Papa Gedes Bar
barintimatequirkycosy
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
(1,210 reviews)$$GoogleHappy Hour Deals
Happy Hour
$7 tinnies
Monday – Saturday
4:00pm – 6:00pm
Best For
BarLive MusicTakes ReservationsWheelchair AccessibleBreweryCocktail BarQuiet
348 Kent Street, Sydney CBD 2000
View on Google MapsOpening Hours
MondayToday4pm – 12am
Tuesday4pm – 12am
Wednesday4pm – 12am
Thursday4pm – 12am
Friday4pm – 1am
Saturday5pm – 1am
SundayClosed
The Vibe
- Hidden entrance: Look for flickering candlelight from Kent Street to find the entrance through an old cobblestone laneway into what was previously a garage.
- Intimate atmosphere: Mexican Day of the Dead skulls and witch doctor-style apothecary bottles fill the shelves, creating a jungle-walled den with voodoo theming that feels worlds away from the corporate CBD.
- Sound and energy: Funk, soul and reggae provide the soundtrack, with live music sets from local blues, jazz and R&B artists adding to the party atmosphere on weekends.
- Crowd profile: Draws adventurous drinkers and cocktail enthusiasts, particularly those curious about absinthe culture and looking for something different from typical CBD bars. The space fills up with after-work groups and date-night pairs seeking the theatrical experience.
What People Love
- Absinthe experience: The standout feature is Sydney's most extensive absinthe selection, featuring French, Swiss and American varieties with full ritual service including ornate glassware, four-tapped fountains and burning sugar cubes that turn each drink into a performance.
- Creative cocktails: Signature drinks include the Zombie (three rums, citrus and apricot brandy), Divine Intervention (absinthe, lemon and passionfruit) and the golden Centrefold with marigold vodka and champagne jelly.
- Happy hour value: $7 tinnies and wines from 4-6pm daily, with 25% off featured local brewery selections each month making it surprisingly accessible for CBD pricing.
- Aged cocktails: One-month matured cocktails stirred to order add an extra layer of sophistication to the already theatrical drinking experience, with bartenders explaining the ageing process as they serve.
The Neighbourhood
- CBD location: Tucked away at the rear of 348 Kent Street via a laneway entrance, providing an escape from the busy street-level corporate atmosphere.
- Laneway culture: Part of Sydney's growing laneway bar scene, offering an intimate alternative to the larger CBD venues and hotel bars in the area.
- Transport access: The Kent Street location puts it within walking distance of Wynyard and Town Hall stations, making it accessible for after-work drinks and weekend visits.
- Local competition: Stands out in the CBD's cocktail scene with its unique voodoo theming and absinthe focus, differentiating it from the more conventional corporate bars dominating the area.
Nearby in Sydney CBD
Ratings from Google