TL; DR | Summary
Employees Only is a hotspot for cocktails and is known for its lively atmosphere, even on a Wednesday night. Making a booking is highly recommended to secure a spot in this popular venue. The menu is inclusive of dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Surprisingly, for a bar, they offer some great dishes, with the beef tartare being a stand-out. Their cocktail menu, however, is exceptional, featuring unique creations that will have you coming back for more.
Employees Only Bar Review
@bestspots.com.au Why @employeesonlysyd is a hotspot for cocktails ⬇️ This lit bar known for its lively atmosphere ✨️, even on a Wednesday night 🥳. Making a booking is highly recommended to secure a spot in this popular venue as there will be queues 👀. Their menu is inclusive of dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options 👌 Surprisingly, for a bar 🍹, they offer some great dishes, with the beef tartare 🥩 being a stand-out. Their cocktail menu 🍸, however, is exceptional, featuring unique creations that will have you coming back for more 🙌. It is one of my top picks for anyone looking for a lively evening out ☺️ 🔥 RECOMMENDED 🔥 - Cocktails! - Checking their socials & website for the latest specials/deals - EO Signature Steak Tartare - QLD Picked Spanner Crab Tostada 📕 To see all the highlights of this bar, check out my full post at bestspots.com.au @Employees Only Sydney #employeesonly #sydneybar #sydneybars #foodreview #sydneyblogger ♬ I Know (feat. Tory Lanez) - Ramone
Employees Only is not just a New York style cocktail bar but a surprising culinary delight. It's within walking distance of Wynyard Station and Town Hall Station and while it may be hidden at first, look out for its distinct logo or refer to my photo of the entrance. Hint: look for the neon psychic sign.
Their popularity is apparent, so I recommend always try booking, even on a Wednesday night because this place gets packed quickly.
Employees Only Bar menu is versatile with gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options to ensure that almost everyone has something to enjoy while drinking our work woes away, a testament to the restaurant's name.
At the time of writing, Employees Only's happy hour from 5pm-6pm on Wed-Fri, offers 50% off food and drinks. What an absolute steal! The specials are always changing so this offer might have expired, but do check their website and socials for the latest deals.
The bar's somewhat hidden location adds to its allure, creating a sense of discovery for first-time visitors. But upon locating it, you're greeted by a stairway that guides you down into a world far removed from the bustling streets above. The descent reveals a dimly lit, ambient bar with people unwinding in good company after a hard day's work.
You'll see various seating options depending on the occasion you are visiting Employees Only for. It's also match by an ambiance with dim lighting, candles, flowers and photo frames on the wall
Better yet, the food here is nothing short of fantastic, with stand-out dishes you'd return for. Although not every item on the menu reaches the same peak in taste, delights such as the steak tartare and crab toastadas stand out significantly. This dish, accompanied by a pickled cabbage, is a must-try for its exceptional flavours and texture, making it a memorable highlight of the dining experience.
As for drink options, particularly their cocktails, they're impressive and creative. Each beverage is crafted with precision and flair, ensuring an extraordinary sipping experience unparalleled to go with your delicious food.
New York Style Cocktail Bar & Restaurant
Employees Only is well and truly a stand-out for its high-quality food that surpasses what you'd find at a typical bar. Their quick service complements the vibrant atmosphere, ensuring a smooth experience despite them being booked out. The cocktail menu is a true highlight, featuring unique and expertly mixed drinks that are perfect for any palate.
Cocktails
The cocktail menu at Employees Only is a remarkable hit with the crowd, brimming with creative and enjoyable concoctions. I opted for two cocktails in a single visit. Each proved to be a delightful adventure in taste. You can tell from their drinks menu that the establishment has a knack for inventing fun and innovative drink combinations, making many of their mixology a must-try.
The Summer Crush
Green Tea Vodka shaken with Pandan, Lychee, Coconut, Passionfruit, Vanilla, & Fresh Lemon.
By blending green tea vodka with an exotic selection of fruit, this yellow cocktail delivers a refreshing and invigorating mouthfeel. This combination invites your tastebuds through a voyage of new flavours, making it an instant favourite for anyone fond of inventive drinks.
Amelia
Wyborowa Vodka, St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur shaken with Fresh Lemon & Puréed Blackberries.
Served straight up, the Amelia is a cocktail that radiates sophistication and offers a refreshing burst of fruitiness. The tartness of the lemon perfectly blends with the sweet, earthy tones of the blackberries. At the same time, the elderflower liqueur adds a delicate floral backdrop. This cocktail is an elegant choice for those seeking a vibrant and gracefully composed beverage.
Fraise Sauvage Cocktail
Gin shaken with Wild Strawberries, Tahitian Vanilla, & Fresh Lemon, Topped with Sparkling Wine.
Elegance in a glass, the Fraise Sauvage Cocktail elevates the cocktail experience with its combination of gin, wild strawberries, Tahitian vanilla, and a topping of sparkling wine. This cocktail dazzles the palate with a familiar blend of sweet and aromatic flavours. It captivates the senses with its sophisticated presentation. This is my favourite cocktail!
EO Signature Steak Tartare
EO Signature Steak Tartare Hand-made At Your Table With Crostini And Salad.
As a lover of Beef Tartare, I highly recommend this dish. Not only are the mix of ingredients wonderful together, you get an added element of entertainment seeing it made at the table. I don't usually like red cabbage, but the way it was pickled made me enjoy the dish that much more! It's a dish that balances taste and texture brilliantly.
Fresh Tuna Sashimi
Fresh Tuna Sashimi With Aguachile, Avocado Mousse, Micro Coriander And Lime.
This sashimi is a decent choice for those who prefer simpler flavours. However, it might lack complexity compared to other dishes on the Employees only menu. While it's a good choice for those that are gluten-free and there are lovely tangy notes, it is too one-dimensional in taste, and you will likely get bored of it over time.
QLD Picked Spanner Crab Tostada
QLD Picked Spanner Crab Tostada With Chipotle Aioli, Avocado Purée, Spanish Onion, And Paprika.
This tostada is an absolute must-order, presenting a delightful umami explosion of flavours as you bite. Each bite offers a blissful blend of savoury, spicy, and fresh tastes. This dish is one of my favourites for its ability to combine such vibrant ingredients into a tostada that packs a punch. It's surprisingly tasty for a dish that's gluten-free!
Scallop & Prawn Dumplings
Scallop & Prawn Dumplings With Lemon Butter Emulsion, Chervil, And Chives.
These dumplings present a promising combination that's pleasing, but doesn't quite hit the mark of being extraordinary. The dish ultimately delivers a satisfactory experience that, while good, lacks the distinctiveness to make it memorable. It’s a solid choice for those who appreciate seafood dumplings, but doesn't live up to the authentic dumplings of Chinatown.
Green Olive & Caper Spaghetti
Green Olive & Caper Spaghetti With Chilli, Garlic, Eschalot Passata, Grana Padano And Semi Dried Tomato.
The green olive & caper spaghetti offer flavour potential with its mix of ingredients and spices. The decent dish provides a tangy, savoury experience, but I would not order this again. Nonetheless, it's a worthy choice for anyone seeking vegetarian food.
RECOMMENDED
- Cocktails!
- Checking their socials & website for the latest specials/deals
- EO Signature Steak Tartare
- QLD Picked Spanner Crab Tostada
Final Words
Employees Only in Sydney CBD is one of my top picks for anyone looking for a lively evening out. With its central Sydney CBD location, diverse menu, and exceptional cocktails, it's a place that promises and delivers a memorable experience, especially after work. Whether you're there for the happy hour specials or a full meal, Employees Only is a must-visit for those seeking quality drinks and food in a bustling yet casual setting.
Employees Only Bar also features in Best Spots' weekend guide to Sydney's CBD. Want to see what other restaurants made the cut? Sign up to the newsletter to receive your free guide!
Where To Find Employees Only Sydney
Address
Hours
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM
- Wednesday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM
- Thursday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- Friday: 5:00 PM – 3:00 AM
- Saturday: 5:00 PM – 3:00 AM
- Sunday: Closed
Website
Phone
+61 2 8084 7490
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