Since I Left You

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Since I Left You might be the ultimate bar name: if the leaving left one sad, one could drink one's troubles away; and equally, if the leaving liberated one, one could drink in celebration. This charming little courtyard bar lets you drink under the stars, beneath a colourful mural and heating lamps. It calls itself "a destination for discerning drinks and easy going foodies", and I think that rather sums up the vibe of the menu quite well. 

Let's begin with a cocktail. 

Meringue-O-Tang, $20

SILY's signature cocktails are fun, creative, and rather difficult to choose between, so I asked for a recommendation from the bar staff. The Meringue-O-Tang is the barman's favourite, and I can see why. It is a mouth-watering combination of Licor 43, Vodka, Frangelico, Lemon, Caramel and Whites. Though it is distinctly fruity and easy-to-drink, it has a perfectly caramel smoothness and packs quite a punch. 

So, what about the easy-going food menu? 

Classic American hotdog, $10

Sometimes you just can't beat a simple, dirty, satisfying hot dog. The bun is wonderfully fluffy and sugary-white, the sausage is predictably delicious in that simple, naughty way. The addition of cheese, gherkin relish, ketchup and mustard provides a slightly sharp flavour that is comfortingly familiar. 

Danish pølse hotdog, $10

Considered a "national dish" of Denmark, the rød pølse - a brightly red, boil pork sausage - is served with remoulade and pickled cucumber for a deep yet moreish flavour. The fried shallots provides a further depth of flavour as well as some crunchy texture. At $10 a pop, you really can't go wrong with these satisfying and delicious snacks. 

Bacon mac n cheese toastie, $16

The toasties at SILY are quite famous. The mac n cheese toastie is served with maple syrup. The cheese is the wonderfully melty, stringy gruyère for added decadence. Delicious as this is in the first couple of bites, the flavour of this toastie is rather mild, so I would recommend having your friend order a different toastie, and share, so you don't get bored. 

Cheeseburger toastie, $16

Speaking of which, this cheeseburger toastie is damn fine. A juicy, thick ground beef patty is accompanied by caramelised onions, cornichons, gruyère, ketchup and mustard. In other words, though it is in toastie form, it is every bit as satisfying as the real deal. 

Whoever you have left, and however you feel about it, come to SILY for drinks fit for - in their words - a discerning palate and delicious, well-priced and satisfying bar foods fit for an easy-going foodie. 

Score: 4 / 5
Cost: approximately $50 pp
Address: 338 Kent St, Sydney 

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