Door Knock, who's there? Popular hidden Sydney bar unveils Frenchy new look and dining menu
One of Sydney’s original hidden bars has had a renaissance, unveiling a Frenchy new look, drinks list and elevated dining menu to match.
Door Knock - located through a secret doorway beneath bustling Pitt St - has been transformed into a cosy and relaxed space that’s the perfect blend of Parisian neighbourhood bar meets underground speakeasy.
Vintage French mirrors, herringbone panelling, marble tables, leather seating and dimly-lit lampshades have replaced the Nordic ropes and eclectic furniture of old, while the food offering has also had a refresh.
New head chef Joe Slakey (ex-Flying Fajita Sistas) has introduced a punchy Mediterranean and North African-inspired share style menu filled with dishes that are as flavoursome as they are affordable.
Starters include stracciatella made from scratch, served with grape confit, crisp rosemary and sea salt lavosh ($16), as well as house-made dips ($18), grilled calamari ($15) and fried cauliflower with zaatar and spiced labne ($10).
The menu, which will change seasonally, features three larger plates, including a 250-gram flank steak with red wine jus and Paris butter ($28), Chermoula chicken ($24) and a Moroccan lamb cooked tagine-style for five hours and served with chickpeas, saffron rice and dukkah ($23).
Slakey has also created a selection of sides, which can equally be enjoyed on their own, such as the moreish sweet potato fries with truffle oil and crisp sage ($12), spiced Dutch carrots ($10) and sugar snap peas with Cacio e Pepe butter ($10).
Owner John Grace, a former fund manager who purchased Door Knock and sister bar Uncle Ming’s in July 2024, says he hopes the new-look venue will be a place where people not only visit to enjoy its famed cocktails, but also as a dinner destination.
“We’re not trying to be a high-end restaurant, we’ve created an accessible and affordable menu, while not sacrificing on big, bold flavours,” he says, adding the bar now features seating for 90 people, with a mix of low, counter and bar options, including an intimate private dining room and lounge area.
Door Knock’s wine offering has had a makeover too, with an expanded list focussed on French, Italian and Australian drops, and containing one of the world’s best champagnes in Billecart-Salmon.
There are some things though that haven’t changed.
Door Knock’s iconic pineapple door-knocker and original wooden railway sleeper bar have been lovingly incorporated into the new design, bringing with it the character and essence of the much-loved venue.
Signature cocktails like the Sunny Leone, made with Don Julio Blanco, amaretto, lime juice, tropical citrus and pineapple oleo, passionfruit sparkling wine and absinthe spray, the Tilde End of Time and Ready to Rumble are also staying put.
“Door Knock is a popular and established bar that has continued to thrive during difficult periods such as the pandemic,” Grace says.
“It was important for us to pay homage to its history, while also ushering in a new era, one which allows you to step off from Pitt St and into another world.
“We’re a neighbourhood bar located in the heart of the city, where you’re just as welcome to drop in for a quick after-work drink or meal, as you are to settle in for the evening, whether you’re on a date, with friends, celebrating a special occasion or wanting to host a corporate gathering.”
Door Knock is located in the basement of 70 Pitt St in the CBD (look for the pineapples).
It’s open from 4pm to midnight, Monday to Thursday, and from 4pm to 1am on Fridays and Saturdays.
Visit www.doorknock.com.au for more information or to make a reservation.