Crows Nest bar scene really soars!
All that used to be in Crows Nest was a few takeaway joints and a local pub. But over the last few years, ‘Crowy’ has established itself as a thriving new addition to Sydney’s food scene. Escape the city for a night and try some of the trendiest new bars, restaurants and cafes that have popped up in the North Shore suburb. Here are some of our favourites.
The Hayberry
For the other side of the border, The Hayberry Bar and Diner serves up a good old fashioned slice of Americana. Their food and drink are all about hearty, all-American flavours, mixed with some good old fashioned rock n roll. Try the American Pie made with Zubrowka grass-infused vodka with cherry bitters and cinnamon sugar, mixed with freshly squeezed apple juice. They also have a great selection of wines, and refreshing “tinnies” for the beer drinkers. On the menu you’ll find American diner classics such as spicy buffalo wings with blue cheese and chilli cheese fries. Add Hayberry to your list of places to check it out Crows Next.
The Hayberry
97 Willoughby Rd, Crows Nest 8084 0816, Tues-Thurs: 4pm-Midnight, Fri-Sat: 12pm-Midnight, Sun: 12pm-10pm
Johnny Lobster
Forget those soggy takeaway boxes, the ultimate fish and chips is at Johnny Lobster in Crows Nest. It’s even better when you can wash down with a Corona or two. Lobster rolls, fried chicken and soft shell crab is all available at this new bar and restaurant, bringing a little bit of the seaside to the suburbs. Young Henry’s beers are on tap and all wine is locally sourced from the Hunter, Mudgee and Orange. Instead of a cocktails, their “Booze and Juice” drink options include freshly squeezed apple or watermelon juice, with Jameson Whiskey, gin or vodka. For something a bit different, Johnny Lobster is a fair dinkum night out.
Johnny Lobster
48 Willoughby Road, Crows Nest 9436 4672, Mon— Sun: 11:30am — 9:30pm
Mama’s Buoi
The popular Surry Hills Vietnamese restaurant has found a new home in the burgeoning suburb of Crows Nest. Known for some of the best Vietnamese food in Sydney, they also have an extensive cocktail list that compliment the vibrant, and occasionally spicy food. Classics mixed with Vietnamese flavours such as “A Day in Ha Long Bay” made with mango puree, French apple liqueur, Vietnamese mint, lime and sugar. Try the their signature Pho Cocktail for something different- combining all the flavours of Pho in a cocktail, mixed with gin and Grand Marnier. Add some pulled duck pancakes and you’ll feel right at home in Mama’s house.
Mama’s Buoi
77 Willoughby Rd, Crows Nest 9438 5005, Mon- Fri: 12pm-3pm, 5:30 – late, Sat-Sun: 12pm-late
The Crow Bar
For an intimate bar experience, Crows Nest newest small bar The Crow Bar is serving up the goods. The Crow Bar only hires trained mixologists to make their drinks, focusing on bringing fun and inventive cocktails to the table. Favourites include the Gay Jay, (pink grapefruit with Campari and vodka), and the “For Skinner,” Dictador rum, acerna and house made honeycomb gin. A great selection of pub food, including share plates and boards are great for grazing or sharing. Head down to the bar all the locals are screeching about.
The Crow Bar
6 Burlington Street, Crows Nest 9439 7888, Mon: Available for private hire only, Tues-Thur: 3pm – Midnight, Fri: 12.00pm – Midnight, Sat: 3.00pm –Midnight, Sun: 3.00pm – 10pm
The Foxtrot Inn
Behind a single white door on Falcon Street lies The Foxtrot, the darkened speakeasy on the North Shore. Completely hidden from view, this is Crows Nest best-kept secret. This bar emulates the Prohibition era in both it’s style and cocktails. They have a house special spiced rum, which they mix in some of their cocktails, or simply just with a freshly squeezed pear juice. Matched with a menu of pub food classics like pizza, tacos and sliders, you’ll be dancing to the Foxtrot.
The Foxtrot Inn
28 Falcon Street, Crows Nest, Tues: 5:00pm-12:00am, Wed-Thurs: 5:00pm-1:00am, Fri-Sat: 5:00pm-2:00am, Sun: 4:00pm-10:00pm
The Stoned Crow
The Stoned Crow is a North Shore icon, which like a good wine, keeps getting better with age. The massive bar is in an ideal location in the heart of Crows Nest and is always bursting with people. Their cocktail list features many fun and zesty options like the Bubblegum Sour, made with Hubba Bubba infused vodka, or their New Jersey Moonshine, using the crowd-favourite Fireball Whiskey. It’s a great place to grab a steak, or feast on some modern Australian tapas. This fun-loving venue is perfect for your next night out.
The Stoned Crow
39 Willoughby Road Crows Nest 9439 5477, Mon – Sun: 12pm til late
Los Vida
Want to have a real Mexican experience, not just the Tex-Mex version? Look no further than Los Vida, a lively new restaurant and cocktail bar has finally opened on the North Shore. They only serve authentic Mexican food, enriched by superfoods and alive with flavour. From their 10m long bar, they also proudly serve traditional Mexican liquor for you to wet your whistle. Their cocktails include a killer combination in the cucumber and jalapeno Margarita, adding a little spice to the Mexican classic. On top of that, they have a long list of Mexican tequilas, mescals and beers.
Los Vida
419 Pacific Highway Crows Nest 9439 8323, Mon- Wed 5pm-Midnight, Thurs -Sat: 11:30am-Midnight, Sun: 11:30am-10pm
Los Vida have just opened a new bar La Cantina, check it out HERE.