I don’t usually write many reviews but I keep coming back to this sad memory from my travels when I was kicked out of this venue during world pride because I accidentally bumped into a security guard who thought I was drunk. Basically, I was making my way across a VERY crowded dance floor to get to the bathroom with a drink in my hand. I was so focused on getting to the bathroom, I didn’t even realize that I bumped into anyone. I noticed a person sort of post up in front of me, preventing me from passing. I looked down and realized they were speaking to me. They said, “you spilled your drink on me,” while pointing to their shoulder, which was wet. I said, “oh, excuse me, I’m just trying to get to the bathroom.” The person asked me if was intoxicated and then I realized it was a security guard. I said, “no, is this the way to the bathroom?” At this point, they should have let me pass but instead kept asking if I was drunk and pointing to their shoulder. After circling around this point a few times, I said frustratingly, “what’s happening here. I just need to use the bathroom. This is starting to feel targeted.” Mind you, I’m a Black, American woman. At this point, they called someone over to escort me out. This all escalated in less than two minutes! I walked away from the venue confused and disrespected. After a few minutes, I returned to talk to a manager. Not to get back into the club, but to understand the miscommunication. I explained that this is global city with different cultures and their could have been some room for the security guard to explain what was happening. The manager I spoke to was rude. Though they did, in fact, validate that I was not intoxicated, they lacked compassion and told me that Americans think they are better than others because I was taking up their time speaking to them. Huh? After they said that, I just walked away feeling demeaned and disgusted by this place. As a traveler, it really left a sour taste in my mouth. I did not feel welcomed nor safe. I wasn’t even in the club for 30 minutes! I understand that Australia has very strict laws about intoxication but this matter should have been handled better. Your staff could use training on how to distinguish between an accident and actual drunkenness. Also, maybe some cultural competency?

My friend and I came to Sydney for holidays and our first night there, I was charged multiple times for the same drinks and my friend got overcharged for one of her drinks, and we didn't realise until the next day when we checked our bank accounts. We didn't have the time or energy to try to call the venue to fix the matter, we just want people to know that they should be careful about not getting scammed here. I also want to say that this venue does not create a safe space for intoxicated females, as they are thrown onto the street, even if they are not causing any trouble. If they can't sell you any more drinks, they will kick you out.
Price per person
$60–80
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 2

Extremely upsetting experience here due to a very rude and agro security guard who refused my entry after claiming i was too intoxicated when in fact I was definitely and clearly not, and would have happily proven this if given a chance. The scary thing is, he only targeted me as i was the last of my group to enter and was left alone for seconds - an easy target in his eyes and completely changed persona once it was my turn at the front of line. I asked why he thought what he did and he just proceeded to ignore me and attempt to intimidate me, completely unreasonable. I will never go back to this club and would not feel safe too in the future, very upsetting and unsettling.
Service: 1

They put drinks price up. We paid $12 per schooner. I’m normally drinking all night but with these prices my partner and I only bought one drink each. Also, 50% of the club is now full of rude straight girls who bump into everyone all night, spill their drinks everywhere and force themselves through groups of people when there is no space. It doesn’t feel like a gay bar anymore.. exception is dejavu on Saturday nights. Many of our friends have stopped going downstairs due to the volume of straight drunken girls and their boyfriends that are outnumbering gay people. They need to remember it’s a gay bar otherwise more gay people will stop going.
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 3

Dangerous venue, will never recommend or visit this venue again! The security Staff are like something out of the south west America. Absolutely power hungry cowboys. The set three men on me saying I was to drunk wile with a group. I got singled out after only being in the venue for 20min. When they were questioned why they had picked on me all three grabbed me and tossed me out leaving me with visible marks and bruises. Police as always sided with them. This venue is known for its brutal treatment of people in what should be a safe space. It’s sad what’s it has become. Staff and management need to be investigated.
Food: 1
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 1

The security and management of this establishment was disgusting. I have never been treated more disrespectfully. They denied entry for one of our friends stating he was too drunk to enter. This was simply not true - we had just come from dinner. I tried to reason with one of the managers who didn't listen to me, waved their hands in my face and dismissed me. It was clear to us that they had singled out our mate due to his background. We watched on as others who couldn't walk straight were let through. Spend your money elsewhere.
Food: 1
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 1

Clearly not the only one after reading all the reviews. The long haired manager here is a power-hungry aggressive guy with serious issues. I was dancing with a girlfriend at 9pm, and then got told by a security member that I was being kicked out for being drunk - which I was clearly not. I had just purchased a drink and when I asked if I could finish it before leaving since I had paid for it, the long haired manager snatched it out of my hands and walked away. Don't go here if you just want to dance with your friends - Apparently that's not allowed.
Service: 1

Lost my puffer jacket just at the side (where we all left our jackets) where I was hanging out with my friends. Issue is when I emailed them and received no reply after more than a week. Tried calling them on the phone last 4 days no replies nor anyone picking up the phone, voicemail was perpetually full. The only thing they are fast at is charging you at the door, and the entry price of $30 is a little too pricey for an overcrowded bar and only 1 “mediocre show”. Not worth going. Also even if you paid you cant go out and go in again.

I have been here pretty regularly for few months until an unfortunate incident where I got a bad stomach ache. I have just taken my stuff from cloakroom and was waiting for my friend doing the same. If you've read various reviews about terrible/disgusting treatments from security, yeah it's that bad... I am putting 1 star because it's pretty clear they've been content about this issue for a while.
Price per person
$40–60
Service: 3
Atmosphere: 3

We witnessed a group of 3x girls refused entry for ‘intoxication’ (they were completely coherent and showing none of the alleged signs when respectfully requesting why they were refused access). Since reading the suite of other poor reviews, I can only conclude they were targeted due to age and gender. Discriminatory venue with unreasonable and intimidating staff/security. I’d suggest reading the other poor reviews before wasting your money here.

Universal is the place to feel accepted, respected and l9ved all whilst partying your booty off.Downstairs disco makes you dance your best moves while upstairs hardcore so much fun with best new sounds techno and dance with acts that are underestimated . Smoking areas boh up amd down stairs are a pleasant addition where also lots of the social happens, sit chat and meet .
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Clearly popular, but I've no idea why. We went to the bar first and gave up trying to get a drink because it was too busy. Later we tried the club. That was just one big room with some commercial dance and lots of pretty people pretending they were enjoying themselves. Not a hint of any diversity or queerness. Yawnsville. We left after someone knocked my boyfriend's drink out of his hand. Not worth the money or the effort.

Don't waste your time. They took our money for the cover charge, we had ZERO drinks in their establishment, came downstairs to say goodbye to someone, then got refused reentry due to "intoxication". On top of that, the male security guard on a power trip was getting in the face of WOMEN then dared to call the women aggressive. Don't waste your money on these people.
Food: 1
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 1

Fun spot in the heart of Sydney’s Oxford Street night life district. Went with a group of 6 on the Friday night and they managed to sit us within 10 minutes. Good music throughout the night with a mix of classics and current pop music. Had a few snacks as well and the food was surprisingly good for what is more a bar than restaurant. Plenty of entertainment throughout the night with various dances and whatnot

Upstairs staff and cloak room staff are really nice and professional so good job on them, now my problem is with the security down stairs, most of them are nice, but there is this one guy whos really passive aggressive, and everytime me or my friends encounter him, it sours the mood. Can you please replace this guy? His ruining your business reputation.
Food: 1
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 3

Had a great time until they approached my friend saying she was showing “signs of intoxication” even though she was completely coherent. Management threatened police when I asked what set her apart from the rest of bar bc she was just dancing and having fun…not to mention they served us another round right before kicking us out.
Price per person
$100–120
Service: 3
Atmosphere: 2

Always going beyond the limit of what they’re allowed to do with making the music vibrate the whole building and surrounding apartment blocks. For example: After 4am on 30 September 2023. Keep going and residents will complain and you’ll have no music. Plus here and arq suck anyway when the music is so loud it vibrates the people inside. Your speakers aren’t good enough quality to go that loud.

Probably the best open mind/gay bar in Sydney. Always feel safe and welcome, downstairs is a proper bar, good drinks and fun drags shows, always fun... upstairs more full on, a proper party, dance music and amazing laser lights, and the music is always on point. This photo was taken a while ago on a Friday drag show (upstairs) called "Premier" a truly amazing show!

Very bad! I had one drink early in the night. Having a good time dancing but challenged the bouncer about the dance floor not being open. 10 minutes later I was asked to leave because I was supposedly bumping into other people, which i wasn't, and the people I was with said I was fine and not drunk! I don't recommend this venue!!! Avoid this venue!!!

The guards turned me away simply because I had red cheeks, assuming that meant I was drunk because I’m Asian. I explained I was just wearing blush and they wouldn’t listen. The guards are clearly racist and this club is clearly not accepting of men wearing makeup.
Price per person
$1–20
Food: 1
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 1

Like it was all good!! BUT I came for a drag show on a Monday, I know she works for tips, and it’s not a busy night, but she left the second she didnt get a tip, which she warned for. But we thought it was a tease and she was out and left the building within legit 10 seconds. Bit extreme.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4

hate writing bad reviews but the security was disgusting. looked my friends and i up and down and denied us. my sister told the security she had nothing to drink. the same security guard turned around to tell staff we had 5 drinks, lying right in front of us. then denied all my friends without even looking at us or talking to us. yuck.

Down from Melbourne for the night. We were nothing short of treated like royalty by Nicole. We had to wait for a number of minuets to get into the nightclub part but Nicole made that all worth while. We couldn’t get over the customer serviceo and nice approach from this lady. Definitely going to return on my next trip back from Melbs,

I literally walked in and some dude with a power trip said he had already kicked me out once. NOT TRUE. I had never seen the man before in my life. He was rude and disrespectful. I’ve never been treated like that before. This party is not worth some random power trip douche bag.
Food: 1
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 1

My favorite place for an excellent party, one hundred percent recommended. I loved Luis's service; he was very attentive and guided us to the best liquors to try. I come back to this place every week for Luis's service and the great atmosphere
Price per person
$80–100
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

I've been going to Universal for events every time I visit Sydney. Now that I've moved here, and Spring is here, it is the perfect place to have a drink and some bites. Even better is people watching along Oxford Street after the workday!
Price per person
$40–60
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Close this place. Racist, homophobic and the worst staff I have ever encountered!! I’ve tried to get there twice and both times been refused entry for being ‘too drunk’ while I only had a drink. Don’t waste your time. Last place you want to go to have a great night .
Food: 1
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 1

I don't came to a bar expecting to get served my drinks in cheap plastic cups because the staff are lazy. I expecting these cheap plastic cups at the football game because there are thousands people at once. I have never seen this place with thousands of people then why are there using them ?

The only bar where you can have a beer out the front and watch Oxford Street go by. The new renovations are delightful and warm downstairs with plenty of seating to catch up with friends or have a private function. Upstairs is wild, amazing dance floor & tech for a great night out!

Every time I go to Universal Especially gaming area. The staff is so nice. Note is always welcome with smile and make sure everything’s ok. He is kind, polite and high customer service.
Price per person
$60–80
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

My friend was profiled tonight, and it was hard to watch. White bouncers who are not from Australia, who have the confidence to be racist on this country do not belong to sing an Australian establishment. They ruin what it is to be Australian. Very disappointed tonight

Universal Bar is a very popular club in the heart of Oxford Street Sydney. The atmosphere is always fun and welcoming and the drinks served at the bar are delicious. My favourite part is the amazing drag shows up on the stage. They are really cool and fun.

While I was visiting Sydney on a solo travel, I wanted to experience the nightlife and find a spot where I could meet new people, have a drink, and dance to good music. Universal Sydney checked off all the boxes! I arrived to the club on a

So this episode happens on Sunday 26th of February, I am just having a good time(as usual)dancing,cheering and meeting up people at Universal Sydney, popular venue of Oxford st in Darlinghurst,Sydney. I actually frequent this place since 5

I used to like coming here, but after the most recent experience of extremely rude staff (mainly bouncers) - never again. If you have a diverse group of friends and you wish everyone to have a good time, go someplace else and avoid this

Definitely the best place to be if you are around Oxford Street. Bartenders are super nice and friendly. Bouncers have welcomed me every time I went there with kindness. Never felt more safe to be myself in a place like this one. Drag

I had an amazing experience having dinner with friends at universal . Everyone was super friendly, specially Joaquin at the bar. Highly recommend. Willbe back for sure
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Love coming here with my mates for a fun night. Such a great and well managed venue. Don’t sleep on the 5$ deal during happy hour! The drag queens shows are amazing
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

This place is friendly, friendly with my friends LGTQIA+, a security and receivable. Eliel provided a incredible experience for us. I'll back with my friends
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Good atmosphere to spend time with friends. Joaquín at the bar provides excellent drinks and he is very friendly. Without a doubt I would return.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Music on Saturday night on upstairs is too pop. Music is hit and miss. DJ Plays the same set of songs with the usual drumbeat. Its getting boring. Plays the same dua lipa and lady gaga songs.

Universal is a fantastic venue for a chill night out with friends, great entertainment and super friendly staff. ☺️ Scream Queens was an AMAZING show. ‍♂️☠️ Would highly recommend. …

Revamped Midnight Shift! Although only opened Fri - Sun, it's quite crowded on Sat. Crowds are mixed age and good looking. Music at the Midnight Discotheque upstairs is great.

It’s literally the best bar and club to be. Different events every day and the best hot & friendly staff in Australia
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Definitely the best venue woth the best bartenders! Especially the sexy guy who always has a smile, I think Emerson
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Fun and lively bar/club in the heart of oxford street. You can be yourself and have a fun amazing night with your mates. Love the place. LGBT friendly and all welcome.

I was really surprised! The best part of the bar was the experience with the service of Eliel. The energy and the charisma! Thank u. And the prices are great! More

Louis was very helpful and polite when there was a mix up with my drink. He went above to fix the issue. Thank you Louis!
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Greatest club! Vibes are awesome, love everything there Thanks for all Luis
Price per person
$20–40
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Sanctuary is the best event on Syd, good place and staff loving Luis
Price per person
$60–80
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Went last Friday and I had a great time with my boyfriend and friends. Bizarro was incredible. The dance floor has enough space. Good vibes …

I was served in the bar by Eliel. He was great, polite, and very professional. I loved the environment, and it was definitely a great night hahaha

Great spot!! Loved the music and made lots of pals including Luis who had great vibes Will definitely be returning
Service: 5

Racism staff. Poor knowledge of judgment. Rude. Not all but those who had so called rank in position. Good luck on your business. More

I was catching up w friends there, such a great club, thanks for all Luis
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

I have tried many places in Sydney but Universal is wild, they make it amazing and their staff so kind
Service: 5

Can’t wait for clubbing again there the vibes are incredible and Luis had a great service
Atmosphere: 5

My fav place in Sydney, Luis was an great server, good music and amazing cocktails
Atmosphere: 5

Such a good place, had so much fun there, thanks Luis
Service: 5…
More

Lovinggg Sanctuary is dope, the staff there is so kind and Luis did amazing