The Midnight Special image

The Midnight Special

Bar

Live gigs, cocktails and tap beers in a small, dimly lit joint praising rock 'n' roll and blues. People often mention cocktails, great, staff, music, friendly, Great, good, atmosphere, service, drinks,


Address

44 Enmore Rd, Newtown NSW 2042, Australia

Website

www.themidnightspecial.com.au

Contact

+61 2 9516 2345

Price rating

$$ $$

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (312 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Saturday: 3 pm to 12 am
  • Sunday: Closed
  • Monday: 5 pm to 12 am
  • Tuesday: 5 pm to 12 am
  • Wednesday: 5 pm to 12 am
  • Thursday: 5 pm to 12 am
  • Friday: 5 pm to 12 am

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: cocktails (22) great (21) staff (18) music (18) friendly (16) Great (14) good (12) atmosphere (12) service (11) drinks (10)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Martin B. 5 years ago on Google
    Great place to start or end the night. Cocktails are a plenty and the boys are top notch in their service.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 gabo a. 1 year ago on Google
    One of the best cocktails bar I have ever been, definitely gonna come back 😻
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Slick V. 1 year ago on Google
    Service started good with the female bartender/owner? Then Inattentive service by the guys even when you’re sitting at the bar. The place was cold. I mentioned this and asked the lady if the fan could be turned off and she said it needs to be on to circulate air. 15 minutes later a lady asked the blonde male bartender to turn the fan off “sure no problem”. Then the female bartender was standing out the front so loud chatting that the musician had to stop to ask them to be quiet. Not much seating Won’t be going back.

  • 5/5 ben p. 5 years ago on Google
    Staff and service were nothing short of outstanding. Tis refreshing!!!

  • 5/5 Brian H. 5 years ago on Google
    I want to live here! Ok, I admit I'd had a few when I wrote that, but it is a great place with excellent people and good food.

  • 5/5 James W. 5 years ago on Google
    Great little bar

  • 5/5 masoud mostaghimi t. 5 years ago on Google
    The best bar with the best staff

  • 5/5 Essie M. 5 years ago on Google
    One of my favourite bars in Sydney, good cocktails, great music, and a friendly, fun vibe from the bartenders

  • 5/5 William Mc C. 5 years ago on Google
    Best bar in Sydney!

  • 5/5 Elaine P. 2 years ago on Google
    What an amazing place to have a cocktail and nibbles before dinner. All cocktails we ordered were spot on. Very friendly service with a funky atmosphere. Music is loud and vibrant. Loved it!

  • 5/5 Beavdog 8. 5 years ago on Google
    Neat small bar that is close to Newtown station. Staff seemed friendly and they had a pretty decent range of liquors. They have some comfortable lounges towards the rear of the venue, which could suit groups up to five and six people. Anything larger than that might be a little tricky. Would be an ideal place for small group catch ups, casual dates or a post dinner night cap.

  • 5/5 Ricky P. 4 years ago on Google
    I'm going 5 stars because this place is consistently great. Killer ale's and cocktails with great music. Fantastic vibe and friendly cool staff that add to the experience. Decor is cool and kitchy. A great place to see music. It may be Small but it stands tall. Above all the support live music and are keeping Sydney open. A great find.

  • 5/5 David M. 6 years ago on Google
    We had some time to kill before we were to be seated at a restaurant nearby. We stumbled across this little bar and fell in love. Great ambience, selection of drinks and awesome bar service who were able to make the best recommendation for what we were feeling that evening.

  • 4/5 Ken C. 7 years ago on Google
    Loud music cranked up and raucous bar service reminiscent of an American dive bar. The midnight special offers some inventive cocktails with used of smoky whiskeys definitely worth a visit.

  • 5/5 Geoff C. 7 years ago on Google
    Fantastic local bar that plays loud music. Love it and their cold pressed apple juice and whisky is awesome!

  • 4/5 Sage 3 years ago on Google
    Nice atmosphere here, a good small place out of the way to spend the evening in. Pizza was really really good 100% recommend it and the staff were really friendly and genuine. Maybe a bit on the pricier side for most drinks but where in the city isn't? The apple juice mixed with your favourite spirit is good value and I would definitely get it again, in fact I did get it more than a few times that night! Only deducting a star as the music was a bit too loud to talk over and some seats were damaged and a bit on the dark side so we ended up moving tables.

  • 5/5 Aaron S. 5 years ago on Google
    Great cocktails and friendly atmosphere. Music selection was lit.

  • 5/5 Gavin C. 1 year ago on Google
    Fun little nook for intimate gigs and drinks. Lots of great drink options

  • 4/5 Paul N. 1 year ago on Google
    Great place for a drink or 2 and a chill inbetween venues ! Cool music

  • 5/5 L 1 year ago on Google
    Tuesday happy hour:) great cocktails

  • 5/5 Simon B. 1 year ago on Google
    Dinner and a show. The cocktail making process was pure theatre and the music was banging. Old fashioned on point.

  • 5/5 Gabrielle S. 11 months ago on Google
    My partner and I ducked in here for a quiet nightcap and we had the most wonderful experience. All of the staff were A+ legends, bangin' music and a great atmosphere - 10/10 recommend going out of your way to spend some time holed up in this bar #newfavourite.

  • 5/5 Zac G. 11 months ago on Google
    My new favourite spot in Newtown. Dropped in one night to have a night cap with my partner and was greeted by a wicked playlist, incredible cocktails, and my favourite thing, super polite and knowledgeable staff that took the time to have a conversation and genuinely make my night. Thankyou legends, we will be back xx

  • 5/5 Karissa S. 1 year ago on Google
    Really great place! As a young adult I loved the vibe of whole place, the guy bartenders were really nice and drinks were great! A super friendly bar :)

  • 5/5 Neil G. 1 year ago on Google
    Great atmosphere, friendly attentive staff. Decent cocktails. Recommended!

  • 5/5 Brenda Marea H. 9 months ago on Google
    I asked for a dry and dirty martini, following a long day at work. The martini I received exfoliated my soul. Beautiful cocktails, friendly and authentic bartenders. Highly recommend.

  • 5/5 Elza Tegan B. 8 months ago on Google
    Not tried the food but the staff and vibe is amazing. This spot opened up round Covid lockdown and survived for a reason. You might have to stand for a bit cause its a small but lively spot but trust you the staff will seat you soon as they can.

  • 5/5 Johnson H. 5 months ago on Google
    Only had vodka lime sodas however bar had great vibes and rock music!

  • 5/5 Zubin M. 4 months ago on Google
    Great tasting cocktails! Bartender gave us a free shot of tequila because our drinks were taking a bit of time. But honestly we weren’t even waiting for long. Wud highly recommend 😁

  • 5/5 Tom R. 6 months ago on Google
    Great little bar with a lot of character and cool vibe. Barman was an absolute gentleman and whipped up some stellar cocktails. Cheese and crackers can with some amazing jalapeño and tequila salsa and pizza went down a treat with the tin of the week.

  • 5/5 Samuel M. 6 months ago on Google
    I love this bar so much. It’s a great little spot for a casual drink, or special date night. I’ve been many times, but most recently I was there for a gig. For such a tiny space, the music really filled the room, creating a wonderful atmosphere.

  • 5/5 Sebastian P. 6 months ago on Google
    We were a rather large group but the staff were very accommodating to us when we turned up without a booking as a group of ~15 people. Wouldn't recommend it for large groups like ours but plan to visit again with friends as a bit smaller of a group.

  • 5/5 Lani C. 4 years ago on Google
    Yani took our order and delivered above and beyond. Picked out beautiful cocktails for us after detailing with us what we liked. Will definitely be back. Incredible service.

  • 3/5 Thomas N. 4 years ago on Google
    Nice little bar. Very newtown. Good cocktails. Great place to just hang out

  • 5/5 Anthony L. 4 years ago on Google
    This place is popping! Good vibes, great drinks and very good music! Will go back again

  • 5/5 Rob G. 6 years ago on Google
    Best little place in Newtown. Quality music, cool atmosphere, friendly staff! The cinnamon whisky and apple juice is beaut

  • 5/5 Gavin M. 4 years ago on Google
    Cool ,funky spot, aim to head in after 9pm when its packed, it part of the experience, great cocktails, staff are super friendly and I was lucky enough to get a chair at the bar with a few mates, we really enjoyed ourselves , go at least once for a cocktail or three!

  • 5/5 Nicole P. 4 years ago on Google
    Great dive bar. Good music, drinks and staff

  • 5/5 John I. 5 years ago on Google
    Well what a find Eclectic little bar with very friendly staff always willing to chat and serve Pub grub at the bar was my preference from a limited menu but the food was excellent and I didn’t have to move. Great atmosphere for a quiet drink and excellent background tunes Try it out!!!!

  • 5/5 Rojtel 5 years ago on Google
    I fell in love with this bar, the cocktails are well made, reasonably priced for the location. Smaller bar but great atmosphere. Closes midnight!

  • 4/5 Rosalind De S. 3 years ago on Google
    A bit like an old skool Manhattan bar but with much better beer, to take advantage of the terrific local craft brew scene. Lots of other fab bars and eating options nearby, plus it's close to the railway station

  • 5/5 Daniela S. 4 years ago on Google
    Love this place

  • 5/5 Elisa W. 4 years ago on Google
    Cute little bar with heaps of charm and lovely bartenders. If you go, make sure you try the whiskey apple, made with freshly squeezed green apple juice!

  • 5/5 Claire H. 4 years ago on Google
    What a great vibe this great pub has! A good selection of beers & other drinks that you could ever want! The food is also amazing & reasonably priced. The service was surely outstanding....friendly, knowledgeable & courteous. Will definitely be back!

  • 5/5 Gareth D. 4 years ago on Google
    Dark

  • 5/5 Angad G. 4 years ago on Google
    Friendly staff and cozy ambience

  • 5/5 Nathan B. 4 years ago on Google
    Best margaritas in town

  • 5/5 Kieran B. 4 years ago on Google
    Great little intimate bar.

  • 4/5 Y M. 5 years ago on Google
    Good atmosphere and good cocktails and food! Good little spot that’s opened on Sundays too unlike most bars in sydney. Would come back

  • 5/5 Johnathon K. 4 years ago on Google
    Great range of drinks and cocktails served promptly by very capable staff. The bar looks great and has posters up for some very unique and classic rock and blues artists from back in the day which matches the classic rock soundtrack. Staff offered friendly service and were prompt with keeping tables clear without being obtrusive, contributing well to keeping the small space feel cozy rather than cramped in spite of most of the seats in the venue being filled whilst we were there. My only criticism is the music was maybe just a touch too loud. Overall a fantastic and unique offering for the area's thriving night life. I highly recommend stopping by.

  • 5/5 Madhvi M. 4 years ago on Google
    Live music here is pretty good

  • 4/5 Tommy M. 4 years ago on Google
    Cool vibes.

  • 5/5 Mark C. 4 years ago on Google
    Amazing quality of ethically sourced food at this cosy bar. The staff are very friendly and take great pride in their establishment and its values and this is really reflected in the quality of their service.

  • 5/5 Sam K. 4 years ago on Google
    Nice & cozy with really cool bartenders/staff (except Moji ???)

  • 4/5 Elissa M. 4 years ago on Google
    Dark and dingy in a good way. Friendly bartenders and nice cocktails.

  • 4/5 David B. 4 years ago on Google
    Good beer, good vibe but crowded as hell... I owe some serious hangovers to this place...

  • 5/5 Ante M. 4 years ago on Google
    This place has the best cocktails in Newtown and amazing mash of music from different genres. Will be back for sure!

  • 4/5 Gabrielle D. 4 years ago on Google
    Cool, dark, and little. Good local for a quiet drink with an edge.

  • 4/5 Mathew T. 4 years ago on Google
    Good mixologists.

  • 5/5 Leo G. 4 years ago on Google
    Fun little small bar, great selection of cocktails. Also they have pickle backs!

  • 5/5 Rhys K. 5 years ago on Google
    Great atmosphere, and some delicious drinks like Watermelon Beer and Apple Cocktails.

  • 5/5 LJC 1. 5 years ago on Google
    Delicious cocktails, nice atmosphere and friendly service. Go for a fresh apple number.

  • 4/5 Justina C. 5 years ago on Google
    Friendly staff on a Sunday nite playing the blues - if you're lucky it's Howlin' Wolf. Swell joint. Reminds me of the bars in LA. Nice vodka and fresh apple drink that goes down smooth.


Call +61 2 9516 2345 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Food
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Spirits
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Food at bar
    • ✓️ Happy-hour drinks
  • Accessibility
    • ✗ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Seating
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Delivery
    • ✓️ Takeaway

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