Hiding beneath a Subway on a non-descript corner in the CBD, this cool hideaway bar captures the essence of the underground jazz bar – somewhere you can definitely drink fresh. From the decor to the superb drinks, a gramophone on the corner of the bar (attempt to fix it at your own peril) and the button-back leather seating taking you back to an era of New Orleans swagger, The Swinging Cat will be sure to impress you, your partner, your partner’s mother, your partner’s mother’s tennis coach – the list goes on!
Underground on the corner of Clarence and King Streets, the swinging cat provides a feel of old-school exclusivity. The first thing you notice is the beautiful decor that isn’t being disturbed with the influx of people that have been swamping Sydney’s hidden bar scene. It’s relatively quiet, which is a good thing – especially for a date – because it means you get better service and the ability to have a chat while enjoying the jazz music humming along unobnociously in the background.
The drink list here takes on more of a New Orleans feel, with the bartenders throwing their own “swing” into it. One of their signature drinks, the “smoked honey”, combines everything glorious about scotch and cigars in a drink that’s served on a smoke-filled glass platter that’s opened for you at your table. Now that’s what I call JAZZing up a drink 
The only thing this brilliant establishment is missing, other than that gramophone working, is the corner being occupied by a couple of live musicians. There’s a drum kit and sound equipment there – it would really put the cherry on top of the cake if a live rendition of Miles Davis’ On Green Dolphin Street greeted you and your date. Maybe that does happen occasionally, but I guess I’ll have to keep going back to find out. Easy excuse, not that I need one – this place is just brilliant.
So swing on down to the Swinging Cat and enjoy a cleverly crafted cocktail in the comfy armchairs. You’ll be John Lee Hooked.
Riley Drinks at a Bar 