Top Cocktail bars in Surry Hills, Australia

Chanced upon this bar during our holiday in Sydney, loved it so much we had to give them another visit before we left. Our favourite drink was the ‘All in the name’. The staff were really friendly and patient when we asked for recommendations as well, it made us feel really comfortable as foreigners.

Impeccable service. The bartenders here were so attentive and really lovely as well. Our drinks were never empty and they make a great selection of cocktails. Although a bar the food here is seriously good as well with a great selection of fresh oysters, scallops, as well as other dishes. The portions were decent and the food was super tasty. Loved the deep flavour of the artichoke and the lamb was just melt in your mouth. Scallops were full of flavour - plump and juicy. Very good atmosphere here and would definitely return

Love the vibes, great service and friendly staff. Very attentive. Absolutely loved the eel pate (from someone who doesn’t particularly like pate in general) and the burger; super juicy. Cashew cream that comes with the sourdough was so good, I would go back just for that. Oysters were fresh, will be back for happy hour. Cocktails were all so lovely too 🥰

The scallops though was actually the biggest joke. $9 per piece obviously expecting a full or AT LEAST half a scallop. Big nope, 3 tiny pieces smothered in cucumber. Tasted good but omg every time I think about it I get mad 😭.

Loooooooved The Rover. The service is amazing and the food is seriously unbelievable. And I don’t know how it isn’t charged at off tap prices - this is a wonderful place for dinner. Obviously get the burger. Dark horse surprise? The eel pate. My mind was blown. So delicious, eat everything.

During their happy hour, these delectable oysters are a steal at just AUD 2 each! Don’t let their small size fool you—the flavor explosion is immense. Besides oysters, the fish dishes are equally impressive, with fresh and expertly prepared fish.

The cozy ambiance sets the stage for a delightful evening, whether you’re catching up with friends. And let’s not forget the top-notch service, the staff go above and beyond to make your visit memorable.

Went for the happy hour and was impressed with the food selections instead 😂

Drinks were a bit limited for the happy hour but I got the gin and tonic, which wasn’t the strongest.

There were three of us, so when we ordered 5 oysters we got 6, and the sourdough dish, they charged extra slice as It usually just two. I’m not sure how to think of this whether they are nice to think for us, or if they should’ve asked us before charging for the extra things we didn’t order. (it was by no means a lot of money but it was just weird as we didn’t even finish the two slices as they were gigantic)

The cauliflower dish with almond cream actually blew me away! I don’t know whats in that almond cream but it tasted like some roasted pepper concoction. Idk but it was delicious!!!

I also appreciate the fact that it was quite vegan friendly. For instance, the sourdough came with dairy butter and also cashew butter.

The lady server was quite attentive, always checking in a filling our glasses 🩷

The Rover does a two buck freshly-shucked oyster happy hour between 4pm and 6pm. The bivalves were from Wonboyn Lake on the pristine Sapphire Coast on the evening I visited. And—with a fully-packed front bar—they ran out before I could get in a second dozen: it pays to arrive early in these parts! Our disappointment was assuaged by the railway station signboard indicating deep-cup Batemans Bay pacific oysters ($7/each) and Sydney rocks from Tuross lake ($6/each) were both still available (though not at the bargain price). Each suited the delicate house-made Champagne mignonette, which is also a player in their estuary martini ($25), in an unholy union with Never Never oyster shell gin.

Sliding over to Chardonnay—Domaine Naturaliste’s cracking 2021 Artus ($135)—with a punctuating happy hour gin+tonic ($6) saw us smear smoky eel pâté ($16) and horseradish jelly onto glazed crumpets. Using dainty oyster forks, we speared slivers of raw scallop ($9/each) accentuated with horseradish, cucumber and dill. We made short work of sardines ($5/each) cured with tapenade on crisp croutons. From sister venue, The Gridley, their famous burger ($26) slowed us down, giving us time to appreciate the more genteel surrounds of the venue’s quieter upper bar. The burger is a double chuck and brisket patty affair oozing sauce and American cheese, presented with a knife to aid sharing.

This bar’s the whole package from booze to atmosphere to staff to food to cheese—a West Country farmhouse Cheddar ($15/40g) presented with all the trimmings. I even rate the bogs with their intriguing memorabilia and rusty buckets wash-up area. Yep, I think I’ve found my new Sydney watering hole…

Amazing! Been here a number of times and the food is always great and the service is amazing. We went to the bottomless brunch on Sunday and it was fantastic. The food, drinks and service are well worth it! Special thank you to Brandon who went above and beyond! We will be back.

My experience at The Rover was nothing short of fantastic. The service was exceptionally awesome, and the food, cooked to perfection, left my taste buds delighted. As part of the Liquid & Larder family, with Bistecca being the epitome of steak excellence in Sydney, The Rover seems poised to claim its spot as the ultimate seafood destination. The cozy living room vibes from the decor added a wonderful touch to the overall experience.

We had dinner in this place and it was super delicious. I had pasta with cheese and veggies and I was a bit worried it might be bland. Actually it was the tastiest ever. My husband had oysters, squid and veal pasta. All were very good. The vibes were also very nice for a romantic dinner, with dimmed lights and nice staff. Definitely recommend!

Fantastic coffee and lovely cosy atmosphere

Amazing little coffee shop serving delicious coffee and with the most lovely staff who make the whole experience perfect :) very glad this is next to my office! Great place to grab a coffee if you’re passing.

Amazing service. I have a gluten allergy (celiac) and they made sure to prep everything separately for me. We were a big group and the service was immaculate! The food was amazing.

We visited twice during a longer stay in Sydney. Initially we happened in due to a wait at another nearby spot but Brandon, the bartender, was so hospitable and warm - not to mention knowledgeable and skilled - that we fell in love with the place. Can’t recommend the cocktails, oyster special, and small plates enough. And everyone there was incredibly welcoming and pleasant. We had a blast and can’t wait for our next trip to Sydney so we can return.

Pictured: oyster special feat. house-made hot sauce.

Had a really nice lunch here with a friend.

The staff were super friendly and helpful.
The decor is adorable and really suits the theme and the area well.
The restaurant has big windows which can open up to some degree as well for comfort.

The food was so good! We tried a bit of everything and unfortunately I can’t recall all we had but fair to say that whatever we did order was prepared very well.

Would definitely come back.

Didn't expect a wine room would have such lovely food!! They should probably make it a restaurant. We were really happy with the wine we selected, there are many options. The service was superb, the staff were very attentive, they knew exactly what we needed and when we needed something.

Went here for bottomless! Had such a good time, they refilled our drinks without prompting so we were definitely hit half way through the sitting 🥴

The waiter was so fun. The starters were yummy, the mains were decent!

The interior of the place is also very nice, would go back for the bottomless

Dined here mid Feb. Wanted to try their bottomless brunch however there was a minimum of 4 people so just opted to get a few things.

Our table was initially inside however the the tables inside were so loud that we couldn’t even hear our table talking. Thankfully we were switch tables to outside which felt much more relaxed & more easy for the ear.

The service was friendly & fast. The food was also tasty & would like to come back here to try the pasta dishes.

One of my favourite places for coffee in Surry Hills, consistent quality and flavourful. If you are having your drink there, the cups are also really nice.

High quality coffee and great toastie selection. The new local in Surry Hills.

Nice, chill vibe with friendly people.

Great coffee, pastries and the toasted sandwiches are creative and tasty.

They also do drinks in the evenings now :)

Unbelievably good service and vibes. We stopped for a drink after work and couldn't leave. Both the wine and food that were suggested by the staff were a perfect match.

Sitting here on a Monday afternoon enjoying a smooth, tasty cup of coffee and having a chat with the bloke working - super chill and enjoyable experience. Lovely open shopfront that lets in the breeze as well as plenty of natural light. Great little find in Surry Hills

These guys nailed it. Spectacular coffee. They have Little Marrionette coffee. Some nice filter options also. The latte art is pretty damn fine. The coffee was also very tasty. There are some nice treats available in the fridge and some pastries and jaffles that are pretty rad. The fit out is very slick also. Good place to sit out the front for a meeting or just chill with your coffee. I always appreciate a good sound system in a cafe also. Nice work. I reccomend .