Palmer & Co
"Speakeasies", the term used to refer to secret bars during the US' prohibition era, have been gaining popularity in Sydney over the past few years, so you'll find quite a few of these 1920s-themed bars - provided you know where to look.
Palmer & Co is one of the newer speakeasies, tucked away behind the popular bar Establishment in the CBD. The bar takes its theme seriously - wait staff wear flapper dresses and suspenders, and you'll even be issued a warning to keep quiet about the bar when you arrive. You may have trouble finding it, but here's a tip - look for Abercrombie Lane.
Soda Factory
This one is a little more well-known, but because it's somewhat hard to find, there is usually plenty of room inside. The American-themed bar, located on Wentworth Avenue in Surry Hills, is only denoted by a cartoon sign of a hot dog and maybe a velvet rope.
You'll have to open up a door disguised as a soda machine to get inside, but once you do, you'll be delighted by the friendly staff, awesome live music and delicious foods. Be sure to visit on a Tuesday night - you won't be able to beat the $1 hot dogs on sale.
Sticky Bar
This location is arguably the hardest to find, but it's so small and intimate, you should give it a shot if you are looking for a great and fun date location. The bar is located above the Surry Hills restaurant Table for 20, but to get there, you'll have to head to a nondescript door on nearby Campbell Street. There, you'll find a note with a phone number. Text that number, and you just might get a password that lets you in.
We've got you covered with more great Sydney bars and restaurants in the Sydney City guide.
