505

This is one of those places that you will instantly want to add to your rotation of Sydney hangout spots. Casual vibe, lots of couches, great jazz, and just the right size — I’d guess about 60 seats. Bartender is also happy to offer up suggestions — though he has strong tastes! Luckily there was also a nice passion fruit drink special for the more faint of heart. And though I did not try the food flying out of the kitchen, it looked quite good as well.
Will definitely be back.

Perhaps I’ve always wandered by on the wrong nights, but it wasn’t until last week that I finally witnessed one of Venue 505’s free-​jazz Fridays!
At around 21:30 this place was packed and the fantastic band was finishing up their first of many sets to come. The underground location and vibe really sucked me in and makes me feel like I was witnessing some great big secret. The ceilings are high, the walls are covered in murals and there are couches and seats everywhere. While the couches give it a «relaxed feeling,» we had a bit of difficulty finding a spot and unfortunately there isn’t any area dedicated to dancing. And we’re in a music venue. Hmmm …
There’s an extensive bar and food menu, and considering that you’re also being treated to fantastic free music, it’s really, really well priced! A house wine only sets you back $ 6 and the food mains were around $ 12. There are also a few share platters and cheese boards, too!
During the week that are a ton of free events — such as Swing Tuesday — that I’m super keen to check out! Definitely, definitely one of the best music venues of this kind in Sydney.

You just can’t go wrong here. From the moment you first walk in the door, you will know this is the cool place to be. I was lucky enough to spend 7 months in Sydney and 505 became my favorite place to hang out and see so many amazingly talented artists perform. It stands as THE best place for jazz in in the city. The staff are all great, and the owners, Cameron and Kerri, are wonderful. If you are lucky enough to be there on a night that Cameron is performing, you are in for a treat. His skill and talent on the double bass is world class. Ask him how he got his start. It is a great story.
The kitchen serves up a nice selection of food. I became addicted to the nachos and the yam fries, They also make a really nice pumpkin risotto. Behind the bar, you will find a very respectable Whiskey selection and a decent wine list. The 12,000 Mile Pinot Noir became my favorite.
If you go, please tell them Don sent you, and that I miss sitting at my table.
Enjoy.

There’s something kind of awesome about seeing a very professional jazz band on a stage that everyone knows used to belong to strippers. I’m not really sure why.
505 is a jazz club on Cleveland Street. Relatively unmarked and underground (although I’m sure that won’t last). They have some great local and international acts that they attract. Always amazing music. There is usually a small cover charge which obviously varies depending on the artist. As far as I’m aware you can’t pre-​book tickets for gigs here (correct me if I’m wrong), so first in best dressed.
It’s chilled atmosphere with dim lighting, sunken dance floor, cozy booths, plenty of moveable seating and standing room. There is a well stocked bar and a kitchen that does pretty decent food. They use giant vintage toys as table markers so they can deliver your order. Cute.
A really great place to sit around over a few drinks, enjoying some tunes and catching up with friends. Even if jazz isn’t your thing, you will enjoy the atmosphere.

Who said Sydney is lacking in funky night spots? This is more than just a jazz venue. It’s the kind of place where you can settle in for the night on the comfy couches and kick back to the sounds of quality performers while you eat delicious snacks and keep ‘topping up’ from the well stocked bar.
505 is your quintessential ‘underground’ jazz venue. You can imagine some future Nina Simone being discovered in this place. It has that type of raw feel to it. You’re lucky if you get one of the seats, but that’s ok because its fine to stand or park off on the stairs. The audience seemed educated and sophisticated and really appreciated the music.
I believe they have live music most nights during the week and have built up a reputation for giving opportunities to new musicians. There is also a sister theatre for fringe shows which I have yet explore, but if its anything like this jazz venue I’ll be there in a shot!