Pocket Bar

Need a cool place to grab a bite to eat, down a few drinks and perhaps read a book or magazine? Then check out Pocket Bar. 

Decked out with pop art graffiti on the walls, mismatching 70s furniture, a bar that doubles as a book case, and odd and ends on shelves, it's a hip joint without a hint of pretentiousness. 

I have not had the pleasure to check it out during the day (it's on my to-do list), but I've heard it's a rather nice place to stop for a coffee or catch up over brunch. At night, this place gets packed, especially on a Friday or Saturday night. If you want to put your claim to one of the comfy couches, then make sure you get there early. The friendly bar staff will do their best to find a seat for you, but you'll have to be patient as there tend to be more warm bodies than seats available on a busy night.

However, you will be disappointed if you come looking for traditional bar food, because what comes out of the kitchen is restaurant quality food, perfect for sharing too. We tried and were impressed with the skewers, they come in beef (grain-fed beef, piquillo peppers & smoked paprika with sour cream & mustard sauce) and chicken (breast fillet marinated in chilli, lime and soy with water chestnuts. Served with chilli aioli); and if you only have room for one dish then you must try the crispy pork belly (slow roasted pork belly with creamed parsnip, peas and fine herbs), it had us licking our lips!

I've spent a long time looking for a good late night dessert place and I'm happy to report that I've found it in Pocket Bar. The sweet crepes on offer are the best I've had in a long time. With a variety of savoury and sweet fillings, you'll bound to find one that tickles your fancy. My absolute favourite crepe is number 9 on the menu - Nutella, poached strawberries & cream with crunchy meringue. It is simply divine! 

Of course, what's a night out without trying a few new cocktails? Just to name a few:

Pocket Martini - 42 Below Vodka + Orange, Pineapple and Passionfruit juice+ Mint + Pomegranate 

Fiji Escape - 42Below Feijoa Vokda + Lime Juice + Gomme + Spiced Pineapple Foam

Delicious Sour (circa 1892) - Laird's Applejack + Peach Brandy + Lemon Juice + Gomme + Peach Bitters + Egg White

As different as they are in taste, they are equally delicious.

If you are there on a night Lydia is working, you'll be expertly looked after, not only does she know her drinks, she has this impossible to resist fun personality that will get you laughing all night long.

On a side note, if you arrive half an hour before closing time, don't expect to be let in, even if you already have friends inside the bar. Two of my friends found out the hard way.

Pocket Bar: 13 Burton Street, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010