A lot has been said about the hidden meaning of door ways. The symbolism of an opening gives rise to opportunity, but whatever you read into it, stepping inside an unmarked door without knowing what’s in store is a thrill.
The most fun you can have while losing a grip on sobriety, will be embarking on this mystery wet your whistle stop tour. A hop, skip and jump away from the Chinatown Arch is Berry & Rye. Blink and you might miss its unassuming frontage.
But once inside, the courteous staff will give you water to cleanse your palette and await your order from one of their menus pasted inside an old Bible. Whiskey, Blues, Jazz and Gin are the order of the day and you can’t go wrong.
Just around the corner, away from prying eyes, but overlooking the crowds from its city centre perch are the masterful mixologists at 81 Ltd. There’s a key pad which you must have the code for to enter and to get the digits, you must be invited via a text message their glamorous hostess Gwen.
Salty Sea Dogs are most welcome here, especially after they’ve munched a hot dog or two. Order the Mescal Old Fashioned or get cheeky like we did and ask for a special ginger and rum twist. But the trust the bartenders, they will delight you.
Stepping outside with increased Dutch courage, fret not, you will notice on our treasure map that the next ‘x’ marks the spot is just down the road.
A green light will guide you upstairs to our favourite hidden gem on this Prohibition era-inspired tour, Some Place. This green paradise is not for the faint hearted as Absinthe tops the bill.
Your senses will also be stimulated by the amazing artworks created by Michael Lacey. Many an artist has found divine intervention inside a glass containing this sugar and licorice infused nectar. It used to inspire Hemingway to do knife tricks. Get involved.
The Doors soul searcher Jim Morrison once sang: “Show me the way to the next Whiskey bar, or I will surely die…” Yes, we believe so too.
Last on the hit list of 1920s Americana inspired bars drinking dens is Jenny’s. It’s a fair trek on foot (hail a cab), but if you’re feeling energised by the Absinthe and you should be, you will have no problem finding it.
Tucked away in the business district around the corner from the statue of Queen Victoria and her peek-a-boo knob. This place boasts a hidden whisky shop. At night the leather-clad barmen look like they mean business and the cocktails measure up magnificently.
Jenny’s is the perfect place to end your evening, complete with both comfy seats and dance floor featuring a mix of Motown and delicious disco grooves.