Discover Old Mate's Place: Sydney's Intimate Cocktail Hideaway in the Heart of the City

Nestled on level 4 at 199 Clarence Street, Old Mate's Place is a captivating bar that brings a distinct charm to Sydney's vibrant CBD. This elevated saloon offers a woodsy, cozy ambiance where leather booths meet a terrace with stunning city views, creating an unparalleled setting for cocktail enthusiasts and locals alike.

An Atmosphere that Transports You

Old Mate's Place invites guests into an intimate setting where dim lighting and a library-like aroma of aged spirits create a nostalgic yet inviting vibe. The bar spans two floors and a basement, featuring an atmospheric main room with an old-school, antique vibe enhanced by carefully curated music volume that complements conversations perfectly. Not to be missed is the basement tiki bar, Old Love’s , known for its stellar rum selection and freshly made cane sugar cocktails.

Innovative Cocktails & Light Fare

The cocktail menu at Old Mate's Place is a treasure trove for adventurous palates. From the refreshing Hidden Colada that cleverly omits coconut cream to the crowd-favorite Newtown Boi featuring yuzu, each drink is a creative masterpiece served with stylish, often whimsical garnishes like mini meringues and croissants. The bartenders showcase true craftsmanship, ensuring every cocktail not only tastes flawless but also delights the eye.

Food options are light but well-crafted, focusing mainly on quality over quantity. Patrons looking for a casual bite will appreciate the thoughtful preparation, though expanding finger food choices would enhance the experience even further.

The Experience: What Patrons Love

Guests consistently praise the attentive and friendly staff who make everyone feel welcome—from regulars to first-timers. The rooftop terrace offers a breath of fresh air along with sweeping views of Sydney’s skyline, perfect for groups or intimate dates. While the rooftop space can be cozy, the downstairs area provides larger tables for more comfortable gatherings, ensuring versatility for all visitors.

Old Mate’s Place is an unpretentious gem that blends old-world elegance with a distinctly modern edge. Its intimate, woodsy interior paired with creative drinks and a welcoming vibe continually earns it rave reviews from the local community and visitors alike.

Community Sentiment

The overall community sentiment surrounding Old Mate’s Place is overwhelmingly positive. Patrons love the creative cocktails, the warm and knowledgeable staff, and the inviting atmosphere that feels like a hidden sanctuary in Sydney’s bustling city center. Many highlight the rooftop terrace as a standout feature that elevates the bar experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the operating hours of Old Mate's Place? Old Mate's Place operates from Tuesday to Sunday, with varying hours. On Mondays, the bar is closed.
Is there a dress code at Old Mate's Place? There is no specific dress code mentioned for Old Mate's Place. However, patrons are encouraged to dress comfortably.
Does Old Mate's Place accept reservations? No, Old Mate's Place does not accept reservations or bookings. It's a walk-in venue.
Is there a cover charge to enter Old Mate's Place? No, there is no cover charge to enter Old Mate's Place.
Is Old Mate's Place wheelchair accessible? The venue is not wheelchair accessible due to the stairs leading up to the bar.

History of Old Mate's Place in Sydney CBD, Australia.

Nestled discreetly on level 4 of 199 Clarence Street in the heart of Sydney's bustling Central Business District, Old Mate's Place stands out as a beloved hidden gem. Since its inception, this bar has cultivated a warm, woodsy ambiance with plush leather booths and an inviting rooftop terrace, creating a cozy yet lively atmosphere that draws in both locals and travelers seeking an intimate and unique experience.

A timeline of memorable milestones

Old Mate's Place opened its doors in 2019, instantly becoming a cherished spot among Sydney's vibrant bar scene. Its blend of rustic charm and refined comfort quickly captured the hearts of visitors looking for an alternative to the city's more conventional venues.

By 2020, the bar elevated its reputation by introducing a distinctive and creative cocktail menu. These signature drinks, artfully crafted and presented with thoughtful garnishes, showcased an innovative approach to mixology that enhanced the venue's allure and attracted cocktail enthusiasts eager to explore new flavors.

The year 2021 marked a significant expansion with the opening of Old Love's, a Caribbean rum bar nestled in the basement. This tiki-inspired addition broadened the establishment’s offerings, introducing vibrant rum selections and freshly made cane sugar cocktails that complement the existing sophisticated atmosphere upstairs.

Experience and atmosphere

Old Mate's Place offers more than just drinks; its woodsy interior with leather seating creates an inviting environment reminiscent of a vintage saloon. The rooftop terrace provides a refreshing open-air space with scenic city views, perfect for casual gatherings or intimate evenings.

Signature cocktails celebrated for creativity and refreshing flavors that appeal to diverse palates.
Rooftop terrace offering open-air ambiance and picturesque cityscape views.
Old Love's rum bar located in the basement, serves tiki-inspired cocktails with a focus on Caribbean rum and fresh cane sugar.
Cozy interior with woodsy décor and leather booths creates a nostalgic and intimate setting.

Old Mate's Place

Located on the bustling Clarence Street in Sydney, Old Mate's Place is an elevated saloon that offers a unique speakeasy-style ambiance. This bar is renowned for its creative cocktails and cozy rooftop terrace, making it a perfect spot for both locals and visitors. The establishment has garnered attention for its friendly staff and inviting atmosphere, ideal for a casual night out or a special occasion.

With a focus on cocktails and light fare, Old Mate's Place has become a go-to destination for those seeking a memorable night out in Sydney.

Pros

Unique speakeasy-style ambiance Cozy rooftop terrace with city views Creative and diverse cocktail menu Friendly and attentive staff No reservations required, encouraging spontaneous visits

Cons

Limited food menu with a focus on cheese steaks No split bills accepted Card payments only

Ideal for

Old Mate's Place is perfect for casual meet-ups with friends, after-work drinks, or a cozy date night. The inviting atmosphere and creative cocktails make it an excellent choice for anyone looking to unwind in Sydney.

Things to know before visiting

Be prepared for a few stairs to access the bar, as it is located on the fourth level. The rooftop terrace offers stunning views but can get crowded during peak hours. Reservations are not required, making it easy for spontaneous visits.

Overall impression

Old Mate's Place stands out as a charming bar in Sydney, offering a delightful mix of unique cocktails and a cozy atmosphere. While it has some limitations in its food offerings, the overall experience is enhanced by the attentive service and inviting decor. Whether you're a local or a visitor, this bar is worth a stop for a memorable night out.

Old Mate's Place in Sydney: A Unique Cocktail Experience with Rooftop Views and Tiki Vibes

Tucked away on level 4 of 199 Clarence Street in the heart of Sydney, Old Mate's Place is a hidden gem for cocktail lovers and urban explorers alike. This elevated saloon blends old-world charm with modern mixology, offering a woodsy space adorned with leather booths and an inviting terrace — perfect for those seeking a stylish yet relaxed atmosphere in the city.

Exceptional Cocktails and Signature Drinks

Old Mate’s Place is famed for its creative cocktail menu that delights with inventive presentations and distinct flavors. The "Hidden Colada," a standout for many visitors, offers a refreshing summer twist by skipping the traditional coconut cream, making it a crisp and invigorating choice. Whether you’re a fan of yuzu or prefer something classic, options like the "Newtown Boi" and "Two Shakes of Lamb's Tail" showcase the bartenders’ expert craftsmanship and passion for mixology.

Atmosphere That Captures Sydney’s Spirit

Step inside to discover an ambience that feels like a cozy, old-school library infused with fragrant spirits and chill jazz tunes. The main bar area boasts an antique vibe with dim lighting that invites intimate conversations and relaxed gatherings. For those wanting a breath of fresh air, the rooftop terrace offers open-air seating with scenic views of Sydney’s skyline — ideal for groups or romantic evenings.

Old Love’s Bar: A Caribbean Escape in the Basement

Don’t miss the basement-level "Old Love’s Bar," a vibrant Caribbean rum bar that transports you to tropical shores with its tiki-inspired cocktails and lively atmosphere. Savor expertly crafted drinks featuring freshly made cane sugar and explore a great selection of rums. It’s the perfect spot to continue your night with a spirited twist.

Why Visit Old Mate's Place

Unique multi-level layout featuring a cozy main bar, rooftop terrace, and a lively Caribbean-themed basement rum bar.
Inventive cocktails with creative garnishes and flavors like the Hidden Colada and Newtown Boi.
Atmospheric setting combining old-world elegance, chill jazz, and panoramic city views.
Convenient location in Sydney’s CBD with easy reservation options and friendly, attentive service.

Tips for Visiting

Prepare for stairs as the bar is located on the fourth floor, adding to the exclusive speakeasy vibe.
Reserve ahead to secure your spot, especially if you want to enjoy the rooftop terrace or visit with a group.
Explore the basement bar Old Love’s, for a spirited Caribbean twist with excellent rum selections and tiki-inspired cocktails.