Vinabar

This intimate microbar on Kent Street specialises in Asian-inspired cocktails and is hidden behind a door disguised as a banh mi cart.
Nishika Sharma
Published on April 25, 2024
Updated on June 25, 2024

Overview

Situated on Kent Street alongside the likes of Papa Gede's and PS40 is Vinabar — a cosy microbar hidden behind a door disguised as a banh mi cart. If you're simply walking by, it could easily be mistaken as a spot for a quick bite as you venture through the city.

Each detail throughout the moody yet sophisticated fitout tells a story. The space is adorned with vibrant silk lanterns hanging from its ceiling — which have been imported from Hoi An — a replica of the Golden Hand Bridge from Da Nang, and photographs of pre- and post-opening memories along its walls.  Take a seat on either the comfortable lounge seating or at the sleek bar, and you'll be in for a treat.

Ashwin Arumugam and Reymark Tesalona, the duo behind microbar Vinabar on Kent Street.

The brainchild of Ashwin Arumugam and Reymark Tesalona takes cues from Vietnam's lively nightlife and hospitality scene, with the intimate cocktail bar serving up stellar, Asian-inspired sips until 2am every night.

Vinabar's food offering simply consists of a baby pork banh mi accompanied by a shot of Vietnamese coffee, which serves as a small bite to sustain casual drinking, or the perfect snack to satiate those hankering for a treat. The cocktail menu, however, focuses on inventive drinks with a creative Asian twist, with a new special launched every fortnight. Vinabar's main menu has four signature cocktails and one signature shot, alongside a short selection of beers, wines and mocktails.

Cã-Phê martini cocktail from Vinabar on Kent Street.

Highlights include the lychee-forward Rumble in the Jungle; a Vietnamese spin on the espresso martini known as the Cã-Phê martini; an martini inspired by banh mi; and the ginger, calamansi and tequila-starring Gaslighter — which appears similar to water but is made up almost entirely of alcohol. Plus, all of the classics are available upon request.

Whether you're out on the town bar-hopping through Kent Street, enjoying an intimate night with a mate or a date, or keen for a small celebration, Vinabar is the spot for you, with space for up to 32 people.

Vinabar on Kent Street interiors.

Butter Me Up cocktail from Vinabar on Kent Street.

Silk lanterns from Vinabar on Kent Street's interiors.

Vinabar is located at 332 Kent St, Sydney, open from 5pm–2am daily. Find out more at the venue's website.

Image credit: James Scevola

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