#1 Overall🕑 Open 7 days
The Baxter Inn
4.73,962 Google reviews
The Baxter Inn is an underground whisky bar in Sydney's CBD, accessed down a dimly lit staircase off Clarence Street, with an extensive top-shelf whisky selection alongside classic cocktails. The venue describes itself as a low-lit space with blues playing and a sports-bar-minus-the-sport look, and it operates on a no-bookings, walk-in-only basis seven days a week. It's known as much for its atmosphere and free pretzels as for the drinks list.
What people praise
- Distinctive underground setting with a genuinely unique first-time reveal
- Extensive whisky selection alongside strong cocktails
- Free pretzels and a lively, music-driven atmosphere
- Open seven nights, no bookings required
Worth knowing
- Gets loud and crowded, especially on weekends
- Limited seating, with only a few booths available
Reputation scorecardrank in Sydney
Rating4.7 / 5
Review volume3,962 · 98th
Confidencevery high
Recency8 weeks ago
Info completenesssite · phone · hours
Rating breakdown79% 5-star
✓ VerifiedSource: Google
Our take: The most-reviewed venue on this list and a genuine only-in-Sydney experience, from the hidden entrance to the packed late-night crowd. Go on a weeknight if you want to actually hear the music over the noise.
