The Sydney CBD has added a highly lauded New York City import into its ranks with Employees Only opening. The US venue was an architect of the modern speakeasy movement in New York and now it hopes to make a similar impact on Sydney.

Sitting behind a bright red neon sign on Regent Street, Manny’s is a matchstick-sized diner, whose pizza by the slice and juicy philly cheesesteaks are a hit with punters leaving and The Lord Gladstone in the wee hours. 

Old Town Hong Kong brings the late night culture of the city after which it is named to Sydney. This casual, two-storey spot boasts a fit-out of recycled timber, exposed brick and hanging globes that give off a golden light. 

Restaurant Hubert is one of the few fine-dining options available for late night eats in Sydney — and what an option it is. Hubert is from the minds behind drinking dens The Baxter Inn and Shady Pines, so you know they’ve got that late crowd in mind.

Arisun has long been a late-night favourite for big, rowdy groups sharing their signature beer towers and Korean fried chicken sets. The Seoul-style beer garden offers an extensive menu, but you’d be remiss to overlook the fried favourite.

Merivale’s Mexicana pop-up-turned-permanent resident, El Loco is the place to be if you want tasty quesadillas late at night. When El Loco opened at the Excelsior Hotel back in 2011, it completely revamped the space.

Big Poppa’s is all about three things: wine, cheese and hip hop. The compact space is dark and moody, giving it a date night vibe — but the whole menu is available until 2.30am if you’re dropping in after drinks. 

There is no better combination than karaoke, booze and gyoza, and Goros has this trifecta down to a science. Apart from the aforementioned pork, chicken, prawn or mushroom gyoza, the late night menu includes karaage chicken and burgers.

A little tough to find, but well worth the effort, Old Mate’s Place makes for a charming hideaway, pulling inspiration from the diminutive drinking dens you’ll find hidden throughout office blocks in Japan. 

This unassuming Thai restaurant in Capitol Square goes off on weekends, with Thai bands rocking it loud and late into the night and large groups of friends sharing the signature bottles of whiskey and mixes at nearly every table.