Easy Tiger, Paddington

“I am sitting underneath a naked Burt Reynolds, sipping on Yoko Ono about to dip a spicy chorizo in hot fondue” could well be a euphemism were it not the truth.

Photography © by Gourmantic – Copyright: All rights reserved.

Here at Easy Tiger, the 70s are well alive. Located in the basement of the Unicorn Hotel in Paddington, the space pays homage to a decade remembered for its bad taste and good music.

Step down into the subterranean den where orange and brown tones reign amongst retro furniture in surprisingly good condition. Nostalgia abounds with tracks from Bowie, the Stones and Fleetwood Mac. Amongst the 70s memorabilia, framed Playboy centrefolds feel right at home.

Come down on Wednesday nights for Walkie-talkie Wednesdays. Set up a bar tab, get comfy on a lounge, order drinks on walkie talkies and have them delivered to you by roller-skating waitresses.

The drink and food menus are sticky-taped inside old record covers. Cocktails are priced at $16 with Punch Bowls at $20. Foreigner’s “Cold as Ice” blares through the speakers as the waitress rolls around with drinks.

From the blackboard menu, the Charlie Watts impresses with a fresh and crisp mix of sloe gin, Chartreuse, lime and apple. The Bloody Carrie! with wasabi and horseradish needs more of a punch while The American, with Jim Beam Rye and plum bitters would please those who like it on the sweeter side. Oh No, Yoko! will simply leave you wanting another. It’s smoky and layered, made with sake, Laphroaig, muddled kaffir lime leaves and served with a side of ginger ale.

Feeling hungry? You’re in luck. The food is delicious and comes in large servings, as they did back then in the 70s. Chilli Cheese Fries ($8) are twice cooked chips smothered in queso cheese and paprika smoked chilli. They’re spicy and covered with melted cheese. The Classic Americano Wings ($10) with blue cheese sauce and celery garnish are spicy, sticky and finger-licking good. But if you want a trip back to the food of the 70s, order the Fondue Set ($12). It comes with pieces of chicken schnitzel, chorizo and vegetables. Other food items include the Breville Classico toastie ($12) and the 1970s Share Plate ($18) with hors d’oeuvres, devilled eggs and Kiev bites.

Live music is a major feature of the venue and on Thursday nights, Easy Tiger’s weekly live music night, Meow, features music from upcoming band. Mondays are hospo nights with special offers and BYO vinyl to provide tunes for the night.

Easy Tiger is open five nights a week and by 8.30pm on a Wednesday, it is packing a young crowd curiously checking out the 70s memorabilia and the nostalgic older visitor pointing to pieces of furniture they possibly owned at the time. The vibe is chilled and relaxed, the staff are friendly.

In short, Easy Tiger is a lot of fun.

Easy Tiger
106 Oxford Street
Paddington, NSW
www.facebook.com/easytigermeow