In the lead-up to the longest night of the year, delicious. and American Express are taking the hard work out of your next night out with three tried-and-tested walking tours around Sydney’s buzziest areas. Don your comfiest coat and snuggest shoes, because we’re showing you the very best that the CBD, Paddington and Newtown have to offer. Each walking itinerary includes three essential pit-stops for the ultimate night out in each neighbourhood.
A night in the city is best begun at Grandma’s, nestled on Clarence street within the YCK Laneways precinct. Fondly referred to as a “retro-sexual” destination, Grandma’s is a little bit living room, a lot cosy cabin, and kitschy in just the right way. Grab one of their lauded cocktails – we like the Rhythm & Booze – and a cheesy jaffle to whet your appetite.
Wine and dine to your heart’s content at this multi-level restaurant and wine bar in the city. We recommend the famous crab in a bag pasta with blistered tomatoes, chilli and garlic, and a glass of the Vinteloper Park orange wine to match.
After your meal in the Prince of York restaurant, head downstairs to this speakeasy-style bar, hidden behind a photo of the effervescent Grace Jones. Stash your bag in a locker, take a seat on the plush pink velvet couches and grab a cocktail – your night has only just begun. Pamela’s also hosts Drag Queen Bingo on Wednesday nights, so lean into hump day and party with Sydney’s brightest stars.
One of Paddington’s Italian institutions, Barbetta offers a truly authentic slice of la dolce vita. As the saying goes… when in Rome, eat antipasto. Start with crushed peas, mozzarella and tomato arancini, mixed Italian olives with rosemary and garlic, and a share a plate of potato gnocchi with mushroom ragu. Accompany with a light vino rosso such as the 2018 Carpazo Sangiovese di Montalcino.
P&V is the newest kid on the block, and worth a stop in on any night out in Paddo. Mix and match a tasting plate (we love the charcuterie), and try natural wine by the glass or indulge in any bottle stocked in the bottle shop.
Turn things up a notch and finish your night at Don Pedro’s on Victoria St. Classic Mexican fare meets casual night out fun, with affordable prices and colourful interiors to boot. Don’t bypass the margaritas – there’s a choice of Classic, Tommy’s, Chilli, Coconut, and Blood Orange & Grapefruit – i.e. something for everyone and multiple for you. Order with a side of chips and guac to soak up the tequila.
Part motorcycle garage – part restaurant, is there anything more Newtown than that? Kick off your Inner West night out at Rising Sun Workshop with a glass of locally sourced natural wine, and house-made focaccia with lemon myrtle oil or an Aburi scallop with preserved yuzu, black garlic and tahini.
Delicious burgers, loud music and tables for walk-ins only. What more could any Newtown reveller need? Mary’s completely overhauled Sydney’s burger scene when it opened in 2013, opening hungry locals’ eyes to the idea that a soft, ordinary bun is the perfect carrier for best-quality beef (they use O’Connor grass-fed), house-smoked bacon and American cheese. Owners Jake Smyth and Kenny Graham opened Mary’s to create a space they liked hanging out in – hence the dim lighting, loud metal and local beer on tap. In doing so, they also created a burger revolution for which we can all be thankful. 6 Mary St, Newtown; marys69.com/newtown
Earl’s is the neighbourhood bar everyone wishes was actually next door. With a no bookings policy in place, there’s always a chance of snagging a seat, at the coveted bar or at a table against the art-heavy walls. Start with a house cocktail, a wild-ferment beer or a glass of natural wine, then see where the night takes you. 407 King St, Newtown; earlsjukejoint.com.au.
