Grab your crew and get bar hopping through Surry Hills with this best bar guide.
Perhaps it’s hidden down an inconspicuous alleyway or situated front and centre on vibrant Crown street. Whichever direction you look, Surry Hills is blessed with a vast array of awesome watering holes, perfect for all occasions. And we all know that Surry Hills is home to some of the city’s best restaurants, so we are truly spoilt for choice in this foodie suburb. With this in mind, hustle your crew and get bar hopping around this vibrant inner-city neighbourhood with our guide to the best bars in Surry Hills.
poly
With the Ester team at the helm of this intimate wine bar, you know you’re in for a treat. Housed in the Paramount House Hotel, poly shines in the realms of fine wine, exceptional bar snacks, and well executed mains. Expect plenty of low-intervention, organic drops on the 16 page menu, nestled alongside appetite whetting nibbles like fermented potato bread, red snapper crudo, freshly shucked oysters, and more. Those with a larger appetite will also find a tight selection of larger dishes including twice cooked Borrowdale BBQ pork rib, Moreton Bay bug and grass-fed dry aged rib eye.
Brix Distillers
X marks the spot. That’s literally how you know you’ve found Surry Hills’ very own craft rum distillery and bar. Rum aficionados and co-founders Damien Barrow, James Christopher and Siddharth Soin are on a mission to shift attitudes towards rum and they’re doing a mighty fine job in the industrial-style space on bustling Bourke Street.
Rosie Campbell’s
Situated on buzzy Crown Street is Rosie Campbell’s, a brightly coloured jerk diner and rum bar, encapsulating all that is great about Jamaica’s food and drinks culture. On any given night, you’ll find the reggae beats pumping, rum cocktails being shaken and the good vibes flowing.
Feeling peckish? Order some jerk wings or any one of their delicious burgers. Our pick from the cocktail menu is their signature Coco Colada, which is a juicy mix of Bacardi, pimento, coco lopez, banana liqueur and pineapple; trust us when we say it’ll be hard to stop at just one.
Tokyo Bird
Walk too quickly and you’ll miss Tokyo Bird, tucked away on the corner of Commonwealth Street and Belmore Lane. At this small bar, it’s all about the Japanese whisky. If whisky isn’t for you, you can also dive into the cocktail list. Here, concoctions incorporate distinctly Japanese spirits, such as yuzu liquor, plum wine, shiso and Jinzu gin. The food menu is equally commendable at Tokyo Bird, with everything from yakitori to gyoza and kushiyaki available.
Button Bar
Hidden behind an unassuming wooden door on Foveaux Street is this pirate themed bar. On any given night you’ll find the cocktails being shaken and stirred and the rock n’ roll music pumping. If that wasn’t enough to entice you, perhaps the free bar snacks will.
Dead Ringer
This heritage townhouse was converted into a bar and casual eatery back in early 2016. Since opening its doors, patrons have fallen in love with Dead Ringer – offering counter-top dining, a garden terrace and an intimate dining room. The food and drinks menu focuses on locally sourced, seasonal ingredients and come the weekend, they also offer an epic bottomless boozy brunch. Breakfast mimosas, anyone?
The Dolphin Hotel
Since undergoing a big refurbishment back in 2016, The Dolphin has become an ever growing go-to for punters looking for a good quality bistro bar and restaurant. There are plenty of options at the Dolphin as well, including a buzzy public bar, dining room and open air terrace. If that wasn’t enough, there’s also a wine room and salumeria.
The Rover
The Rover describe themselves as ‘Irish folk barn crossed with New York chic’. Hidden away from street view in the heart of Surry Hills, The Rover offers plenty of charm, with an Irish whisky-centric menu across its two-level complex. It’s rustic, dim lit and character laden at this Irish bar.
Surly’s
Dishing up an authentic taste of Nashville is Surly’s all-American Smokehouse and Bar. Take a seat at the bar or alternatively nab yourself a booth before indulging in all-American beers on tap. If a brew doesn’t take your fancy, Surly’s also offers an impressive cocktail list, where the Old Fashioned and Bloody Caesars sit alongside house creations. If you’re hungry, it’s definitely recommended that you sample the food menu. There’s everything from low and slow cooked meats to mac n’ cheese and hot wings.
Tio’s Cerveceria
This Guatemalan owl bar, owned by ex-Shady Pines bartenders Alex Dowd and Jeremy Blackmore, knows how to do a mean cocktail. Behind the bar you’ll find over 100 varieties of tequila interlaced with religious figurines. If you get snacky, handed out in a brown paper bag is freshly popped popcorn!
The Winery
This Surry Hills gem is nothing short of a quirky garden oasis. Like the name implies, you’ll find plenty of great wine on the menu. If you’re looking for something by the glass, you have over 30 vinos to choose from. It’s not just wine though at The Winery, with plenty of delicious cocktails and spritzers also available. Teamed with a charcuterie board, you’ll soon be in heaven.
The Clock
Whether it’s an after-work beer or a long and leisurely catch up over a bottle of wine or signature cocktail, The Clock has got your back. Take a seat on the upstairs balcony for the ultimate people-watching vantage point on Crown Street, or alternatively relax in the whisky room.
Goros
Japanese whisky? Tick. Karaoke? Tick. A delicious food menu to boot? Triple tick. Amidst Sydney’s diminishing nightlife, Goros’ 3am license, epic whisky menu and private karaoke booths makes it the perfect after-hours hangout. On the food menu are tasty bar snacks and bigger eats, including their teriyaki burger with shoe-string fries, Karage chicken with Kewpie mayo and more. On the drinks menu, you’ll find plenty of saké, Japanese beers as well as Japanese-inspired cocktails. Goros is our pick for the best bar in Surry Hills for a night out.
El Loco
Tequila and tacos, how can you go wrong? At El Loco on Foveaux street, you’ll find over 25 types of tequila on offer, accompanied by every type of margarita under the sun. Frozen, Tommy’s, Classic, Strawberry – it goes on. Arrive on either a Friday or Saturday and you’ll find a line-up of resident DJs to keep you bopping. For the late-night revealers, El Loco is also open until 3am. Ariba!
Soultrap
Only recently opening its doors in late 2017, you’ll find cocktails with a side of hat-making at Soul Trap Small Bar in Surry Hills. Don’t get us wrong, cocktails come first and foremost. However, if you travel to the back of this moody underground world you’ll find a display cabinet adorning a range of house-made hats. All hats are available for sale, in between sips of your tipple of choice.
Li’l Darlin
It is likely you have scrolled upon a pic of Li’l Darlin’s Fairy Floss Martini or Hundreds and Thousands cocktails on your Insta feed; this buzzy cocktail bar could be considered a Surry Hills institution among locals. We definitely recommend you pay a visit and test out some of their other signature drinks and delicious food menu. With a fun atmosphere and a delicious menu of shots, Li’l Darlin is another Surry Hills bar to kickstart your night in the city!
Mille Vini Pasta & Wine Bar
Located in the heart of Crown St, this welcoming Surry Hills wine bar and restaurant is ideal for a romantic date night. The name directly translates to ‘a thousand wines’, so it’s no surprise the wine list is extensive, featuring the best local producers along with classic Italian varietals to match your meal.
Vasco
This grungy rock and roll inspired bar and restaurant sure know how to mix a cocktail. Start your night here with a few of their signature cocktails and a delicious Italian meal and you’re in for a good time.
We love a bottomless dining experience, and it is pretty hard to beat the value of Vasco. Open for bottomless Saturdays and Sundays, they serve up unlimited pizza, pasta, beer and wine; the Italian meal of our dreams!
Eileen’s Bar at Four Pillars Gin Distillery
Award winning Four Pillars Gin has a home in our very own Surry Hills, and Eileen’s Bar is the perfect spot to try their masterfully made gin and cocktail creations. The chic, minimalist interior and moody lighting make it perfect for date night.
Frequently asked questions:
What is the best cocktail bar in Surry Hills?
For the cocktail connoisseur, Soultrap Bar, The Rover, Tio’s Cerveceria and Li’l Darlin are must-visit venues.
What are the best wine bars in Surry Hills?
The Winery and Mille Vini are our top picks.
What are the best gin bars in Surry Hills?
Eileen’s Bar at Four Pillars Gin Distillery serves up delicious gin cocktails and bar snacks.
What are the best whiskey bars in Surry Hills?
Tokyo Bird and the Rover.
What are the best bars in Surry Hills for a night out?
To kickstart your night out, visit Goros or Vasco.