Before I was invited to have The Smoking Panda experience, I was quite surprised that I never noticed where the Panda was hiding. I’ve worked in the CBD for years, and since its launch over three years ago, I would blindly walk past it. It hides above Hotel Coronation on Park Street.

Now, if I found out about this spot earlier, it would have been one of my go-to spots. American and Asian fusion? Count me in.

When you first step in, the dim lighting is reminiscent of a LA club without the crazy music. It’s hip and modern with a relaxing vibe – perfect for a catch up with friends or a romantic date spot with your main squeeze or potential.

The Smoking Panda has 261 different spirits, 232 different bitters, and over 18 billion possibilities. If you need to read that again to check the accuracy of that sentence, please do. I’m not smoking anything, it’s the truth.

With that many options, you know that these guys mean business when they say they want to be the number one spot in Sydney for people to get an Old Fashioned.

One would think, is there actually that many? Yes, there is. You would never not find a drink to quench that thirst of yours.

The Hendricks with El Guapo Cucumber and Lavender Bitters was a given for me. I love Hendricks, so it’s no surprise that this was ordered.

Monkey 47 with Bitter Bastard’s Crystal Bitters was another goodie. I know it’s another gin, but it takes you on a different route than the Hendricks.

Look, because there’s SO MANY great alcoholic options to choose from, I won’t blame you if you let your body loosen up a bit.

However, there are some mouth-watering American-Asian choices to keep you in good stead. You MUST have the Pork Loin Ribs. The Devil Wings are also another dish you don’t want to pass up on. And Yellow Fin Tuna Ceviche Bites are amazing – I could chomp away at them for the entire night, unfortunately it comes in four, and not a packet. I may be a bit bias, as anything with a balsamic glaze is a win for me.

You’ll find me here regularly in the near future, as they have specials on Thursday for the devil wings (10 for $10) and ribs on Friday (7 for $10). Shut up, take my money and make my stomach happy.

I know I’ve been raving on about their Old Fashioneds, but don’t forget to try their cocktails.

The Smoking Panda 2.0 is their signature, and the way it’s presented is on another level. They perfected the balance between the bourbon, bitters and the hickory smoke. It’s a drink that’s great for sipping on for the whole night.