HAPPY HOURS
GET SET FOR THE BEST $20 HAPPY HOUR DEALS IN SYDNEY
NOVEMBER IS YOUR MONTH TO DINE AROUND
A month-long festival of happy hours, long lunches and bottomless brunches is hitting the suburbs of Surry Hills, Potts Point, Darlinghurst and Woolloomooloo in Sydney’s inner-east.
November 1-30, will see over 40 mouth-watering $20 deals across local pubs, bars, restaurants and cafes during the golden hours of 5-7pm.
Dine around and discover a different venue and offering. Each day, salivate over everything from hot wings to pizzas, pasta, burgers and Japanese combined with craft beers, wines, spritzes and jugs.
$20 doesnt go far these days and HAPPY HOURS brings back some good time value with a reason for locals and foodies alike, to explore our iconic neighbourhoods. Why not experiment and discover a new favourite or two?
After work, shuck to your heart’s desire with $2.50 oysters at Riley St Garage; devour burgers and fries + beer at Stonewall; down some margaritas and tacos at Lil Darlin Bar; Feast on steaks and schnitzel deals at Kings Cross Hotel; start your night with an Espresso Martini and empanada at Lilly and Bee; or a gyoza and Sapporo at Goros; beer and fried chicken or cheeseburger at Jangling Jacks; truffle and cream pasta with wine at Giul’s, gourmet cheese and paired wine at Grove Bar; pulled pork slider with fries and schooner at East Sydney Hotel; Highball and waffle at Eileen’s Bar; 12-inch pizza + beer at Ching-A-Lings; French pate + shiraz at Bon Vin; rock oysters and Prosecco at Bar Nina; Ceviche and wine at Beast & Co… to name a few!
The best and most loved venues in the area go above and beyond within the golden hour of 5-7pm - a chance to get excited about a quality offering and absolute value for money!
Also keep an eye out for Lunch-time and All-day deals including Breakfasts and Bottomless Brunches and Drag Brunch dates with entertainment. Well known foodie hot-spot Stanley St and new micro-precinct HQ Sydney in Surry Hills are also offering irresistible menus. If you want to venue-hop $100 is adding up to a great experience in the ‘hood!
This November makes no excuses - it’s the month to drop into that bar or restaurant you’ve always wanted to explore!
Find the $20 deals HERE
Find more information HERE
THE STRAND
The Strand Hotel brings a little bit of French style to Darlinghurst as this iconic corner pub gets a make-over from the ground floor bar + bistro to a rooftop under the stars. Just in time for its 100th birthday celebrations!
Dark wood paneling, cane chairs and bi-fold doors opening onto William St give the street level Strand Bistro an inviting feel and the modern-French bistro cuisine is simple and tasty.
French and Australian wines are on offer, as well as a comprehensive cocktail list, Japanese, Irish and Scottish whiskey and beers, if a cleansing ale is what you’re after.
The venue has flexible events spaces - from the bistro (90) to the soon to open rooftop bar (50). In between, boutique accommodation is available ( 17 rooms) ranging from snug through to roomy. From Juliette balconies to a hidden library, The Strand is a boutique charmer and guests also have complimentary access to the executive co-working space and twilight aperitifs.
A real destination event space and soon to be a local favourite.
99 William St, Darlinghurst
THE ROVER
The new-look Rover’s make over has given the bar all the charm and sophistication of a New York style cocktail bar. The dimly lit copper shines and is at once inviting and exciting for The Rover’s welcome return to the Surry Hills bar scene.
Here you can tuck into a very satisfying martini and some freshly shucked Sydney rock oysters. Or roll into the night and indulge in a generous seafood-driven menu boasting poached octopus, smoked sardines and a curried fish finger sandwich, all washed down with quaffable, punchy wines from near and afar.
Whether dropping in for a casual tipple or seeking a proper night out, the extensive wine offering, formidable whisky list and English-inspired menu guarantees to keep you satisfied, whichever way the night goes.
Walk-ins only.
Tuesday – Friday 4:00pm - late
Saturday12:00pm - late
75 Campbell St, Surry Hills
VIAND
The SMH food critic, Terry Durack gave Viand a 15/20 rating when the restaurant opened earlier this year - and that was before the a la carte menu, drinks offering and final key staff were in place. Durack’s review made our mouths water and, according to the food guru, “Potter's understanding of Thai food is so broad, the deep dive of a set menu allows her to balance the dishes in a way that feels very Thai. Flavours sing loud and clear, balance is constantly calibrated, and chilli levels are boldly warm rather than street-food hot.”
The restaurant is small and intimate, the kitchen is on display; each table a “chef’s table” with a ringside view of the action. Owner/chef Annita Potter has an enviable pedigree when it comes to Thai food and watching her create is like a masterclass performance unfolding - smell, savour and anticipate the meal to come.
Potter worked for years alongside Thai food legend David Thompson, including the award-winning Nahm in London and more recently at Long Chim, and she has had a number of pop-ups around Sydney before settling in Woolloomooloo - let’s hope its a long lease.
Tasting menu is $145 a head. There is a private dining room (seats 10) and occasional teaching classes with Potter (sells out fast!)
41 Crown St, Woolloomooloo
TWO GOOD CAFE
Two Good Co, a social enterprise that supports woman at-risk, has opened its first cafe in Darlinghurst, inside the new headquarters of the Paul Ramsay Foundation. It’s a stunning sandstone, heritage listed, former church, recently refurbished and now known as Yirranma Place.
“Yirranma” is translated from Gadigal to “many-create” and the whole space is for for-purpose organisations, social enterprises and philanthropy to come together to tackle social problems and break cycles of disadvantage in Australia.
The Two Good Co social enterprise began with a street bbq, later an organic soup kitchen founded by former engineer Rob Caslick, and has branched out to sell catering-style salads and soups, supply meals for refuges and shelters, and provide employment pathway programs for vulnerable women. Its buy-one-give-one meal model is a simple and effective idea.
Alongside cafe staples, the Two Good has monthly specials, and recipe collaborations with a range of chefs. It kicked off with Three Blue Ducks’ Darren Robertson’s oozie cauliflower-cheese toastie and a salad of Italian sausage, pear, lentils and watercress. August specials will be curated by Belinda Jeffery, and Matt Moran's croque monsieur will debut in September.
The cafe also offers a concierge service for the building, which houses co-working spaces, an art gallery and recital hall.
Mon-Fri 7am-3pm.
262 Liverpool Street, Darlinghurst
CASA MERIDA BOTTOMLESS
Tequila tastings, half-price margaritas and bottomless fiestas star at Casa Merida the brand new Mayan cocktail bar and restaurant in Kellett St, Potts Point.
Tuesdays from 5pm to 10pm, you’ll find two-for-one tacos and half-price Patron margaritas and palomas. Book in for tequila tastings paired with a limited edition menu of Yucatan-inspired dishes on Thursdays from 5pm to 10pm and settle in for an all-day bottomless fiesta on Fridays and Saturdays from 12pm - 12am. Every fiesta will have live Latin and world music, including Mexican singer, dancer and harpist Victor Valdes, and Tulum inspired beats by Mexican DJs.
PICCOLO BAR
Piccolo Bar, a tiny little hole-in-the-wall cafe has been in the same spot in a Kings Cross back-street since the 1950’s when long-time owner Vittorio Bianchi was a newly arrived immigrant waiting tables. Many stars famous and infamous have passed through here*, Vito became the owner and was a fixture in the neighbourhood - still waiting tables, having a chat with locals, knitting scarves and passing comments on the passing trade with his acerbic wit.
Covid came along and amongst a prolonged lockdown, locals thought that the shuttered cafe was destined never to open again. But now a new chapter dawns in the life of Piccolo Bar - reopened as our Aperitivo bar & diner, playing Euro tunes and with an updated look that somehow has managed to retain the charm and vibe of the old bar. It’s a little slice of Europe that evokes the authentic Kings Cross vibe.
This space does great cocktails, limited but tasty food options, doesn’t take bookings, and is busy every night. Opens every day, except Monday, from afternoon till midnight.
*David Bowie!
Also fans of RAKE, this is Cleaver’s breakfast cafe with the flat above
VIVID
The bright lights are back with VIVID reigniting Sydney once again. Think light shows, installations, talks, performances and bright ideas!
Whilst the main event is happening in and around the CBD, Eastside venues have some great offers for pre and post VIVID experiences.
light up cocktails at THE WINERY
Try some of the best craft brews in town in this locals favourite and bar with an industrial vibe and cool crew to match.
Drop in between 5-10pm for a Cheese and Charcuterie board with a beer or wine for $49 or add an extra drink (for 2 people) $55. As Vivid lights up the skies and buildings they light up our drinks. Try the cosmic light inspired beer list as you watch the interactive beer bottle led light display, across the whole of the bar area, inspired by the VIVID night time glow.
1/137 Oxford St, Darlinghurst
Pink Guava Imperial Sour at bitter phew
VIVID NIGHTS are coming to life at Alibi Bar every night with three new cocktails, discoverable only to those in the know via blue light. Ramping up the experience every Thursday – Saturday evening, enjoy hidden cocktails and plant-based bites to the tune of Under Control DJs. It’s the perfect spot for pre or post-Vivid drinks.
Ovolo Hotel, 6 Cowper Wharf Roadway, Woolloomooloo
ALIBI cocktails
Look into the NOMAD window and see the amazing LED light display design especially for VIVID. Come inside and Indulge in NOMAD's Caviar Course $100 per person for a limited time only - the perfect pairing of Champagne & Caviar. Featuring a serving of Polanco Grand Reserve Oscietra Caviar, crème fraîche, hash brown + a glass of Michel Gonet ‘6g’ Brut, Blanc de Noirs Champagne, it's the ultimate addition to your NOMAD feast.
16 Foster St, Surry Hills
champagne and caviar at NOMAD
Follow our laneway path and discover a magical glamping experience…
Grab your pals, sip on cocktails and enjoy an intimate grazing experience in a cosy glamping tent. Indulge in our four-course shared tasting menu for $69pp. Take it up a notch with beverage pairings for an additional $39pp.
Throughout Vivid, enjoy $10 Lightbulb Spritzes in different flavours! Mango and vanilla / Rum and mint / Vodka and orange / Vodka, rose and lychee / Gin and grapefruit /
285A Crown St, Surry Hills
GLAMPING AT THE WINERY
Enjoy your drinks with glow-in-the-dark ice cubes and straws, as you feast on a late weekend brunch (finishing at 5.15 just in time for VIVID lights) just a short walk across the Domain into the city.
55 Riley St Woolloomooloo
RILEY ST GARAGE banquet
THE WINERY
The Winery is a beautifully quirky urban wine bar with a leafy laneway & terrace for drinking in the sunshine, a bar & restaurant for dining under the fairy lights. The expansive wine list offers over 30 meticulously selected wines by the glass and a euro-inspired menu for romantic and relaxed dining. The 3 course feasting menu ($65) and the bottomless brunch ($79) are great value and perfect options for groups. Plenty of cocktails on offer too. Look out for their regular events, including drag brunches, valentine’s, mother’s day, dj afternoons, etc..
285A Crown St, Surry Hills
SONG KITCHEN
Located at the southern end of Hyde Park, Song Kitchen is a stylish cafe, bar and dining room, and a profit for purpose Restaurant - one of the first ventures of its kind in Australia - with 100 per cent of the profits going to fund YWCA Australia services for women and children experiencing domestic violence.
Their philosophy is based on generosity and honesty. Produce is fresh and local, portions are big and pricing is fair. The kitchen also offers quality bar food and delicious burgers for those on the go.
To complement the vibrant dishes, their wine list celebrates artisan Australian producers and alternative, lesser know grape varieties.
Dinner from 5pm, Thursday, Friday + Saturday
5/11 Wentworth Avenue, SYDNEY
ET AL
et al. is a small restaurant on Llankelly Place, a bustling laneway joining Kings Cross to Potts Point. It’s the culmination of two hospitality die-hards joining forces to create a place that they would love to go to themselves - Apolline Tomasevic, chef and Stephen Craig, waiter.
The restaurant is casual, down to earth and fun but also created with the highest standards for food, service and creativity in mind. It’s also a good place to go for a long lunch or dinner, with seating inside and out, and caters equally well to singles, couples and groups. The laneway is a passing parade and great for people watching whilst eating their delicious food.
dinners - wednesday to sunday : lunch - saturday + sunday
Llankelly Place Potts Point
DIMITRI’S PIZZERIA
Tasty pizza with 100 per cent sourdough and truly original combos.
Stretched mozzarella, sopressa, tomato and honey combine to make ‘The Bee Sting’ pizza. Wood-roasted brussels sprouts, fermented lemon ricotta, caramelised onion and fennel, with cubes of smoked curd cheese is ’The Brussel Crowe’.
In addition wood fired pizza, there’s artisan pasta, fresh salads and more, along with good beer and wine. They offer a range of best quality, locally produced ingredients while also supporting small independent businesses, just like them.
215 Oxford St, Darlinghurst
MOTHER’S DAY
Looking for a lunch option, without leaving the ‘hood? Here’s our top picks for you and mum this Sunday.
Show mum a good time with a Chin Chin feast. Dig in to the mother of all menus – choose from $88pp or $135pp Feed Me Menus and devour all your favourites like Kingfish Sashimi and much more. To keep the celebrations flowing, $11 Piper-Heidsieck champagne and Mother’s Day cocktails will be pouring all day.
11am till late : $88 or $135 pp book here
69 Commonwealth St, Surry Hills
Beloved by its locals, The Old Fitzroy is a pub, brasserie and theatre all rolled into one. Recent renovations haven’t changed the look of the place but a change of chef has certainly changed to food on offer. Mother’s Day set lunch from head chef Anna Ugarte-Carral includes ricotta with grapes, roast chicken, and fig tart. Plus a complimentary glass of bubbles on arrival for mum too.
midday -4pm : $60 per person
129 Dowling St, Woolloomooloo
Show mum a good time with a Chin Chin feast. Dig in to the mother of all menus – choose from $88pp or $135pp Feed Me Menus and devour all your favourites like Kingfish Sashimi and much more. To keep the celebrations flowing, $11 Piper-Heidsieck champagne and Mother’s Day cocktails will be pouring all day.
11am till late : $88 or $135 pp book here
69 Commonwealth St, Surry Hills
If mum prefers a vegan option you cant go past Potts Point’s YELLOW. The set menu is available at lunch and dinner and includes snacks and a five-course individually plated tasting menu. The vegan tasting menu changes seasonally using only of the best Australian produce available. Mother’s Day menu includes Japanese Pumpkin, Pumpkin Seed Miso Sauce, Pickled Ginger with a side of Brussel Sprouts + Sesame Dressing.
When: From noon-3:30pm & 6-10pm
How much: $105 per person
FIREDOOR
Congratulations to FIREDOOR on being voted number 3 on the Worlds 101 Best Steak Restaurants. Sydney-siders already know about this place - it’s popular and bookings are hard to come by. Chef Lennox Hastie also starred in his own Chef’s Table episode on Netflix, introducing viewers to his smoky, juicy world of barbecue and his childhood fascination with fire.
At Firedoor, the open-plan kitchen is entirely powered by wood and everything is cooked to order. Guests have a clear view of the action. Burning a variety of woods daily creates embers which are then used to cook in a way that enhances the natural characteristics of the ingredients. Hastie draws extraordinary flavors out of meat, fish and vegetables using only a wood fire, a grill and his unique skills.
If you are looking for a quintessential wood-fired dining experience with a strong focus on benchmark steak cuts - this is the place, but be warned - reservations open on the first Wednesday of every month and are three months in advance!
23-33 Mary St, Surry Hills
UNIVERSAL
There’s fun to be had every night of the week along Oxford St, home to Sydney’s LGBTQI community and the famous Mardi Gras Parade. And a lot of that a action is happening at UNIVERSAL whether downstairs in the bar area or upstairs in the club. During the Covid-times, when we couldn’t dance, Universal did the ‘pivot’ and turned the upstairs club into an “immersive dining experience” which proved so popular they kept it going. Every Friday and Saturday you can get dinner and a show - a 3 course menu and bottomless cocktails, if you choose - plus some of Sydney’s most popular drag queens and entertainers all for $89/$149.
PREMIERE at UNIVERSAL
Downstairs in the bar area there’s also non-stop entertainment every. night with drag shows, trivia nights, hospo mondays, fireball fridays, slay for pay, sunday shenanigans and gamers nights. The bar food is good, all cocktails are $18 and the kitchen is open till midnight!
85-91 Oxford St, Darlinghurst
LUMIERE CAFE
Lumiere Café is a bustling inner-city cafe just a block away from Taylor Sq and the Rainbow Crossing on the Darlo and Surry Hills border. Its a local’s favourite for all day breakfast and brunch.
So much choice! From the popular Ricotta Hot Cakes and French Brioche to the savoury favorites of the Corn Cake Stack and USA Burger. There’s a large selection of Eggs Benedict options. Great coffee too. Plus lots of gluten free and vegan options.
Owner Effie is warm and hospitable and will make sure you don’t leave hungry! Look out for their Bottomless Brunch deals especially around Mardi Gras time, when they really turn on the drag queen entertainment.
Made in the USA Burger
Sit indoors or outdoors and watch the passing parade. Access is easy and they’re also family, pet and wheelchair friendly.
425 Bourke Sy, Surry Hills
DULCIE’S
Dulcie’s is a stylish subterranean cocktail parlour inspired by Sydney’s 1930’s speakeasies and named after Dulcie Deamer novelist, poet, thespian and journalist. Dulcie was a women ahead of her time, smart, creative and sometimes shocking to society. She was known as the "Queen of Bohemia" due to her involvement with celebrated artist Norman Lindsay’s literary and artistic circle, the Bohemian world of Kings Cross, and vaudeville. A worthy icon to be remembered!
Descend the stairs from Darlinghurst Rd and enter into Duclie’s, a cosy subterranean bar with old world charm, a warm space big on
personalised service and attentiveness to detail. Dulcie herself would approve.
Dulcie’s owner and host Brandon Martignago pride’s himself on using 100% Australian produce. Everything from boutique spirits, and mixers to the locally sourced meats and cheeses that come from dedicated distillers and providers use quality Aussie ingredients. And everything is meticulously scrutinised by Brandon’s discerning eye.
Feels like the home of a very charming and tasteful friend - this is a place to drop in for a drink and find you’ve stayed till the wee hours of the morning.
44B Darlinghurst Rd, Kings Cross
SHIFT EATERY
SHIFT EATERY lays claim to Sydney’s “first vegan deli, serving up tasty af cruelty-free food”. They’re truly passionate about offering a variety of exciting options for both lifelong vegans and those that are just making the shift. It’s all about tasty options - sometimes you want a healthy wholefood bowl and other times, you just want to go all out and eat otherworldly decadent.
Shift is renowned for the World’s Best Vegan Bacon & Egg Bagel - so popular that it sells out most mornings, however don’t stress if you miss out, there are plenty of other options including all-day breakfasts and tasty af salads and bowls. They also stock a massive range of vegan deli items and goodies and you can order ahead for take-away or delivery.
241 Commonwealth St, Surry Hills
BAD HOMBRES
BAD HOMBRES, GOOD FOOD is their motto. This Mexican inspired all vegan eatery in Surry Hills also offers gluten free options, a natural wine list and tequila cocktails. Get in early for Taco Tuesdays (3 for $10) and Wine Wednesday (half price natural wines)
Cosy decor and and 80’s inspired playlists makes a great setting for groups and couples alike. Open every day till late (except Monday) you can always be guaranteed of getting your quesadilla / margarita fix!
40 Reservoir St, Surry Hills
ALIBI BAR
ALIBI - Matthew Kenney, world renowned plant-based chef, is the man behind the Alibi vegan kitchen food, with a simple food philosophy - clean eating need never compromise on taste.
Escape to the picturesque surrounds of Woolloomooloo Wharf, a heritage listed wharf now renovated and home to some of Sydney’s best food options, just a short walk from the Domain and the CBD. Try a bespoke cocktail or a wine from the expertly curated list. Bar is open 4pm till midnight.
Weekend High Tea (12-4pm) combines classical and innovative cooking techniques to give locally sourced plant-based ingredients a creative makeover. The high tea menu features both sweet and savoury options.
At Ovolo, 6 Cowper Wharf Roadway, Woolloomooloo
alibibar.com.au
ALIBI BAR high tea