Open 24 hours and spanning three levels, this pretension-free Kings Cross institution is a great late-night entertainment joint. Come between 11pm and midnight to pick up two-for-one drinks.
Originally the haunt of Carlotta's
Les Girls transexual cabaret, the since-refurbished Empire Hotel still has touches of its kinky old charm, drawing in the lads, the ladies and all that's in between. It's not surprising then - what, with all the mixed eye candy wandering about - that the Empire is a favourite watering hole for Kings Cross locals and party-mad Sydneysiders who don't want to go home to bed.
A 24-hour playground, it features three levels: there's a street bar, a middle bar and a top-level club spot called Plantation Bar. The first two bars have got that real old-fashioned Cross feel and they offer the standard drinks, lounge and pool table combo. Meanwhile, Plantation Bar buzzes with funky house and features dome-like wicker seats dangling from ceiling wires, stylish furniture and a rustic stone wall which sets off the room.
If you drop by between 11pm and midnight on a Friday, you'll score yourself two-for-one drink specials. Sip on a Plantation martini (lychee liqueur, vodka, lime and sugar cane). You may score yourself something else too. Well, it is the Cross after all.
Assia Benmedjdoub
