Cantina OK! would have to be one of the most unlikely bars in Sydney, but somehow it just seems to work.
It’s tiny. There are no stools or chairs, as there simply isn’t room. Some of the reviews say it has a capacity of 20 but on the day we were there, they were only letting in around 12 people, with 3 of those standing on the pavement outside and it’s difficult to see how any more people could be squeezed in.
Then there’s the location, it’s literally in a garage down a nondescript laneway off Clarence Street between Market and King. So the only way to find your way there is if you’ve gone looking for it.
But the fact that on a Saturday afternoon at 4.30pm which isn’t exactly cocktail hour we had to queue for 20 minutes is a testament to the fact it is does work.
What makes it work? I’ts a combination of things. The barman all genuinely seem to love their jobs. It has quirky touches; the walls are bright pink and purple and the ice in the cocktails is carved in front of you from a giant block using a vintage Nepalese ice carving machine. And definitely not least, the cocktails are seriously good.
It has credibility as a Mexican Bar, as it’s run by my the same people as another well known and very popular Mexican Bar, Tio’s in Surry Hills: https://tios.com.au/
Broadsheet recently voted it (after 2 years of research) as having the best margaritas in Sydney:
https://www.broadsheet.com.au/sydney/food-and-drink/article/this-sydneys-best-margarita
I’ll agree the margaritas are damned good. I probably wouldn’t vote it the best margarita I’ve had in Sydney, but that’s only because I am totally biased toward margaritas with a chilli kick.
It’s definitely good quality drinks and service with a smile.
Council Place Sydney
Open 7 days 4pm – late