Guidebook for Surry Hills
Food Scene
Fave local food.
Delicious food and wine menu, I recommend the Roccoco cocktail.
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Isaac Restaurant
99 Redfern StDelicious food and wine menu, I recommend the Roccoco cocktail.
Low key, incredible ramen and great wines.
The vegan soy shiso is my go to. Extra chilli oil and crushed sesame seeds!
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RaRa
66b Regent StLow key, incredible ramen and great wines.
The vegan soy shiso is my go to. Extra chilli oil and crushed sesame seeds!
BART Jr.
92 Pitt StExcellent wine & cocktail bar with delicious share plates.
Simply delicious Italian with Modern Australian influence, great wines. Excellent bar out the back called GDR, wood paneled walls, green booth seating and a disco ball, fun old rock and pop music.
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Redfern Continental
180 Redfern StSimply delicious Italian with Modern Australian influence, great wines. Excellent bar out the back called GDR, wood paneled walls, green booth seating and a disco ball, fun old rock and pop music.
Nice outdoor wine garden, great food, wine, cocktails. Crown St is great to wander along, you will see lots of bars, cafes and vintage clothing stores.
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The Winery
285A Crown StNice outdoor wine garden, great food, wine, cocktails. Crown St is great to wander along, you will see lots of bars, cafes and vintage clothing stores.
Ron's Upstairs on Redfern Street in Redfern is a kitsch joint decorated with fairy lights, faux grape vines, an entrance that looks like it belongs to an adult book store and a menu of solid hits.
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Ron's Upstairs
133A Redfern StRon's Upstairs on Redfern Street in Redfern is a kitsch joint decorated with fairy lights, faux grape vines, an entrance that looks like it belongs to an adult book store and a menu of solid hits.
Manoosh Pizzeria - Waterloo
788 Bourke StIf you want to order home delivery pizza this is the spot.
Hole in the wall café just around the corner, famous for being so tiny and serving amazing coffee.
https://www.broadsheet.com.au/sydney/surry-hills/cafes/cafe-nookie#
Cafe Nookie
268B Cleveland StHole in the wall café just around the corner, famous for being so tiny and serving amazing coffee.
https://www.broadsheet.com.au/sydney/surry-hills/cafes/cafe-nookie#
Licensed cafe with excellent variety for breakfast and lunch. All the food is delicious, this is my go-to for breakfast when I have friends stay over. Good vegan options.
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Blacksmith
116 Chalmers StLicensed cafe with excellent variety for breakfast and lunch. All the food is delicious, this is my go-to for breakfast when I have friends stay over. Good vegan options.
Creative vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free dishes, plus craft beers, served in a quirky dining room.
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Yulli's
417 Crown StCreative vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free dishes, plus craft beers, served in a quirky dining room.
Drinks & Nightlife
My favourite local bars.
Now called Misfits. Excellent bar and restaurant, retro styling, booth seating and a secret room through a bookcase. Stand up comedy on Sunday nights.
'Misfits is your local oasis. A place where suits and Redfern locals come together, where everyone feels comfortable to be who they are. To embrace their inner misfit. Follow the neon lights, mural of 70s icon Twiggy and groovy soundtrack up the staircase to discover a melting pot of locals and visitors, up for a good time.'
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Misfits
106 George StNow called Misfits. Excellent bar and restaurant, retro styling, booth seating and a secret room through a bookcase. Stand up comedy on Sunday nights.
'Misfits is your local oasis. A place where suits and Redfern locals come together, where everyone feels comfortable to be who they are. To embrace their inner misfit. Follow the neon lights, mural of 70s icon Twiggy and groovy soundtrack up the staircase to discover a melting pot of locals and visitors, up for a good time.'
Low-lit, cowboy-themed hot spot with specialty whiskeys, craft ales, sarsaparilla, cocktails and peanut snacks.
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Shady Pines Saloon
256 Crown StLow-lit, cowboy-themed hot spot with specialty whiskeys, craft ales, sarsaparilla, cocktails and peanut snacks.
Brick wall, fairy lights, a bit of 70's kitsch charm. Great drinks and excellent atmosphere. Courtyard out the back. Toasted sangas.
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Arcadia
7 Cope StBrick wall, fairy lights, a bit of 70's kitsch charm. Great drinks and excellent atmosphere. Courtyard out the back. Toasted sangas.
Vibrant bar and art space with quirky decor, including wall-mounted animal heads and gilt mirrors. Outdoor courtyard and caravan.
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The Bearded Tit
183 Regent StVibrant bar and art space with quirky decor, including wall-mounted animal heads and gilt mirrors. Outdoor courtyard and caravan.
High-energy joint with weathered brick & graffiti art, offering cocktails, live music & DJs. Dark and dingey.
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The Dock
182 Redfern StHigh-energy joint with weathered brick & graffiti art, offering cocktails, live music & DJs. Dark and dingey.
'Craft beer, cocktails and a selection of natural wines. Housed in a renovated old bank building with high ceilings, huge windows and plenty of natural and neon light'
Quiet spot for beer and a game of pool in the afternoon.
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Redfern Surf Club
60 Botany Rd'Craft beer, cocktails and a selection of natural wines. Housed in a renovated old bank building with high ceilings, huge windows and plenty of natural and neon light'
Quiet spot for beer and a game of pool in the afternoon.
Newtown Crawl
Newtown is a diverse, bohemian neighbourhood that bustles with activity day and night. Shoppers head to King Street’s indie bookshops and thrift stores. Hip bars and eateries with multicultural fare cater to locals and University of Sydney students. The Enmore Theatre hosts comedy revues and live music. Restored Victorian buildings and street art, including a mural of Martin Luther King, round out the scene.
Live gigs, cocktails and tap beers in a small, dimly lit joint praising rock 'n' roll and blues.
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The Midnight Special
44 Enmore RdLive gigs, cocktails and tap beers in a small, dimly lit joint praising rock 'n' roll and blues.
Saloon-style cocktail bar with a New Orleans vibe, exposed brick walls and corrugated iron ceiling
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Earl's Juke Joint
407 King StSaloon-style cocktail bar with a New Orleans vibe, exposed brick walls and corrugated iron ceiling
Energetic club featuring cocktails & 2 stages for DJs & live music in a variety of genres.
Tokyo Sing Song
145 King StEnergetic club featuring cocktails & 2 stages for DJs & live music in a variety of genres.
1989 Arcade Bar & Kitchen is a classic video game arcade, bar and kitchen. From Space Invaders to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, '89 is a retro gaming utopia and great place to eat & drink.
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1989 Arcade Bar
22 King St1989 Arcade Bar & Kitchen is a classic video game arcade, bar and kitchen. From Space Invaders to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, '89 is a retro gaming utopia and great place to eat & drink.
Jacoby's is a neighbourhood tiki bar located on Enmore Rd and is designed to reflect the Polynesian decor of the tiki scene in America during the 1930's. The venue is a colourful oasis where you can escape the city and be transported to an island paradise. Come shake off the week and let loose with exotic cocktails, natural wines and tropical vibes.
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Jacoby’s Tiki Bar
154 Enmore RdJacoby's is a neighbourhood tiki bar located on Enmore Rd and is designed to reflect the Polynesian decor of the tiki scene in America during the 1930's. The venue is a colourful oasis where you can escape the city and be transported to an island paradise. Come shake off the week and let loose with exotic cocktails, natural wines and tropical vibes.
Home to Chinese restaurant, Queen Chow, and bars, The Smelly Goat and Zebra Bar, Queens Hotel has your plans sorted for a night out. Start off with afternoon drinks in our downstairs bistro: we have a host of great beers (old and new) to choose from and plenty of great wine. Pull up a seat for a modern-Cantonese feed, care of Queen Chow. Once you’ve had your Chinese hit, bar hop the night away between The Smelly Goat and Zebra Bar. Bet you never knew you needed a pub, restaurant, and cocktail bar hybrid? Now you do.
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Queen Chow Enmore
167 Enmore RdHome to Chinese restaurant, Queen Chow, and bars, The Smelly Goat and Zebra Bar, Queens Hotel has your plans sorted for a night out. Start off with afternoon drinks in our downstairs bistro: we have a host of great beers (old and new) to choose from and plenty of great wine. Pull up a seat for a modern-Cantonese feed, care of Queen Chow. Once you’ve had your Chinese hit, bar hop the night away between The Smelly Goat and Zebra Bar. Bet you never knew you needed a pub, restaurant, and cocktail bar hybrid? Now you do.
Burgers and craft brews, in a rustic pub with a laid-back vibe and a sprawling, leafy beer garden. Pool table and juke box.
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Courthouse Hotel
202 Australia StBurgers and craft brews, in a rustic pub with a laid-back vibe and a sprawling, leafy beer garden. Pool table and juke box.
The iconic jewel and heart of the LGBTQIA+ community in the Inner West, The Imperial Hotel is home to Priscillas, Drag N Dine and Imperial UP. Vibrant pub and bar, for drag and cabaret shows, plus a cocktail lounge and terrace. Fun on any day of the week, great music and good crowds from an early hour. Definitely worth a visit!
Excellent food scene. Club downstairs.
https://imperialerskineville.com.au/
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The Imperial Erskineville
35 Erskineville RdThe iconic jewel and heart of the LGBTQIA+ community in the Inner West, The Imperial Hotel is home to Priscillas, Drag N Dine and Imperial UP. Vibrant pub and bar, for drag and cabaret shows, plus a cocktail lounge and terrace. Fun on any day of the week, great music and good crowds from an early hour. Definitely worth a visit!
Excellent food scene. Club downstairs.
https://imperialerskineville.com.au/
Brewery and bar hangout: The headquarters of Newtown's famous local brewery.
https://www.broadsheet.com.au/sydney/bars/young-henrys-brewery#
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Young Henrys
76 Wilford StBrewery and bar hangout: The headquarters of Newtown's famous local brewery.
https://www.broadsheet.com.au/sydney/bars/young-henrys-brewery#
Holey Moley Golf Club – a cocktail bar, mini-golf course, work of art and all-out cool hub rolled into one brilliant venue.
Another location in Darlinghurst.
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Holey Moley Golf Newtown
387 King StHoley Moley Golf Club – a cocktail bar, mini-golf course, work of art and all-out cool hub rolled into one brilliant venue.
Another location in Darlinghurst.
Rock music bar for craft beer and burgers.
The original venue of the famous Mary's burgers, the best burgers in Sydney. Get a burger each, plus share some of the fried chicken and potato and gravy.
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Mary's
6 Mary StRock music bar for craft beer and burgers.
The original venue of the famous Mary's burgers, the best burgers in Sydney. Get a burger each, plus share some of the fried chicken and potato and gravy.
This is important. Gelato Messina sets the benchmark for gelato in Australia, with over 40 unique gelato flavours, bespoke gelato cakes & daily specials.
Dairy free options other than your standard fruit sorbets.
OMG YUM.
Other locations in Darlinghurst, Newtown, Circular Quay, Bondi.
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Gelato Messina Surry Hills
389 Crown StThis is important. Gelato Messina sets the benchmark for gelato in Australia, with over 40 unique gelato flavours, bespoke gelato cakes & daily specials.
Dairy free options other than your standard fruit sorbets.
OMG YUM.
Other locations in Darlinghurst, Newtown, Circular Quay, Bondi.
Beaches
My favourite beach spots.
My top fave go-to swim spot.
Gordons Bay is a secluded oasis, hidden north of Coogee Beach and south of Clovelly Beach. It can only be accessed via the Coastal Walkway and parking is available at either Coogee or Clovelly Beach.
The beach itself is not nice, if you're looking for sand this isn't for you - the magic happens out on the rocks on either side, where you can swim directly into crystal clear waters. Lots of young people hanging out having a beer and a chat in the sun, super peaceful, beautiful energy.
A great spot for snorkelling.
You can take a bus to Coogee and walk up from there. Or just take an uber.
I recommend access from Clovelly Beach car park if going by car.
Take something to eat and drink, there are no shops.
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Gordons Bay
My top fave go-to swim spot.
Gordons Bay is a secluded oasis, hidden north of Coogee Beach and south of Clovelly Beach. It can only be accessed via the Coastal Walkway and parking is available at either Coogee or Clovelly Beach.
The beach itself is not nice, if you're looking for sand this isn't for you - the magic happens out on the rocks on either side, where you can swim directly into crystal clear waters. Lots of young people hanging out having a beer and a chat in the sun, super peaceful, beautiful energy.
A great spot for snorkelling.
You can take a bus to Coogee and walk up from there. Or just take an uber.
I recommend access from Clovelly Beach car park if going by car.
Take something to eat and drink, there are no shops.
Wylie's is located just a few hundred metres south of Coogee Beach in Sydney's eastern suburbs, sitting right below the magnificent Coastal Walkway. The Baths has sweeping 180 degree views of the Pacific Ocean and overlooks the famous Wedding Cake Island.
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Wylie's Baths
4B Neptune StWylie's is located just a few hundred metres south of Coogee Beach in Sydney's eastern suburbs, sitting right below the magnificent Coastal Walkway. The Baths has sweeping 180 degree views of the Pacific Ocean and overlooks the famous Wedding Cake Island.
The sweeping white-sand crescent of Bondi is one of Australia’s most iconic beaches. Reliable waves draw surfers while, nearby, hardy locals swim in the Icebergs ocean pool year-round. Trendy, health-conscious Sydneysiders head to laid-back cafes around Hall Street, while hip backpackers frequent the area's casual pubs.
The clifftop Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk is a must-do, with its dramatic scenery.
You could start in Bondi and finish at Coogee for lunch/dinner, or vice versa. Gordon's Bay is along this walk.
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Bondi Beach
The sweeping white-sand crescent of Bondi is one of Australia’s most iconic beaches. Reliable waves draw surfers while, nearby, hardy locals swim in the Icebergs ocean pool year-round. Trendy, health-conscious Sydneysiders head to laid-back cafes around Hall Street, while hip backpackers frequent the area's casual pubs.
The clifftop Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk is a must-do, with its dramatic scenery.
You could start in Bondi and finish at Coogee for lunch/dinner, or vice versa. Gordon's Bay is along this walk.
Live Music Venues
Check out what's on at these live music venues.
You can also use the below websites to search for cool stuff that is going on:
Concrete Playground
Broadsheet
The Urban List
The Metro Theatre
624 George St
The Enmore Theatre
118-132 Enmore RdI-Qudos Bank Arena
19 Edwin Flack AveFox Studios Australia
38 Driver AveIsakhiwo se-Opera eSydney
Oxford Art Factory
46 Oxford StHordern Pavilion
1 Driver Ave
Red Rattler Theatre
6 Faversham StI-Theatre Factory
105 Victoria RdThe Vanguard
42 King StOnly 3 min walk away!
Artist-run theatre featuring a broad music program from jazz to groove, plus pizza and pasta.
Some nights offer free gigs.
http://venue505.com/
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Venue 505 - Jazz Bar
Only 3 min walk away!
Artist-run theatre featuring a broad music program from jazz to groove, plus pizza and pasta.
Some nights offer free gigs.
http://venue505.com/
Art
Cutting-edge Australian and international modern art housed in a grand, waterside art deco building.
Great to visit if you are going to Circular Quay / The Rocks area.
Good views of the Opera House and bridge from the MCE Café Terrace upstairs.
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Iziko lezobuciko zomzantsi
140 George StCutting-edge Australian and international modern art housed in a grand, waterside art deco building.
Great to visit if you are going to Circular Quay / The Rocks area.
Good views of the Opera House and bridge from the MCE Café Terrace upstairs.
The White Rabbit Gallery is a contemporary art museum located in the inner city Sydney suburb of Chippendale, New South Wales, Australia, which exhibits selections from the White Rabbit Collection of 21st-century Chinese contemporary art.
It has four floors of exhibition space as well as a theatrette, a library and a teahouse.
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Igaleriya yaseWhite Rabbit
30 Balfour StThe White Rabbit Gallery is a contemporary art museum located in the inner city Sydney suburb of Chippendale, New South Wales, Australia, which exhibits selections from the White Rabbit Collection of 21st-century Chinese contemporary art.
It has four floors of exhibition space as well as a theatrette, a library and a teahouse.
Explore five levels of art at one of Australia's most popular art museums, located within beautiful parklands overlooking Sydney Harbour. Considered the most important gallery in Sydney and one of the largest in Australia.
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I-Art Gallery yaseNew South Wales
Art Gallery RoadExplore five levels of art at one of Australia's most popular art museums, located within beautiful parklands overlooking Sydney Harbour. Considered the most important gallery in Sydney and one of the largest in Australia.
First opening its doors way back in 1981, this isn’t just Australia’s oldest exhibiting Aboriginal art gallery – it’s also one of its best. Visit the two locations in Bondi Beach and Oxford St in Paddington to browse the carefully curated stockroom boasting more than 3,000 pieces of art.
See the below link for 8 must-see Aboriginal Art Galleries
https://theculturetrip.com/pacific/australia/articles/8-must-visit-aboriginal-art-galleries-in-sydney/
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Cooee Art Gallery
31 Lamrock AveFirst opening its doors way back in 1981, this isn’t just Australia’s oldest exhibiting Aboriginal art gallery – it’s also one of its best. Visit the two locations in Bondi Beach and Oxford St in Paddington to browse the carefully curated stockroom boasting more than 3,000 pieces of art.
See the below link for 8 must-see Aboriginal Art Galleries
https://theculturetrip.com/pacific/australia/articles/8-must-visit-aboriginal-art-galleries-in-sydney/