Address
Shop 4 Crown Lane, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010
Darlinghurst, Sydney
Darlinghurst, Sydney
Best For
cocktail bars, Darlinghurst evenings, mid-thirties crowd
Opening Hours
Tue-Sun16:00-00:00
Reservations
Recommended
Dress Code
Smart casual
Price Range
$$ · Cocktails from local pricing
Our Take
Published · Last updated · Reviewed by the barsforKings editorial team
Sydney's First Small-Bar-License Saloon
Shady Pines Saloon is a hidden Darlinghurst basement American-saloon-themed bar — taxidermy on every wall, country music, cheap whiskey. Anton Forte's bar opened in 2010 and was one of the first NSW small bars (a regulatory innovation that turned Sydney into a cocktail city).
The cocktail program is built around American whiskey with deep classical execution. Cash-friendly, walk-in only, no reservations. The crowd is Sydney cocktail enthusiasts 25-50.
Pair with The Baxter Inn for a more precise whisky bar after.
What to Order
Pickleback
Bourbon shot followed by pickle juice. The Shady Pines signature ritual.
American Whiskey Old Fashioned
Bourbon, demerara, orange bitters. Hand-cut ice.
Mint Julep
Bourbon, mint, sugar, crushed ice. Properly built in a copper mug.
Whiskey Flight
Three rotating American whiskeys. The way to use the bar.
