Papa Gedes Bar

bar

A voodoo-inspired cocktail bar hidden in a cobblestone laneway off Kent Street, specialising in absinthe flights and cocktails with names like Zombie and Divine Intervention.

4.8

(1,220 reviews)$$Google

Happy Hour Deals

Happy Hour

$7 tinnies

Monday – Saturday

4:00pm – 6:00pm

Best For

BarLive MusicTakes ReservationsWheelchair AccessibleQuiet

348 Kent Street, Sydney CBD 2000

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Opening Hours

Monday4pm – 12am

Tuesday4pm – 12am

WednesdayToday4pm – 12am

Thursday4pm – 12am

Friday4pm – 1am

Saturday5pm – 1am

SundayClosed

The Vibe

Setting: Tucked away in a converted garage accessed through an old cobblestone laneway, Papa Gede's reveals itself through flickering candlelight from the street. The intimate space channels New Orleans mystique with Mexican Day of the Dead skulls and witch doctor-style apothecary bottles lining the shelves.
Crowd and energy: The bar draws adventurous drinkers looking for something different from standard CBD venues. Funk, soul and reggae provide the soundtrack, creating what the owners describe as a "den of lust and laughter." The atmosphere leans theatrical, particularly when the absinthe ritual begins with ornate glassware and four-tapped fountains.
Layout: The compact space centres around the bar where the real action happens - this is primarily a cocktail venue where the drinks and their preparation become part of the entertainment.

What People Love

Absinthe program: Papa Gede's sets itself apart with an extensive collection of French, Swiss and American absinthes, complete with the full ritual involving ornate glassware, fountains and burning sugar cubes. The owners welcome newcomers to absinthe, offering tastings and education around the spirit's reputation.
Signature cocktails: The Zombie mixes three rums with citrus and apricot brandy, while the Divine Intervention combines absinthe, lemon and passionfruit. The Hipster G&T features house tonic and there's a selection of aged cocktails matured for one month and stirred to order.
Value and variety: Happy hour runs 4-6pm daily with tinnies from $7, plus wines from $7 and 25% off sandwiches. The drinks menu balances classics with bizarre-named signatures and there's a decent wine list alongside local craft beers for those wanting alternatives to cocktails.

The Neighbourhood

Location: Positioned at the rear of 348 Kent Street via a laneway entrance, Papa Gede's sits in the heart of Sydney's CBD but feels worlds away from the corporate bustle. The cobblestone laneway approach creates a sense of discovery that's rare in the city centre.
Transport and access: The Kent Street location puts it within walking distance of Wynyard Station and the main business district. The laneway entrance can be easy to miss - look for the flickering candlelight to guide you in.
Neighbourhood fit: While surrounded by office buildings and mainstream venues, Papa Gede's occupies a unique niche in the CBD bar scene. The voodoo theme and absinthe focus distinguish it from the wine bars and corporate pubs that dominate the area, offering something genuinely different for after-work drinks or weekend adventures.

Nearby in Sydney CBD

Ratings from Google

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Contact

The Vibe

Setting: Tucked away in a converted garage accessed through an old cobblestone laneway, Papa Gede's reveals itself through flickering candlelight from the street. The intimate space channels New Orleans mystique with Mexican Day of the Dead skulls and witch doctor-style apothecary bottles lining the shelves.

Crowd and energy: The bar draws adventurous drinkers looking for something different from standard CBD venues. Funk, soul and reggae provide the soundtrack, creating what the owners describe as a "den of lust and laughter." The atmosphere leans theatrical, particularly when the absinthe ritual begins with ornate glassware and four-tapped fountains.

Layout: The compact space centres around the bar where the real action happens - this is primarily a cocktail venue where the drinks and their preparation become part of the entertainment.

What People Love

Absinthe program: Papa Gede's sets itself apart with an extensive collection of French, Swiss and American absinthes, complete with the full ritual involving ornate glassware, fountains and burning sugar cubes. The owners welcome newcomers to absinthe, offering tastings and education around the spirit's reputation.

Signature cocktails: The Zombie mixes three rums with citrus and apricot brandy, while the Divine Intervention combines absinthe, lemon and passionfruit. The Hipster G&T features house tonic and there's a selection of aged cocktails matured for one month and stirred to order.

Value and variety: Happy hour runs 4-6pm daily with tinnies from $7, plus wines from $7 and 25% off sandwiches. The drinks menu balances classics with bizarre-named signatures and there's a decent wine list alongside local craft beers for those wanting alternatives to cocktails.

The Neighbourhood

Location: Positioned at the rear of 348 Kent Street via a laneway entrance, Papa Gede's sits in the heart of Sydney's CBD but feels worlds away from the corporate bustle. The cobblestone laneway approach creates a sense of discovery that's rare in the city centre.

Transport and access: The Kent Street location puts it within walking distance of Wynyard Station and the main business district. The laneway entrance can be easy to miss - look for the flickering candlelight to guide you in.

Neighbourhood fit: While surrounded by office buildings and mainstream venues, Papa Gede's occupies a unique niche in the CBD bar scene. The voodoo theme and absinthe focus distinguish it from the wine bars and corporate pubs that dominate the area, offering something genuinely different for after-work drinks or weekend adventures.