Bar Fly: The Swinging Cat
The Swinging Cat
44 King Street, Sydney (02) 9262 3696 theswingingcat.com
When you visit this New Orleans-inspired bar, squirreled away underneath Subway on the corner of King and Clarence, you’ll come for the cool vibe, but you’ll stay for the Sazeracs. Sink into the plush armchairs, gaze over at the open German piano and enjoy what The Swinging Cat does best – classic cocktails. I recommend starting with either the Peppermint Sazerac ($19); a bitey combo of cognac and bourbon, sugar, absinthe and bitters with a fresh finish of mint, or my favourite, the Ramos Gin Fizz ($18) – a perfectly fluffed, silky blend of gin, cream and egg whites. While you work your way through the cocktail menu (it would be rude not to), try out the excellence that is the wagyu beef and grilled cheese toastie ($14), or share the charcuterie board ($33) (worth getting, even if just for the truffled salami). There’s no way this hole-in-the-wall bar will manage to stay a secret for much longer.
