The Workers Bar & Kitchen

The Workers on Balmain's Darling Street opened its doors with a rather impressive nod, wink and a nudge to the venue's Labor Party roots. Not only did Tim Freedman from the Whitlams play out the night, former PM Bob Hawke officially opened the doors to this hip mash-up of American and Aussie.

Once the home to Sydney's first Labour Electorate League, now a funky addition to Balmain's watering holes, we suggest you take a drink. The big bar, overlooked by a great big hairy buffalo head, is stocked with a nice range of the usual beer and wine suspects as well as fine-tuned cocktails like the tall and refreshing Batanga of tequila, lime, salt and cola ($18).

The menu has an Australiana milk bar nod, with burgers and fries and and plans to add some boozy milkshakes and a late night menu of chico rolls and Bubble O'Bills.

The place itself is undoubtedly cool, has plenty of space for functions and even a colourful and relatively spacious outdoor seating area to lap up the summer rays with shades on and drink in hand. They also have comedy nights once a month, with the likes of Fiona O'Loughlin and Ronny Chieng gracing the stage.

Worth a visit, The Workers Bar & Kitchen won't be going anywhere soon.