Restaurant

Employees Only Restaurant & Bar

9a Barrack St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia

Recommended by 36 people

Updated

Find Employees Only Restaurant & Bar

9a Barrack St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia

Directions ↗
HoursMonday: Closed Tuesday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Thursday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Friday: 12:00 PM – 3:00 AM Saturday: 6:00 PM – 3:00 AM Sunday: Closed

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

Book Now

About Employees Only Restaurant & Bar

Behind the velvet curtain on Barrack Street, Employees Only turns dinner into late-night revelry—the CBD’s go-to for loud celebrations and after-work shifts. Shakers keep pace with orders for the Amalfi’s Pearl, while tables share mushroom croquettes before carving into tomahawk steaks spooned with green peppercorn sauce. Midweek tarot readings and weekend burlesque acts weave between courses until throwback tracks take over, leaving diners dancing around the tables before dessert plates are cleared.

  • Precision Cocktails: Signature pours like the Amalfi’s Pearl anchor an inventive cocktail lineup alongside a high-value CBD happy hour.
  • Elevated Chops & Small Plates: Mushroom croquettes, fresh oysters, and weekday tomahawk steak specials with wine pairings turn bar fare into a full dinner event.
  • Theatrical Nightlife: Nostalgic music tracks, weeknight tarot readings, and weekend burlesque performances keep the dining room moving into the early hours.

What's On at Employees Only Restaurant & Bar

Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.

Thursday nights just hit different. 🎶

Special

Thursday nights just hit different. 🎶

Thursday nights just hit different. 🎶 Live music with Voli K Music & the band, great food, cocktails flowing, and the kind of atmosphere that keeps you around for one more round. Every Thursday at Employees Only. Book your table and make it a night...

Why Guests Choose Employees Only Sydney

Behind the velvet curtain on Barrack Street lies Sydney's premier haven for high-energy feasts, masterclass cocktails, and immersive entertainment. Book your table or private room now to claim the full experience.

  • Effortless Milestone Celebrations

    Large parties and milestone birthday groups receive attentive coordination and a vibrant party atmosphere that keeps guests celebrating without logistical friction.

    We truly felt celebrated from start to finish and honestly cannot wait to come back:)

    Penny Dennis
  • Dedicated Group & Hen's Gatherings

    Dedicated function spaces provide groups and hen's nights with tailored bartending and full dining service in an energetic, music-filled setting.

    our hen’s night out was amazing, we booked a Private function room and the staff were fabulous, great food, great music.

    Jazz Mak
  • High-Value CBD Happy Hours

    Early evening visitors enjoy generous drink offerings and signature bar snacks that make post-work gatherings accessible and budget-friendly.

    Six of us came for happy hour and I thought for the amount of food and drinks we ordered it was great value.

    Alexandra Muecke
  • Weekday Tomahawk Steak Specials

    Midweek diners take advantage of substantial dining promotions centered around premium cuts and wine pairings.

    stayed for their signature tomahawk steak which was an absolute banger for $99.

    Alexander Matsurev
  • Theatrical Burlesque & Psychic Readings

    Evenings feature interactive entertainment ranging from weeknight fortune-telling to weekend burlesque spectacles that elevate dinner into a full show.

    Psychic on weeknights and special surprise performance on Friday and Saturday night which makes it a worthwhile trip.

    krystal Ng
  • Precision Mixology & Attentive Bar Craft

    Knowledgeable mixologists guide guests through tailored cocktail recommendations paired precisely with savory kitchen dishes.

    His knowledge of cocktails was impressive, and each drink was crafted with precision.

    MFCC *

Other favorites

Complementary bar bites, specialty pours, and fresh accompaniments that round out the table.

  • Amélia Cocktail

    If you’re unsure about which cocktail to choose, go for the Amélia—it's a must-try.

    Natalie Hajje
  • Fresh Oysters

    The oysters were fresh

    Lina H.
  • Zucchini Flowers

    We ordered the zucchini flowers and chicken skewer, both were fantastic.

    Emily Crowther
  • Broccolini and Green Beans

    paired with the green peppercorn sauce and brocollini and green beans - chef’s kiss!

    Liana Hor

Beyond the menu

From tableside fortune tellers to surprise sparkler rounds, theatrical flourishes turn a night out into an event—book a table to experience the spectacle.

  • Sparkler-Lit Celebration Shots

    When marking a birthday or milestone, floor staff frequently surprise the table with complimentary celebration shots lit by glowing sparklers.

  • In-House Psychic and Tarot Readings

    Weeknight visits feature an in-house psychic providing intimate tarot card and fortune readings right from a cozy corner of the room.

  • Pop-Up Burlesque and Magic Shows

    Evening dinner service is punctuated by roving theatrical entertainment, including surprise burlesque routines and close-up magic tricks.

  • Proactive Happy Hour Table Check-Ins

    Floor staff proactively circle tables five minutes prior to the end of early-evening specials to ensure guests lock in final discounted cocktail rounds.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of live entertainment does the venue offer?

Employees Only Sydney features unique live entertainment alongside dining, including tarot card and psychic readings on weeknights, as well as burlesque performances and special surprise shows on Friday and Saturday nights.

Does Employees Only have happy hour or dining specials?

Yes, the venue offers an early happy hour featuring discounted cocktails and bar bites such as zucchini flowers, skewers, and croquettes, alongside a weekday Tomahawk steak special.

Can you book for large groups and celebrations?

Yes, the venue accommodates group celebrations and private events, and reservations are accepted. Evenings tend to become very lively and loud with high music volume and crowded rooms as dinner transitions into nightlife.

Explore more places in Sydney

Find familiar flavours, neighbourhood favourites and somewhere new in Sydney.

Discover more in Sydney

Explore another side of the city's food and drink.

Browse all Sydney venues