Jolene's Sydney

Swinging country tunes and one of Sydney’s biggest selections of whiskey come together at Jolene’s.
Ben Hansen and Marley Ng
Published on October 05, 2023
Updated on June 24, 2024

Overview

Jolene's Sydney is a Nashville-inspired bar boasting one of the biggest collections of whiskies in Sydney. Located across from Sammy Junior and the Prince of York, Jolene's comes from Simon Rose-Hopkins, who has worked across other American-themed Sydney venues like Surly's American BBQ and Nola Smokehouse and Bar.

The CBD venue boasts a collection of more than 150 different whiskies, including 100 sourced specifically from American whiskey distillers. At Jolene's, you can opt for your whisky neat, on the rocks or in one of the bar's many exciting cocktails. Try the Country as Fuck (with bourbon, blackberry, lemon and sweet tea), Redneck Sangria (with vermouth and prosecco) or Tennessee Truck Stop (with Jack Daniel's, vanilla, pancake syrup and banana). Head down for the happy hour from 4–6pm on Tuesday–Saturday.

A photo of the back bar stocked with whisky at Jolene's Sydney.

Taking influence from whiskey-loving Nashville, the dimly lit bar has red velvet booths named after country singers. You can spend your night in the Chris Stapleton, Johnny Cash or pop-country queen Taylor Swift booth, or big groups can book out the 12-seat VIP Dolly Parton booth.

The Nashville influence doesn't stop there. Keeping in the spirit of the southern musical hub, Jolene's hosts local country and rock musicians three nights a week. Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 8–11pm, you can stop by for back-to-back sets from artists such as Steve Edmonds Band, Lozz Benson, Blake Dantier and Duncan Toombs.

A photo of a band performing at Jolene's Sydney.

Rose-Hopkins, a frequent visitor to Nashville, says, "The bar is my way of paying homage to some of the best nights of my life and bringing that genuine Southern hospitality to York Street."

Food-wise, patrons can expect a reserved menu of diner-style American snacks. Think hot dogs and tater tots. And, while the drinks menu is obviously veered towards whiskey aficionados, there are gin and vodka cocktails on offer, alongside a selection of craft beers on tap.

Top image: Michael Klimentos
Bottom image: Jo Forster

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