The Baxter Inn

The verdict

The Baxter Inn changed everything we knew about drinking in the CBD after dark. This sister establishment to Darlinghurst's hugely popular Shady Pines Saloon opened with its signature old-school, basement-style interior, jazz music and whisky as the bar's star, with over 150 different variations. It's not a huge venue, comfortably fitting just over 100, and later in the week there's often a line, so try for a mid-week session if you prefer less noise.

Image credit: Daryl Kong