Kuleto's Cocktail Bar Review

Review By Ben King

As a boy, it is a little odd me doing a review on a cocktail bar, however, last Saturday I think I went to the best cocktail bar on earth, and as such felt I should do a review about it.

The cocktail bar I am referring to is Kuleto's on King Street in Newtown. Many reading this most likely have walked past this relatively innocuous venue on your way to one of the many bars and nightclubs in the area, not even considering having a look inside.

So to all those that have walked past without giving this place a 2nd look, I can only say to you, YOU ARE MISSING OUT ON AN AMAZING PLACE.

So what I think separates this cocktail bar from the crowd is the amazing cocktails (and they are amazing) combined with the quintessentially Newtown feel to the place, which is relaxed, laid back and informal. This atmosphere was simply unquestionable given that I was wearing thongs and nobody batted and eyelid.

However for the girls out there looking for sophistication in a cocktail bar, do not think that Kuleto's is not the place for you. If you feel class and sophistication is spawned from the threads you are wearing, let it be known you are not the only punter in this cocktail bar who feels that way as alongside the thong wearing clientele are the "dressed to impress crowd" drinking side by side.

It's an amazing atmosphere from a cocktail bar that is famous for its 7 to 8 happy hour with 2 for 1 cocktails Fridays and Saturdays. But let me reiterate, these aren't cocktails mixed by an 18 year old university student studying arts and wondering why they are working in a cocktail bar instead of running the country. The bar staff here know what they are doing and make some of the best looking (and tasting) cocktails you are likely to see this side of the city.

So, if you are strolling down Newtown's main road, I strongly suggest you look past the kitsch looking halogen light buzzing away and take a look inside, have a drink and embrace the most unique cocktail bar in Sydney.

A 2nd Review of Kuleto's

Review By Nastasia Campanella

Uni students embrace happy hour in Sydney's inner west, writes Nastasia Campanella. Studying at university often means living life on a shoe string. Youve got to budget for textbooks, rent and a few scraps of food to munch on between shifts at your local. Students often find pubs the cheapest places to spend their time and beer is generally the most economical drink of choice. Some of us however, are looking for something a little less cheap and nasty without breaking the bank. Swap your beers and burgers for cocktails and pizzas.

Originally opened as the Hampton Court Hotel in 1877, Kuleto's was given the name we know today by Licensee, Donna Asensio because it "rhymed with stilettos". Since Asensio took over, Kuleto's has been dubbed cocktail heaven. The 'King on King Street', as I like to call him, boasts three bars, little round tables and black crocodile skinned lounges.

Unlike other bars, this place has a daily happy hour. Head in Monday to Friday between six and seven thirty pm or Saturdays between six and seven. Drinks are at their best here during these times what with everything either half price or buy one, get one free!

Speaking of happy, sip on one of the cocktails and I can assure you, you'll be tickle pink! I'm a regular at this joint and really love smacking my lips around the No Mercy. It's a bold fusion of mixed berries pureed with Chambord, Dom Benedictine and Jagermeister, topped with a shot of red bull. If you want something a little sweeter, your best bet is the Honeycomb. Butterscotch Schnapps and Baileys is blended with mango nectar and coconut cream to make a dreamy drink which tastes like honey without actually having honey in it.

Kuleto's has tradition down packed as well. Wrap your lips around the Toblerone which is a sexy silky concoction, first created in Switzerland. The team let this full-bodied blend speak for itself. Frangelico and baileys cuddles up with white creme de cacao and kahlua. A spooning of honey and a swirl of cream finishes this rich beverage off very nicely.

If you're looking to be adventurous, the Spring Martini is for you. Taking a traditional drink and adding a somewhat Asian touch, this cocktail is served tall. It is a fresh combination of mint and muddled cucumber lathered alongside Bombay sapphire gin. The Lady Boy also has Asian routes and is a fiery mingling of vodka infused with kaffir lime lief, coconut liqueur, lime and a splash of chilli.

Cocktails head north from $14. The team keep food simple with great tasting pizzas. You'll find all your favourite kinds, priced under $10. If your holding a function at the bar, you'll be happy to know the team allow patrons to do what no other bar in Sydney does. Head to one of the neighbouring Thai, Vietnamese or Turkish restaurants and order your favourite dishes, then have them transported over to Kuleto's to enjoy them while you sip on your cocktails. That adds a whole new dimension to the concept of BYO!

The ambience, like the food policy, is very relaxed. It's a vibe where anything goes - torn jeans and screen printed t-shirts included! This one is for people who like their drinks done well and their bills to end without multiple zeros.