The End of an Era: Iconic Bars and Restaurants Fade from Sydney's CBD
The once-bustling streets of Sydney’s northern CBD are undergoing a quiet transformation, and it’s not just the foot traffic that’s changing. Former Bar of the Year Double Deuce Lounge is set to close its doors on Bridge Street, marking the end of an era for a venue that once thrived on the city’s vibrant nightlife. But here’s where it gets even more intriguing: Double Deuce isn’t alone. Other renowned establishments, like the hatted Allta and the beloved Kitchen by Mike, are also exiting or relocating, leaving many to wonder: What’s happening to Sydney’s hospitality scene?
Double Deuce Lounge, named after the iconic dive bar in the 1989 film Road House, has been a staple of Sydney’s nightlife. Yet, co-owner Sebastian ‘Cosmo’ Soto admits, ‘It hasn’t been the same since COVID.’ The shift to remote work has gutted Friday afternoons, once the bar’s busiest time. ‘Friday used to be our bread and butter,’ Soto reflects. ‘Now, I’m scratching my head wondering where everyone went.’ With trade down by a third, the bar is pivoting to a smaller, more agile model in a new CBD location, aiming to cut costs and stay afloat.
But this isn’t just about one bar. The entire hospitality landscape is being reshaped by the post-pandemic world. Allta, a Korean fine-diner that earned two chefs’ hats, has relocated from Bridge Street to Surry Hills, citing the CBD’s weekend quietness. ‘Surry Hills offers the foot traffic and energy we need,’ explains Anece So, Allta’s chief business officer. Meanwhile, Kitchen by Mike, a lunch-focused favorite, closed its Bent Street location after realizing its model thrives in areas with consistent seven-day traffic. ‘The city has changed,’ says founder Mike McEnearney, ‘and we’re moving with the times.’
And this is the part most people miss: It’s not just about fewer customers—it’s about a fundamental shift in how and where people dine. The rise of work-from-home culture has left CBD towers emptier on Mondays and Fridays, hitting lunch spots and after-work venues hard. ‘If I could work from home, I would,’ McEnearney admits, echoing the sentiment of many office workers. Yet, while some venues struggle, others are adapting. Allta’s new Surry Hills location is larger, allowing them to lower menu prices and attract a broader audience. ‘It’s about reaching more people who crave high-quality dining in a lively setting,’ So adds.
As Double Deuce prepares to close its Bridge Street location in late December, Soto remains hopeful. ‘Maybe the pre-Christmas rush will give us one last hurrah,’ he says. But he also calls for support from big businesses and a return to office life. ‘I miss the Friday night nerves, the packed lounge,’ he admits. ‘But this move feels right—it’s time to vibe all the time.’
Controversial Question: Is the CBD’s decline a temporary blip or a permanent shift? Some argue that the city will bounce back as workers return to offices, while others believe the rise of suburban dining hubs like Surry Hills signals a new era. What do you think? Is Sydney’s CBD losing its luster, or is this just the next chapter in its evolution? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your take on this changing landscape.
