The Best Bars in Surry Hills for a Swish Sip
From trendy rooftop bars to intimate speakeasies, these are the best bars in Surry Hills.
In the fashionable postcode of 2010, there's always something going on. Surry Hills is undoubtedly the beating heart of the Sydney scene with the vibrant suburb a go-to destination for a drink, with plenty of bars and pubs lining its streets.
From trendy rooftop bars with breathtaking city views to intimate speakeasies tucked away in hidden corners, Surry Hills has it all. Whether you're a cocktail connoisseur, craft beer enthusiast, or simply seeking a fun night out, keep reading as we take you on the ultimate tour of the best bars in Surry Hills.
Sofia
Nestled atop Bar Clevland, you'll find Sofia, an absolute gem of a place. We say place because 'cocktail bar' just doesn't cut it. It is so much more than that. Luxurious interiors meet a relaxed ambience, and the combination is spot on for a night of connection with your chosen companions. The gently burning fireplace lends just the right amount of cosiness whilst the cocktail and food menus champion classic South Mediterranean flavours and fresh, seasonal produce.
Expect plenty of Sofia's extra virgin oil wherever appropriate (imported from their own olive groves in Mani, Greece) and share plates that arrive impeccably presented and incredibly flavoursome. Order the warm marinated olives in tomato sauce and Murray Cod fillet to share or live to regret it. The attentive staff will ensure you want for nothing and are super passionate about their drinks so be sure to get the low-down on their favourites before you order.
Level 1, 433 Cleveland Street, Redfern
The Rover
Growing up and leaving their wild past behind them, The Rover (formerly The Wild Rover) has undergone a chic refurbishment. Reopening in mid-March 2022, The Rover has remained loyal to its Irish roots but with a sophisticated feel that would not be out of place in an NYC cocktail bar.
With an expanded dining offering from Executive Chef Pip Pratt of Bistecca and The Gidley which will allow people to enjoy dinner and drinks in equal measure. Expect buttery prawn rolls, lamb sausage rolls, fish finger sandwiches and oysters from some of New South Wales's best estuaries. Add to their strong whiskey offering will be a 50-bottle strong wine list packed with organic and bio-dynamic drops.
75 Campbell Street, Surry Hills
Bar Copains
Think of Bar Copains as your friendly neighbourhood wine bar. With Copains meaning friends or in French, it's the perfect place to catch up with your besties over a glass of vino. The wine list is a mix of natural and traditional drops with a few off-beat options thrown into the mix. And with chefs Nathan Sasi (ex-NOMAD, Mercado) and Morgan McGlone (Belles Hot Chicken) at the helm, the menu is small but mighty.
67 Albion St, Surry Hills
Bar Conte
Attention all Negroni lovers! This popular Surry Hills bar serves up over 20 versions of the classic cocktail. Bar Conte's trademark bottle-green, brass-accented corner property in Surry Hills is not only stunning, it has a noble goal of bringing Italian aperitivo culture to Sydney. Alongside the 20 iterations of Sydney’s favourite cocktail – including a Mexican negroni, amber negroni, barrel-aged negroni and the Roku Gin-spiked Samurai negroni – the menu also features a range of Italian and Australian vermouths, Italian wines and a rotating list of give European beers.
The menu, from co-owner and former Apollo sous-chef Steve De Vecchi, includes Appellation oysters with negroni dressing, rosemary focaccia and Sicilian classics like gnocchi Sorrentino and marinated eggplant caprino.
340 Riley Street, Surry Hills
Tio's Cerveceria
An oldie but a goodie! Tio's is a local institution and always a fun time. The bar is basically a shrine to the Mexican spirit, with over 120 varieties of tequila on the menu – many of which are hard to find in Australia. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned tequila drinker, it’s worth asking the bartenders to walk you through their favourites, which may range from a cocktail to a seriously smokey, rare mescal.
4/14 Foster Street, Surry Hills
The Clock
It doesn't get more Surry Hills than The Clock and for good reason! The Clock is one of Surry Hills' best bars and come Friday night, this beloved destination is the place to be with its grand clock tower serving as a striking landmark, drawing in locals and tourists alike. You can expect a buzzing atmosphere, live music, an extensive drink selection and classic pub fare.
470 Crown Street, Surry Hills
Forrester's
Part-pub, part-pizzeria, Forrester's is a guaranteed good time. On Riley Street, it has all the elements of a good pub: a lively vibe, trivia nights, bottomless lunches and a range of local and imported beers on tap. It ups the ante on the food side, with Neapolitan-style pizzas, and pastas that will truly hit the spot.
336 Riley Street, Surry Hills
Gildas
Gildas pays tribute to the original pintxo, created in San Sebastian with just three simple ingredients - a guindilla pepper, an olive, and an anchovy. This classic Basque snack, which was founded by the owner and chef, Lennox Hastie, after his time spent in the foothills of the Basque country, was the inspiration behind Gildas. Here, you'll be able to sip on rosés from the Barossa Valley and red from Ribera del Duero but it's their collection of Sherry that's well worth a dance on your tastebuds.
As the Gildas' team explains, "Sherry is an incredibly versatile wine with food, and should be enjoyed in the true Iberian spirit - seated at the bar, surrounded by people, with shared, simple, delicious food." Take your time exploring the menu and savouring the different expressions of the Sherry spectrum, from a delicate fino to the richer varieties.
46-48 Albion Street, Surry Hills
The Dolphin
The Dolphin is the place to head if you’re after a swish meal in a trendy venue without the price tag. Counter meals including the fusilli puttanesca and chicken ‘Cotsu’ burger are indicative of the top-notch, fuss-free eats of the Public Bar.
Head deeper and you’ll find the treat of the Dining Room, serving dishes like the whole market fish or the king prawn rigatoni. The last area you need to visit is the Wine Room - a beautifully intimate setting that offers a fine wine and charcuterie board refuge to foodies looking for respite on Crown Street.
412 Crown Street, Surry Hills
Poly
Just when we thought the Paramount House Hotel complex had it all, it added the vibey wine bar-slash-restaurant, Poly, and we can't get enough of it. The laidback industrial interiors match the menu, comprising 20 wines by the glass, 10 sakes, and 8 cocktails, including the bar’s spin on a Negroni with a splash of tequila. Unlike its sister venue, Ester, the food here is meant to be eaten with your hands.
74-76 Commonwealth Street, Surry Hills
Beau Bar
From the amazing minds behind NOMAD, two-part laneway restaurant Beau Bar, situated next door to its all-day counterpart Beau & Dough, is already making waves in Surry Hills for all the right reasons.
At night, the gorgeous laneway bar will have you weak at the knees with its offerings, including the kofta wrap, crispy onion rings with mullet roe emulsion and avruga, lobster thermidor, tomato saffron rice and their tahini parfait with chocolate biscuit and coffee ice-cream. The wine selection showcases the best of local producers, including both experimental and boutique wines.
52 Reservoir Street, Surry Hills
Lokal
This cosy and intimate bar offers up an impressive selection of wines from all over the world, with a particular focus on small-batch and natural wines. In addition to the excellent wine selection, Lokal's menu features a range of share plates and charcuterie boards, making it the perfect spot for a casual night out with friends or a romantic date.
104 Fitzroy Street, Surry Hills
Tokyo Bird
In the maze of Surry Hills bars, one gem stands out: Tokyo Bird. Crafted by the talents of Jason Ang and Yoshi Onishi, the brains behind Gilt Lounge and Stitch, this joint brings a touch of Japanese cool to Sydney. With a modest 60 seats, the vibe is intimate. You're never away from the bartender's attention so you're always taken care of. The drinks are of course unquestionably world-class. Classic cocktails rub shoulders with an impressive whisky lineup. Go fancy with a premium whisky, served with an artisanal, hand-chipped ice ball. Meanwhile, the grub is equally tasty; with yakitori at the menu's forefront. Grilled to perfection, you can enjoy a variety of skewers—from chicken to tiger prawn.
Shop 2, 226-228 Commonwealth Street, Surry Hills
Four Pillars Laboratory
Dive into the spirited world of gin at Surry Hills' very own Four Pillars Laboratory. This isn't your average watering hole; it's a hub of creativity, flavour, and downright awesome gin-infused experiences. Eileen's Bar, nestled within, is the go-to for world-class cocktails that showcase the magic of Four Pillars gin drinks. For those craving a hands-on adventure, the gin and cocktail workshops are a must, where laughter pairs seamlessly with learning. And if you fancy being a taste trailblazer, step into the Lab Rats sessions – an intimate soirée of experimental food and gin delights.
410 Crown Street, Surry Hills
Loved our wrap of the best bars in Surry Hills and are keen for more insider tips? Take a look at our edit of Newtown's best bars, then check out our round-up of Sydney's best set menus for under $150.
