The Rook

The verdict

Tucked away on a rooftop in the CBD, The Rook is one of Sydney’s best-kept secrets (literally). Burgers and draaanks are the name of the game here and it’s the kinda place where good times are guaranteed. With trendy graffiti covering the walls and a retractable roof for when Sydney’s weather is not being friendly, once you find it, you’ll never want to leave.

Somewhat of a late night ginstitution, the cocktails alone will keep you coming back. Our faves include the Crunchy Nut old fashioned (think Crunchy Nut-infused makers mark, honeycomb syrup, whisky barrel-aged bitter & Crunchy Nut brittle), Can’t Beet A Root (aka Beefeater gin, beetroot, lemon, Whites Black Walnut Bitters plus salt and pepper), and Breakin’ Hearts (Rye Whiskey, Lagavulin 16, Campari, Oscar 697 Rosso and tobacco bitters), but with bartenders known for their classy concoctions, you can have whatever you please. If you've been here before you'll know the tale of 2 islands is a good place to begin.

If you’re feeling a little hungry, or just had one too many cocktails (story of our life), these guys have all you need. Dishing up a whole range of god damn delicious burgers (we’re talking the deep south surf and turf with southern fried chicken, lobster mayo, fresh tomato and lettuce), as well as their must-try clam poutine, popcorn bugs and porterhouse steak, the kitchen is open until 11:30pm every night of the week (welllll, except Sundays).

The lobster selection alone will keep you coming back, with a lobster cheese melt, Rook lobster roll, lobster pasta and cheese PLUS a 450g whole lobster with chipotle butter and truffle fries for when you’re seriously hangry. If you’ve got room for dessert, forget calories exist and don’t go home without trying the Oreo fudge pie and every day is sundae #drool.

The best part? From 6pm every Saturday you can kick back to DJs spinning all your fave RnB beats while sipping on $10 cocktails at Gin & Juice. That’s right, all gin and juice cocktails, made up of freshly squeezed carrot and ginger, beetroot and celery, cucumber and fresh herbs or house-made sodas are 10 bucks. Oh, and did we mention there’s even a lobster happy hour (!!!) from 4pm to 6pm, so you and a mate (or date) can sink your teeth into a whole lobster for only 60 buckaroos.

Image credit: Caitlin Hicks