You get a real sense of achievement when you find Baxter Inn in Clarence St – it’s like you need a Treasure Island map.  But when you find it – the journey is worth it.  This is one of Sydney’s seriously cool bars – brought to you by the boys from Shady Pines Saloon.  Down behind a loading dock between 154 and 156 Clarence St, Sydney city, then go down the fire stairs (not up – although the neighbours will direct you because there is nothing else to, as with Shady Pines it’s about people who know that will tell you how to find it). But just when you think you’ll end up in a dirty basement – you open the non-descript fire door and you’re transported to Baxter Inn.

Photos of boxers on the walls, horse racing, very cool country/ballad music, great drinks.  Baxter Inn has the best selection of single malt whisky in Sydney (over 300 of the world’s best), an inspiring selection of beers (on tap and bottled), also a fine Australian wine list and cocktails to tempt you.  There’s the original basement brick work, candelabra on the walls, small saloon tables, carpet, pretzels and a feel of a place in the city to call home.

One of our measures of success for cool Sydney bars is the brilliance of the bar staff –  you ask for a classic martini and they deliver.  The bar people at Baxter Inn know their drinks – I got chatting to the one who was serving me – he knew about Lagavulin and all the great single malt whiskies of Islay in Scotland.

So how does it measure up? – this is a great addition to Sydney cool bars.  It’s brilliant and we highly recommend it  - go early!  Baxter Inn is open 4pm to 1am – Monday to Saturday

 

Baxter Inn

Basement

152-156 Clarence Street
Sydney 2000

BAXTER INN WEBSITE

Related posts:

• Berta stirred but never shaken
• Latest news-cool bars and cool Sydney restaurants
• The Wild Rover bar- Sydney