The Baxter Inn reviews . (Pub) in Sydney (New South Wales).
Description
Here you'll see all the information of The Baxter Inn, Pub in Sydney (New South Wales)
The Baxter Inn it's a Pub and next to this lines you'll see the hours of service, busiest hours, website, phone and real reviews done in Internet
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Situation
Service hours of The Baxter Inn
Sunday
4pm–3am
Monday
4pm–3am
Tuesday
4pm–3am
Wednesday
4pm–3am
Thursday
4pm–3am
Friday
4pm–3am
Saturday
4pm–3am
Busiest hours
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Comments of The Baxter Inn
N. M.
10/10 would recommend!!!!!
I LOVE out of the way bars, especially ones that serve whisky. Amazing range of whisky and even more talented staff that know their stuff. It's a small capacity bar so get in early or you need to line up and wait..... But the wait is definitely worth it.
E. C.
Can't rate this place highly enough. The guys are so knowledgeable about whisky and willing to share their knowledge with no pressure to buy a dram. When I said bartenders choice for the final drink, they picked a mid-range price rather than focussing on profit as they thought we'd like it based on what we'd been drinking. 9pm is the witching hour though, so if you want a peaceful drink, get in before then.
C. &. C.
Speakeasy bar that we recently discovered a bout 2 weeks ago!! Such a chill place to hide and chitchat with your friends. They make amazing cocktails, too!
J. w.
One of my favourite bars! Has a really fun vibe and usually super packed on a Friday after work!
N. D.
One of my favourite bars in Sydney. A hidden speak easy style Whisky bar. Make sure you get in early to get a seat
A. G.
Hidden treasure, Baxter never fails to impress if you need to show off Sydney's life to someone from interstate. Great bar with excellent choice of good whisky. They also make excellent cocktails. Nice lively athmosphere, good old rock and roll, great service, fantastic!
R. C.
Fabulous place for a whisky lover. Staff is courteous and knowledgeable when comes to recommendations. Chic ambience with a laid back dull lighting, which is perfect when you want to relax with your dram on hand. It got super busy around 8pm on a hump day and we were lucky to be inside early on. Definitely a hidden door to get access to this place but I appreciate it to be such. Only someone very keen on whisky will do the treasure hunt to find the right door.
M. H.
After working in Sydney for more than 10 years never knew about this place until yesterday.. what a unique and weird place. The entrance is just a back door and you go down into a basement. Then you see the largest collection of whiskey and alcohol that I have ever seen. Some of the whiskey that we tasted was very good. The bartenders know what they are doing. Simply say what you want or let them decide if you explain the preferences. The whiskey shots range from about $15 upwards to more than $800..! If whiskey is what you like definitely check this place out. Be prepared to spend big.. The experience itself is awesome. Don’t forget if you are going here don’t drive.. as you will come out a bit fresh..😂😃
J. S.
Recently converted regular.
Classic cocktails are done to the top professional standards, their whisk(e)y collection is unrivaled and staff are always professional and helpful.
The venue itself has a charismatic and comfortable feel at and away from the bar.
Tipping a hat to Andy, Remy, Glyn, Sean, Jordan and Moxie.
M. S.
Favourite bar in sydney. Visit every time. Probably the biggest and most impressive whiskey collection in the country. Old school country US playing from the speakers with free unlimited pretzels. Western saloon style. Very cool.
G. T. C. (.
So far it’s the best bar I’ve been in town.
The staffs are amazing.
A. F. P.
If you love good quality whisky, this is the place to go! Huge selection of different whisky around the globe 😊 With the vibe like Texas in US, the ambiance will make you have a good fun with your mates!
K. V.
Baxter's is the classic after work hospo spot. The team is knowledgeable and always super friendly, even the security are always great. The selection of whiskey is second to none (even though I always order a negroni).
Love Baxter's and will continue to come and support for years to come!
P. C.
Very busy place which is understandable because of the awesome vibes.
Hard to get a seat but when you do, it’s very chilled out. Whiskey collection is huge but prices are average.
Visited the joint on a Wednesday around 10pm and it was quieter. The professional bar tender took us for a tour into there cellar, very nice gesture.
My clients enjoyed it. Definitely will be back for more !
s. d.
Thanks for a fantastic ending to a Sunday night out, party continuing into the early hours of Monday morning.🍸 Great music 🎶
C. F. C.
I have been excited to visit this venue for over 5 years, and it did not disappoint! Excellent service, amazing choices of rare and fine samplings of whiskeys. I had my first Maccallan and I was thrilled to do it along the hidden walls of the Baxter Inn. Only criticism I had was it was a little loud on the music, but the choice of songs were sublime. I will certainly be returning.
R. L.
Amazing selection of Whisky, bartenders are heaps friendly and know their stuff. Wish the place was bigger though but grab a table and enjoy some nice drams with mates.
N.
Hidden Gem in Sydney with a great variety of drinks from all around the world. The atmosphere is always welcoming.
a. j.
Been here a couple of times now and never disappointed. A must try the Penicillin. It’s not on their menu but go ahead and ask the bartender and they will make one for you. Good classic smoky cocktail, a must try for those who like whisky base.
The pretzels offered on the house blend in perfect with your cocktails. A very good place to catch up with friends post work for a couple of drinks, a bit pricey though nevertheless the skilled bartenders and the ambience completely justify the cost.
R. L.
Very very very good cocktails we ordered the rattlesnake and Rum punch. Both were super good! I am from Melbourne and this bar i think really is a hidden gem in Sydney! Great environment as well!
J. S.
Great bar to visit if you are or want to get into whiskeys. Great selection, expert staff I'm spectacular setting.
S. Y.
I had a really amazing experience.
Friendly service
perfect atmosphere
perfect whiskey
I felt like I was the protagonist of Kingsman. I plan to visit again without fail :)
R. M.
Awesome bar for an after work drink. The big sell is their huge collection of whiskeys from all over the world. Get in early as the place gets packed really quickly. The only downside is the humidity in the place sometimes can leave you sweating at times. Other than it's a fantastic bar to check out
E. X.
Absolutely loved this whisky bar. It’s hidden in a narrow alley way and underground, so make sure you find the right place first. Drinks are not limited to the ones on the menu, so talk to the bar attendant about what you like, they really know how to make cocktails. I had two different whiskey based espresso cocktails, neither of them are on the menu and both are delicious. The same with whiskeys. If you don’t have specific requirements, ask and you will get what you want.
T. S.
Its worth the wait. If you rock up here and there is a line forming out the front, remember these words...its worth the wait. The bar staff are the most knowledgeable I have come across and if you like your whiskey, this is a breath of fresh air.
The heat in here is real, not a fake attempt at atmosphere but a warm fuzzy hug from a massive dog before he starts to lick your face.
We got comfortable at the bar and settled in for some real whiskey, tasty cocktails and free pretzels.
A lot of love goes into your drinks here and although you may pay for it, its worth it.
D. P.
Best bar in Sydney with a huge range of whiskys, staff are always friendly and helpful and the service is great. Playlist always on point too, get a spot on the bar and you're set for the night 🥃
M. D.
Amazing selection of cocktails, great opening hours... Loved the candle light drink during the last drinks ;)
J. D.
If you like Whiskey, this is the place to go. Tons of different brands, from all years. Extremely knowledgeable staff. Get yourself a whiskey apple, then go splurge in the locked tasting room. Cannot reccomend enough. Note that the entrance is TOTALLY sketchy. It's down a random stairwell, and not labeled.
M. W.
Fun place to enter, great ambience, plenty of free pretzels which was nice tho we would have been happy to be able to purchase snacks.
M. &. C. G.
Absolutely incredible establishment with the perfect bar tenders that are so knowledgeable! We love scotch and learned so much more from the outstanding service provided by Elliot and the other bar tender (sorry forgot his name but long hair and soo knowledgeable)! Massive selection, good pour and the coolest atmosphere which reminds me of a speak easy bar in California. They even have they even have their own Baxter Inn scotch which tasted great!
Z. M.
Awesome little inn with great bartenders. The unlimited pretzels were so cool and the vibe is immaculate. Very expensive but worth it for the experience.
D. P.
Very special place in the city of Sydney, despite the entrance to this place but that is what makes it unique and exclusive. Little known to people who are not from Sydney but I think that little by little it is on the agenda of people who come from outside. It has a cast of waiters very well prepared and knowledgeable of what they are doing and serving. Friendly, helpful and with good humor. As for your drinks, little to say, in line with what has been described, spectacular. In addition, the air that is breathed is cozy, close and elegant.
D. P.
I just come for the quality, reusable straws.
Great for the environment and 'The Baxter Inn' management deserves recognition for this fantastic, eco initiative.
A. B.
this Speakeasy is one of my best discovery on this trip. Not just because I love Whiskey but because it is a legitimate contender for the best lounges, bars, clubs in Sydney.
The staff there is on top of their game. The Whiskey menu is extensive although a few more Japanese options could be added.
The interior is brilliant and throughout you can find all sorts of memorabilia from a time passed.
I highly recommend it and I hope to be back soon.
For your information, the way in is through the alley, turn right, descend as dodgy flight of stairs…and voila !!
G. M.
Great Whiskey Bar in the centre of Sydney. Fantastic selection of mostly single malt varieties. Dark and dingy with mood lighting, have been a number of times will definitely go back
S. B.
Great little whisky bar to visit. The Baxter Inn has a huge selection of whiskey to choose from but also has other drinks and cocktails on offer. I’ve enjoyed dropping in here when I go to Sydney to try something different each time. Definitely worth a visit!
T. H.
Amazing speakeasy bar with knowledgeable bartenders and delicious drinks. Our favorite of 3 speakeasy bars we checked out in Sydney. Definitely not the easiest to find, there are plenty of other reviews that tell you how to find this place. Loved the vibe/atmosphere. Will definitely be back if we’re ever back in town.
E. R.
Great bar. Staff are super friendly and they have live music.
C. F.
Most definitely the number 1 bar in Australia no doubt about that, I had the kentaki mule it was made fresh from scratch, I loved the vibe and the hole concept, its a must go to bar in Sydney!
J. J.
Perhaps the coolest bar in Sydney. Well hidden and exclusive. Amazing selection of Craft Beer and Whiskey. Cocktail list small but incredible and beautifully made.
N.
Hard to find but well worth the effort. As all good speakeasy's should be the Baxter Inn is hard to find. Just look for the stairway that goes down and follow the stairs. When the door opens you will be pleasantly surprised. The staff have some great knowledge on whisky's and I thoroughly enjoyed my stay.
M. D.
Awesome venue,Epic drinks & staff are as efficient as they're able to be but unfortunately the music is so loud makes conversation almost impossible & ruins the atmosphere.
N. K.
A place like Hogwarts! Professional bartenders make perfect cocktails! This place is always busy. If you don’t like loud music, don’t choose this place🙉
R. B.
An amazing experience, superior customer service,step back in time and blow your taste buds away with a selection of amazing flavours
K. H.
A great speakeasy that could easily be one of the best in the world. Every cocktail was delicious and the whiskey menu is intensely huge. The bartenders were all very knowledgeable and knew something about every whiskey on the menu. With over 900 whiskeys that's incredibly impressive. Every part of our experience was outstanding. If you like whiskey, this will be heaven to you.
S.
As always very friendly,knowledgeable staff. Bit of a wait due limited seating so as to be covid safe but nothing too long considering it was Saturday night. Great atmosphere and can accomodate bigger groups as they have booths or smaller sizes. Love the ambiance for a date night, but also just as good for a catch up with friends.
w. g.
Extremely nice little bar located in one of the cities little cobbled laneways.
It gets very busy very fast, get there early for the best spots.
M. T.
Elliiot was the best bartender of all time. His touch was soft despite two raucous femme fatale who couldn't string together a sentence or could connect dot points
D. R.
This place is awesome. Amazing whiskey selection. Better than amazing. Cool place too! Ninja bartenders climbing and jumping around to grab different bottles. Bartenders know their stuff too. Very capable of providing recommendations for all price ranges. And Blanton's Bourbon is cheaper than in the US, which is really weird, but I'm not complaining.
P. N.
Best place when you feel a bit lonely, when you want a quality meet up with your favourite gang, when you have something to celebrate or just want to have a drink with your own thoughts. Just a best place in Sydney.
C. B.
Baxters. Definitely one of Sydney's best bars. If you can find it. They serve lots of whiskey obviously, but the bartenders here can make whatever you want. Great bar staff, very knowledgeable. If you stand near the wall mounted candles beware of the hot wax as it can (and does) drip on you if you're not careful.
M. W.
Hidden local pub located in the basement of Baxter inn. Open m-sat 4-1:30am. Lots of selection. Great bar.
Y. M.
Love this underground whisky bar. Think it's voted some of the best bars in Australia at some point too. They have great music selections and fantastic bar service!
G. D. (. F.
I always go back, noce ambient, huge selection of whiskys and other spirits, old style classic bar... if you go you have to try the house whisky with fresh pressed apple juice!!!
O. J.
A very nice bar, loud music, cosy atmosphere. The rattlesnake cocktail was delicious! However not worth waiting in the long queues that seem to be standard every weekend. Would recommend if you can just walk in.
M. C.
Down a back ally and down fire stairs.
This whiskey bar is amazing with endless choices from around the world. I'm a bourbon man a was blown away. The old fashioned ON TAP was amazing. Also tried bourbon on rocks from Kentucky and a whiskey from Japan.
If your after a nice whiskey bar this place is an absolute must.
If your after a party venue and cheap drinks go else where.
S. B.
Most incredible bar ive ever been to. The drinks were delicious and made with such great detail and flare too. The space itself transports you back in time, paired with the music and lighting by candle light it could easily have been 1920. Highly recommend.
S. K.
Love this place always have. Great place to catch up on the whiskies I missed during lockdown.
M. J.
Best environment and very friendly and hospitable staff! Definitely will continue to come back.
J.
The place was hidden away given it an exclusive feel. The vibe was really cool, reminding me of the whiskey bars in Melbourne. The drink selection was large and the cocktail I had was very interesting. Would come back again.
A.
Whiskey collection is quite good :)
The interiors are vintage and goes well with the whiskey drinkers !
They offers great cocktails as well ;)
Love the crowd the place !
J. L.
Perfect place for a cozy night, the bartenders were super cool, gave us a great surprise and recommendation, really took care of us! Highly recommend to everyone travelling to Sydney to discover this underground bar!
S. Y.
Pretty awesome whiskey bar with a wide selection of choice whiskies. If you can name it, they have it! Seating area was a little limited, so come early or after 11pm. Old fashioned was a crowd favorite and service was generally friendly and attentive.
g. h.
Super friendly bar tenders. Make sure to sample their nice selection of local whiskey — why drink something you can find anywhere in the world.
R. S.
Great place for a whisky connoisseur, gets crowded. Friendly and efficient staff.
g. r.
Arguably the best Whiskey Bar in Sydney! Helpful staff and a wide range of local Australian as well as other global whiskeys. A must visit for locals and tourists alike.
S. F.
Fantastic place for a whiskey & meeting friends. Highly recommend
B. H.
This little prohibition era, speakeasy underground bar is immersive. The drinks are strong and the atmosphere takes you back to a whole different time and space.
D. M.
This place is one of a kind. The atmosphere you will find no where else in Sydney and the biggest range of whiskeys you'll ever find. The bartenders have a lot of knowledge on all kinds of whiskey and the other staff are very helpful. MJ was a great help, offering advice and helping us with anything we needed. Also free pretzels are always a plus and they just keep on comming. One of my favourite places in the city
M. C.
Excellent range of middle & top shelf whiskeys in a venue of delightful vintage inspired ambience. Staff are knowledgeable without being overbearing.
A must visit for a whisky lover in the city.
S. S.
Brilliant world class whiskey bar. The Old Fashioned and Gold Rush were both awesome. Free pretzels too, which is a nice touch you don't see very often.
S.
Really cool hidden place in Sydney. Nice drinks and fun vibe. Very loud music so not ideal if you're wanting to catch up with someone and have proper conversations but a great place to visit nonetheless.
F. S.
Entrance is located at the back of the building. Had to pass through a driveway to get there. Great ambiance!
C. B.
A wide selection of various types of whiskeys, with the staff being very knowledgeable and helpful too. A definite must go to bar for the whiskey lover.
R. M.
Awesome place!!!! First of all you need to find it!! It is not so easy, however it worth!!! For whisky lovers is the perfect place in Sydney! They have a lot of different labels to any taste!! and the bar staff are very helpful!!!
S. C.
I know there’s no way a whisky can cost 4$. But on the 23rd of May night, I ordered the 4$ Japanese whiskey as shown on the board and got charged 34$. Otherwise the bar is near perfect
T. C.
Large selection is a understatement for there wall of whiskey.
They will serve neat and in a cocktail of you choice.
All staff are well versed in the wide range offered.
B. M.
One of, if not the coolest bar I have ever been to. Amazing range of whiskies, knowledgeable bartenders and a wonderful vibe. A must-visit (if you can find it...).
M. B.
The best bar in Sydney by a long shot! Service is phenomenal, atmosphere is always great. I go here mainly for the free pretzels you get when you order.
P. k.
With more than 100 whiskeys to choose from, The Baxter Inn is the pub for any bourbon drinker looking for a cocktail in Sydney. Don't be put off by the line in front of the door—it's well worth the wait. Go simple and try a whiskey neat.
B. Z.
One of the coolest themed bars, EVER. The bartenders are of such high calibre and very well-versed in their alcohols - also incredibly friendly and happy to have a chat (turns out that intriguing glass box on the left wall are gun handles!!). Awesome atmosphere here, of course, and some really special alcohols though the price is a bit on the higher end!!!
Also, the ladders just are the coolest thing in the world, how do you guys not fall and break all the bottles?!?!? My god. Amazing.
D. L.
After flying down to The big smoke for Anzac weekend we were armed with a list of groovy places to visit after heaps of research and some inside knowledge,
Baxter inn was a top target on sunday evening and dressed for the occasion we were ready to rumble... after the mission of finding the venue we were greeted by a the most unfriendly gorilla at the entry door, whose first words were "what do you want"? After standing up from his stool,he says "sign in" whilst glaring at me trying to be intimidating... we both found it amusing as we were there for a fun time and he was obviously intimidated by my ruggedly handsome looks and far superior physique!!
The bar was great and crew very professional, we only had a quick drink.and ventured onto other much more warm and welcoming places on the same street for the rest of night.
Tip... take bananas to make friends with gorilla and he may even smile for you !!
S. B.
One of Sydney's hidden gems!
This underground speak easy has such an amazing atmosphere; feels as if you are being taken right back to the 20's. There may be quite a wait to get in, especially on weekends, but DO NOT give up, it is well worth it.
A. G.
Literally one of the best whisky bars you can go to on the plant. A must visit for Sydney and any true whisky lover.
L. L.
Amazing bar with over 800 whiskies and free pretzels. It is super popular, so expect a line at the door and a line at the bar; but also a peerless selection of great whiskies!
H.
Nice cool hidden speakeasy bar in a central location in Sydney CBD. Great selection of Whsikeys! Our bartender was a bit pretentious though, was quite condescending when I asked for a drink suggestion (admittedly I'm not the most whiskey savvy individual, wouldve been nice to actually get a few decent suggestions however instead of being talked to like I was child)
Will return and avoid that bartender in the future!
S. D.
New to the whisky world and this place was recommended by some friends, overwhelming amount of whiskies, it is quite pricey but the atmosphere and selection make it worthwhile, just wish I was in the city more to enjoy.
J. G.
Very unique cocktails available at this place and they make it with such passion. You will be bowled by the options they have.
L. A.
Great place, good variety of whiskeys and friendly staff. Besides the double charged for one of my drinks, was an overall good experience.
S. M.
What a great little bar! Very prohibition feels! Great decor and music. Great staff who are super energetic and attentive. Great range of whiskeys from around the world. The icing on the cake - free pretzels! Keep up the good work Baxter's!
S. W.
Good atmosphere, nice cocktails. A bit pricy but not excessive with compare to Bars of same class. They don't have pokies so close fairly early which is a let off.
S. L.
Great staff great atmosphere great patrons, music slightly loud can be deafening at times.
B. K.
Great atmosphere and even better beverages! We were initially a little turned-off by the limited vegan options on the set cocktail list, but Glynn (probably have the name/spelling wrong, apologies) was super accommodating and served up some of the best drinks we've had!
R. B.
Amazing cocktails. It always depends on the bartender but Jimmy went above and beyond in serving us all night. He made his own creation cocktails that were amazing and surprise us more than once in his top skills.
V. W.
Superb collection of spirits. Has almost all brands worth having. Serves pretzels only for food, can do with some more finger food options.
J. L.
The range is immense. Took myself down memory lane with a journey from my very first Benriach12 to the smoky Laphroiag to the more delicate Hibiki.
Pretzels are addictive.
s. s.
It is good place to try variety of whisky. The bartenders are friendly and if you don't no what to drink or want to try something different, based on you preference they will provide good suggestions and also nice place to hang out with friends. The ambience is excellent.
V. L.
A great speak easy place with a vast selection of whisky. Not too crowded on a Wednesday night. Perfect for a chill after-work nightcap.
J. M.
One of the best bars in the CBD. Hidden down a back alley, down a sketchy staircase you open up to an amazing prohibition styled saloon. Always a line up so go early! Knowledgeable bar staff with a BIBLE sized liquor menu. 10/10 recommend.
张.
TOP1 Bar inSydney, not only the vibe but also the best wine. I do visit most of bars in SYD, the alcohol here taste strong.
L. R.
Great music atmosphere bartenders and drinks. Their selection of whisky is extensive
D. M.
Off the main street with a back alley entrance gives this an exclusive underground feel. Impressive whiskey collection coupled with a speakeasy ambience makes this a great spot for a drink.
M.
Bring your friend here if they could only visit one bar while in town...
Whiskey wall with that bar table you’ll ever need, OG cocktails, great skills, prohibition-era vibe, a all-welcome policy with walk-ins only.
Tips:
Come in late afternoon on Saturday or early evening during weekdays if you actually want to seat down and appreciate a proper sour. Cuz no matter how great the vibe can be, their drinks are always more worthy. Sometimes there are specials and would always be a good idea to try (fresh buckets of Granny Smiths for whiskey apple juice etc.)
E. M.
Such a fun atmosphere!! So quirky and the bar staff were very attentive and amazing. Recommend everyone to check this place out!
A. H.
A beautiful cocktail bar, I’ve come with a friend from interstate to show him around Sydney. A terrible experience with the security guard at the front that seems he doesn’t like the job. A bad representation of what the venue is all about. He was unnecessarily condescending for no particular reason and was not receptive whatsoever.
B. H.
A must visit venue In Sydney, the most impressive scotch selection in Sydney. But amazing cocktails and wines for the non scotch lover
A. Q.
This place is an absolute vibe. Amazing selection of whiskies and some pretty nice beers as well. Nice dim lighting, constant stream of pretzels, but nothing beats the smack of whiskey you get the moment you walk through the door - which you find at the bottom of a fire escape. Amazing.
W.
Bar staff were extremely professional and nice, and were more than willing to give me a quick crash-course in the different types of whisky and what I might like to try. Hard venue to find, but great interior and a very cosy bar.
A. M.
One of the best cocktail bar in Sydney. Located in a hidden place, not so easy to find the first time but is it worth 100%. Cocktails are good, a lot of whiskey and the staff is friendly. Maybe the music is a little bit to high so having a conversation is not that easy but after the second drink you won't mind. Recommended
p. a.
If you are a whiskey lover, this is it. This is the perfect and most amazing place you will come across for all the range of whiskeys. They can never run of the varieties when it comes to their drinks. I love their collection. The place is extremely cozy more like a hidden bar but very popular so not hard to find. I can go to this place any number of times it’s that good.
G. F.
Amazing atmosphere and a massive selection of whiskeys.
M. F.
Hidden under the old building away from the streets, it’s a quirky and New York style speak easy entrance is the unreal selection of scotch! If you are a Scotch lover then this would be one of the best scotch bars in the world. It’s a big call, but the selection is truly Amazing. For those that want to go further, you can ask them
For a private tasting out the back in the cellar, where the barman will give you your undivided attention as long as you need him for. The selection of whisky is truly amazing, and if you want one bar in Sydney to try whisky this is it. Must visit.
R. Y.
Whiskey whiskey whiskey!!! I've died and gone to heaven. Best Old fashioned I've ever had. There are soooooooooooo many whiskeys here I'm going to have to come back every day for ever.
L. A.
This place was hard enough to find that we missed it and went into another bar at first. Pay attention to directions given and look for the bouncer. This is the best speakeasy experience ever! The prohibition-era style and music are unmatched. The drinks and snacks are just a plus. We loved it, and wished we lived here to go more frequently.
R. M.
One of the best bars in Sydney. Great atmosphere and insane range of whiskey, including a delicious old fashioned on tap.
If going as a group, note there is no/limited phone signal inside as it's in a basement, and you may need to queue to get in on busier days (but worth the wait).
n.
Really niche little bar with a old western feel. Fantastic whiskey selection and great staff. Will definitely be back!
J. D.
Good atmosphere and location downstairs. Great drink selection, plenty of whisky to sample
A. S.
A very traditional European bar. Very lovely ambience. A little hard to find but once you find it you will definitely go again.
Variety of whisky around few hundreds and very knowledgeable and friendly bar staff.
J. B.
Wonderful bar, always has been and hopefully it will continue in this way for many years to come. Such a positive energy and delicious whiskeys 😊
A. S.
Can't stress enough about how amazing this hidden treasure is ! Located amidst the city , yet so discrete. I was never a big fan of Jazz music but this place turned me into one! And yeah.. it would be an injustice to this place if I don't appreciate their wide collection of whiskey and fancy cocktails! Totally recommend this place to anyone who is visiting Sydney !
M. W.
Highly reccomended during the week. Weekends are just far too busy and ruins that atmosphere. Beautiful little whiskey bar but very spacious, and with a ridiculously extensive whiskey selection. The beer selection was very impressive too.
R. S.
So many whiskeys and whiskys to choose from! The staff are very well educated on the different varieties.
j. l.
Great range of drink's. In a speak easy feel to the place, however with so many hard surfaces it gets quite noisey and hard to hold a conversation.
T. N.
Tucked away in a quiet corner, this bar was anything but silent.
Great choice of whisky, excellent bar staff and a fun atmosphere.
The bar can get busy, so make sure you get there early if you want a table.
D. O.
We drank so many of the Salt drinks and ate so many bowls of pretzels here we absolutely ruined our dinner res and it was 1000% worth it. This is one of my favorite bars I've ever been to and Tom is an absolute gem. Highly recommend to whisky and non whisky lovers -- I am usually not interested but the Salt bev was the best cocktail I've had.
P. F.
You will be transformed to a world of fantasy in this american styled whisky bar. Do make sure you try the cocktails and enjoy the underground vibe!
T. F.
Wow wow wow
3 places in one night and 2 a real hit. Baxter Inn you lived up to everything we have heard.
The perfect place for great drinks in a save environment. Seating arrangements, ordering, drinks, staff and managers a huge hit!
I. T.
Great selection of single malts. Unfortunately too noisy and also there were a lot of whiskies that were in the menu but not available on the shelf. Not easy when you have to shout to bar man and go through the massive list again to get what you want. But the concept is good overall
R. K.
Nice vibe, cool atmosphere - bit hard to find! Great hidden bar. Amazing whiskey selection as well as good beers and wine. A must visit while in Sydney. Authentic bar - old school with ladders to get to the top shelf. Very cool.
C. G.
Wow. If you like Scotch then this is a place to drink it.
A bountiful selection with a wide range of prices so you can enjoy yourself regardless of budget.
Great music although it can be loud... But the reality is the intimate atmosphere and fun seating means that it still works really well for groups.
If you are a first timer don't be nervous about the alleyway... It's all good!
L. Z.
Very special bar hidden in the CBD. Not fan of whisky but their beer is very good!
D. M.
Wow! Such an awesome prohibition experience. The entry is an obscure staircase behind a fire door which only adds to the historicity of entire experience.
A bartender, Cameron, who had justjust finished his shift sat down to have a conversation with me about whiskey and offered a quick taste of what he was enjoying. He was incredibly knowledgeable and I was so impressed with his attitude after his shift.
The atmosphere is just like an old speakeasy with friendly people everywhere. The whiskey range is just incredible. Global whiskey that ranges from $8 a glass to $888. You pick the price range and the bartenders try to match your taste profile. Which they did in 2 drinks for me! Amazing!
This isn't a place to come if you just want to drink. This is a place to come for a holistic experience around expert whiskey and taste.
A. S.
An amazing whisky bar. Selection is off the charts, bartenders are friendly and support knowledgeable in terms of their drink selection. Entrance is inconspicuous down a dark alleyway, but totally worth it.
Free pretzels are offered to all patrons.
Get there early or be prepared to wait in line!
A. B.
A whiskey heaven hidden in a back alley down in a dark, musty, candle lit basement cellar! The barman (I'm sure there's a more correct name) are extremely knowledgeable about the 1,000 or so bottles on offer from all over the globe. It's really a worthwhile visit for the novice to fully fetched aficionados!
K. L.
Glorious place. The apple whiskeys are out of this world and the free pretzels are awesome. Fantastic vibe but can get crazy busy on popular nights. One of my favourite places to go for a drink in Sydney
E. L.
Best cocktail bar in Sydney. No question. Watching the bartenders mix drinks, engage with customers and really know what they're doing behind the bar was impressive. So is the whiskey/whisky selection! And the atmosphere is perfect, the crowd never gets too full to feel comfortable, the bouncers are DECENT and really pay attention to what's going on inside and out. Love this hidden/not so hidden gem!
T. R.
The consistency of this place is unparalleled. It doesn't matter what night you visit, it is always a great experience. The selection of whiskey mixed with the staff's knowledge makes for great experience. The atmosphere on top of that is like nothing else in Sydney.
E. T.
Still the best whiskey bar in Sydney. Fantastic range of Australian and international single malts, some rare scotches and all the classics. The bartenders really know their stuff too. Great atmosphere here!
Get in early to get a table (opens at 4pm, tables are usually full before 5). Prices start at about $15 per glass, with many, many good whiskeys around the $20-$30 mark. Anyone who appreciates whiskey should check it out.
K. C.
What an assortment of whisky! From Scottish to Japanese it's all here. Atmosphere of the place is quite dank and dark which may appeal to some.
A. T.
Amazing Pub, hard to find originally but now I know where it is, I'll definitely be back.
Bit on the pricey side but for a Whiskey and Cocktail Bar, overall not too bad.
F.
Amazing atmosphere and brilliant bartender. It can get very busy but when I went it was nice and quiet. Very knowledgeable about their whiskeys
O. S.
Hidden away down an alley then down some stairs but is surely the best whiskey bar in Sydney. The range is incredible and the knowledge and capability of their bartenders is second to none. If you're looking for a whiskey bar then you've come to the right place, but if you're looking for a quality place to drink in general with an excellent atmosphere/music and range of drinking options then you'll also find yourself home here.
E. M.
Incredible hidden bar. Great music, vibes and scotch selection is unmatched in Sydney and maybe all of Australia.
D. (.
The experience is unique, like a time warp. That's after you manage to find the place down a dodgy laneway and staircases. Once inside, it's seriously packed, but with clientele with $$$, as this place is definitely not priced like your usual bar. The whiskys are extensive and high end. Would be nice if the toilets weren't so dark and smelly, and the seats not sticky for what seems to aim at a more refined market.
M. A.
Wow. What an amazing whisky bar. Just getting there is a challenge, but well worth it. With a wall of whiskies to choose from, there's a drink for anyone's taste, and budget. Starting at ~$11 you'll still get a great range of fine whiskies, but prices can head north pretty quickly. The atmosphere and surroundings is something to experience, the music was relaxed jazz, not too loud to chat, but the crowd quickly built making ordering a tad difficult later in the evening. Even getting some candle wax somehow dripped down the back of my jumper couldn't detract from the 5 star rating. Sorry, no photos it was too dim to get a decent shot.
D. C.
Service was great, our barman gave us a few good recommendations and then was able to tell us about the region and flavours to expect when drinking and how to get a different experience each time. Highly recommended you get a seat at the bar if you are not knowledgeable about your scotch. Great experience, great atmosphere and free pretzels
A. R.
A lovely hidden gem with some amazing selections.
R. S.
So many whiskeys and whiskys to choose from! The staff are very well educated on the different varieties.
F. F.
You never disappointed, good staff good service
T. F.
Wow wow wow
3 places in one night and 2 a real hit. Baxter Inn you lived up to everything we …
Y. K.
Cocktails are good but there is a lack of variety in the menu. The place has an interesting smell which is hard to explain, sth like humidity.
F.
Amazing atmosphere and brilliant bartender. It can get very busy but when I went it was nice and quiet. Very knowledgeable about their whiskeys
P. J.
I didn't know it was there, I will be going back again. Great selection of scotches.
A. S.
A very traditional European bar. Very lovely ambience. A little hard to find but once you find it you will definitely go again.
Variety of whisky around few hundreds and very knowledgeable and friendly bar staff.
A. T.
Amazing Pub, hard to find originally but now I know where it is, I'll definitely be back.
Bit on the pricey side but for a Whiskey and Cocktail Bar, overall not too bad.
R. N.
My personal favourite bar in Sydney so far
J. L.
The range is immense. Took myself down memory lane with a journey from my very first Benriach12 to the smoky Laphroiag to the more delicate Hibiki. …
A. L.
Such a good place with a large selection of delicious and well chosen whiskies. The atmosphere and vibe is warm, mellow and a little smoky. Just like how a whisky bar should be. Perfect for a night out with friends and workmates.
Y. K.
Cocktails are good but there is a lack of variety in the menu. The place has an interesting smell which is hard to explain, sth like humidity.
M. W.
This place is a God send for whisky drinkers! You will not be disappointed: friendly staff, catchy tunes, great atmosphere, and a geeat selection of whiskies to choose from. Even those people looking for a cool bar to drink at and soak up the vibes will enjoy!
M. L.
Holy moly, this has got to be the most amazing whisky bar in Sydney!
Not only can the staff tell you everything you need to know about whisky, but they also make amazing cocktails.
Decor feels like a hybrid of traditional saloon and hipster bar, but Baxter Inn pulls it off well. Definitely the go to place with visitors and friends
A. S. K.
Hidden place. Really want to let people know about this place. Absolutely the best place for dating. You will love their atmosphere.
N. E.
Coolest bar experience. When you first enter the stairs you are asking your self are you in the right place. But once you open the door at the bottom of the stairs, enter the bar and are greeted by staff you know your in the right place by the many bottles in the wall. Great service, great experience, huge selection of wisky with a few other options. This is a must do!
b. o.
If you like whisky and have deep pockets this is your jam. Beware the extremely loud music.
F. L.
Amazing whiskey bar in speakeasy style. Hidden away in a small lane is this 60 era style bar that is super stylish and has a great selection of cocktails and whiskeys. The bar tenders have amazing moustaches and look the part. Good place to take a date to and show them that Sydney still has some nightlife. Highly recommended
P. C.
I tried my first Japanese whisky there, Hibiki 17...great experience. The barman was friendly, gave me some advices and we even got some free nibbles. The place is really cool but very busy. We had to stand for 10min before finding a seat. They have a great choice of liquors, go and check it out!
M. B.
Such a nice bar - great service by one of the girls in the bar (the remainder of staff.. not so much) and drinks were delicious!
C. A.
Love a drink? Like scotch/whisky? Get to this place, and fast!
Great bar and great staff.
I lost my wallet somewhere in the city on a big night out and after visiting Baxters. I staggered back to the bar (dunno how I found it in my state!) and asked if they could look for it. (Easy to find a black wallet in a dimly lit bar!)
They did that, but when they couldn't find it, the Door Guardian gave me $10 to help me get home! How nice is that?
I suggest spending $1,500 on a nice glass of whisky. :-) (Or around $30 if you aren't Richard Branson.)
B. J.
The range of scotches here is an experience in itself, but scarily the bar staff actually know the flavour profiles of them all! Intimate space, great atmosphere, often very busy and can be hard to get a table. But please visit anyway you will enjoy yourself !
P. B.
I'm sure I would have loved it, had I had the opportunity to get inside! I was in Sydney for two nights and both nights I tried to get in, on recommendation from the guys at Burrow bar, but both nights there were queues of people waiting outside the door - and with so much other choice and such little time decided not to wait. Shame as I love whiskey...
If it's been helpful hit like please!
A. S.
Quirky place, great long island ice tea and fortunately didn't have to wait long for it. Great underground feel by way of decor and dim lighting. Pretty cool experience and although known for a wide variety of whiskey , it suited me the non whiskey drinker. I highly recommend. Great experience and service
M. P.
My favourite cocktail bar.
I'm a sucker for the speakeasy vibe but once I took a look at the whiskey selection I was hooked. Found a few Japanese whiskies I've always wanted to try as well as a few Canadian ones which ironically I'd never found in Canada.
Service is competent, and professional.
Absolutely a must hit in Sydney.
A. R.
All the staff was friendly drinks are just right
It was our first time won't be our last for sure
A. B.
This is easily my favourite bar in Sydney. I travel up for work every couple months and try to get here every time. Always a great atmosphere, whether it's a Tuesday night or Friday night, Baxter's is always busy. Excellent range and selection of whiskeys, the staff are always extremely knowledgeable and helpful, even if you're not a whiskey connoisseur.
J. C.
Whiskey, pretzels, knowledgeable and helpful staff - with good recommendations, especially on a weeknight to fill you in on some whiskey trivia.
D. G.
This wonderful little gem is absolutely hidden. We went with someone who has been a few times before and even she got lost trying to get there! You line up at a door which seems to be a rear exit fire door, and then descend down a couple of flights of stairs, before opening into a dimly light cave of sensational atmosphere! It has the largest range of whisky I have seen before, and sports some awesome cocktails as well. We went here on a Friday night, and as expected it was packed.
R. D.
Recommended to me by an excellent cocktail bartender in Berlin. The Baxter Inn doesn't disappoint.
Great staff behind the bar who are open to creating bespoke cocktails if you feel like chatting them up.
The space channels a speakeasy vibe and your may want to arrive a few minutes early in your first visit to locate the venue. Signage is minimal, but it's worth the trouble.
G. F.
This place has a great ambiance. The staff are knowledgeable and the drinks are truly amazing. They have a very extensive range of whiskey and scotch too. The only downside to this establishment is that it can get a bit busy at times and the people in there are known to be arrogant. Other than that... This place is a great hidden gem in Sydney
R. M.
Amazing selection of whiskey
Sam thank you for your amazing hospitality and recommendations ,keep smiling, we will definitely be back ,Hope you will have Hellyers available.
B. D.
Delicious, great variety and amazing atmosphere. One of the best places to head out for drinks in Sydney, assuming you like a good whiskey. Neat. Can be hard to get a seat (frustrating to observe a whole table not drinking any whiskey) and the food service could stand to be improved (we ordered some pizzas and it took around 2 hours to arrive - thankfully we were busy drinking).
D. “. N.
With friendly and knowledgeable staff, it's the go-to for whiskey lovers! Highly recommended visiting on Wednesday and Thursdays when it's not so busy.
s. e.
Fabulous Whiskey bar. And delicious cocktails too.
w. x.
Love the ambiance and nice music. Quite a small bar and might have a line to get in, but the overall look and feel of the bar is great for relaxing and having a few drinks with friends.
Free pretzels are available and everyone seems to order the whiskey with green apple juice. Cocktails are not to my liking though.
G. P.
One of the best experience I have done so far in Sydney. An incredible range of wine, whisky and spirits. We tried different whiskeys and scotches which ranye, a super gentle bartender from uk, suggested us. If you are the owner of this place you should look after these guy! Awesome customer service.
Also the location is amazing.
I would definitely come back again.
J. H.
The bar has a great selection if whiskies with staff who are always willing to help and recommend different choices.
a. a.
This is one of the best whiskey bars in the world. The bartenders are super knowledgeable and the speakeasy theme fits! They also have great cocktails, however the crown jewel is the whiskey list!
R. H.
A whiskey lover's heaven! Lots of selection from all over the world. Place have no cell reception, so enjoy your time and forget about the internet distraction. This place was also super busy at night, even at workdays. They also have super loud music when the crowd get busier.
S. H. &. b.
Beautiful whisky based cocktail ....if you're whisky lover must go Baxter inn
J. C.
Great bar and delicious cocktails warm environment good people and you will enjoy spending time there. Will come back again
J. A.
This is one of the best bars in Sydney. Located down an alley way it is in the style of a 1940's prohibition era bar. Serving some of the most expensive whiskeys down to some great affordable whiskeys I highly recommend this bar. When I have friends or family from out of town I always take them to Baxters.
K. S.
Best selection of whiskey in Sydney.
It's expensive but no different from other whiskey places.
The atmosphere is cool, dark and sexy. Go here on a romantic date or with family. Anything goes. Wouldn't recommend for young kids though.
Queues get bad in the evening so try to get here early.
J. G.
Awesome bar with an old-school, speakeasy vibe. If you can, try to grab a seat at the bar and chat up the friendly, talented bartenders. The whisky list is extensive, and the cocktails are delicious. Can't wait to go back!
A. B.
Wow just wow. Walk Down a street way then some dingy staircase and walk back in time to a dimly lit paradise. So many whiskey's to choose from and free pretzels and water. The team are great and really chatty. The atmosphere is awesome. Can't wait to go back
M. K.
I loved it. Tucked away on Clarence street on a circa 120 sq.m basement. Excellent low dimmed lighting, fantastic ambience. We had screw drivers for A$10 each and couple of cocktails at A$18-A$25, super imaginative but too many calories I guess 😊. The crowd is mature and I would assume late 20s and up, mostly male maybe @ ~70% but few nice ladies also frequent this place. Music good old stuff, rock n roll, rock & blues, jazzy etc.
Overall, my preferred Bar in Sydney!
D.
Cannot recommend enough. One of the gems of Sydney night life. You feel transported straight into prohibition times when you take the hidden stair well down and open the door. Worth dressing nicely for and getting your scotch on
Expensive but so worth it
S. A.
The best whisky bar in Sydney. Amazing selection of single malts. Go early if you want to get a seat on Fri/Sat. Very helpful and accommodating bartenders who will make whatever you ask, even if not on the menu.
R. V. K.
The staff are great at settings the mood and atmosphere, friendly and ready for a laugh. I'm not a whiskey or scotch drinker but look forward to their cocktails because they actually know how to make them. Can't go past a classic mojito.
W. L.
It's so fun to just stand by the bar to watch the bartenders mix the drinks! Every one of them looks so dedicated and serious in their art. Since it was my first time here, my friend was ordering the drinks. While I don't know the names of the drinks, every one of them tasted so delicious! It's definitely an experience at this bar. TIP: If you can't make up your mind about what you want, the bartender is happy to mix a set of random drinks for you!
A. F.
A truely uniqe experience, specially if you're a whiskey fan. This is mainly a whiskey bar, with a mind blowing rang of whiskeys from 10$ a shot to 2k+. But they offer beers, cocktails etc. Ambience is unique and definitely worth a try.
R. M.
A must if you want to add a touch of class to your night, the drinks never fail to impress and the staff are dressed up to the nines.
The cocktails are great, and I recommend trying an apple and whisky. As for the whisky itself... It's a safe bet that they'll have what your after and then some. That being said, you'll definitely pay for the privilege with some of the more expensive/rare stuff.
A. M.
Always impressed when I visit Baxter's great knowledge of drinks love the vibe and the jazz in the background is well appreciated
S. D.
Four different whiskies ordered, sold out. The mixed drinks and whiskies I ended up with were delightful, and service was good... But if you're going to have a printed menu, yeeeeah, please keep the menu up to date.. it was a Monday, so not like those bottles got smashed today
G. V.
MUST GO!!! The best bar during my Sydney trip, the entrance was very mysterious! The knowledge and work ethic behind every employee was outstanding! AMAZING music plus the best whiskey line up. And I was secretly in love with my bartender😍
A. S.
Pretty cool spot to enjoy a dram. Definitely not a 'quiet' dram. Huge selection of whiskeys. Great vibe and atmosphere. 4 stars because it's so damn expensive and the bartender wasn't very friendly.
J. B.
Came many times for a drink with a few friends on a Thursday nigh. Go to place for their whiskey but cocktail can be a hit and miss sometimes. Love their whiskey selection ranging from 14 to 1500 per shot. The Asian bartender can entertain you sometimes and also can make you an OK cocktail, i ordered 5 cocktail not really happy with any of the drinks: old fashion was overly bitter and not enough sugar( not balanced), whiskey sour was quite bland and nothing interestin (not well balanced), house cocktail was (ok), brandy alexander was not a good choice and we did NOT enjoy it at all because the drink had a minty flavour to it while its not supposed to but the unlimited bar snacks saved the night (none of us want to order another drink because we didn't enjoy much of it). I wrote this review from a bartender background perspective, i was a happy customer many other times visited this great establishment but not last night. I prefer to drink alot but with the quality of cocktail and pricing atm, my money will be more valuable toward smaller business and higher quality drinks from a different bar!
P. T.
They have a selection of whiskey, but you can always ask for regular cocktails. Very comfortable and cozy interior with low lighting and snug fernishings. It's usually a bit crowded and loud. But still can't beat their whiskey.
T.
Your Mission should you choose to accept it to find this secret bar. Ask for Storm- he made us drinks that were worth every cent, divine; delicious and delectable. He knows his stuff! Regardless though the whole experience was amazing!!!
D. Z.
Great place for a chilled out session. Amazing selection that wont be eaten anywhere! Highly recommend
M.
Great hidden gem. Their array of whisky is phenomenal, and they're always able to recommend a delicious drop when you're in the mood for something different. Expect to pay about $20-25 for a glass of something delicious.
D. R.
If whiskey is your thing, Baxter's immense selection makes this the place to be. Their cocktails are also pretty outstanding, as are their helpful and accommodating bartenders/wait staff. Nice ambience if dark spots appeal to you.
It can get rather crowded though, so getting in earlier is usually the safer bet on weekends. Can also be a little pricey, but well worth it for the quality of drinks.
A. T.
Great secluded bar with extremely knowledgeable staff. Recommended for whiskey lovers as well as novices. Tell the staff what you like and they will find you something.
G.
NOT EASY TO FIND ... but that's half the appeal. Usually crowded, yet with great ambience. Spectacular array of whiskies. Attentive and knowledgeable bar staff.
One of only two Australian bars to make it to the 2018 awards of 'The World's 50 Best Bars'.
D. C.
If you don’t know where it is you wont find it. As soon as you open the door you feel like a nice atmosfere in a old American style whisky bar.
Huge selection of whisky, different beers and some cocktails.
Nice and professional service.
Love this place!
J. H.
An amazing venue. The cocktails are devine. It was almost like stepping back in time just walking through the door.
T. K.
Always enjoyed here!
B. J. v. R.
It's always a good experience even though it is quite pricey.
R. B.
Awesome selection of whisky and some hard to find ones too. A little crowded and noisy for a week night but well managed by door staff.
Definitely a place to go if you want to try something new.
O. R.
A must go place for anybody who likes Whiskey. A massive collection of whiskey from around the globe. A wide price range, so anybody will find their fit.
Knowledgeable staff, happy to answer any questions you may have regarding the drop you are drinking. The atmosphere is friendly, dimmly lit, sublevel early 19 th century style
J. B.
Great service from James! My boyfriend and I had an awesome evening here. I'm not a whisky drinker but I had plenty of other options. Yummy gin cocktails!
g. t.
One of the best whisky bars in town with cracking atmosphere, passionate staff & a back bar with some real hard to find gems.
If you're in it for the atmosphere, came on Friday nights but get there early to queue. If you're in it for the whisky, head down later on Monday nights and nab a seat at the bar.
A. W.
Probably great if you love whiskey. Otherwise, it's just another dark, small though atmospheric bar. Came here on a Friday. Atmosphere is OK, but there are plenty of other bars in Sydney that have that same feel. What I didn't like is that they don't serve any food at all so if you're looking to have nibbles to go with your drinks, this isn't your place.
C. F.
Fantastic bar! Walk down a back alley stepping over puddles and weaving through air conditioning exhausts to find what looks like a close off fire escape which actually leads to a very comfortable and very cool bar that's all atmosphere! Interesting old photos of boxers and prize race horses adorn the walls with exposed brick archways overhead. The whiskey selection will knock your socks off!
P.
Baxters never fails to deliver. We went for a scotch tour of the new world and the old world, and James, one of their expert barstaff delivered in spades. Later on we moved onto the need for some custom cocktails, and again the staff surpassed expectations. It's a world renowned bar for a reason. This evening was proof it belongs amongst the world's best.
J. G.
IF you can find this place... You won't want to leave. A speakeasy that's true to everything you can imagine. The bartenders are like your very own personal whisky/spirit concierge. Ask them anything and let your taste buds and senses be entertained!
Order an old fashioned.
Try something new.
Do it discretely.
Leave Happy.
F. S.
One of the most impressive bars. The whisky list is huge and they have almost any spirits you can think of. The bartenders work great. On Fridays and Saturdays make sure to get there earlier or expect a line up.
b. w.
this small bar is dedicated to whiskey and as such its quite great. I've been in and the drinks/cocktails are quite good and they give you pretzels as a nibble. The wall of whiskey is impressive. The only quibble is that its probably a bit too dark. Otherwise, good all round.
A. T.
Very busy, definitely will be a line to get in. Once you're in it's a really awesome layout, might be hard to get a seat. The people are usually lovely, and usually in their 30's and everyone is beautiful there.
The staff are lovely but there will always be a wait for the drinks.
The drinks are nice, they do fresh apple with a shot for about $8 which isn't terrible.
The drinks are all amazing, ask them to recommend something, they're so friendly.
A. H.
One of my favourite speakeasy’s in town. Hidden gem in a central location. Manages to stay a quality, unpretentious establishment despite it’s worldwide renowned. A bit hard to find, it’s down an alleyway behind a plain door. Going down the stairs you are opened into a vibrant world, feels like a fancy dive bar filled with character and quality.
Very cosy and busy, where you will have to navigate those sitting at the bar to get a drink, but is all part of the charm. Bartenders are extremely experienced, with rotating cocktails keeping things fresh, an ode to the bar’s character and old timely quality. Also a smaller selection of cocktails allows them to perfect and present at the highest quality.
The bartenders never seem rushed, service tends to be slow due to the details in the cocktails, but they’ll often multitask and serve multiple people at once.
A very fun, loud but cosy venue, also free pretzels! Definitely recommend for a catch up with mates or an impressive 4th date spot.
c. c.
Staff very knowledgeable about product. V,cosy atmosphere.
K. R.
One of my favourite bars in Sydney to visit. The busy atmosphere and music really make the place. I forgot to mention the best bit, the whiskey, being a whiskey lover, the number of whiskeys is amazing and the price isn't too crazy.
C. V.
Amazing Whisk(e)y bar in Sydney. The selection is extensive, the music is great, and the bartenders are some of the best I have encountered. The bartenders are extremely knowledgeable and professional, their recommendations always seem to be on point, and they are seriously skilled at making mixed drinks as well.
A. C.
Highly over-rated hipster bar.
If you love drinking obscure whiskys served by bearded hipsters in aprons, then this is the place for you. Very long (slow moving) lines on Friday nights and weekends. There is some quite nice ambiance in the booths, but zero chance of getting one when they are busy
K. M.
One amazing hidden gem.
Music is not nice and soft so you can hear the person whom you are talking to.
Could sit there all night.
B. H.
Still has a massive range of whiskey, friendly and knowledgeable staff in a quirky boutique setting.
Can be daunting to those who are new to find and enter, as the alleyway can be dark, particularly at night, and is accessed by a Stairwell behind a somewhat unassuming door.
The Google maps marker does help to find the alleyway, and if no-one in your group has been before, the security staff outside, at the inner end of the alleyway, are happy to help for the specific directions to enter.
K. S.
Remains one of the top small bars in Sydney with a whiskey selection second to none but always a great few choises of beer. Due to popularity I would strongly recommend going either Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday to avoid queues or the place being packed
m.
Voted as one of the world's 50 best bars, I've heard so much about this place and knew I had to go there. I must say it's definitely not easy to find for first timers figuring your own way there and I almost went into a wrong bar thinking that it's Baxter Inn.
Super lively atmosphere, pro bartenders doing their thing, tons of people gathered by the bar to get a drink or two (or more), a jaw-dropping backdrop of whiskey bottles makes for a pretty awesome first impression.
Totally spoilt for choice or rather lost in the sea of whiskey, I think this place is probably heaven for whiskey lovers and even if you don't (I don't), you will probably be a convert.
s. 1.
This place has its own atmosphere. It is usually crowded and very noisy. Good whiskey selection tho
R. K.
Fantastic spot for a drink, and the greatest entrance of all time.
D. H.
Amazing atmosphere, it's like something from the prohibition era - Boardwalk Empire :)
D. L.
Hidden underground bar which made me feel delighted as I came in because it surprised me with this dimly lit cozy ambience with lots of people inside. Hard to get a table and me and my date would wait for a minute before we could scoot in some chairs near the ledge. Wide array of liquors/alcohoo displayed. Definitely a must go place when you are in the city.
A. K.
Discovered this place in late 2013. By then it was already popular. Even so I still frequent this place just to try a scotch I've never heard of or one of their cocktails. The free pretzels add a nice touch. If I was entertaining a few mates from out of town I'd bring them here.
S. O.
Absolutely the best location for goos whiskey, the best knowledgeable staff that are friendly, helpful and love to chat. Great location and atmosphere, can be an expensive night or not they have many, mant whiskeys at all prices. Great, great, great.
S. R.
What a great, albeit hidden place! Steamy hot tonight but tons of atmosphere and hundreds of whiskies - yummo! And met a fabulous Scottish whiskey fanatic with his gorgeous wife - just to add to the experience. Go - you'll love it!!
S. S.
Awesome cocktails! We accidentally went to the wrong bar to start, but found our way and were happy we did.
J. H.
Best whisky bar in town. Knowledgable staff and good ambience. Definitely ask for their recommendations and be adventurous! Noisy and busy so be prepared for queues round the corner and wait for drinks.
A.
Had high hopes after reading the reviews but it fell a bit short of expectations - not my idea of a night out with friends.
Pros
1. Polite and skilled staff, we had cocktails.
Cons
1. The shabby entrance
2. Seperate Whiskey/Cocktail+Wine+Beer/Pizza menus, each needs to be requested. I can’t remember menus being guarded at any place like they are here.
3. No finger food other than pizzas (and free pretzels)
4. No table service (other than refills for the free pretzels) they ring a bell when the pizza is ready and it needs to be collected from the counter.
5. Credit card surcharge
P. L.
Hidden away down a small alley way on Clarence Street, and down stars into the basement, going into this bar feels like you've stepped back in time. Great for the young professionals and of course whisky lovers. Great atmosphere and good place to unwind after a long week of work. The pretzels are a bonus!
R. L.
Very sketchy secret entrance, but the buzz about this place makes sure it is always busy. Hard to find a table or seat but the environment is great so it's fine to lean back, wait for a a table, or congregate near the bar. Great whiskeys, cocktails, and apple juice and whiskey. Was surprised at how great this combo was myself. In addition they have bowls of pretzels. They understand the cardinal rule of alcohol and salty snacks 🙂
D. A.
A must do location for anyone that appreciates a fantastic range of spirits and the finest of skilled bar staff.
Forget the cocktail menu. It only has a handful of items. These guys specialise in presenting the classics with such precision. Do some research and arrive with an favourite mind. My go to is an old fashion on Woodford reserve.
The range of whisky is truely impressive.
Make your night and drop in here, you won't be disappointed.
C. T.
I was expecting good things of this place. Waited outside for 15 minutes with a few friends, walked down the stairs and was faced with a beautiful wall of whisky. Then, the noise of the place was too loud to speak to the person next to you, and it wasn't even that the music was loud, I wish it were that. I thought the cocktails were good, nothing to tell others about, and Sydney has better cocktail Bars. The bartenders knew their stuff, but the prices were way too much for what they offer.
J. T.
What a wonderful, mysterious & fun bar hidden away so it's intriguingly hard to find. Upbeat, groovy atmosphere & an amazing selection of whisky. Greasy cocktails too.
J. D.
Awesome underground bar with an incredible selection of scotch/whiskey. Love the free pretzels although sometimes they take a while to refill the bowls when they're busy (which is understandable). Get in early during peak times as once they are full it can take ages to get in if you have to line up.
S. H.
Absolutely adore this bar, feels like I’m stepping back in time to the 1920’s. Fabulous cocktails and live jazz, lots of seating and a buzzing atmosphere. Great spot for after work drinks and first dates.
P. S.
Came here with a friend visiting sydney. Heard a lot about this place and was shocked to find an underground prohibition era style speakeasy through a random alleyway and down a dodgy staircase and door at the bottom. The vibe was loud, bustling and chaotic. Definitely should hit up one of these bars if you're visiting Sydney. It's an interesting experience. You would not normally come across a place like this. Warning though - $50 ish for two old fashions and a G and T (but wasn't expected).
B. D.
Try The Baxter Inn. Good Place.
M. M.
Whiskey sours...start there...keep going.
The lane is so dark on entry you probably think twice before continuing on but please press on and experience the best whisky bar Sydney has to offer.
You like whisky? You go.
You vaguely interested in trying whisky? You go.
Do it.
D. V. D.
The best whiskey bar I've seen. A truly massive collection. The downside is booze is expensive in Australia so the prices are high and bartenders carefully measure each poor.
G.
I’ve been coming here for years and can’t believe I haven’t reviewed it yet. I mean it’s a pretty wicked place with a nice atmosphere and friendly bar staff. The drinks are pricey but worth it. Free pretzels and limited seating (but not that bad). Highly recommend 🤩
C. L.
If you’re looking for whiskey, you’re in the right place. The bartenders know their spirits and can make a damn good drink. It gets crowded every night so you’ll have to hunt for a table and a seat.
You can find it by going down the alley in between King St. and Market along Clarence, you’ll probably see a line of people going to a door to your right. Bring your ID since they card almost everyone.
A. K.
Incredible underground whiskey bar. Seems a little dodge at first with having to walk through a dark alleyway followed by a fire escape to get in, but well worth it. Be sure to get there early as they close at midnight. Huge selection of Whiskey with great bar tenders. Little expensive though. about $8 a drink
r. m.
Cracking bar. Amazing range of whisky and the bar staff are super knowledgeable and happy to offer recommendations.
T. G.
If you didn't know it was here you'd have to be pretty brave to walk down a dark alley, around the corner, and down some dingy stairs - but it's all worth it: The bartenders are always friendly and generous with their advice for whiskey novices. This is also THE place to take out-of-towners to impress. It's pretty cool.
M. S.
Love this place! Seasoned whiskey drinkers will appreciate what probably is the largest range of whiskey in the city. Bar staff are awesome which complements perfectly the theme of bar.
S.
Love this place sat by the bar opened a tab and just enjoyed the Atmosphere and Drink, Also countless free Pretzels happy days. Also Bar Staff are awesome smart and friendly. Great selection of Whiskys.
S. S.
Amazing selection, great atmosphere, helpful staff, not much more you can ask for.
Make sure you know where you're actually going (is a little tricky to find), get in early to get a seat/table and enjoy!
One of the best venues I've ever found in Sydney...
N. S.
I went on a somewhat subdued night, and it was really nice although I thought I was walking into an alleyway that would end up being where I met my demise. I would've never know a bar existed there unless someone brought me to it.
There were enough people to be lively but not so much that you were packed in. The interior was nice and the waitstaff/barstaff were also good. There was a complimentary bowl of chips on the table that they refilled no charge every time it got empty. Music was mostly pre 90's, but I like it that way. Drinks are a bit too steep in price though, but that's the Sydney norm, right?.
N. L.
What can I say - "show me the way to the next whiskey bar".
No need. This is the one and only you'll need. Ridonculous amounts of whiskeys, dark and austere entryway reminding you properly of prohibition era vibes, and a dark interior packed with fellow drinkers. The cocktails are pretty amazing too, known spot for people after a classy drink and a bit of attention from the opposite sex.
S. M.
This small bar has an extensive wall selected of some entry and superior whiskeys up for pouring, get in early on Thursdays and Fridays as no one likes to wait out the front to enter a bar. This bar should not be on your list to expect dinner as the menu is smaller than small, call it tiny but that’s ok.
R. B.
Yuge selection of whisky. Its pricey by the shot if your a 'buy a bottle' whisky lover but its one way to taste a variety. Cocktails are nice.
Staff are good and the tiny pretzels flow freely. Eat first before coming here though, else youll be crunk pretty quick.
V. C.
The BEST place in Sydney to go out for a good night. Has drinks for everyone, and the environment is amazing. Highly recommended!!
C. B.
Lovely wiskey bar; very friendly and knowledgeable bartenders! ❤️🥃
C. L.
Cosy speakeasy-style whiskey bar with paraphernalia from the 20s-40s. Small and dimly lit space but never too packed (due to regulations on capacity for health and safety reasons since it's in a basement). They serve complimentary pretzels with your drink. Staff are friendly, attentive and knowledgeable. Great service. Be prepared for long queues on weekend evenings.
M. K.
One of the best speakeasy cocktail bars in Sydney. It's become very popular. Therefore it is often loud and you have to be patient to get a drink. TIP: Arrive at 4pm when they open (best time), belly up to the bar and let the mixologist create something you've never tried before. It might become your new favorite.
S. W.
Easily the best bar in Sydney. Incredible selection of spirits and beers (both tap and bottled) with a very cool 'speakeasy' atmosphere. Free pretzels too!
Reception can be patchy inside but you can ask the bar for the wifi password to stay partially online.
J. B.
My, oh my this place is amazing. Head down a nondescript alley way, down a set of fire stairs, through the door and you could have stepped through a wormhole into 1980's Seattle. The staff here are incredibly knowledgeable when it comes to the extensive range of Whisky on offer here, so don't be afraid to ask for guidance. Everything here is top notch, down to the hand chipped ice and short but tidy wine list.
While it doesn't serve food as such, there is a never ending supply of pretzels that will be brought to your table to provide some sustenance while you imbibe.
K. V.
Love the whisky selection..sad that people use it like a regular pub/bar..and order beer and margaritas.
T. T. U.
Fun bar especially if you are a whiskey fan. I haven't met a whiskey I don't like but my favorite is a smooth, creamy, vanilia-y bourbon. I gave that description to the bartender and she delievered a Michter's 12 year. Yum! We'll be back to try more of the hundreds of whiskeys available.
Note, its not marked. You have to go down the alley, to the right, go to the door on the right (Clarence is on the left), thru the door, down the stairs.
N. T.
Stopped in for a few sneaky cocktails early on a Saturday and had a great time! Hard to find, down a flight of stars through what looks like an exit door. Amazing low key American basement vibe with a wall of whisky. Going to have to head back to work my through all the options they have!
S. W.
A real speak easy. Don't be fooled by the entrance down the stairs, once you're through the door you'll find an amazing atmosphere and more amazing whisky menu. Fantastic drinks and service!
N. B.
Best whiskey bar I have ever been to. Phenomenal selection. Fun atmosphere. Went here every night of my trip to Australia!
C. C.
One of my favourite bars in Sydney. Drinks are simply the best in town. Free pretzels and amazing music. Highly recommended.
D. J.
Hands down the best scotch bar in the souther hemisphere. Great selection, knowledgable staff and incredible atmosphere. Be careful in the tasting room if you want to leave with your wallet.... so many great selections.
S. G.
As much as city bars go in Sydney, this is probably one of the coolest/newest ones by the Forte & Scott duo. I don't mind the 'basement' feel, but would pick one with an outdoor courtyard most other days.
Come here for the whiskeys, margaritas and of course the famous apple & vodka cocktails. The experience is quite nice as well, similar to it's sister Shady (but pretzels instead of peanuts). It will get packed after 7 so get there early for a better seat. Waiters are friendly and make great drinks.
J. F.
If you like single malt whisky, this is THE bar for you to visit. They have such an amazing range. If they don't have it, you likely don't need it. Be sure to get there early though as it fills up fast. In terms of food, you might want to try the cheese platter.
W. B.
Great atmosphere and really cool location! There are so many choices of Whiskey and Whisky to choose from, it's hard to know where to start.. Excellent place to go if you appreciate Whiskey/Whisky.
M. M. G.
Have been there a few times, first time waited in line, second time, they KNEW ME! It's tucked away and you have to go with someone who knows where it is, or take really good instructions! Down an alley way and take a right, this underground bar, is fun, energetic, dark and loud. With a wall of whiskeys, rum, scotch and everything else, very attentive bar tenders and good music. Big band music, loud jazz and peanuts for free! Enjoy!
R.
A large selection of whiskeys at fair prices. The service is wonderful despite the crowded space and there are often complimentary bar snacks out. I love it here.
A. M.
Love love love it! Love the atmosphere and the cocktails and the bar tenders are all lovely. It's a pretty small space for how many people they fit in so it's a bit crowded and there a long lines waiting outside so if you want to go I suggest go early. Also it's a bit tricky to find which just makes it more fun ^_^
S. T.
Great service a very unique bar with outstanding offering of whiskey and other drinks. Very hard to find in the back laneway of Clarance St. Make sure you get there early otherwise you line up may take a while. Weekends aren't as busy so I suggest going after work for a few scotches.
B. E.
Awesome place! Great staff, very helpful navigating the extremely extensive whiskey list. Hard to find, through the ally, right than right down the stairs, no signs or anything, adds to the speak easy style.
C. B.
Very cool little alley bar. One of my favourites in Sydney. Staff are knowledgable and helpful, the whisky is excellent, the pretzels are never ending!! Excellent way to spend the night with a few friends.... Down the alley, past the dumpsters, and down the stairs!!
P. N. H.
Awsome music, romantic surrounds, cool bartender...
C. B.
Oh show me the way to the next whisky bar. That whisky bar has to be Baxters. If you like whisky, Baxter's is the place to go. Down an allley, through a dingy door, down what look like fire stairs, through another dingy door and what opens up before your eyes is not the airconditioning plant room or plumbing service cupboard that you would expect from the entry but an under ground Aladdin's cave of amber spirit, done up like a prohibition era speakeasy.
Hundreds of whiskeys (all single malt...none of that blended rubbish) to try from all regions of Scotland (and a few Japanese and Australian ones thrown in for good measure) ranging from around 12 dollars a glass to over 100 dollars a glass. Overwhelmed? Not sure what to try? No worries. Helpful bar staff who really know their whisky will help you navigate the maze.
If you aren't into whisky, there are other options. You can get wines and some other spirits. They do some good cocktails. They have a small but reasonable selection of good beers (feral hop hog FTW!) But it's the whisky you really come for.
Be careful though, it's really easy to overdo things at Baxters. You can spend an evening sipping a range of whiskys then go to get out of your chair and realise you can't.
A. V.
Awesome speakeasy in Sydney. The ambience, the decor and not to mention the staggering list of whiskeys just blew my mind. Must visit if you love classy bars and love a good drink.
S. T.
Oh show me the way to the next whisky bar. That whisky bar has to be Baxters. If you like whisky, Baxter's is the place to go. Down an allley, through a dingy door, down what look like fire stairs, through another dingy door and what opens up before your eyes is not the airconditioning plant room or plumbing service cupboard that you would expect from the entry but an under ground Aladdin's cave of amber spirit, done up like a prohibition era speakeasy.
Hundreds of whiskeys (all single malt...none of that blended rubbish) to try from all regions of Scotland (and a few Japanese and Australian ones thrown in for good measure) ranging from around 12 dollars a glass to over 100 dollars a glass. Overwhelmed? Not sure what to try? No worries. Helpful bar staff who really know their whisky will help you navigate the maze.
If you aren't into whisky, there are other options. You can get wines and some other spirits. They do some good cocktails. They have a small but reasonable selection of good beers (feral hop hog FTW!) But it's the whisky you really come for.
Be careful though, it's really easy to overdo things at Baxters. You can spend an evening sipping a range of whiskys then go to get out of your chair and realise you can't.
W. N.
Despite being hidden away in the back of an alley, this classic candle-lit basement bar offered a great range of whiskeys (around 300 I've been told). Very ideal place to catch up with friends on a Friday/Saturday night drinking away and enjoying complimentary pretzels while listening to some blues/jazz music. Cant say no to free pretzels!!
Although the waiting line was long, we had a great time chatting with the bouncer while waiting to get in.
G. D.
The on tap old fashioned is to their own recipe and highly recommended by the staff and I. They know their stuff and if you like a good quality drink If take their advice.
L. K.
Great bartenders, Extensive selection and music you'll embarrassed to sing along but you'll belt out at the top of your lungs.
A. N.
A good place to try. The range of drinks varies from as low as $12 to as freaking high as $1500 per peg. You get pretzels with that. And there is a nice fruity flowery mix of fragrancr inside the place tgat will itself give you a high
H. W.
The place to go for whiskies in Sydney, amazing selection. Highly recommend going earlier in the week, less busy and can get some great advice on selecting whiskies. Very busy on a Friday, definitely have to get there early.
N. T.
Flawless experience every time. Don't need to rely on any one bartender, they all do a perfect job.
R. L.
Best whisky bar in Sydney, terrific range of single malts!
C. X.
Great selection (a full wall of whiskeys & related cocktails) and great mood - think swing! I have just one complaint about Baxters - it's too busy! Being a rather small, short woman, it's hard for me to actually get to the bar for drinks on busier nights - and then it's usually worth just leaving for one of the many nearby bars with much more room and less boisterous clientele!
A. G.
Can be busy but has the best selection of whiskey available! Recommend going during a quiet period and speaking to the knowledgeable staff! Can be pricey but it is a cut above the rest!
J. K.
In an earlier lifetime this place was my happy place, the wall of whiskey, free pretzels and Billy Joel on the stero is everything anybody can ask for. As I've become older and have less time for play, I still visit when I can with a fond sense of abandon at how much I like this place. It was the original Sydney bar and it still stands the test of time.
J. C.
Even though there are no signs pointing you to this bar, there's usually a long line of people waiting to get in. For the serious whisky lovers, there's a great selection to choose from. Can get a bit packed but it has a great atmosphere.
M. V.
Arguably one of the world's finest Whisk(e)y establishments.
Don't let the drab entry way discourage.... Open the door and be taken back to a Chicago speak-easy, minus the cigar smoke.
The wall of whisky is a great wonder of the modern world. And the complimentary pretzels add to the joy (and thirst, of course).
Can be some difficulty getting service at prime time, when the majority of bar space is taken up by occupied stools. Can also be difficult for those with older ears to effectively communicate across the same space, particularly when there's confusion over the order... "I just want the Edradour 10"... "which one?"... "that one : the Edradour 10"...."sure, but which one?".
First world problem, no doubt, and more a reflection on my middle aged communication skills than on the honest and determined service.
M. D.
Sydney Library of Whiskey and Scotch! If you love your Glenlivet and your Glenfiddich, you will be amazed by their selection...even if you don't, these rolling ladders like in the old libraries are just impressive. Bartenders are knowledgeable and very helpful even in busy periods (almost every nights, Get there early!) If you don't drink
Candle lighted, dusty and woody atmosphere.
They also offer free peanuts or 'party mix' on the tables.
Don`t be afraid, turn on that lane! You won't regret it!
R. P.
The Baxter Inn is a fantastic relaxed atmosphere, you will find your self coming back again and again.
Would highly recommend this place as one of the best spots in Sydney.
J. K.
Absolutely my favourite bar in Sydney! Finding the place is half the fun, and they make absolutely great Whiskey Sours and Old Fashioned! Definitely coming back here again :)
Z. B.
A glorious experience for a whisky fanatic. They have a wall of whiskey with wheeled ladders in the style of an old-fashioned library. The staff are knowledgeable and the complementary pretzels are a good palate cleanser between drinks.
D. C. (. I. T.
Went on a Friday night and had the best vibes here! Bartenders are friendly. If you’re in town, make sure you squeeze time to come enjoy some whiskies 🥃
K. E.
Amazing whisky bar with a phenomenal range of whiskies from around the world and friendly, knowledgeable staff to help pour you the perfect dram. I've been back many times and love the cosy atmosphere.
S. A.
What a bar. If you love whiskey this is the place. Seems a bit dingy going down the stairs but once inside it is awesome. Great vibe and very difficult to make a choice. So many options.
M.
Always been greeted here like family, great range of whiskey and bourbon. Would recommend trying the place out.
T. &. T.
Hidden behind a bike shop and down a fire exit, you will think you're entering a dungeon. But, inside is warm, cosy, bustling and great atmosphere. Get there early though because there is usually a line to get in after 6. Great selection of beers and they do an amazing spiced whisky drink with fresh apple juice.... amazing!
K. R.
Seek out this hidden gem for a Whiskey after supper. I've never seen seen a better selection anywhere, worldwide. Don't be scared as there are some well-priced selections as well as some rare bottles that would break the bank!
T. F.
An amazing 1930/1920s small bar. It is hard to find. It is located in a laneway off Clarence Street. If you are a whisky/scotch connoisseur you will love this place. 10 rows of whisky/scotch. You will struggle to find a bar with a wider range of whiskies/scotch. On a Friday night it is streaming full of local business workers both guys and girls. The only downside is that it has a bit of a queue to get in.
A. M.
I love the Baxter Inn for the bootleg 1920's feel. Not easy to find, through an alley and then down into a basement, but this adds to the appeal. This is the place to come for Whiskey, the wall of whiskeys is impressive and there's a drop to suit every taste and budget. The bar staff are also more than willing to help match you to your ideal whiskey. And if you aren't a whiskey fan, there's always a good cocktail alternative.
J. J.
Great place to get good quality drinks. Bartender was great in looking after us on the selection. Can be pricey when you have alot of rounds.
H. O.
Mind blowing ranges of whisky, will take an age to taste them all.
A. N.
Not sure what all the hype is about but it was cramped, dark and musty inside. Music was so loud we had to scream at each other to communicate. They do have a great selection behind the bar but I don't think I'll return here as there are similar places that I prefer that are more inviting.
D. v. S.
Great whiskey bar with a jazzy atmosphere located in a stylish basement. Very busy all night long. I recommend getting there before 5:30 if you want to get a seat
M. K.
Hidden and easily missed Baxters boast a massive whiskey selection with a great "speak easy-esque" atmosphere. Can feel a little claustrophobic at the bar but once you get your hands on an old fashioned all is good. Depending on the time and day - you could be waiting in queue to get inside for a while.
L. D.
Baxter's Inn is a cool bar. It's down a random alley and it a bit hard to find. But once you do, you walk down some dark steps and feel like you're going back in time. The walls are lined with whisky. The charming bartenders wear suspenders and handle bar mustaches. I don't drink whisky but the place has other awesome drinks for girls. I got talked into a vodka with fresh apple juice. My new favourite drink!
K. S.
Some craft beer here, but obviously the Whiskey selection is amazing.
A few cheaper options that are also good to be found, you have to look though.
Not some where you can bring kids
J. L.
It's a whiskey bar with lots of whiskeys which is great. There's some top-shelf Whiskey available for the right price. On a Fri/Sat night it's still essentially a night club/bar which is either great or terrible depending what you're after.
T. D.
Incredible whiskey selection and hugely informative staff make this whiskey bar a joy to frequent.
The speciality house cocktails were delicious- I would highly recommend trying a few of them. They have desert styled smokey chocolate ones and a delicious juniper berry infused one. They pre make the Old Fashioned before the bar opens and (I am not a fan) but my friends adored them.
The bar tenders (note they are all men) are happy to make you any drink you desire and tell you about local distellieries or off label whiskeys.
Don't go there for a 30th with the intention of buying someone a 30 year old shot of Scotch, they can be priced over $300!
Huge selection and your own PA in the toilets, what more could you want?
M. B.
Brilliant place. To get there, you need to turn right down a blind alley off Clarence st if you're heading north. You'll see an iron wrought gatehead above you if you've found the right alley. Also, the bouncer and the line to get in on Friday nights will be a clue that you're in the right place. Once inside, enjoy the complimentary pretzels and the dazzling selection of liquor behind the bar. Great atmosphere away from the usual Sydney street scene.
R. C.
A proud speakeasy with a great selection of whiskeys. Enjoy them with some complimentary pretzels. If you don't know what whiskey you're aiming to get, tell the bartender what you like and make sure to have a glass of water just in the barkeep picks one that's way too intense.
D. J.
Baxter's has many many whiskies to choose from.
Baxter's staff are knowledgeable with their whiskies.
In theory, you can order Frankie's pizza and have it delivered to Baxter's. In practice.... It seems you can't.
But Baxter's refunded us the pizza cost.
Baxter's is best on a weeknight when not crowded.
Hint... If there's a queue to get in, then it's crowded, reconsider.
Also, nobody actually calls it The Baxter Inn 🙂
L. P.
Located off the street the baxter is a great place to go with a small group of friends. The place has a great decor inside with prohibition style setting. Renowned for its selection of whisky. The service is entertaining and friendly and if you ask the bartenders they can whip up something interesting.
N. S.
Walk through a dimly lit alleyway and down the dingy stairs of a fire exit and u enter a world of candles and whiskey and not to forget free pretzels! It's very hip and crowded on most nights. They have an amazing selection of whiskeys and scotch and I think some beer on tap as well. We didn't bother cause we were too busy enjoying the 12 yr old Laphroig ! Some in our group had the cocktails which were delicious made with fresh apple and some whisky sours. The music is upbeat and lends a trendy feel to this dark ppace. The bartenders all look very dapper and are happy to help out with the selection if you need it. It's Sydney's well kept secret and hard to find if you don't know where you are going.
P. G.
2016 Update.
Been back a few times in 2016, sound levels have returned to regular pub loud, but not excessively loud. Would recommend again as they have a fantastic whiskey collection and excellent skills helping you pick whiskey. There is obviously non-whiskey drinks for those that don't like the liquid gold.
-
I've been to Baxters many times, spent hundreds of dollars here. Its a shame i'd advise you to avoid the place now.
Still Excellent choice of whiskies!!! but staff and manager at least tonight seemed stuck up. Its seemed the staff / manager was more interested in making the music SO LOUD that no one could talk without SCREAMING at each other, this was not normal pub loud but around 75-100db loud, you could not talk to someone unless you were within 30 cms and shouting. I'm pretty loud normally, so when others can't hear me, you know thats excessive. We asked one of the staff if the music could be turned down ; they said they would get fired from the manager if they even suggested it.
Shame, this was such a great place but now they are popular and got stuck up that staff and management seem to care less about their customers experience then their own entertainment, I'd suggest you go somewhere else unless you want to be blasted with music so loud that its pointless unless your there listening to the music yourself, because its pointless going with someone else unless you know sign language.
I was there on Wednesday 20st Feb 2013.
W. S.
Great buzzing hidden bar with very friendly borders. Nice ambience with a high wall of alcohol behind the bar. Good selection of whiskies, but also makes delicious cocktails.
M. M.
Easily one of the best bars in Sydney. Impressive selection of whiskies and great care and professionalism in the preparation of the drinks. Great atmosphere. Highly recommend.
T. C.
Excellently executed theme with a fantastic whisky selection. Theres a reason this place is regarded as one of the best bars in the world. A must see, even if only for the one drink (with pretzels)
M. S.
amazing experience. the drinks are good, but the service was even better! the bartenders are very attentive and read body language very well. i love this place!
M. L.
Amazing service and quality! The bartenders know their drinks and every drink comes with a story. It's not just a drink, it's an experience!
Y. M.
Amazing selection of Whiskey. Cocktails are delicious. Staff are great and friendly. Josh is the only staff name I remember. Cant wait to go back.
M. S.
The overall experience was excellent! The service was almost instant. Love the pretzels. If you want the classical 1940s look then come no further. This is the place to be. Although good luck finding it. Just look for Red Oak on Clarence street and head down the alley way opposite.
J. M.
Love it! An underground, dark, dingy whiskey bar hidden in the back alleys of Sydney's CBD.
The staff are very helpful when looking for that specific taste and the variety of whiskeys available are 2nd to none. An absolute must for fellow whiskey lovers!
D. C.
Lovely little bar with a great atmosphere and an amazing selection of whiskey. Friendly staff, a great place to relax and have a drink. Slightly difficult to find because entry is from an alley and its in the basement.
R. K.
Just love this place.. have been going on and off for the better part of a decade. Their malt collection is amazing, folks at the bar are great - a must visit for a grt night of drinking, no matter the choice of alcohol. When u find urself here, dont forget to ask about the awesome history of this place, you will be intrigued. Cheers!
R. M.
I love this place, will always be one of my top 3 whiskey bars in Sydney. I save it for special occasions only though as it can be quite pricey!
C. S.
Maybe the best whiskey bar in Sydney. The staff are great, when it's not too busy, and can provide some incredible stories about all the whiskeys they have. And they have a lot!
J. Z.
Probably the best bar in Sydney. Amazing selection of Scotch and Bourbon. Knowledgeable barkeepers.
Gets packed after 8:30.
P. E.
This is my go to place for whisky in Sydney. Haven't come across many bars around the world that would come close to this. The atmosphere is unique but make sure you take someone with you who has been there before or you might end up in the wrong bar.
H. S.
Great drinks, perfect atmosphere.
S.
An amazing place tucked away in a secret corner. The drinks and staff are outstanding. The atmosphere makes you want to keep drinking! Highly recommended
T. S.
This bar is an amazing experience. Atmosphere and decor is absolutely insane. Apple whiskey is a must. Can get packed at times and therefore it becomes difficult to serve you.
M. P.
Largest list of whiskey anywhere I've seen. Underground hidden gem, taking you back through the distillery era
S. M.
Baxter Inn is a whisky bar in the heart of the city. It's allure is increased by its hidden spot behind the main streets of sydney. Definitely check out their on tap Old Fashioned and VAST display of whisky!! Bar tenders knowledge was fantastic especially in single malts. However I wished for a bigger Australia collection
S. G.
First time going to the Baxter Inn last night and I've never experienced a place so amazing. The drinks were the best I've ever had, the atmosphere was so chill and friendly and staff were so professional and polite. I will definitely come back here again.
S. T.
Hidden away down an alley and in the loading area of some restaurants, there are 3 bars and there was a wait for 2 of them. The Baxter Inn was one of them.
Once you get through the door and walk down the stairs, you'll find a swanky speakeasy. There's a wall of whiskey and it's not overcrowded. There's jazzy music playing that gives it a very lively mood.
I got two cocktail drinks where I tell the bartender what I like (Oban, Ardberg (both neat), and a Manhattan) and ask them to create something. The first one was $19.
The second one came from the owner who kindly gave it to me on the house. Likely because she saw a random guy approach me saying he's asking for a friend if I was single and we had a conversation about getting hit on when we don't want to lol.
Both were excellent drinks and put me in a good place. And, there's unlimited pretzels, yum!
C. H.
This is a musty, dark place to go for a stiff drink after work. It can get busy and loud and the wait for a drink can be a bit arduous if everyone ahead of you wants a complicated cocktail that the bearded bartenders will muddle, shake or stir for an eternity. Despite this, a regular screwdriver comes in a tall glass of freshly-squeezed orange juice and the scotch/whisky-ey/rye etc list is epic. It can get very busy on a Thursday/Friday night. I wouldn't bother to wait in a queue >6 patrons deep. There are many watering holes within the two block radius that are worth a try. There are unisex toilets which I dislike and I don't think the venue is wheelchair accessible. It is a bit male-centric, I rarely see groups of women drinking here but very often a few lone damsels nursing one of those laboriously concocted cocktails, sipping and side-glancing from the bar.
J. L.
Always enjoy coming here, as good as the collection of whiskys is, bartenders are always friendly and knowledgeable, always very helpful in suggesting different drinks I might try. My favourite bar in Syd without a doubt.
j. a. d.
Great small bar - good selection of drinks and nice vibe. But it does get extremely busy so get in early or be prepared to line up. No really a hidden gem these days!
G. H.
It's a neat bar, hidden away off one of the main streets. As many have said, it can get pretty loud and crowded, but it's still worth a visit. The range of cocktails and whiskey are worth it alone.
T. S.
Best Sazzerac you can find in town. love the collection, gets a bit too loud for my liking, the whiskey is enough to keep me visiting again and again!! must visit bar in Sydney
E. D.
Might just be my favourite spot to have a drink in the city. What these people don't know about whiskey isn't worth knowing. Selection is surely second to none, the vibe is cool, and the decor is enjoyably sombre and cozy.
D. L.
As you head into a back alley and walk down the stairs to the basement, you'll never believe what would be behind the other door. Fantastic atmosphere, a wide wall chock full of whiskey, friendly staff, and great music. Excellent experience!
T. M.
The Baxter Inn is one of Sydney's best kept secrets! This hidden gem is precisely that! Well hidden in a basement, concealed in a dark alley, but we'll worth hunting down.
It has a noisy, but contagiously cheerful atmosphere, and a stunning array of whiskies from which to choose. You're guaranteed to find something to tickle your tastebuds and/or suit your wallet.
Almost bucket list worthy!
D. F.
If you can manage to get into the Baxter Inn, past the constant line, you'll be rewarded with what is by many accounts the best bar in Sydney. Think whiskey as far as the eye can see. A moody, dark basement hidden in an alley in what is fast becoming the small bar centre of Sydney. Highly recommended.
A. K.
If you haven't been here, you haven't worked in the CBD for long. That being said, it's relatively small, gets quite crowded and therefore quite noisy. Not the best bar for a conversation, and personally I can't stay in loud bars long because I'm a grandma and start getting a bit socially claustrophobic. Decent prices though.
J. C.
Cool spot hidden in a basement. More whiskey than you could want with good bartenders that know their stuff. Mostly a business crowd it seemed like but a good crowd nonetheless.
S. J.
If you like a good selection of Whisky, then this hidden gem is the place to be. Maybe a little pretentious and pricey but plenty of choice. Only really suitable if whisky is your thing!
C.
Always on my list when I visit Sydney, never a bad night or scotch.
A. S.
The Melon Degenares is hands down the best cocktail I've ever had. Friends said they same about they're cocktails. Whiskey list can cater for any pocket and taste.
S. C.
Great atmosphere, awesome music and amazing whiskey!
My favourite place <3
V. K.
Despite walking into two bars and realising both were not in fact The Baxter Inn, the hunt to find this hidden gem is well worth. A classic bar, superb for smooth whiskey and easy conversation.
N. B.
This is a whiskey bar. With over 400 whiskey on offer, they don't do food and it gets pretty busy. If you like whiskey this is the go to place in Sydney
M. D.
Incredible atmosphere, service and whisky selection. Guys there are super knowledgeable and recommended some top choices. Will definitely be back soon.
S. N.
A little difficult to find but quite a nice atmosphere. Not great for large groups. They have a good selection of beer and whisky. Went on a Thursday night and it was moderately busy.
N.
Nice place for a drink, the atmosphere is very special
R. A.
Best whiskey bar I have ever been to. Their selection is amazing and their staff know their stuff. A must visit for any tourist who likes their whiskey.
A. D.
Fantastic bar, one of the best in Sydney with knowledgeable and professional staff. Where else can you find 600 Whisky's and get a good Negroni? Cool digs.
N. H.
Best bar in Sydney. Incredible blues and jazz music transcending the ages, great atmosphere. The bartenders and the classic paraphernalia littering the establishment make the experience all the more memorable.
B. C.
Great whisky selection. Awesome location though it can lose a lot of its atmosphere as it can get very busy especially near the end of the week. Highly prefer a midweek tipple.
C. A.
Fantastic place but gets very busy. Prices range from very reasonable to crazy expensive but their knowledge on whisky is why you're there. Well worth a visit
J. T.
A brilliant collection of whiskies, served by knowledgeable, friendly staff in a venue that exudes character. If you like whisky at all, I cannot recommend this bar enough.
S. L.
A quiet yet classy club with an extensive selection of whisky and fancy cocktails. The free pretzels are a bonus here while you enjoy your drinks in this cosy bar
Z. T.
Have been to the Baxter Inn a fair few times, absolutely love it. The extensive whisky list is rivalled by the great atmosphere, the vibe is just fantastic.
K. R. (.
So many choices of good whiskey
C. S.
Hands down best Whisky bar in Sydney. They have an extensive range of old favourites as well as some 'off-the-menu' specials that you'll be hard pressed to find in another bar in the city.
Decor is a thowback to the prohibition era and long lines often snake from its non-descript back door entrance to the main street. Head down on weekdays if you're a serious whisky fan.
G.
Not a fun of dark and loud places. Free pretzel to compensate overpriced drinks. Staff at the bar ignored my friend asking for her drink for no particular reason. Definitely not my style.
J. S. A.
"Tell others why you loved this place." Because I love whisky. If you do too, you love The Baxter Inn, even if you haven't been there yet.
It's obscenely crowded almost all the time - if you want a booth, get there at 3:55 pm on a weekday - but you know those free word association games? Like, I say "father" you say "mother"? If when I say "scotch" you don't say "and Coke", go to Baxter and don't let anyone tell you different.
m. a.
A hidden gem between York st and Clarence Street in the heart of Sydney's CBD. In spite of it's hidden locale don't be surprised to find this bar bursting at the seems with bar goers. They have an amazing selection of whiskeys.
A. R.
Wondrous range of single malts. Interesting cocktails. Very hard to find down a fire escape. There is no sign, just a bouncer. Music too loud.
G. B.
Normally overcrowded but in covid times it was fantastic and a seat at the bar watching the bartenders show their cocktail craft was an honour!
T. C.
Great place for whiskey lovers. Always has great music to sit and enjoy while trying some different beverages.
d. D.
What a great location. Awesome Whiskey bar
A. D.
The only thing bad I have to say about this place is that it is somewhat hard to find the first time but then on the other hand that adds to part of the adventure for the night.
I found that the drinks are amazing, the staff are fantastic, the music wasn't that loud that I couldn't have a conversation and they kept filling up the bowls of pretzels so I could eat as many of them as I wanted!
A. G.
My favourite bar in Sydney hands down - staff are exceptional and take pride in the art of making high quality drinks - the atmosphere is chilled - my only constructive comment would be that music could be turned down a notch
F. L.
Nice bar. A little pretentious, but i guess it contributes to the whole vibe of the place. Awesome selection of cocktails and whiskeys. Can get pretty noisey in there.
J. A.
They say ir is the best bar in the world, and if you like whiskey, it might well be. Expect a 15-30 minute wait outside in busy days (Thursday to Saturday, from 6:30pm).
Don't like whiskey? Try their whiskey with apple juice, you may change your mind.
I. S.
Can't believe how many whiskeys they have. Great atmosphere and very funky place. Easy to miss but well worth the discovery