A New Orleans Jazz Bar in Sydney


Inspired by the culture, soul and sheer magic of New Orleans, The Swinging Cat is an underground small bar, sunk beneath the streets of Sydney’s CBD.

Step away from the urban chaos and straight into this sleek cocktail bar to experience our version of New Orleans’ vibrant bar scene. The interiors are designed to evoke the New Orleans’ French Quarter.
From the gas-lit street lamps to the velvet-lined entry, you’ll be transported straight to the corner of Rue Royal and Conti.

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The Best Live Jazz Music Sydney has to offer


Nobody can quite agree on when jazz first started. Theories date from the late 19th to the early 20th century. What everyone does agree on is where jazz originated: New Orleans.

No NOLA-inspired bar would be complete without a band playing live jazz music. That’s why The Swinging Cat is proud to be one of the best live jazz bars Sydney has to offer.

From classic New Orleans sounds to modern jazzy beats, we’ve got it all – steeped in an authentic atmosphere.
Maybe you like to kick back with friends and drinks and soak up the atmosphere. Or perhaps you prefer to get up and let the rhythm take control. However, you enjoy your jazz, The Swinging Cat is where you want to be.

The Swinging Cat offers live music Thursday to Saturday from 7pm till late.
Book in to avoid disappointment.
Check upcoming music on our What’s on Page.

About Us

The Magic of New Orleans in One of the Best Hidden Cocktail Bars in Sydney


The Magic of New Orleans in One of the Best Cocktail Bars Sydney Has to Offer
Sazerac lover Peter Fischer has always been genuinely inspired by famous drinkers. Ernest Hemingway, Buddy Bolden and Big Easy itself, New Orleans – the legendary birthplace of the Sazerac, Ramos Gin Fizz, and of course, The Hurricane.

Our food and snack menu is made of contemporary takes on classic NOLA dishes. Deep fried treats. Rich chipotle spice. A touch of Mexico. And even some local flavours.

Of course, what’s a bar without a drink? Even during the rough days of Prohibition, New Orleans was the “liquor capital of America”. Where there’s jazz, good food, and good vibes, the booze will flow.

You can complement your meal with a variety of local and international beers and ciders. Our carefully curated selection of local wines is the perfect match for the diverse array of local and imported cheeses we offer.

Or if you like something a little stronger, we have an exceptional curated spirits list. From classic NOLA selections like Cognac, to a wide international selection of whiskeys, tequilas and rums, there’s something for all tastes.

Best of all, our kitchen is open till late – and we offer full table service for that special touch of southern hospitality.

Visit us beneath the streets of Sydney CBD to experience authentic NOLA flavours and surprising local twists.

Cocktail Bar

One of the Original places to see Live Jazz in Sydney’s CBD


New Orleans. The Big Easy. The city of jazz, delicious food, and wild parties.

Every corner you turn brings a new surprise – whether it be a street performer with an incredible trick or a fortuneteller offering readings. The atmosphere is truly captivating and it’s easy to see why people come from all over the world just to experience its special kind of magic.

The Swinging Cat brings the atmosphere of New Orleans’ unforgettable underground bars to the Sydney CBD. Sunken below street level, this small bar offers a big experience for those wanting to be transported far from home – without the hassle of dealing with an airline.

We also offer bookings for exclusive events. With space to sit 70, or standing room for 100, we can cater for everything from office Christmas parties to wedding receptions. And when you do book a private event, you unlock canapes prepared by the chefs at our legendary sister venue, NOLA Smokehouse and Bar.

Book your next visit today, or try your luck with a walk-in.
The Swinging Cat is open Wednesday-Saturday, 4PM till late.

About Us