
Caterpillar Club
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
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Avoid the weekend queue

Caterpillar Club
Best Time
Avoid the weekend queue
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.
"Moody lighting, great music, and a cocktail list that’s both creative and classic."

🎯 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!

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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

Creative Cocktail Menu
Bar
Sip on expertly crafted cocktails, from classic favorites to innovative new creations.

The Famous Burger
Dining Area
Indulge in a hearty, cheesy burger, a popular choice though some find it pricey.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Lines at Caterpillar Club
Dress Code: Casual is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 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!
🍸 Happy Hour Deals
Catch happy hour for great deals on drinks and food, but expect it to get busy.
🎶 Enjoy the Music
The live music and DJ sets create an amazing vibe. Don't miss out!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 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!
🍸 Happy Hour Deals
Catch happy hour for great deals on drinks and food, but expect it to get busy.
🎶 Enjoy the Music
The live music and DJ sets create an amazing vibe. Don't miss out!
🍔 Burger Worth Trying
The burger is a must-try, though some reviews mention it's a bit pricey.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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. 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. 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.
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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.
While specific signature cocktails aren't always listed, reviewers rave about the quality and creativity of their drinks, including espresso martinis.
Yes, mocktails are available and have been described as 'really great,' such as an apple mocktail mentioned in reviews.
Drinks can be on the pricier side, and while the burger is popular, some find it expensive for the quality. 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. 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.
Absolutely! The moody lighting, great music, and creative cocktails make it a perfect spot for a date night.
Yes, live music is a key feature, often featuring jazz, which adds wonderfully to the experience and encourages dancing.
The volume can increase as the night progresses and the atmosphere becomes more clubby, with music turned up. It's a lively venue, especially later in the evening.
📸 📸 Photography
While many visitors share photos and videos online, 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.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
👫 Couples
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Vibe: Music, Mood, and Vinyl
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. 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
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. The venue operates on a walk-in basis, so reservations are not an option. 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
When it comes to food, the venue is known for its burger, which many reviewers have tried. 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. Other food items, like chicken and tuna melts, are recommended, particularly during happy hour. 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.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit