What to Expect @ Ruby Rabbit

By Kelly Teng

For a few Sydneysiders, the name Ruby Rabbit will be all too familiar. Who could forget all the people queuing up down Oxford Street to get their foot in the door of a venue that boasted a beautiful cocktail list and a beautiful guest list?

Well, Ruby Rabbit may have undergone a complete revamp inside, but loyal fans should be pleased to find out the beautiful people and beautiful drinks are most definitely still there.

Located at 231 Oxford St, the entrance of Ruby Rabbit boasts a neon pink sign with the venue's name so you can't miss it. Upon entering, patrons are greeted by the ground floor and dining area (dubbed The Eatery). This floor has a fantasy world theme, with antique tables and chairs, cages, and dioramas, and the low key lighting creates that intimate atmosphere perfect for dinners or a cosy drink. Open from 5pm on Wednesday through to Sunday, the menu has a decent selection of mains (including steak), platters, and sides to satisfy anyone's stomach.

Walking up the stairs to level one will bring guests to the Nightclub, and, personally, my favourite floor in the entire venue. Designed as Mad Hatter meets Dr Seuss, the Nightclub is exuberant and quirky yet chic at the same time. There are lounges scattered on the fringes of the level so people can rest their feet (believe me, with the amount of women sporting high heels at Ruby Rabbit, they need it), and a dancefloor for those who just want to let loose and have a good time. There's no top 40 playlist though - the DJ spins a mix of funky tunes which you probably have never heard of, but can dance along to anyway.

Finally, the top floor is home to the cocktail lounge. A baroque yet modern decor fills the level, and gives patrons a relaxed location to enjoy a few (too many) cocktails. With a host of bartenders all prepared to whip up a wonderful mix of drinks, this is the floor where people come to mingle and relax - but the best part is that the nightclub is just one staircase away.

Ruby Rabbit's crowd ranges from early 20's to early 30's, but what every person here has in common is that they are dressed to impress. Ladies will be wearing the latest dresses and stilettos while gents are decked out with dress shirts or suits, making it the ultimate venue to just sit and people-watch all night long. Because the people at this venue are upscale, the drink prices match it - while it's not The Ivy, Ruby Rabbit still has above average prices on their drinks. If you're planning on getting a beer, it's $8.50 for a Corona so you may as well double it and get some delicious cocktails instead.

With beautiful decor and beautiful people to match, the Rabbit will leave you feeling like you're in an episode of The Hills. Strap on the stilettos and button up the suits - Ruby Rabbit is a venue that is definitely worth visiting at least once in your Sydney life.

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