ESQ Bar & Dining

In the historic QVB, tucked behind a hidden entrance and beyond plush velvet curtains, you'll find ESQ. The prohibition-era, NY-style speakeasy is part bar, part dining room—and a whole lotta fun.

Expect to be transported back to the Roaring 20s with smooth jazz tunes, swing bands, old-world cocktails, and decadent bistro dishes. Yep, this place may as well be ripped straight from the set of The Great Gatsby. 

The moody space is decked out with luxe furnishings, exposed brick walls, leather booths, a stunning, backlit oak bar, rich timber accents, and parquetry flooring. In short, it's pretty darn classy.

Heading up the kitchen is Guillaume Dubois who's serving up rich bistro classics like French onion dip, foie gras with poached pear cured duck and brioche, and steak with cognac cream and roasted shallots. You'll also find pumpkin and black cabbage gnocchi, lamb rump with red wine jus, pork schnitzel "holstein" with egg, white anchovy and capers, and desserts like a Bombe Alaska and carrot cake. 

There are also two banquets available, plus bar snacks such as oysters, deviled eggs with bonito flakes, fried potato with 'nduja and cheddar, and a wagyu cheeseburger with gruyere, house-made ketchup, and pickle served with a side of fries. 

As for the drinks, ESQ boasts over 50 whiskies from all over the world, plus classic cocktails and an extensive wine list of A-class and rare drops from Bordeaux to the Barossa. To tempt you further, the bar runs a "6 o'clock Swill" happy hour (4–6pm) every evening, with $15 negronis, martinis, and gimlets as well as a select list of wines by the glass. Pair that with some swingin' jazz, and it really is the cat's pyjamas.

Image credit: Steven Woodburn