Inside DrGoodes: The Boogie Lounge Rewriting Sydney's Nightlife
Sydney has not been short of good bars. What it has been short of is bars with an epic playlist, affordable drinks, jazzy interiors and great weekly deals. DrGoodes is the new exception. Set on the corner of Paddington's Oxford Street, this disco-leaning, pizza-slinging, cocktail-obsessed bar is the spot locals have been waiting for.
The vibe: a boogie lounge with a drinks menu worth showing up for
Walk in and the first thing that hits you are the cool, disco-funk tunes and the amber hue of the interiors — light bouncing off the disco balls creates an inviting, warm and moody atmosphere. It feels less like a new opening and more like a suburb's best-kept secret that fits in so well to the colourful nightlife on Oxford Street.
The cocktails: playful and inventive
The drinks list at DrGoodes reads short on purpose. Three signature cocktails, each one earning its spot (named after some of the most iconic songs of the 70s). 'Roxanne' arrives in a sexy coupe with a thick, glossy crema and a balance of sweetness from the strawberries and bitterness from the Aperol base. Then you have the 'Lola', which transports you to a tropical paradise in a medley of coconut rums and citrus; and finally, 'Jolene', that tastes akin to a serving of buttery salted popcorn. Each of these have such unique flavours and presentations, but our favourite is definitely 'Roxanne'.
If you've gone through this list then a variety of tap lagers and beers are available, as well as tap cocktails — don't judge these before you try them. As a sceptic of ready-to-go cocktails, these are actually worth your time, including spicy margaritas, espresso martinis and Aperol spritz.
"DrGoodes is small enough to feel intimate but ambitious enough to be memorable — a spot you want to keep coming back to."
The pizza: pickles, pineapple and prawns
Pizza in a cocktail bar can be a gimmick, but DrGoodes' menu will impress even the harshest cynic. Perfectly fermented, wood-fired and charred, these pizzas are served fresh and full of flavour. Order the Reuben first — a classic sandwich combo turned inside out with layers of wagyu pastrami, cabbage, gruyère and pickles (an addition I never thought would work). Next up, get their classic Margherita — it is the honest test of any pizza kitchen and DrGoodes passes it.
And they don't just knock out pizzas. Their line-up of funky bar snacks — not limited to pizza puffs 'cacio e pepe' and espresso martini cornettos — keep you energised throughout the night to watch the 'boogie lounge' turn on with disco and house tracks playing from 9pm.
If pizza-and-pasta is the brief, pair a visit with my wider Sydney food and drink recommendations — from Bartiga's hand-rolled pasta in Surry Hills to Totti's wood-fired bread in Bondi.
Why it matters for Sydney nightlife in 2026
Sydney's late-night culture has spent the past decade rebuilding after the lockout years, but with the licensing rules now gone the city's electric scene never quite came back at the same scale. DrGoodes feels like part of the answer. It is small enough to feel intimate, ambitious enough to feel like a statement, and serves up vibes, a playlist and menu that keep you coming back for more.
Expect it to get harder to walk into over the next few months. Get your dancing shoes on and lock in a visit now.
Visiting Sydney for the first time? Start with my Australia travel guides for the moving-and-itinerary essentials, and check the Best Buys for the travel gear I actually pack.
What you need to know before you go
- Best for
- Late dinner that turns into dancing
- Go-to order
- Reuben wood-fired pizza & DrGoodes fries
- When to arrive
- 5pm for a seat, 9pm for the tunes
- Bookings
- Strongly recommended Thursday–Saturday
- Dress code
- Smart-casual; come in jeans or a dress, it all works
- Neighbourhood
- Paddington, Sydney, Australia
Frequently asked
Where is DrGoodes located in Sydney?
DrGoodes sits in central Sydney, within easy reach of the CBD and walkable from most Eastern suburbs. It is best reached by bus, taxi or a 15min walk from Kings Cross station.
Is DrGoodes a restaurant or a bar?
Both. The kitchen runs a tight wood-fired pizza menu and the bar program is genuinely serious, so you can come for dinner, drinks, or both — it transitions into a boogie lounge later in the night.
What kind of music does DrGoodes play?
Expect disco, funk, soul and a touch of italo from the resident DJs.
Pair this review with my Australia toolkit
- Where to eat, drink & explore in Sydney — the full local map of bars, restaurants and activities I'd send a friend to.
- The Australia Guides Collection — moving, visas and east-coast itineraries written from the road.
- Follow me on TikTok — where I share weekly first-hand food, drink and activity recommendations.
