The Lobo

Overview

Slightly hidden below Clarence Street via a winding staircase, The Lobo is a lot bigger than you'd expect. The deep red and green decor paired with recycled dark wood and floral furniture is delightfully welcoming, while the fine use of space and overall attention to detail makes this week-old newbie seem like a long-loved establishment. And what's more, the moment you step up to the bar, you're made to feel like a real regular.

With a staggering collection of rums, wines and the usual favourites, there's more than just your two-bit mojito here. Negroni lovers will fall head over heels for the Short and Stout, a powerful little play on a classic, while the Million Dollar No. 9 is fruity, irresistibly drinkable and comes with its very own homemade real fruit rollup.

For a little nibble, enjoy the complimentary salted plantain chips (warning: addictive) or grab the meatballs (order some snow buns to soak up the sauce). But for a real treat, try the empanadas with the flakiest, most heavenly pastry that just crumbles and crunches in your mouth, or the polenta tamale, steamed in a corn husk and dribbled with a few drops of the house-made hot sauce.

Appears in:

Sydney's Best Underground Bars for 2023