Sticky Bar

Sticky, the speakeasy above ‘neighbourhood dining’ restaurant Table For 20, is arguably Sydney’s first small bar, having quietly opened its doors back in 2006. Reached via a covert entrance on Taggarts Lane (bring your phone to SMS the password), the gin joint remains one of the city’s finest alternative watering holes. It isn’t because of its mood-lit and cosy surrounds though. Nor is it their excellent selection of booze. And it certainly ain’t their cool mix of blues and live entertainment that makes this ‘blind pig’ a winner. It’s their warm and always generous hospitality led by the venue’s owner Michael Fantuz. Fantuz is always happy to have a yarn and talk to you about his wine list, which does away with labels and brands by simply listing varietal/style, region and price. There’s an Italian slant to the offering with fiano, arneis, soave and nebbiolo chalked up on the board. Pop in on Wednesdays for a roast of slow-cooked, unctuous beef cheek, with pea-laced mash and a zesty red cabbage 'slaw served with a glass of Sangiovese - unbeatable value at $15 a pop. Finish with a slice of ricotta torte and a Fernet Branca and cola. It’s called Sticky because you’ll have to peel yourself away.