First published on . Updated on 15 Nov 2011.

There’s a sense of joining a secret society when you enter that nondescript door next to a brothel on Cleveland Street. Welcome to jazz club 505 – one of Sydney’s true hidden gems. The intimate room is a mishmash of old couches, coffee tables and stools that look like upturned bins, while the walls feature colourful murals – cheap, but that’s its charm. On the small stage up, front local and visiting jazz performers play six nights a week to respectful, largely bearded crowds. Beers include Little Creatures, Bees Nees and White Rabbit Dark Ale, bottles of wine start at a sensible $19, and there’s a good range of whiskies behind the bar. The bistro serves pub-style fare such as risotto, pizza and Cajun chicken, with nothing over $15. This isn’t the place for a rowdy catch-up with friends, but rather for feeling those blue notes in a relaxed environment. Cover charge is usually $15. 

 

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Words by Nick Dent

505 details

Address
280 Cleveland St

Surry Hills 2010

Price per person including drinks Up to $50

Open Mon - Sat 7.30pm - late

505 website

Surry Hills area guide

505 map


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