Overview
A new whiskey bar has just arrived on the lower level of Sydney's York Street. Jolene's Sydney is a Nashville-inspired bar boasting one of the biggest collections of whiskies Sydney has ever seen. 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 whisky distillers. At Jolene's, you can opt for your whiskey neat, on the rocks or in one of the bar's many exciting cocktails. Try the Islands in the Stream, which gives Tennessee whiskey a boost of boozy tropical juice, or the Superbowl Sundae which is reminiscent of a whiskey espresso martini topped with whipped cream.
Taking influence from whiskey-loving Nashville, the dimly lit bar has red-velvet booths named after country singers. You can opt to 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 four days a week.
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.
Jolene's is located at 73 York Street, Sydney. It's open 4pm–late Wednesday–Sunday.