Say what you want about Sydney clubs—you can still find a solid dance floor if you know where to look. Even the best clubs in Sydney have had a rough few years: between lockouts, shut downs, and early close times, the city hasn’t exactly gained the best reputation for nightlife. But there’s a reason it was once known as an international dance capital—and why new waves of hip hop and South-Asian creative collectives are energising the music scene once again.
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People have and will always find a way to dance. Sometimes it takes wading through the worst bars you can find just to feel something, but if you don’t have the time and/or the will to make that expedition, we’ve got you covered with this guide to the best nightclubs in the Sydney CBD, Inner West and beyond.It’s an icon partially just because it’s so old. Club 77 has been around for 25 years, hosting AJAX, the Bang Gang, and Starfuckers DJs—as well as basically every other alternative electronic act that’s graced Sydney since 1999. It’s a gritty space, with bathroom walls plastered in cut-out shoe ads and banana stickers, but the grunginess doesn’t reflect a lack of care. Last year, Club 77 relaunched with an updated acoustic set-up—which is perfect if you’re one of the freaks who actually go out for the music. Due to its late night licence, Club 77 is also allowed to operate until 4 am.
77 William St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010
Hot people go to El Pazo Lounge on the weekend. El Pazo is a saving grace in Sydney’s “real” nightclub sparsity, hosting some of the city’s stickiest club nights, all of which have been curated by prolific Eora-based DJs and music acts. El Pazo Lounge at Alcatraz is one of the only nightclubs in Sydney where ass shaking is both guaranteed and embraced. Alcatraz as a venue has always been rooted in transforming the culture of Sydney’s nightlife, and within the first year of opening, they’ve made a gigantic stamp on the city. If live sampling, jazz and neo-soul are more your speed, check out their Sultry & Sample events on Thursdays. Be early to the hype.74/76 Pyrmont Bridge Rd, Annandale NSW 2038
1. Club 77, Darlinghurst
77 William St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010
2. El Pazo Lounge at Alcatraz, Annandale
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3. Civic Underground, Sydney CBD
388 Pitt St, Sydney NSW 2000
4. Commonhouse, Western Sydney
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5/171 Power St, Glendenning NSW 2761
5. Sussudio, Potts Point
2 Kellett St, Potts Point NSW 2011
6. Abercrombie, Chippendale
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7. Stonewall Hotel, Darlinghurst
8. Universal, Darlinghurst
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9. Marys Underground, Sydney CBD
29 Reiby Pl, Sydney NSW 2000
10. Candeleria, Elizabeth Street
58 Elizabeth St, Sydney NSW 2000