Here’s where you get your second wind after a long-ass working day, Sydney; a bar built on the notion of good, energising hits of coffee that has been shaken, not stirred. That’s right, the city has gotten it’s first ever bar dedicated to the ever-loved espresso martini, combining the love of good coffee with good alcohol, sprucing up the rusty old guts of the former Cadbury chocolate factory in The Rocks.
Tuxedo, located on Gloucester Street, is the brainchild of one Benny Sweeten, who is also responsible for bringing eateries like Joe Black, Two Wolves Community Cantina and neighbouring cafe Kansas City Shuffle to life. Both Tuxedo and Kansas City Shuffle share the same vision – bringing big city living to a little slice of the CBD, a forgotten strip of CBD nestled between Wynyard and The Rocks. Whilst this is certainly an ideal place for the polished suit-and-tie crowd, the venue is anything but clinical and overly professional. Its urban decor, speakeasy-like touches and mid-western diner charm give it a unique aura, far from the bling on Argyle Street or the rowdy kerfuffle on George Street.
Benny believes in sharing what he loves, and, simply put, he wanted to combine the best of coffee and martinis, and therefore developed a bar to gift Sydney its very first dedicated espresso martini bar. “Coffee is my biggest love, so I wanted to use that passion to create something that just might out-Melbourne Melbourne and its specialty scene”, says Benny. “I’m stoked to be throwing open the doors and welcoming Sydney-siders in to enjoy a cocktail, some nourishing dude food and a game of table tennis or pool”.
Seven signature martinis define the bar from The Candy Man (amaretto, vodka, kahlua and espresso served in a glass that’s been dipped in 100s and 1000s, to the Cadbury Chocolate Martini, an undisclosed mix that has been named for the venue’s past life. You’ll also find The Pirate (which makes use of spiced rum and agave), Tequila Espresso Martini; (exactly as it sounds), Cold Drip Martini (described as part coffee, part cinnamon donut), The Traditional (served on tap), and My House (another bar secret with an undisclosed recipe).
Other menu items include easy-to-eat food that complement the beverages. If the opening night’s menu was anything to go by (think smoked beef brisket fortune tacos, espresso martini tiramisu and shrimp cocktails), then expect the same sort of bespoke fare. The bar also serve craft beers and a comprehensive wine list.
Tuxedo
Address: 195 Gloucester St, The Rocks
Contact: 02 9247 7309
Opening Hours: Open seven days for the first week. Normal trading hours will be Monday – Friday, 5 – 10pm.
Images supplied and used with permission.
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