The Hook

The Hook is a New Orleans-style oyster bar and cocktail saloon, serving a menu of half-shell delights alongside oyster-matched cocktails, twinkling Champagne, Guinness, and live piano tunes. 

If it sounds like a bar from a bygone era—that's because it is. Behind the venue is David and Amy Spanton, whose collection of charming, old-world Kings Cross bars also includes Piccolo Bar and Vermuteria.

For their third venue in The Cross, the Spantons wanted to create "a New Orleans-style oyster bar and saloon where you can sit at the bar, and chat to your oyster shucker while enjoying an ice-cold martini or Guinness."

However, The Hook also references Kings Cross's earlier days: across the road, Bayswater Brasserie used to be Sydney's premier oyster bar, while The Bourbon & Beefsteak was an iconic piano bar hosting impromptu shows from the likes of Billy Joel and Elton John.  

As for what to expect, oyster-wise, you'll be able to slurp yours au natural or in one of the classic styles—Rockefeller, Mornay, Killpatrick, fried, or smoked. The menu also features a standout smash-style cheeseburger and an LP's "Dive Dog" hot dog with DIY sauce. 

To drink, an oyster martini, of course, made with Never Never Oyster Shell Gin, vermouth, and oyster brine. Other classic oyster-paired cocktails will include a Black Velvet (Guinness and Champagne) and a Red Snapper, made with gin and a spicy housemade tomato mix.

"Highlights for me include the 1940s Hurricane, a throwback to the original New Orleans recipe, served in a hurricane glass,” says Dave. “We are also doing our French 75 in the traditional way—with Champagne, not prosecco—it’s delicious.”

Your oyster experience will be soundtracked by a live piano player doing jazz and classic bar tunes, and a mix of country, jazz, and 70s and 80s hits as the night goes on. 

Now, check out more of Sydney's best bars here. 

Image credit: The Hook | Christopher Pearce