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
If you’re looking for a great wine spot in Surry Hills, Poly is hard to beat. With a fire-powered kitchen led by chef Mat Lindsay and a wine list curated by sommelier Julien Dromgool, it’s a go-to for organic and biodynamic drops alongside seriously good food. Whether you’re stopping by for aperitivo or settling in for dinner, it’s one of the area’s best places to sip and unwind.
Brix Distillers
For a great drink in Surry Hills, Brix Distillers is a solid go-to. This independent urban distillery specialises in small-batch Australian rum, from spiced blends to fresh mango-infused pours. You can sip cocktails right where the rum is made or explore their full range at the bar. It’s relaxed, local and perfect for an easy night out with something a little different.
Rosie Campbell’s
Another solid contender in Surry Hills, Rosie Campbell’s brings bold Jamaican-inspired jerk eats, tropical cocktails and plenty of rum to the table. Expect soulful, flavour-packed dishes that celebrate Caribbean warmth with a modern twist. It’s vibrant, fun and perfect for a lively night out.
Tokyo Bird
Tucked away in Surry Hills, Tokyo Bird is a compact, industrial-chic spot perfect for a cosy night out. The focus is on Japanese whisky, sake and creative cocktails, paired with smoky yakitori bites fresh from the grill. It’s intimate, lively and ideal for drinks
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.
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 American Tavern
A must-try in Surry Hills, Surly’s American Tavern brings big all-American dive bar energy. Think Ole Hickory-smoked BBQ, juicy burgers, saucy wings and loaded fries done right. The beers are cold, the games are always on and the vibes are loud in the best way.
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 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.
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.
