Vinabar: One of Sydney’s top hidden bars
Sydney is home to some great hidden bars and one of the more interesting ones has to be Vinabar.
This secret microbar sits behind a steel door disguised as a banh mi cart. The tiny bar, with seating for only 18 people, is accessorised in an homage to the lantern-strung streets of Hoi An with sixty silk lanterns which illuminate the heritage wooden joists, offering a striking contrast to the sleek black marble benchtops.
A scaled replica of the Golden Hand Bridge from Da Nang serves as the bar’s shelving, while dark reflective panels enhance the sense of depth around it. The meticulous Vietnamese-inspired decor was a labour of love, with the bar’s banh-mi cart door taking six weeks to craft and 62 man-hours to install and assemble.
Inspired by the vibrant nightlife and warm hospitality of Southeast Asia, Vinabar’s unique ambiance perfectly encapsulates their slogan: “small space, big dreams”. Sharing this vision and bringing it to life is Creative Lead and Venue Manager Tony Yang, who is infusing the microbar with his innovative blend of Vietnamese flavours and contemporary mixology techniques.
Vinabar’s small but exciting cocktail menu puts a Vietnamese spin on some classics. At the top of our list is the exceptional Cà-Phê Martini – a delicious blend that combines the beloved Espresso Martini and the nostalgic flavours of Iced Vietnamese coffee. This innovative cocktail features a blend of Vodka, fresh Vietnamese G7 Coffee, Condensed Milk, and Shaved Coconut — all topped with a Pocky Stick, an iconic Asian lunchbox snack that’s been cherished across generations. A definite crowd-pleaser!
The Dragon’s Breath is another top pick and features vibrant dragon fruit giving it a hot pink colour, with a rum base, passionfruit, citrus and their homemade sour mango syrup. A delicious blend that is just simply divine!
If you like a dirty martini, then the Opens With Sesame cocktail might be right up your alley. This one’s infused with Saigon Baigur gin, a splash of pandan sesame oil, a hint of Dolin vermouth, and a dash of olive brine which give it a bitter flavour. We recommend having this one earlier in your visit before finishing off with something sweeter.
For those looking to make the most of their after-work drinks, or simply want a good time without breaking the bank, we suggest visiting Vinabar from Tuesday to Thursday from 5-7pm, where you can enjoy their $12 Mala-Garita special — a unique twist on a spicy margarita which features tequila, pineapple juice, hot Thai peppers, sugar, lime juice, and mala syrup for a unique kick.
With Halloween fast approaching, there are currently two limited-edition cocktails available that are as eerie as they are delicious. The spooky sips include Hanoi Horror (which starts off with a nice taste of beer and hops on your first sip which turns into a fruit candy jumpscare) and Hanoi Hallows (crafted with the same ingredients but served in a highball glass, and with most of the beer replaced with lemonade for a more traditional candy flavour for those who don’t love beer). These frighteningly good concoctions are available only for the month of October 2024, making Vinabar a perfect stop for anyone getting into the Halloween spirit.
Vinabar’s menu features a variety of inventive Asian-inspired creations that are well worth exploring when you’re next in the CBD. With its relaxed atmosphere, friendly staff, and super cosy setting, this is a small bar you’ve got to visit at least once.
Vinabar
Shop 1, 332 Kent Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Open Tuesday to Sunday (5pm – 2am)