Last Saturday I visited popular Sydney night spot, The Argyle in The Rocks. A friend had organised her birthday there – dinner followed by drinks til late; a fashionable celebration of getting a year older for most youngsters these days.
Walking into the venue, I was pleasantly surprised. Crimson red décor with a splash of jet black provided an extremely relaxed feel. Supported by smooth white ambient lighting, the first impression was amazing. But I was careful, we've all had the experience where something looks great, but performs poorly.
Beautiful setting in the heart of Sydney.
We had a lovely cushioned area set aside for our group with menus at the ready for us to order at will. The battered mahi fish caught my eye, so hesitation was never in my mind. An impressive wait of only 25 minutes and this golden delight was ready to be devoured, accompanied with a fancy salad of crisp capsicum and fresh lettuce, plus fries and romescu sauce.
Sinking my teeth in, the fish was beautiful, with the aromatic scents delighting the atmosphere at the table. It was wonderfully cooked and boy, that romescu sauce is a new favourite with its nutty like taste mixed with rich peppers. For $21, it was impressive.
As I brushed the crumbs off my hands and tried to rub off that one drop of sauce that somehow made it onto my pale white shirt, we moved to beverages.
Undoubtedly my biggest concern of the night came via drink prices. Be prepared, because if you like the odd frothie or vodka on the rocks (excuse the pun), you're going to have to pay up. They have some nice cocktails, but you won't get anything for under $10; even beers are the odd $11.
Add to that customer service which is not the greatest. The door lady and most security are pretty up tight, you'll be lucky to get a smile from them. The bartenders and waiters were okay, nothing new at a popular night venue though.
Also beware of the dress code. It's a pretty stylish place the Argyle, so anything but smart shoes (or a similar looking alternative) won't get you in. Dress to impress.
In saying all of that though, the atmosphere is electric. The crowd average age is about 25-30 so it's quite mature. But by the time it hits 12am the dance floor is pumping, with DJ's remixing popular and even old school tunes (shocked and overjoyed when I heard a remix of September by Earth, Wind and Fire).
The Argyle provides good food, superb feel and great music. The dance floor is not your cliché sleazy nightclub; the ladies can actually dance without random feel ups from the gents. They'll make you pay for your stay, but come night's end, you will be glad you spent it here and not at home.
Food – 8/10
Drinks – 7/10
Price – 4/10
Staff – 6/10
Atmosphere – 9/10
Overall - 7.5/10
