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Employees Only

9A Barrack St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia

4.2 (1114)
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Bar

80 Seated
200 Standing
Usually responds within 24 hours
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Why you'll love Employees Only

  • Fashionable, buzzing cocktail bar
  • Perfect for work functions or corporate events
  • Great cocktails and New York-inspired menu

Located in the heritage-listed basement on Barrack Street, the Employees Only is a semi-hidden gem that brings the essence of New York's West Village to Sydney. The plush green velvet, dark timber, and brass highlights create a majestic scene that is illuminated by skylights. A smart casual dress code is enforced, and the venue reserves the right to refuse entry.

The world-renowned cocktail bar is famous for its innovative and well-crafted cocktails that have garnered a worldwide following. The Amelia, made with Wyborowa Vodka, St. Germain Elderflower liqueur, fresh lemon, and puréed blackberries, is a fan favorite. The Manhattan, made with Knob Creek Straight Rye Whiskey, Mancino Rosso Vermouth, Grand Marnier, and dashes of Angostura Bitters, is a timeless classic.

The New York-inspired menu is a fusion of French, Italian, and Australian influences. The signature dish, Steak Tartare, is handmade at your table, while the slow-roasted lamb shoulder, Truffled Mac 'n' Cheese Scrumpets, and Caviar Service are also must-tries. The venue has a resident psychic who offers signature tarot readings until the early hours.

Whether you're dining in the private room, enjoying a drink at the bar, or dancing all night long, the only rule at Employees Only Bar is to expect the unexpected. Walk-ins are welcome, but the venue can get busy late at night, so it's best to make a reservation in advance.

Located near Martin Place and Wynyard Station, the venue is hidden away behind an unassuming psychic sign. It's a great place to rub shoulders with Sydney's stylish crowd while enjoying drinks and food. However, keep in mind that the venue enforces a smart casual dress code and reserves the right to refuse entry.

In summary, Employees Only Bar is a world-renowned cocktail bar that offers a New York-inspired menu, signature tarot readings, and a memorable evening for those in a New York state of mind. The venue is located in a heritage-listed basement on Barrack Street, near Martin Place and Wynyard Station.


Employees Only Function Rooms

4 Spaces Available At This Venue
Main Dining Room

Main Dining Room

Welcome to one of Sydney's most cultured and elegant dining locations - step through the curtain and into our dining room. With a seating capacity of 55 and the ability to host over 100 guests for cocktails, it's an ideal venue for large ev...

80
200
Price on Request
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Gallery Space

Gallery Space

Located next to the bar, The Gallery Space is an intimate venue that can accommodate up to 25 guests for a cocktail-style event. With cocktails crafted by masters, a New York-inspired menu, and signature tarot readings available until the e...

25
Price on Request
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Private Room

Private Room

Looking for an intimate and private dining experience? Our private dining room is a perfect choice. We offer exclusive service and can accommodate up to 30 guests for a sit-down dinner or up to 40 guests for a cocktail-style event. Our priv...

33
55
Price on Request
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Entire Venue

Entire Venue

Unveil the mystique and sophistication of one of Sydney's most cultured and elegant event locations. Our venue boasts a seating capacity of 85 and can accommodate up to 200 guests for a cocktail-style event. Nestled in a heritage-listed bas...

80
200
Price on Request
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Google iconReviews for Employees Only

EL profile photo

EL

August 25, 2024

Wednesday happy hour 50% off selected menu- food was fast, cocktails were faster and it was cheap and cheerful. Our server made us table side beef tartare and that was fun! Food was honestly the best part (I recommend the baked Camembert). Only complaint was that it was a bit too loud to be comfortable.

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Hawlz

September 24, 2024

a dinner to remember 🫶🏻 came here in july for a birthday celebration double date and we had a blast!! the service was amazing, we had a female server who was extremely attentive and friendly so i’m surprised to see the bad reviews. the place has an intimate and dimly lit vibe with relaxing music but it was a bit loud! however the food swindled us off our feet 💃🏻 we got an array of food and every dish was cooked, seasoned and made perfectly! the stand outs were the corn ribs, the steak, burrata and the duck. 🦆 all the sauce pairings complimented the flavours of the proteins deliciously. with a perfect balance of umami, sweet and savoury. the burrata had an interesting yet delicate spin. it was a foodie dream. 🌕 and of course, we had a couple cocktails. they were yummy especially the espresso martini 🍸 however we felt that they were a bit overpriced. thank you for the birthday wishes for my friend and embarrassing him with the birthday song!! 🤣 we loved our experience and hope we don’t miss the burlesque next time 😇

Jiwoo Kim profile photo

Jiwoo Kim

July 10, 2024

Second visit, both times were great. Got four entrees and was full from that. Personal favourite is the steak tartare. Everyone should try the Baked Camembert Cheese, especially if you’re a cheese lover. The kingfish and scallops were good, nothing special though. Prefer the scallops. Our waiter was very friendly and when making conversation, the reason for our visit came up; our anniversary of 8 months 😅 She thought it was funny which we do too we just needed a reason to make a special occasion. Bc of that she gave us free shots! 😭🫶 I loved it so much. I couldn’t find it on the menu or know what it was but it was mango? flavour with coconut foam. I forgot to ask and need to know what this is, please reply and tell me 🙏

Nikolija profile photo

Nikolija

July 28, 2024

Overall a fun place to go. If you are looking for a quiet place to eat, this isn’t the place for you. Food and cocktails were nice and the waitress was lovely and friendly. My only downfall was that they took 15-20 minutes to sit us down at our table (which we had booked for), and we were standing around in peoples way which was a bit awkward. Apart from that it was a nice experience.

Renee Grasso profile photo

Renee Grasso

November 1, 2024

Thursday is the new Friday! Delicious cocktails and food. Great tunes and attentive staff, thanks for looking after us Billy! Highly recommend, will definitely be back.


Frequently Asked Questions


Amenities & Extras

Food & Beverage

Bar Tab
Coffee / Tea
Filtered Water
Venue Offers Catering

Audio Visual Equipment (AV)

Microphone
Speakers
TV

Other Amenities & Extras

Accessible
Air Con
Dance Floor
External Music or DJ
Furniture Hire
Lighting
Natural light
Pens & Paper
Restroom
Security
WiFi

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