PICCOLO BAR
Piccolo Bar, a tiny little hole-in-the-wall cafe has been in the same spot in a Kings Cross back-street since the 1950’s when long-time owner Vittorio Bianchi was a newly arrived immigrant waiting tables. Many stars famous and infamous have passed through here*, Vito became the owner and was a fixture in the neighbourhood - still waiting tables, having a chat with locals, knitting scarves and passing comments on the passing trade with his acerbic wit.
Covid came along and amongst a prolonged lockdown, locals thought that the shuttered cafe was destined never to open again. But now a new chapter dawns in the life of Piccolo Bar - reopened as our Aperitivo bar & diner, playing Euro tunes and with an updated look that somehow has managed to retain the charm and vibe of the old bar. It’s a little slice of Europe that evokes the authentic Kings Cross vibe.
This space does great cocktails, limited but tasty food options, doesn’t take bookings, and is busy every night. Opens every day, except Monday, from afternoon till midnight.
*David Bowie!
Also fans of RAKE, this is Cleaver’s breakfast cafe with the flat above
VIVID
The bright lights are back with VIVID reigniting Sydney once again. Think light shows, installations, talks, performances and bright ideas!
Whilst the main event is happening in and around the CBD, Eastside venues have some great offers for pre and post VIVID experiences.
light up cocktails at THE WINERY
Try some of the best craft brews in town in this locals favourite and bar with an industrial vibe and cool crew to match.
Drop in between 5-10pm for a Cheese and Charcuterie board with a beer or wine for $49 or add an extra drink (for 2 people) $55. As Vivid lights up the skies and buildings they light up our drinks. Try the cosmic light inspired beer list as you watch the interactive beer bottle led light display, across the whole of the bar area, inspired by the VIVID night time glow.
1/137 Oxford St, Darlinghurst
Pink Guava Imperial Sour at bitter phew
VIVID NIGHTS are coming to life at Alibi Bar every night with three new cocktails, discoverable only to those in the know via blue light. Ramping up the experience every Thursday – Saturday evening, enjoy hidden cocktails and plant-based bites to the tune of Under Control DJs. It’s the perfect spot for pre or post-Vivid drinks.
Ovolo Hotel, 6 Cowper Wharf Roadway, Woolloomooloo
ALIBI cocktails
Look into the NOMAD window and see the amazing LED light display design especially for VIVID. Come inside and Indulge in NOMAD's Caviar Course $100 per person for a limited time only - the perfect pairing of Champagne & Caviar. Featuring a serving of Polanco Grand Reserve Oscietra Caviar, crème fraîche, hash brown + a glass of Michel Gonet ‘6g’ Brut, Blanc de Noirs Champagne, it's the ultimate addition to your NOMAD feast.
16 Foster St, Surry Hills
champagne and caviar at NOMAD
Follow our laneway path and discover a magical glamping experience…
Grab your pals, sip on cocktails and enjoy an intimate grazing experience in a cosy glamping tent. Indulge in our four-course shared tasting menu for $69pp. Take it up a notch with beverage pairings for an additional $39pp.
Throughout Vivid, enjoy $10 Lightbulb Spritzes in different flavours! Mango and vanilla / Rum and mint / Vodka and orange / Vodka, rose and lychee / Gin and grapefruit /
285A Crown St, Surry Hills
GLAMPING AT THE WINERY
Enjoy your drinks with glow-in-the-dark ice cubes and straws, as you feast on a late weekend brunch (finishing at 5.15 just in time for VIVID lights) just a short walk across the Domain into the city.
55 Riley St Woolloomooloo
RILEY ST GARAGE banquet
DULCIE’S
Dulcie’s is a stylish subterranean cocktail parlour inspired by Sydney’s 1930’s speakeasies and named after Dulcie Deamer novelist, poet, thespian and journalist. Dulcie was a women ahead of her time, smart, creative and sometimes shocking to society. She was known as the "Queen of Bohemia" due to her involvement with celebrated artist Norman Lindsay’s literary and artistic circle, the Bohemian world of Kings Cross, and vaudeville. A worthy icon to be remembered!
Descend the stairs from Darlinghurst Rd and enter into Duclie’s, a cosy subterranean bar with old world charm, a warm space big on
personalised service and attentiveness to detail. Dulcie herself would approve.
Dulcie’s owner and host Brandon Martignago pride’s himself on using 100% Australian produce. Everything from boutique spirits, and mixers to the locally sourced meats and cheeses that come from dedicated distillers and providers use quality Aussie ingredients. And everything is meticulously scrutinised by Brandon’s discerning eye.
Feels like the home of a very charming and tasteful friend - this is a place to drop in for a drink and find you’ve stayed till the wee hours of the morning.
44B Darlinghurst Rd, Kings Cross