The Midnight Special

Back the hell off, Sydney. We want this bar all to ourselves

First published on 7 May 2012. Updated on 6 Dec 2012.

We’re seeing an excellent trend in Sydney bars at the moment. And that is excellent music being played in excellent venues. Gardel’s Bar now features live acts every Tuesday. Goodgod and FBi Social also offer live gigs and DJs on top of great drinks and a place to waggle your ass.

And now Midnight Special have joined the ranks with a room full of top vinyl plus local DJs spinning the sort of stuff you actually want to listen to late on a Wednesday night. You might hear anything from Prince, Devo and Talking Heads to Johnny Cash and Robert Johnson. Time Out’s very own music legend Andrew P Street has fondled a few records there of late, as have various members of the Holy Soul, the Chords and Lowlife.

Don’t attempt this bar on a weekend, unless lining up on the right arm of Enmore Road sounds like a blast to you. But go midweek, and pretty much enjoy the place to yourself and some die-hard regulars. The little bar with its black walls and checkerboard tiling is decked out in Chinese lanterns and a few candlelit tables. There’s a short list of cocktails (Margaritas, Whiskey Sours, Collinses) but our money’s the Coopers on tap or Carlton by the tinny and a shot of Jack. Oh, and there’s Trumer Pils if you’re feeling a little continental.

Hungry? You can get a plate of tasty cheese cubes for $3 or a hotdog – just a fiver with tomato sauce and American mustard. Or go all out with a Howlin’ Dog – sauerkraut, cheese, tomato sauce, mustard and hot sauce. They even do a vegetarian number if you don’t eat faces.

Sit at the large, heavy bar on a nice wide bar stool and have a chat to friendly bar staff, open your ears to the excellent music and - wait for it - let the Midnight Special shine an everlovin’ light on you.

Words by Myffy Rigby |

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