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Restaurant

The Baxter Inn

152/156 Clarence St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia

Recommended by 48 people

Updated

Find The Baxter Inn

152/156 Clarence St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia

Directions ↗
+61 2 8302 2317
HoursMonday: 4:00 PM – 3:00 AM Tuesday: 4:00 PM – 3:00 AM Wednesday: 4:00 PM – 3:00 AM Thursday: 3:00 PM – 3:00 AM Friday: 3:00 PM – 3:00 AM Saturday: 3:00 PM – 3:00 AM Sunday: 4:00 PM – 3:00 AM

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

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About The Baxter Inn

Down a Clarence Street alley and past an unmarked fire escape door, this subterranean vault trades in serious spirits and dark timber. Bartenders scale rolling library ladders to pull rare bottles from a towering wall of hundreds of whiskies, while seasoned regulars lean over the bar for fresh apple whisky or bespoke nightcaps. The basement stays packed, buzzing to blues and low chatter. Bowls of salty pretzels arrive on the house and keep coming throughout the evening.

  • Staggering Whisky Library: Bartenders navigate rolling ladders across a floor-to-ceiling backbar featuring hundreds of global bottles and regional pours.
  • Hidden Speakeasy Entrance: Tucked behind a quiet alleyway and down basement stairs with no street signage, opening into a moody, candlelit space.
  • Complimentary Pretzels: Bowls of crisp, salted pretzels are served on arrival and replenished throughout the night.
  • Custom Cocktails & Guidance: The bar team tailors orders on the fly, mixing fresh apple whisky alongside custom creations matched to your palate.
RestaurantBar

What's On at The Baxter Inn

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

No events or specials listed right now.

Why Choose The Baxter Inn

Why cocktail enthusiasts and night owls seek out this hidden subterranean whisky sanctuary in Sydney.

  • Towering Wall-to-Wall Whisky Library

    The bar showcases an immense global whisky archive with bottles stacked floor to ceiling, where bartenders climb library-style rolling ladders to retrieve rare drams.

    Seeing them climb the ladder to get stuff off the shelf is pretty cool too

    Quinten H

  • Guided Spirits Tastings and Custom Concoctions

    Knowledgeable bartenders take time to deconstruct regional profiles and tailor custom cocktail or dram recommendations to individual palates.

    Spent time teaching us about different whiskeys and recommended us his favourite drinks, we had the best time!

    matty stokes

  • Secretive Alleyway and Basement Descent

    Tucked off the street through an unmarked alleyway, down a flight of stairs, and behind a fire exit door, the venue delivers an authentic speakeasy journey.

    after being checked by the bouncer in a hidden alley, u walk down some industrial like stairs and then enter an ambient bar.

    Jessie Wang

  • Prohibition-Era Speakeasy Ambience

    Low lighting, rich vintage timber, and vintage blues and jazz tunes set a moody hideaway tone sheltered from the bustle of central Sydney.

    Quiet, moody, fantastic. I assume it would get noisy as more people arrive. Great music of blues in the background playing when we were there.

    Julie and Gary Pope

  • Endless Complimentary Pretzels

    Every table receives complimentary bowls of crunchy pretzels upon arrival, kept continuously topped up throughout the evening.

    They even serve complimentary pretzels as snacks, and the staff keep refilling them throughout the night. Such a nice touch!

    juneny Cooking

  • Warm, Low-Pressure Hospitality

    Welcoming and attentive bar service ensures guests are well taken care of with zero pressure and unpretentious recommendations.

    Lair-like prohibition era vibes with delicious 🍸 concoctions. Generous servings and refills of pretzel 🥨 bites. No pressure from service staff.

    C T

Signature cocktails and drinks crafted by expert bartenders

  • Apple Whisky

    Apple Whisky ($14) – Light, fruity, and super easy to drink. Perfect for beginners and a popular choice on Chinese social media.

    Evelyn

  • Whiskey Sour

    Ho bevuto forse il miglior whiskey sour della mia vita.

    saman ziarati

  • Old Fashioned

    Expertly crafted and one of the best you’ll find in the city.

    Ryan Kim

  • Silk Road

    Silk Road ($28) – My personal favourite. Woody, smoky, and rich. It reminded me of an upgraded Old Fashioned – the deeper you sip, the more addicted you get

    Evelyn

Beyond the menu

Thoughtful hospitality nuances and distinct service touches that elevate a night underground.

  • Bottomless Complimentary Pretzels

    Guests are immediately greeted with complimentary bowls of pretzels that bartenders continually refill throughout their visit at no charge.

  • Rolling Ladder Bottle Retrieval

    Bartenders use sliding library ladders to retrieve rare bottles from the towering floor-to-ceiling spirits wall right before guests.

  • Tailored Bespoke Drink Consultations

    Patrons can describe bespoke flavor preferences or off-menu whims to bartenders who craft custom cocktails tailored on the spot.

  • Atmospheric Wax and Leather Sensory Touch

    The venue greets patrons entering from the alley with sensory atmosphere details like distinct wax and leather aromas paired with background blues and jazz.

Before you head over

Practical advice on finding the entrance, beating peak crowds, and navigating the whisky selection

  • Locating the Hidden Entrance

    The venue is tucked away in an alley off Clarence Street down an industrial staircase and behind an unmarked fire escape door. Look for security or red ropes near the entrance if you lose your bearings.

  • Timing Your Visit for Seats

    The basement gets very busy and noisy during peak hours, often resulting in wait times for tables. Arrive right around opening or visit during off-peak times if you prefer a quieter drink or want group seating.

  • Ordering Bespoke Drinks at the Bar

    Head straight to the counter to browse the massive spirits library and request tailored recommendations, or ask bartenders to craft bespoke cocktails matched to your flavor preferences.

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