late night drinks

Places to go when your night is just getting started

Words Hayley Griffiths @hayleyg.creative

Balthazar

In the mood for something a little bit fancy? Take a visit to Wollongong’s only Champagne Bar, delivering a high-quality experience of top shelf beverages and shared food. Inside you find a stylish aesthetic with a black marble bar, custom furniture, a soaring ceiling and mezzanine level to soak in the atmosphere from above. On Friday and Saturday nights, Balthazar is open till midnight, while on Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday the bubbles are flowing till late.

Mae Mabel

Step inside this 70’s inspired cocktail bar, complete with a velvet booth and retro tunes to keep the good times coming. Known for their retake on classic cocktails, all expertly crafted by the talented mixologists. We can’t go past their third variation of the Clover Club - with Edinburgh Gin, Edinburgh Raspberry Liqueur, Pommeau, fresh lemon and egg white. To complement the drinks, select from one of their delicious platters or small bites. This cosy cocktail bar is the place to be on a Friday or Saturday especially, with $15 cocktails and a DJ spinning disco funk tunes from 9pm till midnight.

The Black Cockatoo

You’ll find this now not-so-secret bar hidden through the back of a coffee shop and if you happen to stumble upon it - you’re in luck. Cosy in size and a little moody in vibe, you’ll be spoiled with an array of classic and house cocktails, in addition to a selection of craft beer. Although it’s hard to pick a favourite, Tommy’s Margarita is a mainstay made with Reposado tequila, lime and agave. On Friday and Saturday nights, the bar is pumping till 2am, while all other nights it’s open till midnight (closed on Mondays). A perfect spot for a late-night drink - we’ll cheers to that!

Juniper

With over 60 gins to choose from, you get the feeling the team at Juniper knows their stuff when it comes to the humble G&T. Experience the many tastes of gin in this intimate bar with a relaxed vibe. But if gin is not your thing, you can also enjoy a selection of spirits, wine, cider and craft beer. Our top pick is the Classic Gin Martini made with Tanqueray No 10, Vermouth and Sicilian Olives. Juniper also showcases locally made gins from South Coast Distillery - you have to try their Sublime Gin. You can thank us later! Open late on Thursday, and Friday and Saturday night till 2am.

A Czech bar and kitchen in the heart of Wollongong is something that everyone should experience on a night out. Hospitality in spades, quirky decor and cocktails served up a little differently - expect the unexpected at this fun venue. They also do Czech beers on tap, in addition to a variety of other beers and wines, so there really is something to suit all tastes. And don’t forget to pay a buck for a duck - you’ll receive a very cute rubber ducky in your cocktail to take home as a souvenir. Open till midnight on Friday and Saturday nights, while closing a little earlier on the other evenings.