Restaurant
The Swinging Cat
44 King St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Find The Swinging Cat
44 King St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Directions ↗*Opening hours may differ during holidays.
Book NowAbout The Swinging Cat
Descend below King Street into a cosy New Orleans-inspired basement humming with rum cocktails and live soul. Regulars head straight down late in the week for table service and vintage NOLA rhythms, where the music starts around 7 PM Thursday through Saturday. The room fills quickly as the band tunes up—a smart window to settle in with a Hurricane packed with rum and tropical fruit, or the berry-laced, gin-heavy Black and Blue. Attentive staff keep the floor moving with complimentary crisps and plates of Southern-fried popcorn chicken alongside warm chilli bean empanadas. Later rounds call for the Riverboat Queen, mingling subtle mango, apple, and coconut while the brass and keys take over.
- Live Jazz & Soul: Live jazz and soul sets bring mellow energy to the basement Thursday through Saturday from 7 PM.
- Table Service Cocktails: Attentive floor staff deliver rum-heavy Hurricanes, the gin-forward Black and Blue, and island-style sips directly to your seat.
- Southern Comfort Fare: Comfort bites include crunchy Southern-fried popcorn chicken, chilli bean empanadas, and complimentary crisps.
What's On at The Swinging Cat
Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.
No events or specials listed right now.
Why Choose The Swinging Cat
Discover why patrons choose The Swinging Cat for drinks, live music, and cosy underground hospitality.
Live Jazz & Soul Performances
Live musicians bring a mellow atmosphere to the underground lounge from Thursday to Saturday evenings.
With live music from Thursday to Saturday at 7pm, playing smooth soul beats bringing mellow ambiance to the room.
Julia Truong Engaging Live Music Show
The venue delivers an enjoyable subterranean entertainment experience with memorable sets that make an evening out worthwhile.
The musicians put on a great show, and the delayed start was soon forgotten.
Amy Munns Attentive Table Service
Attentive table service ensures guests are settled comfortably at their seats while ordering specialty drinks and comfort snacks.
The bar has table service who are very attentive, making sure you are comfortable at your seat.
Julia Truong Warm, Responsive Hospitality
A welcoming team pairs high-touch hospitality with swift customer care to elevate the subterranean bar experience.
Great customer service and very attentive staff.
Kenny Cheung Cosy Subterranean Ambience
A cosy subterranean setting creates a warm, relaxing vibe tucked away underneath the city streets.
Nice and cosy underground bar.
Kenny Cheung Positive, Welcoming Atmosphere
Warm and helpful staff create an inviting, feel-good atmosphere that leaves patrons thoroughly satisfied.
Their warm and helpful demeanor added to the positive atmosphere of the place.
Amy Munns
Most popular items
Signature cocktails and comfort food pairings served at your table
popcorn chicken
southern fried pop corn chicken
Julia Truong Hurricane cocktail
My favourite was the Hurricane cocktail, New Orleans staple with a mix of rum and tropical fruit.
Julia Truong chilli bean empanadas
I did enjoy the chilli bean empanadas
Julia Truong Riverboat Queen
Riverboat Queen makes you feel like you’re in an island enjoying coconut with subtle mango and apple.
Julia Truong
Before you head over
Practical timing and ordering advice to get the most out of your visit.
Time Your Visit for Live Sets
Live music runs Thursday to Saturday from 7:00 PM, so arriving around or after 7:00 PM ensures you catch the jazz and soul sets rather than visiting before the music begins.
Ask for Intimate Corner Seating
The bar features seated table service with attentive hosts; if you are looking for a quieter, more intimate atmosphere with a partner, request a corner spot when checking in.
Prioritise Cocktails and Light Bites
Focus your order on specialty cocktails like the Hurricane or Riverboat Queen paired with quick comfort bites such as popcorn chicken or empanadas rather than a full dinner.
Explore more places in Sydney
Find familiar flavours, neighbourhood favourites and somewhere new in Sydney.
Similar places
More places for the flavours and food you enjoy.
- PS40Sydney · Cocktail, Cocktail Bar
- Percy - Sydney Tapas & Wine BarPyrmont · Cocktail, Mediterranean, Wine Bar, Cafe, Cocktail Bar, Restaurant
- Maybe SammyThe Rocks · Cocktail, Modern Australian, Continental, Cheese, Tapas, Cocktail Bar, Bar, Live Music
- Old Mate's PlaceSydney · Cocktail, Bar, Cocktail Bar
- Uncle Ming's BarSydney · Cocktail, Cocktail Bar
- Village CrownZetland · Gastropub, Cocktail, Pub, Cocktail Bar, Restaurant
Discover more in Sydney
Explore another side of the city's food and drink.
- Tea Square CafeChatswood · Cantonese, Coffee, Hong Kong, Cafe, Restaurant
- Pioik Bakery PyrmontPyrmont · Bakery, Cafe
- Spuds Seafood & GrillChipping Norton · Seafood, Restaurant
- A Bowl Of Noodles - HaymarketHaymarket · Chinese, Restaurant
- Jasmin Lebanese RestaurantLakemba · Lebanese, Restaurant, Takeaway
- B85 Artisan BakeryCamden · Bakery
- Boronia KitchenGladesville · Brunch, Australian, Restaurant, Cafe
- Restaurant 317 — Italian Restaurant ParramattaParramatta · Italian, Pizza, Vegan, Vegetarian, Restaurant, Takeaway
- Odd Culture NewtownNewtown · Restaurant
- Enzo's Cucina NorthmeadNorthmead · Italian, Restaurant
- Grill'd Burgers - PenrithPenrith · Restaurant
- Tasty Chinese RestaurantAsquith · Chinese, Restaurant
