One of the many 'speak easy' bars in the area. More hidden than most. Down the delivery dock alley and down the dodgy stairs and it opens to a comfortable whisky bar. Atmosphere is great and the drinks are awesome. Especially if you like your whisky and cocktails. Organize a hidden bar night in the area and it's a must do. Go to the barbershop first then when you go out back entrance, you can walk straight through to Baxter. Be warned. Friday nights are BUSY. read more

Awesome place to get a great cocktail. Free pretzels, tasty drinks and fun tunes blaring. Would have been five stars, but our bartender wasn't very friendly, we were interested in hearing/learning more about Australian whiskies, but didn't get much from him. read more

The Baxter Inn - Bars Near Me - Sydney, NSW

When you step up to a bar and order an Aviator and a Boulevardier and the bartender doesn't flinch, you know you're dealing with professionals. This place is about as good as it gets cocktail-wise. They have a really impressive scotch selection and a large Japanese Whiskey selection as well. At 9PM, the joint was jumpin', but we had no trouble getting in and finding a table. There seemed to be a pretty steady turnover, and I never noticed anyone having issues finding a place to sit. There was no table service, which might be a "con" for some, but I like dealing directly with the bartender anyway. Another possible "con", it's pretty lively and I occasionally wished it were a bit quieter. However, loved the music! Overall, it's a must-visit whiskey/cocktail spot in Sydney. read more

It's a fun bar that the locals love. It does get quite jam packed on a Saturday night, and last call is around 1:45. Pretty loud and can be a bit difficult to grab a seat. Perfect if you love whiskey! Music's pretty fun - they had 80's when we were here. read more

Absolutely loved this bar. A fantastic selection of whisky. The staff were incredible knowledgeable and friendly and had a fine appreciation of the spirits they were serving. read more

I just love this hidden underground bar! The atmosphere is great, as well as the decor! I particularly love the fresh apple whiskey cocktail. It is always so much fun to bring new people to that place and see their faces when you walk them in the dark alley and go down the stairs. And of course, seeing the relief when they finally enter the bar is priceless! read more

Really awesome vibe and atmosphere. Hubby and I had an Old Fashioned each. Delish. Also, our water glasses were never empty. Staff was insane and on top of everything. Wouldn't go there for a chill drink with friends. Too loud and packed, but definitely a must visit experience! read more

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Hidden bar in the loading zone of an alley. The entrance is pretty easy to miss. After a flight of stairs the doors open up to the speakeasy. They also have Old Fashioned on tap! There is a private tasting room in the back with some rare finds. I wonder how you can get access to that... Free pretzels! Whiskey selection is amazing! You name it, they probably have it. The environment is very dark and loud. Very crowded. Gets quite warm. read more

Super popular speakeasy located in a small alley in CBD where's there's also another speakeasy called The Barber Shop (don't get confused, The Baxter Inn is on the right, downstairs). Great whiskey cocktails and a cool vibe. No table service. Arrive early. read more

The Baxter Inn - Bars Near Me - Sydney, NSW

Lookin' for a smoking gun? Go'on git up that ladder son! Baxter's Inn is a son of a gun, single malt whiskey swillin' saloon that is so well hidden you'll think you're in the sewer before you arrive. It's my new favourite smally, and it's so smooth and smoky you'll think you're in Marlboro country. The list of single malts isn't impressive... It's intimidating. Having worked in a bar that used to boast the Southern Hemisphere's largest collection of single malt whiskey I can honestly say I was like a babe in the woods. Old friends like Ardberg, Dalwhinnie, Laphroaig, Oban, and Talisker were present as well as every damn thing with a Glen in its name - I've swilled it, swallowed it and sculled it, but there's still names on Baxter's list that I ain't heard of afore. The dark light, exposed brick, raw wood feel is a common theme that runs through the small bar scene, but where Baxter's truly shines is that wall of whiskey, and the willy wonka ladders used to access them. read more

Not a whisky lover but decided to go to this bar, after a medium wait in queue I had first good surprise, the place is really cool, kind of old school, pretty small with a really cool bar where mixologists climb on ladders to grab different alcohols. Music is kind of country/blues rock. As I said I am not a whisky lover but if you are, you will find your happiness for sure, they have a big selection of whisky and others spirituous. The mixologists looked confident and the bar looks like a real place to also make cocktails so I decide to ask for one. "Can you make a cocktail which is not on the drink list ? " " Yes I can do everything, nearly everything" That the answer I waited too many and I did not get enough, you know you are facing a serious bartender when he answers that. I ordered a bramble which was good and well decorated. This bar mixes a great atmosphere, a good music, cool people, good mixologist and great drinks even if you are not a whisky lover. To be short it is my favorite bar in Sydney. read more

Recently opened in December 2011, Baxter Inn is one of the latest additions to the ever expanding Sydney Laneway bar phenomenon. No doubt by now you already know and love Shady Pines. Well then, it's a sure thing, you're going to love Baxter Inn, the latest offering from the same good people behind the Shady Pines Saloon. Be warned, this bar's not easy to find. Walk down a dodgy looking laneway (opposite the Redoak Boutique Beer Cafe), turn right, note the bouncer, head down an even dodgier looking staircase, push open the non-descript door. Most likely you'll recognise the entrance by the snaking line of eager patrons, waiting for entry. The bar has a capacity of 130, and for my money, that's a good number. This place is all about one thing - whisky - with 300 different whisky's on offer. But, don't fret if you're not a whisky enthusiast - there's an impressive looking wine list, beers on tap and classic cocktails to keep you happy. Good to know, the barmen are more than happy to educate you on your whisky choices, should your whisky knowledge not be quite up to scratch. In fact, the barmen (note: no barwomen) are amongst the friendliest I've found in Sydney. Now, let's be clear - I'm not a whisky drinker. And, I'll admit, I was tempted by more than one wine on their wine list, but that would have just been plain wrong. I'm here to tell you about Baxter Inn. Baxter Inn is all about whisky. And so, I took one for the team, and I ordered a whisky. After a lengthy conversation with a friendly barmen, which went something like this: Me: 'I would like to order a whisky. But, I don't usually drink whisky, and I'm not sure I even like whisky. Do you have anything that tastes a little...err...less like whisky... and more like Champagne?' Barman: 'No Ma'am. I'm afraid all our whisky's taste like whisky's. But, I'd recommend you start with this whisky...' I ended up with a glass of Dalwhinnie (is that even the correct terminology?): I'll admit it wasn't too bad. I'm not going to say I'm converted, but it's a step in the right direction. Perhaps after a few more visits to the Baxter Inn... The place is dark, cosy and inviting, the kind of place you could get lost in for hours. There's no mistaking the decor is reminiscent of Shady Pines, minus the taxidermy wall features. Without a doubt, this is a new hotspot for city workers, relaxing after a hard days grind, and those others lucky enough to be in the know. Note: you may not want to visit on an empty stomach though, unless you'll be satisfied with the complimentary pretzels. Though I believe a food menu is coming soon. read more

Love here! cocktails.. lovely deco and music and service is great! It's really popular place so it's quite noise and busy One of place that you will bring someone visiting Sydney or for a date night I think they have very good food too.. but I haven't tried yet read more

One of the best bars in Sydney. It's a hidden gem with every type of whiskey you can dream up. If you don't like any of the cocktails on the menu, just ask the guys. They're great at making custom drinks. read more

Definitely a 5 star speakeasy experience. Actually got so excited going down the alley to try this spot that we got fooled by another speakeasy at first. Kudos to the barber shop for seizing a great opportunity I'm sure we aren't the only ones that have made this mistake. After having a delicious gin drink at the barber shop we walked out looked left and saw the obvious entrance to the Baxter inn. Awesome ambiance, very impressive whiskey list, and a knowledgeable staff of rock stars to guide you through the experience. Deserves its place as one of the best bars on the planet. read more

Stepped in here after work to meet a few colleagues. If it wasn't for the bike shop/cafe next door giving me directions, I would never have found it. Down an alley way, through a rabbit hole, not even a sign that said "Drink me". Anyways, once you step inside you are transported to Prohibition era Atlantic City. Dark, earthy, cozy and relatively unpretentious (given its word of mouth, hipster reputation). I almost don't want to review this as I don't want anyone else to go there, but I suppose the place has to keep ticking over to stay in business... This is yet another one of Sydney's "secret" bars. I hope more of them open. read more

Alice in Wonderland. Go down this rabbithole for some fabulous magic. Whatever your politics you gotta love Clover Moore (Mayor). Her fight and victory over the alcohol cartels that used to run Sydney has resulted in some very cool bars - beginning to challenge Melbourne at last. And this is one such bar. Great staff, a wonderful quirky wine tasting room (you gather in a cupboard, not much bigger than Harry Potter's bedroom under the stairs). Like Anthony B's review I almost don't want to tell people how good this place is for selfish reasons, but it is packed anyway. No bookings, no happy hour, no nonsense. The owner told me he modeled it on a Boston speakeasy - and he got it right. I last went on a Tuesday after work, it was already full, and when I left at 7pm there were queues. Good luck finding it - it really is hidden down a scary hole. read more

Old Fashioned's ON TAP. Pretzels. Charming bartenders. Walls of whiskey. Perfection. read more

Well, well, well pretzels, we meet again. You somehow know just what I like, your sweet combination of salt and carbohydrates seems to effortlessly complement every whisky choice I make - even that Dark and Stormy the bartender somehow let me slip through the cracks melds perfectly with the curves of your crunchy body. It's like you can read my mind... Oh, hey. Didn't see you there. So, um Baxter's inn.... I love this place, it's where unicorns would go if they could drink (but everyone knows unicorns can't drink - silly) the bartenders are handsome and helpful that's a double H for those counting at home. And of course free bowls of pretzels that help you feel less guilty about the 4 whiskey neats you just threw back. Get in early 'cause there is always a line - probably my only issue with this magical establishment. So if you see me at the bar, say hi, but I don't share my pretzels... read more

Kickass cocktails and fabulous music. I went with a friend and we asked them to make us a few cocktails from the menu. They turned out to be fantastic. Refreshing and packed an oomph. The free pretzels made is stay for 2 more cocktails each. It's a fun thing to eat while enjoying the drinks. Music is AWESOME and the vibe of the place is very chilled and jazzy. Love the crowd. read more

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Fact: best bar in Sydney. Hidden in the basement of one of Sydney's historic buildings - good luck finding the entrance! Head down the lane way, turn right, try to spot the fire exit door, head down the stairs (yes it does seem dodgy!), open the door then enjoy travelling back in time to the days of the prohibition. Love the wine list (tip for the non-whiskey drinkers). read more

The Baxter inn is the perfect underground atmospheric den in the CBD. It feels like you've been transported back in time, or at least to London when you push open that door at the bottom of those dodgy looking fire stairs. The playful jazz, array of wiskey bottles, low lighting, kooky art, bowls of pretzels, hipster bar tenders... there are so many things to love about Baxter! Took my little bro there on his 18 birthday for a drink and he thought I was the coolest big sister ever - little does he know i'm just a faker who stumbles into incredibly rad bars like this one because of social media recommendations like this one. Go check it out! But don't tell everyone, it'll be our little secret. read more

Highly over-rated hipster bar. If you love drinking obscure whiskys served by bearded hipsters in aprons, then this is the place for you. Very long (slow moving) lines on Friday nights and weekends. There is some quite nice ambiance in the booths, but zero chance of getting one when they are busy read more

Greatest selection of whisky I've ever seen in all my travels to whisky bars around the world. They have Japanese Scotch. Trust me, the Japanese make better Scotch than the Scots. And the Baxter Inn has it, in all its glory. It's also a very charming, fun, exciting hipster place with young tattooed virile bartenders. Last call was 2 am, which is unusual for Sydney (but it was Friday night). read more

The Baxter Inn is the baby brother of Shady Pines and is everything you want in a hipster bar. Almost impossible to find, underground with a capacity of about 100 people. You'll find this hipster oasis down a side alley and behind some buildings on Clarence Street. Honestly, if someone didn't show you you would have no idea it existed. It seems popular for after work drinks for people who work nearby so you'll have to line up before the sun's even gone down. When you've got the OK you'll pass through a door by the dumpsters and head down a narrow stairwell into a basement. It's all a bit exciting. You feel like you're part of the elite. The privileged few. It's moody and classy with not much room to stand or sit. If you're into it, try and get a seat at the bar so you've got a nice view of some pretty good looking bartenders (who may or may not get most of their kit off at the end of the night). They're also privy to handing out the odd free drink which is nice. Just like Shady, they'll juice your apples right in front of you and their snack of choice is pretzels! But the main appeal of this place for a lot of people is the fact that they have a billion whiskey's available at varying prices. Get down here and give it a go. There's something nice about knowing where to find something so secret. read more

Not normally a fan of dark alleys, this one was different. I was en route to The Baxter Inn. Much hyped sister bar to Shady Pines Saloon, there was pressure on the drinking culture masterminds Anton Forte and Jason Scott to deliver. They did. Through a dark tunnel, into a back alley and then down a flight of stairs with only the distant hum of old school tunes to lead you there. Like a secret bunker, this bar instantly transports you somewhere else. Staff look super sharp with slicked back hair, delectable beards and killer grins. They will make your drink quicker than any place in this city, and boy do they know their liquor. Sporting 360 whiskeys, this is a bar for those who know their drinks, but it is destined, I fear, to a similar fate to Shady Pines. As soon as word gets out it will be packed every night of the week, queues down the street. Full of douche bag suits and their sequin clad lady friends. Everyone desperate to be seen at the latest 'it bar'. But booooy do they know their liquor.... read more

This place was hard enough to find that we missed it and went into another bar at first. Pay attention to directions given and look for the bouncer. This is the best speakeasy experience ever! The prohibition-era style and music are unmatched. The drinks and snacks are just a plus. We loved it, and wished we lived here to go more frequently. read more

Oh show me the way to the next whisky bar. That whisky bar has to be Baxters. If you like whisky, Baxter's is the place to go. Down an allley, through a dingy door, down what look like fire stairs, through another dingy door and what opens up before your eyes is not the airconditioning plant room or plumbing service cupboard that you would expect from the entry but an under ground Aladdin's cave of amber spirit, done up like a prohibition era speakeasy. Hundreds of whiskeys (all single malt...none of that blended rubbish) to try from all regions of Scotland (and a few Japanese and Australian ones thrown in for good measure) ranging from around 12 dollars a glass to over 100 dollars a glass. Overwhelmed? Not sure what to try? No worries. Helpful bar staff who really know their whisky will help you navigate the maze. If you aren't into whisky, there are other options. You can get wines and some other spirits. They do some good cocktails. They have a small but reasonable selection of good beers (feral hop hog FTW!) But it's the whisky you really come for. Be careful though, it's really easy to overdo things at Baxters. You can spend an evening sipping a range of whiskys then go to get out of your chair and realise you can't. read more

Very good fun. Excellent whisky sours. Great barmen. Free pretzels. Get here by 4pm (especially on Friday) if you want to secure a table! read more

Whiskey galore and not for the faint hearted! Tucked Away from Clarence st, you have to walk past the bike shop to the back and you generally see a security guard chilling on his lonesome..you have found it! Walk down stairs and then when you open the door be transported back in time.. Not really but you get the picture. Wooden bar with a bartender with complimentary mustache. You also get free pretzels which are addictive! Great selection of whiskers, rums, tequilas etc. Pull up a chair at the bar and enjoy! Ps if you see an American bill paper jet plane stuck to the wall.. It was a gift from moi ;) read more

Extremely trendy hipster bar that is "hidden". You get the picture... + Good whisky selection + Very cool interior design and venue - US inspired prohibition era + Professional staff with high knowledge - Expensive - Stand in line in a shitty back alley slash loading dock area - The hype may have peaked Defs. worth a visit & will probably be better once the hype is lower because this business is a great idea read more

Pretentious Twaddle. Yes, the venue is Groovy. The decor and set up is spot on. But $280+ for a glass of whiskey (when the whole bottle can be bought for less than half??) what a joke!! Evidenced by the fact that, when we we were there, no one was drinking whisky but rather beer. Toss. read more

Can't get any better than this! Great basement bar downstairs with a whole list of alcohol. I found this really awesome! It is pretty small as it is a basement but that doesn't bother me, not really recommended to bring a whole group of friends there. The place is really old school styled as the interior just gives it away. Do recommend people check this place out. It's one hell of a place! read more

Look this is supposed to be one of the top 15 whiskey bars in the world. Having been to a few on the list here's what I can say... I loved the vibe of the bar as soon as I walked in. There is an impersonal feel from the bartenders. They should all go to 1919 in San Antonio to understand how bartenders at a speak easy can be knowledgeable but fun too. The whiskeys ranged in price from $13-140. We tried several in the $25-50 range that tasted like moonshine or rubbing alcohol so that was disappointing. I love whiskey and drink it often; I wasn't impressed with the selections I happened to try that night BUT I did like the bar and I will go back. read more

As whisk(e)y focused bars go, The Baxter Inn may be one of the best I've ever been to. Once you get in, that is. Expect to wait about 30 minutes during weekend prime time hours. However, walking in you are instantly transported back in time to Prohibition-era speakeasy style. Baxter Inn nails this very well, without the usual ironic feel that many bars in this style unfortunately succumb to. Not only do they have a very deep selection across Scotch, Irish, Japanese and American labels, they also have exceptionally rare bottles (Macallan 40 year in Sherry, for instance). They have a mean Old Fashioned on tap, rotating beers and a decent wine list. Music leans toward jazz and 60's RB/soul, played loud and lending to a vibrant environment. But, it does make it hard to have group conversations when seated at a table. Predictably, drinking here (as is the case with most of Sydney) is not a cheap endeavor. However, the service is top notch and the vibe is very enjoyable. read more

A hidden gem. Love this place! Busy but totally amazing! The range of different whiskeys, my god! They litterally climb on a ladder up the wall to get the bottles down. I had a espresso martini, it was good, but I have had better. Anyway, does not matter, the bartenders are so nice and put a lot of love in their work! read more

The music is a bit pretentious but otherwise I love this bar. Proper scotch whiskey. Beer on tap. Pretzels. Dim light. Table service or bar service. A chilled out yet quite busy bar, it's the closest I've come to a proper pub feeling in Australia, where people are enjoying each other's company and talking to each other, rather than gawping at a TV or being drowned out by music. And because it's in a basement, you won't get any mobile signal, which also means no internetting, facebooking, tweeting.... Hurrah! (Except for posting Yelp reviews, of course). read more

I realize the US dollar has gained some ground, but I just couldn't justify spending $20+ dollars on a drink...even if the lit up bar is beautiful and the ambiance ultra cool. That said, we left without ordering, but only because of our tourists budget. I can see why someone who is used to spending that much would really enjoy this place though. read more

Attending college in the South, I discovered early on that the single most sexy thing on the entire planet is a man wearing a tuxedo and sipping whiskey. Although the tuxedos are few and far between at Baxter Inn, there definitely is an abundance of whiskey, making this hands down my go-to bar in the CBD. The bartenders here are extremely friendly and seem to really enjoy their jobs - no pretense, no attitude - just really good cocktails. This place tends to get packed, but the layout allows for relatively easy seating along the walls and columns. I'd knock off a star for them being out of Crown Royal the past two times I've visited, but they keep saying there's more on order (and I happen to have a stash at home, so not a deal breaker). I'm also a fan of the uni-sex bathroom set-up. Notice how there isn't a line really ever, ladies - good stuff. read more

A fun little bar I didn't know existed, and was slightly confusing to get to, but if you can find the little alley on Clarence St and the unmarked door with a bouncer outside then you deserve one of their many selections of whiskey. And boy do they have a selection! On a Thursday night it was so busy it was hard to have a conversation with my friends and filled with people having after work drinks. The constant stream of pretzels, the drinks, the jazz, the funky bartenders who will make a cocktail out of thin air for you is slightly addictive. It makes you feel like you're part of an exclusive club! read more