Bar 83

By now you’ve seen the photos, right? A sweeping room in pure white, crimson and gold. A grand spiral staircase. Bold curves and soft lighting. Tables by floor-to-ceiling windows and, beyond, the view of Sydney from 245 metres above street level ranging 260 degrees over the bridge, the harbour, the other bridge, the heads, the Royal Botanic Garden, east, west – all of it. This is Bar 83, in case you missed it – the retro-futuristic cocktail lounge on the 83rd floor of Sydney Tower leaning into the form of the structure and the era of its creation with nods to ’60s and ’70s design trends. A little space-age, space-odyssey edge is combined with something of the luxe airline lounges at the peak of the jet-setting era, and a whole bundle of kitsch, swinging energy. 

All this is to say that you go, first, to look at the place and snap the photo. But as much as a visit is about sinking into a sleek bucket chair or plush velour lounge and soaking up the view, this isn’t a tourist trap, and the drinks have been given as much attention as the décor. It may not revolve like Sydney Tower’s restaurant a couple of floors down, but the revolutionary spirit is alive and kicking, and the vibes are impeccable.