Submit a review

Drinking in Kings Cross

The infamous Cross has many a story to tell, and most of it's pretty darned racy. It’s no wonder the ‘hood got its own Underbelly spin off.

While there's still plenty of down and dirty round about the edges, and things can get pretty feral on the weekends, there's a racy fun that permeates and overpowers the bad. A lot of time and effort and, most importantly, money has been flooding into giving many of the Cross' institutions a much-needed facelift, and there's plenty of glitzy glamour to be had.

Here are top tips:

The World Bar - a rare find, this gorgeous old terrace has been converted with kooky character, delivering affordable beer and tasty food with a great beer garden out front. And did we mention teapots full of cocktails? Hurrah! Go round the world in a boozy haze.
Hugo's Lounge - all swanky leather banquettes and ottomans, this joint pulls a glitzy crowd, yet feeds them daily $5 pizzas. Genius.

Kings Cross Hotel - it may have taken several long years but this grand old dame of the Cross is looking fabulous for her makeover. A massive palace of glamour with bars galore, you can dance your socks off well into the wee hours or enjoy a quiet dinner over a bottle of wine on the balcony.

Tonic Lounge - The Cross' other favourite terrace conversion, Tonic Lounge is a debonaire mansion with a whiff of Parisian style about it. An excellent DJ roster ensures your aural pleasure.

Le Panic - Awesome name, trippy decor. Think sexy boudoir on acid and you're halfway round the bend. The former Sugareef has cosy booths for your closest friends.

Piano Room - a gorgeous haunt with old garden furniture that includes a baby grand, Piano Bar is the perfect spot for a slinky first date. Grab a cocktail and bathe in the light of the iconic Coke sign on the terrace.

The Bourbon - something of an institution on the Cross, The Bourbon kicks on late into the night and makes for the perfect vantage point for watching all walks of life as they pass by. Happy hour stretches from three to six.

Kit & Kaboodle - as if the name wasn't cool enough, throw in the gilt Chinese dragons and striking art deco decor for a touch of golden age glamour.

Ladylux - what more can you want than a cocktail list heavy onto vodka and named after former Bond girls? All 60s kitsch with quirky carpets and red velvet booths, Ladylux has legs.

Mandalay Room - strippers in a fish tank; enough said.

Stephen Russell, May 2011

Find more Bar and Club reviews on Citysearch

Drinking in Kings Cross

The World Bar

24 Bayswater Rd, Kings Cross

-33.874812 151.223887

This house of fun is set over four levels in a majestic Kings Cross terrace.

Category: Bars & Clubs // Venue Type: Bar

Editorial

Average user rating

(1 user review)

Average rating for this content is 1 star

Review This 1137561893102 places|nsw|kings%20cross|the%20world%20bar

Kings Cross Hotel

248 William St, Kings Cross

-33.874962 151.221998

The grand old lady of Kings Cross is still going strong and is more modern and classy than ever. The Kings Cross Hotel is your big night out on the town, or an intimate dinner for two, whatever you’re looking for you’re sure to find it here.

Category: Bars & Clubs // Venue Type: Bar

Editorial

Average user rating

(5 user reviews)

Average rating for this content is 1 star

Review This places|nsw|kings%20cross|kings%20cross%20hotel

Tonic Lounge

62-64 Kellett St, Kings Cross

-33.874194 151.224715

The Cross’s groovy alternative for those who like a touch of Paris with their night out.

Category: Bars & Clubs // Venue Type: Bar

Editorial

Average user rating

(6 user reviews)

Average rating for this content is 1 star

Review This 1137502974746 places|nsw|kings%20cross|tonic%20lounge

Le Panic

20 Bayswater Rd, Kings Cross

-33.874812 151.223887

If decor was edible (which it was in Hansel and Gretel... Although that was a fairy-tale... And practicality doesn't matter in fiction... Anyway). If decor was edible, then I would like to eat the interiors of Le Panic - all the psychedelic wallpaper prints, leather sofas, chaise lounges and cushioned bar stools that look like round red candies. Yummy.

Category: Bars & Clubs, Restaurants // Venue Type: Bar

Average user rating

(0 user review)

There is no average rating for this content currently.

Review This places|nsw|kings%20cross|le%20panic

The Bourbon

24 Darlinghurst Rd, Kings Cross

-33.873367 151.224917

The old girl may have been transformed but she still’s the best place to experience the sights and sounds of the Cross.

Category: Bars & Clubs, Restaurants // Venue Type: Bar // Mains from: $27.00 // Cuisine: Modern Australian

Book a table

Editorial

Average user rating

(0 user review)

There is no average rating for this content currently.

Review This 1137521533504 places|nsw|kings%20cross|the%20bourbon

Kit & Kaboodle

33-37 Darlinghurst Rd, Kings Cross

-33.75935 150.951203

Imagine Audrey Hepburn exploring her dark side - you would find her at The Kit and Kaboodle Supper Club, getting cosy on a couch upstairs kissing beautiful boys and swilling French champagne, late, late into the night.

Category: Arts, Bars & Clubs // Venue Type: Theatre, Bar

Editorial

Average user rating

(0 user review)

There is no average rating for this content currently.

Review This places|nsw|kings%20cross|kit%20%26%20kaboodle