The Loft

"What do you recommend?" we ask our bartender at 9pm on a Thursday night. “It’s your drink, not mine” he says. This sort of reception, if you’re not ready for it, is a bit of a punch in the nose. But go prepared with the knowledge that your drinks (provided you know what you're having) will be well crafted, even if they’re not made with a smile. You can be fully confident they can make the hell out of an Aviation or a 50/50 Sazerac, and if you’re happy enough to forego conversation with your bartender (hey, that thrice-frozen chunk of ice behind the bar won’t hand-chip itself), you’ll no doubt have a great time. Because Loft (sorry, "theloft") if you haven’t had the pleasure before, sits right on the water overlooking the best of Darling Harbour, where luxury yachts bob about and all the flotsam and jetsam of the well populated entertainment strip is a good 35 feet below. If you can find a seat (the bar absolutely cranks late-week), nab a banquette on the big balcony around sunset for a little cocktail-fuelled evening meditation.