special saké from Japan and oozes musical passion, with a 2,500+-strong record collection. Chef Jemma Whiteman’s seasonal menu was crafted to pair perfectly with the 60+ varieties of sake available. Expect unique Japanese-inspired dishes like torched bonito with blood orange ponzu and beef tartare with crostini and curried egg when you visit. Ante doesn’t take reservations, so get there early to avoid missing out on great music, delicious food and cool vibes.
Hours: Thursday & Fri 5pm-12am. Sat & Sun 12pm-12am.
Busby’s, Paddington.
Busby’s is a vibey vinyl-spinning wine den on the ground floor of Paddington’s Oxford House. Public Hospitality has enlisted an all-star lineup with Clayton Wells on food, P&V’s Mike Bennie on the wine list, and Maybe Sammy’s Paolo Maffietti on cocktails. While it may not be the purist vinyl bar in the city (it’s also a wine bar), Busby’s integrates vinyl with flair. You can look forward to everything from classic soul to BYOR (bring your own record) nights. Whether you’re hanging out in a booth overlooking Oxford Street, or at the bar sipping one of their natural wines – Busby’s is a must-visit for music and wine lovers.
Hours: Mon-Wed 5-11pm. Thurs-Sat 5pm-12am.
Rekōdo, Barangaroo
Rekōdo. – Japanese for ”record” is a Japanese-inspired vinyl and cocktail bar tucked away in Barangaroo House. Expect a rotating mix of live vinyl DJs, Rekōdo’s go-to catalogue of vinyl, and guest musical entertainers. As a Matt Moran venue, food and drinks here are bound to be a step up from typical bar snacks. Head chef Tara Chua’s jukebox of share-friendly Japanese dishes – from wagyu tataki and shiitake skewers to whole snapper karaage paired with a selection of sake, Japanese whisky and cocktails, Rekōdo hits all the right notes. If you’re in Barangaroo, Rekōdo is the perfect spot to dance the night away!
Hours: Mon Closed. Tues 5-10pm. Wed-Sat 12am-12pm. Sun 12-10pm.
Hive Bar, Erskineville
Sydney’s O.G. Vinyl bar, the Hive bar started as a local corner bar in 2009 and has been growing its community ever since. The walls are covered from floor to ceiling with gig posters, local notices, and murals by Sydney artists – giving it a local kind of feel. Hive’s BYO records, 702 ABC’s Robbie Buck, and DJ collective Queen Bee’s spinning discs are what make Hive Bar stand out. With St. Peters Brewery just down the road, craft beer is the go-to here. 4 pines, Mountain Goat, Stone and Wood, Murray’s, Little Creatures, and St Peters Brewery have all earned their place on the menu. They have some pocket-friendly deals from Tuesday to Sunday, where you can cop a $10 burger with fries & a drink while enjoying some great music.
Hours: Mon Closed. Tues & Wed 4-10pm. Thurs 4-11pm. Fri 2pm-12am. Sat 12pm-12am. Sun 12-10pm.
The Caterpillar Club
The Caterpillar Club has quickly become one of Sydney’s most popular bars. The brainchild of Sydney hospitality group, Swillhouse, Caterpillar Club is hidden downstairs from Pitt Street. As you enter, you’ll find a display of unique art, before entering into an underground speak-easy. With 10,000+ records – Caterpillar Club holds one of the world’s largest private vinyl collections. If you’re feeling peckish when you visit, Head Chef Isobel Whelan-Little’s menu has a Britain meets U.S. vibe about it, featuring everything from Berkshire leg ham to a juicy cheeseburger (we’ve tried it and wow!).
Hours: Sun-Thurs 3pm-3am. Fri & Sat 3pm-4am.
This guide is current as of August 2024. Has a venue we’ve mentioned closed? Let us know, we’d love to hear from you: newsletter@eatdrinkplay.com.
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