Papa Gede's Bar | Cocktail Bar Sydney

Tucked down the laneway at 348 Kent Street, between Market and King Streets and about five minutes from the QVB, Papa Gede’s is a Sydney CBD cocktail bar with a neighbourhood feel. The venue describes itself as a casual, friendly haunt built around cocktails, conversation and a witch-doctor apothecary aesthetic, giving it a distinctive identity without losing its approachability. It is open from 4pm Monday to Thursday, from 4pm until late on Fridays and from 5pm until late on Saturdays.

Cocktails are the main attraction, with a menu spanning classic influences, tiki serves and original creations. Standouts include The Zombie, a long and strong tiki drink made with aged and overproof rums, and Divine Intervention, which combines absinthe, apple, passionfruit vinegar and lemon. There are also lighter options such as Lush Blooms, a low-alcohol spritz, as well as the Hipster Gin & Tonic with Aussie craft gin and house-made tonic. The venue also offers a broad selection of absinthes, including Australian and international bottles traditionally served, alongside craft beer, wine and aged cocktails.

Food is geared towards drinks and sharing rather than a full restaurant meal. The snacks menu includes toasted sandwiches, chips, marinated olives, bread with an olive oil dip and Papa’s Hot Pocket. The Spicy Italian Toastie pairs nduja, roasted red capsicum and mozzarella, while the Halloumi Harissa Toastie combines grilled halloumi, rose harissa, sun-dried tomatoes and honey. A daily happy hour is listed from 4pm to 6pm, with tinnies, wine and weekly cocktail specials; the website notes that current offerings and specials may vary.

Papa Gede’s suits friends catching up, cocktail-focused drinkers and smaller groups looking for an informal night out in central Sydney. Bookings are accepted for groups of six to 12, with tables also held for walk-ins every night, making it workable for both planned gatherings and spontaneous visits. The bar has received recognition from Time Out Sydney and has been nominated or shortlisted in several cocktail-bar categories, including at the Spirited Awards. For bookings or absinthe enquiries, the venue asks guests to email drink@papagedes.com.