Nestled beneath a neon “Psychic” sign on Barrack Street, Sydney, lies the Employees Only Bar, a hidden gem with dark vibes, killer cocktails, and exquisite food. Arriving during peak evening hours, we found the place packed with a lively, youthful crowd, all buzzing with energy. Despite the crowd, we were seated at a small table near the entrance and bar—cozy and pleasant, though the noise level was high. The atmosphere was vibrant, with everyone clearly enjoying themselves.
We started with several cocktails and the Kingfish Tiradito, beautifully plated with confit tiger sauce, micro coriander, jalapeño, lime, and chili. The flavors were sensational, leaving us both salivating and eager for more. Next up was the Harvey Bay Scallop Crudo, dressed in citrus ponzu sauce and topped with black caviar. This dish stole the show—perfectly presented with an incredible balance of taste and texture. For our final course, we savored the Marinated Charred Chicken Skewer, accompanied by hommus yogurt, pomegranate, sumac dip, and cucumber. The hommus was so delicious that we scraped every last bit off the plate.
As for the drinks, the West Side cocktail, a refreshing mix of lemon vodka, lemon, fresh mint, and a splash of soda, was a standout. The Red Light District, featuring Blanco tequila, watermelon, chili liqueur, rosemary, mint, cucumber, and lime, was equally impressive. My partner enjoyed a traditional margarita and an espresso martini, both executed perfectly.
The vibe and decor of the bar were on point, making for a fantastic evening. The only downside was the noise, which was a bit overwhelming, and the cramped bathroom stalls—navigating them was less than ideal. Despite these minor issues, the overall experience was exceptional, and we’ll definitely be returning for another round.
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