Newtown is known for a lot of things, and while it is abuzz with cultural and culinary diversity, the bar scene is definitely one that’s more focused on cheap schooners and big screen sports than cozy small bars. That was until The Midnight Special moved in.

The majority of staff and management have been assembled from a number of Sydney bands (both defunct and active) and their passion shows through. The Midnight Special has enough leather booths, gourmet hotdogs and spinning vinyl to make any hipster feel right at home, with enough friendly service and intimate atmosphere to make sure the rest of us feel just as welcome.

The bar pays homage to old school Americana, checker board floors, paneled walls housing tables and chairs, or a number of cozy booths if you care to slip around back. The spinning vinyl fills the small room with tunes from the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s although rumour has it that local DJ’s will occasionally be taking over.

As for food, The Midnight Special has taken hot dogs to a whole new level. Options range from your basic Dog, to the Smokey Dog, which comes with sauerkraut, jalapeno, cheese, chipotle sauce, tomato sauce and American mustard. The hot dogs are also available as vegetarian-friendly “not dogs,” meaning everyone can get in on the action.

The Midnight Special is definitely doing it right; the beers are cold (and reasonably priced, and a cocktail will only set you back around $15), the food is good, the staff are friendly and the entire place is abuzz with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Well worth a trip into the 2042 postcode.

When: Wednesday- Saturday 5pm- 12am, Sunday 12pm – 10pm
Where: 44 Enmore Road, Newtown
Details: www.facebook.com/MidnightSpecialNewtown