Restaurant

The Bootlegger Bar Katoomba

92 Bathurst Rd, Katoomba NSW 2780, Australia

Recommended by 80 people

Updated

Find The Bootlegger Bar Katoomba

92 Bathurst Rd, Katoomba NSW 2780, Australia

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HoursMonday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Friday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Saturday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Sunday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

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About The Bootlegger Bar Katoomba

Stationed directly across from Katoomba station, this smokehouse dishes out slow-cooked brisket, pulled pork, and cocktails. The low-lit room leans into a cozy cabin feel with country tunes rolling in the background. Diners zero in on the multi-meat share platters—sized for tables or solo eaters—loaded with crisp chicken wings, house-smoked ribs, and fermented pickles. The kitchen takes coeliac safety seriously, willingly baking fries to dodge cross-contamination. Cocktails bring real bar theatrics, from citrus mixes to smoked concoctions garnished under glass bubbles.

  • Scalable Meat Platters: Smoked platters come tailored for solo diners, duos, or groups, loaded with ribs, pulled pork, brisket, and wings.
  • Coeliac-Safe Smokehouse: Owner-led allergy care features gluten-free options and fries baked separately to prevent fryer contamination.
  • Station-Side Hangout: Directly opposite the railway station, offering quick access for trail refuels alongside live music and theatrical cocktails.

What's On at The Bootlegger Bar Katoomba

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

No events or specials listed right now.

Why Diners Choose The Bootlegger Bar Katoomba

Slow-smoked American barbecue, dedicated gluten-free care, and shared feasts right across from Katoomba station.

  • Dedicated Coeliac and Allergen-Safe Smokehouse Preparation

    Kitchen staff take cross-contamination seriously by adapting preparation methods, such as baking chips instead of using shared fryers.

    They went above and beyond to bake the fries instead of deep frying them as the fryer had been used to cook some gluten food items.

    Hugh Rexon
  • Authentic Low-and-Slow Smoked Meats

    Pork, ribs, wings, and brisket are slow-cooked in traditional smokers for deep smoke rings and peppery bark.

    Slow cooked for hours in a smoker. It has a tasty rub on it which enhanced the brisket meat with an enjoyable pepper flavour.

    Ricardo Della-Ricca
  • Communal Multi-Meat Share Feasts for Pairs and Groups

    Substantial mixed meat platters bring friends and couples together over slow-smoked cuts, tenders, sausages, and house sauces.

    I myself have cooked plenty of american bbq over the years & would highly recommend the full share plate for 2.

    Dean Clapham
  • Flexible Share Boards Sized for Solo Diners

    Individual diners enjoy the full multi-meat smokehouse experience with generous platter options tailored for one person.

    I ordered the meat share plate for one, and the portion size was huge definitely great value.

    Ben
  • Prime Rail-Transit Location Opposite Katoomba Station

    Situated right across Bathurst Road from Katoomba railway station, providing a warm stop immediately upon arriving by train.

    Located opposite the Katoomba railway station, The Bootlegger Bar Katoomba is a great venue to grab a drink and relax.

    Soniqbuoy
  • Hearty Trailhead Refueling After Blue Mountains Treks

    A welcoming refuge with comforting smoked meats and warming drinks to recharge tired travelers after hours on mountain trails.

    We went on a five hour hike and stumbled upon this place, and boy what a find!

    Lauren Coleman

Other favorites

Sides and craft cocktails to complement your barbecue

  • Loaded fries

    the loaded fries were perfect

    Adam Stossel
  • Penicillin cocktail

    the Penicillin cocktail recommended by Kris was outstanding (definitely one of the highlights of our visit!)

    Lelia Leite
  • Spicy margarita

    I recommend the spicy margerita

    Kate Pankhurst
  • Mac & cheese

    The side of Mac & cheese paired perfectly along with the local beer on tap

    James Gosselin

Beyond the menu

Thoughtful gestures and dedicated service details that elevate your visit

  • Table-Side Aroma Tastings for Custom Spiced Drinks

    Staff tailor drink options by letting guests sample bottle aromas table-side before choosing spirits to spike warm spiced drinks.

  • Dedicated Allergen Protocols and Baked Fries

    For coeliac guests, the kitchen avoids shared fryer cross-contamination by specially baking fries upon request.

  • Bubble Garnish Gun Cocktail Demonstrations

    Bartenders showcase bar theatrics by demonstrating their bubble garnish gun directly for interested guests.

  • Hand Wipes Included with Platter Cutlery Sets

    Table cutlery sets come packaged with post-meal hand wipes specifically to clean hands after finger-food smokehouse platters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the menu suitable for coeliac and gluten-free diners?

Yes. The menu features extensive gluten-free dishes, and staff actively cater to coeliacs by baking fries separately to prevent shared-fryer cross-contamination.

Can you get share platters if you are dining solo or as a pair?

The slow-cooked meat share platters come in structured options for both individual diners and pairs or groups, with generous portions featuring brisket, chicken, ribs, and pulled pork.

What are the parking and public transit options nearby?

Street parking is available nearby, though spots directly by Katoomba train station can be tight. The venue is located right across from the station, with additional parking within walking distance near the cultural centre.

Should you book a table in advance?

Table bookings are accepted and recommended, particularly for peak weekend evenings and live entertainment nights, though walk-ins and bar seating are often accommodated when space permits.

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