Pub Grub: Papa Gede's Bar

For a small establishment in the CBD, Papa Gede’s has a real neighbourhood bar feel rather than an air of exclusivity. The awesome collection of soul classics, funk, blues and New Orleans jazz that spins all night is the perfect accompaniment to the playful atmosphere.

It’s all about the cocktails at Papa Gede’s; in particular, Tiki-inspired creations in honour of their Caribbean influences. If you’ve never tried one, give the Zombie a go – Appleton Estate, Cointreau, apricot brandy, grapefruit, lime and fire. Yep. This drink is said to be strong enough to resurrect the dead, so maybe go easy on the flaming cocktails and try another one of their N’awlins classics, like the tried and true Sloe Gin Fizz. For those looking for something slightly simpler, the wine and beer list is refined and approachable, while catering to a range of tastes. Then of course, there’s the absinthe…

The food here is admittedly minimal, but they’re not about to let you starve. For something small give the peanut butter pretzel mix a run, but the cheese and charcuterie platters is where it’s at for a share plate you’ll want to keep all to yourself. If you’d like something a little more substantial to nosh on while you sip away at their alcoholic creations, the good folk at Gede’s don’t mind if you order in food and have it delivered to the premises.

FUN FACT

The bar top and frontage of Gede’s is made from recycled timber from an old lecture theatre at Sydney University. From a city learning institution to a city drinking institution – cheers to that.