Mate's Table
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Restaurant

Old Mate's Place

level 4/199 Clarence St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia

Recommended by 20 people

Updated

Find Old Mate's Place

level 4/199 Clarence St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia

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HoursMonday: Closed Tuesday: 4:00 PM – 2:00 AM Wednesday: 4:00 PM – 2:00 AM Thursday: 4:00 PM – 2:00 AM Friday: 3:00 PM – 2:00 AM Saturday: 3:00 PM – 2:00 AM Sunday: 3:00 PM – 2:00 AM

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

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About Old Mate's Place

Four floors above Clarence Street sits a moody, split-level sanctuary built for cocktail obsessives. Behind an unassuming entrance, bartenders sling custom pours tuned precisely to your preferred spirits and fruits. Regulars swear by the book-themed cocktail lists—where orders might arrive as a hip flask tucked neatly inside hollowed pages. Head upstairs to catch the breeze on the open-air rooftop terrace, or settle into the dim lounge below over a plate of pate, charcuterie, and old-school hip hop.

  • Storybook Cocktails: Drink lists curated around literary volumes, down to hidden flasks tucked inside physical books.
  • Hidden Rooftop Retreat: A secluded fourth-floor walk-up pairing a dim, low-lit lounge with an open-air rooftop terrace.
  • Personalized Pours: Bartenders tailor custom pours on the fly based on individual fruit and spirit preferences.
RestaurantCocktailBarCocktail Bar

What's On at Old Mate's Place

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

No events or specials listed right now.

Why Choose Old Mate's Place

Why guests choose this tucked-away Clarence Street cocktail haven

  • Custom-Tailored Cocktails to Match Your Taste

    Bartenders craft custom drinks tailored directly to your preferred base spirits and fruit flavors on request.

    My bartender Pat was so on point that he made us custom drinks based on what fruits and liquor we liked.

    Steven Guzman

  • Attentive Guidance for Drink and Spirit Choices

    Knowledgeable bartenders guide guests with personalized drink and whiskey selections to match individual palates.

    Joey, who took his time to assist us with our drink choices and made us feel right at home.

    Dave Ward

  • Literary Storybook Cocktail Presentations

    Cocktail menus and drinks are inspired by classic literature, including drinks delivered concealed inside books.

    They brought out a book and said “I have some light reading to do” then I opened the book to a hip flask of pina colada.

    Katy Johnson

  • Transportive Old-World Atmosphere

    Tucked away on the fourth floor, the venue immerses guests in a transportive, old-world speakeasy setting.

    the bar has a gorgeous, old world feel transporting you back to another time.

    Jules Rulesmore

  • Intimate Setting for Couples and Small Groups

    An intimate setting tailored for pairs and small gatherings looking to unwind over drinks.

    Old Mate's is a good for a couple, maybe a foursome.

    Larry Polak

  • Cozy Rooftop Terrace Hideaway

    The concealed fourth-floor hideaway includes an intimate open-air rooftop terrace paired with comfortable seating.

    the roof top bar is cozy and dim which is such an intimate vibe.

    Jimmy

Signature drinks and bites featured at Old Mate's Place

  • Martini

    I had the perfect Martini, enjoying the autumn evening.

    Larry Polak

  • pina colada

    I got the hidden pina colada. They brought out a book and said “I have some light reading to do” then I opened the book to a hip flask of pina colada.

    Katy Johnson

  • The Baker's Dozen

    The Baker's Dozen and Takes Two To Mango were great cocktails.

    Ken Rowbotham

  • Devils Three Way Steak Sandwich

    We had the Devils Three Way Steak Sandwich which was amazing.

    Ken Rowbotham

Beyond the menu

Distinctive hospitality touches and thoughtful details that elevate the experience

  • Cocktails Concealed in Storybooks

    Cocktails arrive concealed inside hollowed books with whimsical presentation, such as a hidden piña colada tucked away inside a physical reading book.

  • Off-Menu Custom Cocktails

    Bartenders craft bespoke off-menu drinks on the spot matched directly to your preferred base liquors and fruit flavors.

  • Personal Name Recognition

    Guests returning for repeat visits are remembered and warmly greeted by name upon entering the venue.

  • Attentive Drink Guidance

    Attentive staff actively guide drink decisions and suggest thoughtful alternatives for guests wrapping up their night.

Before you head over

Practical advice on reservations, access, and ordering for your visit

  • Plan Ahead or Book for Groups

    The venue fills up quickly on peak nights and weekends, so plan ahead or make a reservation if visiting with larger groups.

  • Prepare for the Walk-Up Entry

    Located on level 4 without a street-facing presence, expect a walk upstairs to reach the hidden lounge and rooftop.

  • Request Custom Drink Profiles

    Beyond the book-themed menu, bartenders will craft custom drinks based directly on your preferred spirits and flavors.

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