The Rook
barA hidden rooftop gin bar on the seventh floor of a York Street office building, serving lobster-focused dishes and creative cocktails to after-work crowds and date-night pairs.
4.4
(1,906 reviews)$$GoogleHappy Hour Deals
Happy Hour
- $15 cocktails
- $8.50 select beers
- $8.50 select wines
Monday – Friday
4:00pm – 6:00pm
Best For
BarOutdoor SeatingTakes ReservationsWheelchair Accessible
level 7/56-58 York Street, Sydney CBD 2000
View on Google MapsOpening Hours
Monday12pm – 11pm
Tuesday12pm – 11pm
Wednesday12pm – 11pm
Thursday12pm – 11pm
Friday12pm – 1am
SaturdayToday12pm – 1am
Sunday12pm – 8pm
The Vibe
- Entrance and location: Finding The Rook requires dedication - it's tucked away on the seventh floor of a nondescript office building on York Street, accessible only to those who know where to look.
- Interior design: The space underwent a major redesign in 2019, trading its original grungy aesthetic for something more Californian. Dusty pink and burgundy cushions complement deep-tan leather upholstery, while hanging florals and foliage soften the rooftop setting. A Picasso-like abstract feature wall replaced the bold graffiti mural that once defined the space.
- Layout and atmosphere: The venue splits between dining tables and a dedicated cocktail bar area. A retractable roof handles Sydney's unpredictable weather and the elevated position offers eye-level views into nearby office windows - a slightly smug experience that regulars seem to enjoy.
- The crowd: Young professionals and casual drinkers mix here, with the space particularly popular for date nights and group celebrations.
The Neighbourhood
- CBD positioning: The Rook sits on York Street in the heart of Sydney's CBD, surrounded by office buildings and the daily flow of city workers. Its seventh-floor location creates separation from the street-level hustle below.
- Transport access: The venue's central location puts it within walking distance of Wynyard and Martin Place stations, making it accessible for after-work drinks and weekend visits from across the city.
- Hidden gem status: Housed in a nondescript office building, The Rook operates as one of Sydney's genuine hidden gems - the kind of place that requires local knowledge to find. The contrast between the corporate exterior and rooftop bar experience adds to its appeal as an escape from the CBD grind.
- Crowd dynamics: During the week, the venue draws heavily from surrounding office workers looking for an elevated drink after hours, while weekends bring a broader crowd seeking the novelty of a hidden rooftop experience in the city centre.
Nearby in Sydney CBD
Ratings from Google