The change in licensing laws in the state of New South Wales has seen small bars pop up all over Sydney, which means you can enjoy a tipple at a shirt shop and bar and stumble upon 13B, a café that doubles as a cocktail bar.
Previously known as the Safe House, you’ll find 13B in Darlinghurst, positioned just off Oxford Street in what has become a small bar precinct with Pocket Bar, Shady Pines Saloon, the Former Glory, the Commons, and a short walk from Low 302.
With a dark modern interior, limited table seating, it has a cosy café feel until you take note of the marble bar counter and the range of spirits on display. Service is welcoming, friendly and attentive, with owner Eddie Venneri behind the bar.
The extensive cocktail list offers many classics and favourites. The Aviation with Tanqueray gin, fresh lemon juice, maraschino liqueur and a dash of sugar with a cherry in the martini glass goes down very well at any time of day while the house-made caramelised blood orange syrup in the Negroni, made with Campari, Cinzano Rosso and Plymouth gin is a good balance of bitter and sweet, finished with a twist of lemon and orange.
The vibe at 13b can be a little quiet when you drop in late afternoon on a weeknight but in the evenings, the intimate cocktail bar is often humming with patrons.
13b Café & Cocktail Bar
13 b Burton St
Darlinghurst NSW 2010