Arcade Bar and Club
barluxuryclassyexcellent atmosphere
A three-level hospitality hub in a heritage-listed 1930s Egyptian art deco bank building, housing a cocktail lounge, rock bar and nightclub space.
4.1
(201 reviews)GoogleHappy Hour Deals
Happy Hour
- $7 house beers
- $7 house wines
- $15 Aperol Spritz
- $15 cocktails
Tuesday – Saturday
4:00pm – 7:00pm
Best For
BarTakes ReservationsWheelchair AccessibleBar FoodArcade BarDive BarQuiet
16 O'Connell Street, Sydney CBD 2000
View on Google MapsOpening Hours
MondayTodayClosed
Tuesday11am – 10pm
Wednesday11am – 10pm
Thursday11am – 12am
Friday11am – 4am
Saturday5pm – 4am
SundayClosed
The Vibe
- Architecture: The 1930s heritage-listed former bank building is one of Australia's finest examples of Egyptian art deco style, designed by Bruce Dellit who also created the Hyde Park War Memorial. The impressive foyer retains its original 14-metre-high ceilings, travertine-clad walls, marble floors and huge glass light pendants.
- Layout: Three distinct levels each with their own character - the ground floor Main Bar channels Gatsby-era glamour with smart bartenders in period garb, The Hutch on the second floor pushes into 1990s rock territory with a retro hi-fi system, while the top-floor nightclub space transforms between comedy gigs and DJ sets with VIP bottle service.
- Crowd: The multi-level setup draws different crowds to each floor, from cocktail drinkers appreciating the art deco details downstairs to rock fans settling into the laidback second floor. The nightclub space upstairs attracts a late-night party crowd depending on the evening's programming.
What People Love
- Cocktails: The Main Bar serves classic and signature cocktails curated by Nathan Alan Jones from Drinks By Design, with bartenders working in Gatsby-coded uniforms that match the 1930s setting. The drinks program spans all three levels but the ground floor cocktail lounge gets the most attention.
- Versatility: The venue's ability to transform throughout the evening appeals to groups wanting to stay in one building - start with cocktails in the art deco Main Bar, move up to The Hutch for a more casual drink, then finish upstairs when the nightclub programming kicks in.
- Events: The three interconnected spaces handle everything from intimate dinners to large celebrations, with tailored food and beverage packages. Comedy nights, DJ sets and live performances rotate through the top-floor space, giving regulars different reasons to return.
The Neighbourhood
- Location: Sitting on O'Connell Street in the heart of Sydney CBD, the venue occupies one of Central Sydney's most architecturally significant buildings. The 1930s Egyptian art deco structure stands out among the modern office towers that dominate this part of the city.
- Access: The CBD location puts it within walking distance of Circular Quay and Wynyard stations, making it accessible from across Sydney. The O'Connell Street address sits between the financial district and the retail strip of Pitt Street Mall.
- Context: The venue represents a rare example of adaptive reuse in the CBD, transforming a heritage bank building into a modern hospitality destination while preserving its architectural integrity. Few venues in this part of the city offer the same combination of historical significance and multi-level entertainment options.
Nearby in Sydney CBD
Ratings from Google