Stepping into Sydney’s golden era of grit and glamour.
Words by Alexandra Zinghini
6 Bridge St, Sydney NSW
Down a staircase and hidden behind a heavy red curtain is Double Deuce Lounge – Sydney’s original “70s porn chic” bar, and a 2025 Bar Awards finalist for Cocktail Bar of the Year.
Run by hospitality trio, Sebastian (Cosmo) Soto, Charlie Lehmann, and Dardan Shervashidze, Double Deuce delivers nostalgic charm with serious drinks cred. The trio also own the iconic dive bar, Ramblin Rascal Tavern, now in its 11th year and also in the CBD.
Front-of-house is led by Alicia Clarke – also a finalist in this year’s Awards for Host of the Year – who commands the room with her unmistakable presence.
The venue itself leans into gritty glamour. Brick and wood textures meet deep red leather booths and curved retro green bar stools. The walls are adorned with framed portraits of 70s icons from Prince to Diana Ross – a nod to the era’s creative energy and cinematic legacy.
“I just always loved the aesthetics of a late New York night in the 70s, like something out of a Tarantino film. The music, the look, the atmosphere – it was a vibe I was really drawn to,” Soto says.
Hanging above the bar is a glistening disco ball, paired with soft orange curved lighting, tying the room together in a warm amber haze. But don’t expect cliché costume décor.
“I wanted it to feel like you’re actually in that period. It doesn’t have to be afros, wigs and disco balls – it can be something more refined, more vibey, and true to the era,” he explains.
The drinks list reflects that same balance and flair. House classics like the Stinger blend Hennessy, Cognac, peppermint, Fernet Branca, Branca Menta and mint oil for a bold herbaceous hit.
The Purple People Eater, a standout from the twisted classics list, mixes Hendrick’s Gin, Triple Sec, ube, coconut and pineapple into a violet slushy – a tropical time machine.
The snacks match the venue’s flair with nostalgic flavours. Double Deuce’s bowls of cabanossi & cheese cubes with cornichons and special sauce, make for a perfect pair with almost any drink.
The house-made French onion dip is finished with furikake, crispy shallots and served with Jatz crackers that are tossed in a housemade chicken salt – its comfort food made cool again.
With atmosphere, attitude, and just the right amount of scandal, Double Deuce Lounge is a venue that transports you back but doesn’t let you forget where you are.