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Caterpillar Club

3.9
·610 reviews·Sydney, Australia

Sydney's moody jazz bar with an extensive vinyl collection, live music, and creative cocktails. A hidden gem for date nights.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays (Mon-Thurs)

Avoid the weekend queue

CrowdLow
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Caterpillar Club - Image 1

Caterpillar Club

Best Time

Weekdays (Mon-Thurs)

Avoid the weekend queue

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Sydney's moody jazz bar with an extensive vinyl collection, live music, and creative cocktails. A hidden gem for date nights.

3.9
(610 reviews)

"Moody lighting, great music, and a cocktail list that’s both creative and classic."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Beat the Queue

Visit on weekdays or arrive early to skip the long lines, especially on weekends!

👕 Dress Casually

No need to dress up; most patrons are in casual attire. Comfort is key!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Live Jazz & DJ Sets

Live Jazz & DJ Sets

Main Bar Area

Immerse yourself in soulful jazz and new-wave soul spun by DJs from an extensive vinyl collection.

Extensive Vinyl Collection

Extensive Vinyl Collection

DJ Booth

Experience a unique atmosphere with a DJ spinning from one of Sydney's largest record collections.

Creative Cocktail Menu

Creative Cocktail Menu

Bar

Sip on expertly crafted cocktails, from classic favorites to innovative new creations.

The Famous Burger

The Famous Burger

Dining Area

Indulge in a hearty, cheesy burger, a popular choice though some find it pricey.

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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Lines at Caterpillar Club

Expect queues, especially on weekends! Arrive early or visit on weekdays to avoid long waits. Some TikToks show lines stretching for 45 minutes or more. Happy hour can also draw a crowd, but it's a great way to experience the bar.

Dress Code: Casual is Key

Don't overdress! While some might expect a formal vibe, TikTok creators note that most patrons are dressed casually. Focus on comfort and enjoying the live music and cocktails rather than a strict dress code.

Best Times

When
Weekdays (Mon-Thurs)
Why
Avoid the weekend queue
Crowd
Low
When
Happy Hour (4-6 PM)
Why
Great deals & lively vibe
Crowd
Medium
When
Late Night (after 10 PM)
Why
Clubby atmosphere
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

I do the hard work so you don’t have to 🍸🪩🕺 #sydneybar #barsinsydney #sydneybestbars #sydneynightlife #jazzbar #datenight #dateideas #sydney
@montanasoldatic
5.7K likes • 102.9K views

🎯 Beat the Queue

Visit on weekdays or arrive early to skip the long lines, especially on weekends! TikTok

👕 Dress Casually

No need to dress up; most patrons are in casual attire. Comfort is key! TikTok

we need to implement dresscodes !!!#dressup #sydney #nightlife #dresscode #thecaterpillarclub #mlkapproved
@mlkknows
9.7K likes • 384.8K views
📍Rating: 9/10 Caterpillar Club From late night live DJ sets of Jazz and new-wave soul to hosting boujis events like Sydney Fashion Week; Caterpillar club has made itself the place to be seen in Sydney. You have plenty of shoulder room along one of the largest bars in Sydney to order your espresso martini’s and with booth seating it gives it the feel of the golden age of underground speakeasy clubs...
@stevegetsaround
117 likes • 7K views

🍸 Happy Hour Deals

Catch happy hour for great deals on drinks and food, but expect it to get busy. TikTok

🎶 Enjoy the Music

The live music and DJ sets create an amazing vibe. Don't miss out! TikTok

The Caterpillar Club line on a Saturday night out in Sydney. Most consistent club line in the CBD. #sydneynightlife #sydneyclubs
@bondi_lines
131 likes • 7.1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Beat the Queue

Visit on weekdays or arrive early to skip the long lines, especially on weekends! TikTok

👕 Dress Casually

No need to dress up; most patrons are in casual attire. Comfort is key! TikTok

🍸 Happy Hour Deals

Catch happy hour for great deals on drinks and food, but expect it to get busy. TikTok

🎶 Enjoy the Music

The live music and DJ sets create an amazing vibe. Don't miss out! TikTok

🍔 Burger Worth Trying

The burger is a must-try, though some reviews mention it's a bit pricey. TikTok

What Travellers Say

3.9
(610 reviews)

Reviews Summary

The Caterpillar Club is celebrated for its moody ambiance, extensive vinyl collection, and live jazz music, creating a memorable experience. Patrons praise the skilled bartenders and creative cocktails, making it a popular spot for date nights and late-night outings. However, some visitors find the food, particularly the burger, to be overpriced for its quality, and weekend queues can be substantial.

"We went mainly for the burger to try it out. The bar obviously is doing as well a great job. I had a mocktail with apple which was really great but the burger was sadly a bit under my expectation. It was yummy, but a bit to cold when it arrived.
I wouldn’t go again for the food, because it’s to expensive for the quality. For a drink I would come back!
On the night we been there, there were a live music event that was fun to listen to. People are dancing and it’s a really good vibe"

Till Pisch

"Moody lighting, great music, and a cocktail list that’s both creative and classic. The staff know their stuff and make you feel welcome without the usual bar pretence. Perfect for date night or a late drink with friends. Definitely a place you stumble upon once and keep coming back to. I feel so relaxed and comfortable here, sipping nice cocktails and enjoying jazz. It’s exactly the kind of place I’ve been looking for"

Eray Erdinc

"Very cool record bar that was recommended by lots of people! Sat at the bar and grabbed a drink - bartenders were AMAZING, could have watched them all night! A few people were still grabbing food when we got there but the evening quickly turned into more of a clubby atmosphere throughout the night. Music got turned up and lots of people standing and dancing. Took it easy since I was with coworkers but would be fun to come back with friends. There was a bit of a line to get in but moved relatively quickly."

Jewelia Chang

What People Like

Moody atmosphere
Live jazz music
Creative cocktails

What People Dislike

Long weekend queues
Pricey food

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Caterpillar Club is located on Pitt Street near Martin Place, making it an easy walk from Wynyard train station. Reddit It's centrally located in the CBD, so public transport is your best bet.

Street parking in the CBD can be challenging and expensive. It's recommended to use public transport or rideshare services to reach the venue.

Some describe entering via a 'secret door' and heading downstairs, adding to its hidden gem appeal. Reddit Keep an eye out for its entrance on Pitt Street.

Given the potential for crowds and limited parking, taking a train to a nearby station like Wynyard or Martin Place is highly recommended for weekend visits. Reddit

Yes, taxis and rideshare services can drop you off nearby. Just be aware of potential traffic congestion in the CBD, especially during peak hours.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The Caterpillar Club is generally walk-in only, meaning you don't typically need to purchase tickets in advance. TikTok However, for special events, it's always best to check their official channels.

They are open late, typically until 3 am on Sundays to Thursdays and 4 am on Fridays and Saturdays. TikTok Hours can vary for special events.

There isn't usually a cover charge for general entry, but this can change for specific events or during peak times. It's advisable to check their social media for any updates.

To avoid long queues, especially on weekends, aim to arrive before 7 PM or consider visiting on a weekday. TikTok Happy hour can also be busy but offers good value.

The Caterpillar Club operates on a walk-in basis, so reservations are generally not accepted. TikTok Be prepared for potential wait times.

🍽️ 🍸 Drinks & Dining

They boast a creative and classic cocktail list, with bartenders who are highly praised for their skill. Reddit They also have an extensive vinyl collection that influences the music played.

Reviews are mixed. While many enjoy the food, especially the chicken and tuna melts during happy hour, some find the famous burger a bit pricey for the quality and temperature. Reddit

While specific signature cocktails aren't always listed, reviewers rave about the quality and creativity of their drinks, including espresso martinis. TikTok

Yes, mocktails are available and have been described as 'really great,' such as an apple mocktail mentioned in reviews. Reddit

Drinks can be on the pricier side, and while the burger is popular, some find it expensive for the quality. Reddit Happy hour offers better value.

🎫 🎶 Music & Atmosphere

You'll find late-night live jazz, new-wave soul, and DJ sets spinning from an extensive vinyl collection. TikTok The music contributes significantly to the venue's vibe.

It's described as moody, magnificent, and memorable, with dimly lit decor, comfortable seating, and a great vibe that can shift from relaxed to clubby. TikTokReddit

Absolutely! The moody lighting, great music, and creative cocktails make it a perfect spot for a date night. TikTokReddit+1

Yes, live music is a key feature, often featuring jazz, which adds wonderfully to the experience and encourages dancing. TikTokReddit

The volume can increase as the night progresses and the atmosphere becomes more clubby, with music turned up. Reddit It's a lively venue, especially later in the evening.

📸 📸 Photography

While many visitors share photos and videos online,TikTok+2 the venue has a moody, dimly lit atmosphere which can make for atmospheric shots. Be mindful of other patrons' privacy.

The long bar, the circular booth seating, and the DJ booth with the vinyl collection offer great visual appeal for photos. The overall moody lighting adds to the aesthetic. Reddit

It's generally best to avoid using flash photography in dimly lit venues like the Caterpillar Club, as it can be disruptive to the atmosphere and other guests. Natural light or low-light settings on your phone are recommended.

There are no widely advertised restrictions on photography for personal use. However, professional photography or filming may require prior permission.

Photos often capture the cocktails, the food (especially the burger), the live music setup, and the overall moody ambiance of the bar's interior. TikTok+2

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Caterpillar Club is primarily an adult-oriented bar, best suited for evenings out without children. Its late operating hours, focus on cocktails, and evolving atmosphere from relaxed to clubby make it less ideal for family outings. While they do serve food, the overall vibe and music selection are geared towards an adult clientele. It's recommended for date nights or evenings with friends rather than family gatherings.

💰 Budget Travelers

While the Caterpillar Club offers a unique experience, it can be a bit of a splurge. Drinks are generally on the pricier side, and while the burger is popular, some reviews suggest it's expensive for the quality. Reddit To make it more budget-friendly, aim for happy hour for discounted drinks and food. TikTokReddit Visiting on a weekday can save you time waiting in line, which indirectly contributes to a better experience without extra cost. Consider it a place for a special night out rather than a frequent haunt if on a tight budget.

👫 Couples

The Caterpillar Club is an excellent choice for couples looking for a sophisticated and atmospheric night out. The moody lighting, comfortable seating, and excellent jazz music create a perfect setting for a date night. TikTokReddit+1 You can enjoy creative cocktails and good conversation without the overwhelming noise of some other venues. Arriving earlier in the evening or on a weekday can ensure a more intimate experience before the crowds build.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Vibe: Music, Mood, and Vinyl

The Caterpillar Club is renowned for its unique atmosphere, heavily influenced by its extensive vinyl collection and live music. DJs curate sets from a vast array of records, creating a soulful and engaging soundscape that ranges from jazz to new-wave soul. TikTok This dedication to music sets it apart from many other Sydney bars. The venue's decor is described as moody and magnificent, with dimly lit interiors and comfortable seating arrangements, including circular booths perfect for groups and intimate seating along the bar. Reddit This creates a sense of intimacy and encourages conversation, making it a great spot for dates or catching up with friends. Reddit

The atmosphere can evolve throughout the night. Early on, it might attract a mix of ages, with people stopping by after work. As the evening progresses, especially on weekends, it can become more clubby, with the music volume increasing and more people standing and dancing. Reddit This dynamic shift means you can tailor your visit to the kind of experience you're looking for, whether it's a relaxed drink with jazz or a more energetic night out.

Navigating the Queues and Entry

One of the most frequently mentioned aspects of visiting the Caterpillar Club is the potential for long queues, particularly on weekend nights. TikTok+2 TikTok videos often showcase lines that can stretch for a considerable time, with some visitors reporting waits of 45 minutes or more. TikTok This is a common challenge for popular Sydney nightlife spots, and the Caterpillar Club is no exception. To mitigate this, visiting on a weekday is highly recommended, as it significantly reduces wait times. TikTok

Alternatively, arriving during happy hour (typically 4-6 PM) can be a strategic move. While it still draws a crowd, you can enjoy discounted drinks and food while experiencing the bar's lively atmosphere. TikTokReddit The venue operates on a walk-in basis, so reservations are not an option. TikTok Be prepared for this and factor potential wait times into your plans, especially if you're on a tight schedule or have a specific event in mind.

Food and Drink: A Taste of the Caterpillar Club

The Caterpillar Club offers a well-regarded cocktail menu, praised for both its creative concoctions and classic offerings. Reddit Bartenders are noted for their skill and friendly demeanor, contributing to a welcoming experience. Reddit While specific signature drinks aren't always highlighted, reviewers consistently mention enjoying their beverages, with espresso martinis being a popular choice. TikTok For those seeking non-alcoholic options, mocktails are available and have received positive feedback. Reddit

When it comes to food, the venue is known for its burger, which many reviewers have tried. TikTok While described as yummy and satisfying by some, others found it to be a bit too cold upon arrival and considered it pricey for the quality. Reddit Other food items, like chicken and tuna melts, are recommended, particularly during happy hour. Reddit It's important to manage expectations; while the food is enjoyable, the primary draw for many seems to be the drinks, music, and overall ambiance.