Best Pubs in Surry Hills

The Ultimate Local Guide to Surry Hills’ Best Bars, Pubs & Watering Holes

Surry Hills is one of Sydney’s most beloved inner-city neighbourhoods, and for good reason. Crammed between the CBD and Redfern, this pocket of terrace houses, laneway bars, and neighbourhood pubs punches well above its weight when it comes to the pub scene. Whether you are after a lazy Sunday session in a sun-soaked beer garden, a sophisticated natural wine bar on a Thursday evening, or a buzzing cocktail spot on a Saturday night, Surry Hills delivers every single time.

This guide covers the best pubs in Surry Hills, drawing on thousands of genuine local reviews, first-hand visits, and the kind of knowledge you only build up after years of exploring this suburb one cold beer at a time. From the heritage-listed corner hotels to the sleek new-wave wine bars tucked down quiet side streets, here is everything you need to know before your next night out in Surry Hills.

Why Surry Hills is Sydney’s Best Pub Neighbourhood

Ask any Sydneysider where they would head for a relaxed drink and a good feed, and a huge chunk of them will say Surry Hills without skipping a beat. There is something about this suburb that just works for pub culture. The streets are walkable, the venues are dense enough that you can bar-hop without getting in an Uber, and the overall vibe sits somewhere between relaxed and sophisticated — which is exactly what most people want from a night out.

Crown Street is often held up as the spine of the area, and it is true that some of the suburb’s most talked-about venues line this stretch. But wander even a block or two off Crown and you will stumble into entirely different worlds: a quiet wine bar on Albion Street with natural wines and a small but perfectly curated food menu, or a no-frills brick pub on Devonshire Street where the taps are cold and the regulars are friendly.

The suburb’s pub scene has evolved significantly over the past decade. Classic Australian pubs with TABs and pokies have been joined — and in some cases replaced — by destination cocktail bars, wine-focused venues, and gastropubs that take their kitchen as seriously as their cellar. Today, Surry Hills caters equally well to the dedicated craft beer drinker, the natural wine devotee, the cocktail enthusiast, and the person who just wants a pint and a decent parma.

Quick Reference: Best Pubs in Surry Hills at a Glance

Pub / Bar	Rating	Address	Price Range	Best For
The Nocturne	4.9/5 (141)	557 Crown St	$20-$40	Cocktails & Intimate Vibes
Lokal	4.9/5 (400)	104 Fitzroy St	$40-$120	Wine & Small Plates
The White Horse	4.7/5 (337)	381 Crown St	$80-$160	Upscale Dining & Drinks
The Rover	4.7/5 (1.2K)	75 Campbell St	$20-$120	Cocktails & Craft Drinks
Bar Copains	4.6/5 (597)	67 Albion St	$60-$160	Natural Wine & Good Vibes
Bar Conte Surry Hills	4.7/5 (619)	340 Riley St	$40-$140	Coffee to Cocktails
Shady Pines Saloon	4.7/5 (1.3K)	Sydney NSW	$20-$40	Honky-Tonk Cocktails
The Cricketers Arms	4.4/5 (537)	106 Fitzroy St	$20-$40	Live Music & Atmosphere
Royal Albert Hotel	4.4/5 (1.1K)	140 Commonwealth St	$20-$40	Classic Pub Experience
The Carrington	4.4/5 (912)	565 Bourke St	$20-$40	Dog-Friendly Pub Food
Jane Surry Hills	4.7/5 (870)	478 Bourke St	$60-$160	Cocktails & Fine Dining
The Winery	4.5/5 (3.3K)	285A Crown St	$40-$120	Wine & Outdoor Dining
Keg & Brew Hotel	4.3/5 (2.5K)	26 Foveaux St	$20-$40	Rooftop & Craft Beer
Li’l Darlin Surry Hills	4.5/5 (1.3K)	420 Elizabeth St	$20-$60	Cocktails & Casual Dining
The Beresford	4.2/5 (3.3K)	354 Bourke St	$20-$40	Beer Garden & Live Music
Dove & Olive	4.2/5 (2.2K)	156 Devonshire St	$20-$40	Quiet Local Pub
Forrester’s	4.2/5 (1.6K)	336 Riley St	$20-$40	Dog-Friendly & Food
The Clock	4.2/5 (2.6K)	470 Crown St	$20-$40	Multi-Level Pub
The Strawberry	4.0/5 (2.1K)	453 Elizabeth St	$20-$40	Casual Pub Grub
Surry Hills Hotel	4.1/5 (588)	Sydney NSW	$20-$40	Neighbourhood Local

The Top Pubs and Bars in Surry Hills: Full Reviews

Below are detailed write-ups of every major pub, bar, and wine venue worth visiting in Surry Hills. They are organised roughly from the most consistently highly rated down to the solid neighbourhood locals that should absolutely not be overlooked.

1. The Nocturne — 557 Crown St

Rating: 4.9/5 | Price: $20-$40 | Opens: 4pm

The Nocturne sits at the very top of the ratings pile in Surry Hills, and once you step inside you immediately understand why. This is a bar that has been put together with real care and attention — from the layout and the lighting through to the drinks menu and the way the staff carry themselves. The cocktail list is imaginative without being gimmicky, drawing on quality spirits and interesting flavour combinations that feel genuinely exciting rather than trend-chasing.

The room itself is intimate, dark in the right way, and has an atmosphere that feels a little like stumbling into a very well-run secret. It is not trying to be a big, loud venue — and that restraint is exactly what makes it so good. The staff are consistently praised for their warmth and their genuine knowledge of the menu. If you visit Surry Hills for one drink, make it at The Nocturne.

2. Lokal — 104 Fitzroy St

Rating: 4.9/5 | Price: $40-$120 | Opens: 5pm

Lokal is a wine bar and neighbourhood spot that manages to be simultaneously small and absolutely packed with personality. Tucked away on Fitzroy Street, it has built up one of the most devoted local followings of any venue in Surry Hills. The wine list leans toward natural and minimal-intervention producers, with a strong representation of European bottles alongside thoughtful Australian selections.

What sets Lokal apart from many wine bars is the food. Rather than offering just a token selection of cheese and charcuterie, Lokal puts genuine thought into what lands on the plate alongside your glass. The staff are known for being funny and unpretentious — exactly the kind of people you want recommending your next bottle. Bookings are recommended, especially on weekends, because the room is small and fills up fast.

3. The Rover — 75 Campbell St

Rating: 4.7/5 | Price: $20-$120 | Opens: 4pm

The Rover on Campbell Street has established itself as one of the go-to cocktail bars in Surry Hills, and the numbers back it up — over 1,200 reviews averaging 4.7 stars is a genuinely impressive achievement in a neighbourhood full of competition. The cocktail menu changes regularly and shows real creativity, but never at the expense of balance or drinkability.

The staff are consistently highlighted in reviews for being both attentive and knowledgeable without being overbearing. Pricing sits at a reasonable mid-range for a quality cocktail bar, making it a realistic choice for a Thursday night out rather than just a special occasion destination. The room has a warmth and energy that comes from being genuinely well-run rather than over-designed.

4. Bar Copains — 67 Albion St

Rating: 4.6/5 | Price: $60-$160 | Opens: 4pm

Bar Copains translates roughly to ‘bar with mates’ in French, and that spirit permeates every corner of this excellent Albion Street wine bar. The focus here is firmly on the glass — the wine list is considered and deep, with a strong lean toward European producers and natural wines that are interesting without being alienating to someone who is still finding their feet in that world.

The team behind the bar are well-trained and genuinely passionate about what they are pouring, which makes a real difference when you are sitting at the counter and want a recommendation. The food offering complements the wine list without trying to steal the show. Bar Copains is the kind of place you plan to visit for one glass and end up closing out.

5. The White Horse — 381 Crown St

Rating: 4.7/5 | Price: $80-$160 | Opens: 5:30pm

The White Horse sits at the higher end of the price spectrum for Surry Hills, but the quality of both the drinks and the kitchen justifies the spend. This is a venue that blends the bones of a classic Sydney pub with a more considered approach to food and beverage — you get the warmth and ease of a neighbourhood pub experience alongside a menu that has clearly been developed with care.

The service is frequently singled out in reviews as one of the highlights: genuinely attentive, personable, and fast without feeling rushed. The drinks list covers cocktails, a strong wine list, and quality spirits, meaning it works equally well as a dinner venue and as a late evening bar. Crown Street has a lot of competition, but The White Horse holds its own with ease.

6. Bar Conte Surry Hills — 340 Riley St

Rating: 4.7/5 | Price: $40-$140 | Opens: 7:30am

Bar Conte is a little different to most of the other venues on this list in that it opens early and functions as a cafe through the day before transitioning into a fully-fledged cocktail bar come evening. That dual identity gives it a unique rhythm — you can grab a genuinely excellent coffee in the morning and return in the evening for cocktails in the same intimate, beautifully put-together space.

The cocktail list leans sophisticated and the execution is consistently strong. The atmosphere is cosy without feeling cramped, and the service hits that rare note of being both warm and efficient. For visitors staying nearby or working in the area, Bar Conte offers something genuinely useful: a venue that earns its place in your day regardless of what time it is.

7. Shady Pines Saloon — Sydney NSW

Rating: 4.7/5 | Price: $20-$40 | Opens: 5pm

Shady Pines Saloon is one of those Surry Hills bars that has transcended the neighbourhood and become something of a Sydney institution. Hidden down a laneway and accessed through what looks like a nondescript door, it delivers a full American honky-tonk aesthetic that is so thoroughly committed it somehow avoids feeling like a theme bar. The drinks are excellent, the music is always good, and the no-bookings policy keeps the energy in the room authentic and spontaneous.

Cocktails are the main event, though the beer selection is solid and the shots are always flowing. The staff are friendly and fast, which matters when the bar fills up on a weekend night. If you have not been to Shady Pines, it is one of those experiences that is genuinely difficult to replicate anywhere else in Sydney.

8. Jane Surry Hills — 478 Bourke St

Rating: 4.7/5 | Price: $60-$160 | Opens: 5pm

Jane on Bourke Street operates as a restaurant and bar in equal measure, and it does both things very well. The cocktail list is inventive and polished, the wine selection is thoughtful, and the food menu is the kind that makes it genuinely difficult to choose. The atmosphere leans intimate and romantic, making it a strong choice for a date night or a celebratory dinner.

The service team understand how to read a room and calibrate their pace and attention accordingly, which is a skill that sounds basic but is surprisingly rare. Jane has built a strong reputation in Surry Hills not through hype but through consistently delivering on every visit, and that kind of earned reputation is worth paying attention to.

9. The Winery — 285A Crown St

Rating: 4.5/5 | Price: $40-$120 | Opens: 12pm

The Winery is one of the most popular venues in Surry Hills by sheer volume — over 3,300 reviews at 4.5 stars is a substantial body of evidence that this place is doing something right. The outdoor seating area is a genuine drawcard, particularly on a warm afternoon when you want to sit outside with a good bottle and some food without being packed in shoulder to shoulder.

The wine list lives up to the name, covering both Australian and international producers across a range of styles and price points. The food menu is strong enough to build a full evening around, and the kitchen runs long enough that you can eat late without feeling like you are racing the kitchen. For a long, lazy afternoon drink that bleeds into dinner, The Winery is hard to beat.

10. The Cricketers Arms Hotel — 106 Fitzroy St

Rating: 4.4/5 | Price: $20-$40 | Opens: 4pm

The Cricketers Arms is one of those pubs that hits the classic Australian neighbourhood pub brief squarely on the head. There is nothing overwrought about it — the focus is on cold beers, a friendly room, and an atmosphere that shifts through the gears as the evening progresses. Wednesday nights have become something of a legend thanks to live music sessions that pull a genuinely enthusiastic crowd.

Sharing Fitzroy Street with Lokal, the Cricketers Arms offers a pleasing counterpoint: one is all about the glass, the other is about the room. Both are excellent for different reasons. The pub is particularly strong for a first drink of the evening before moving on, or as a destination in its own right if live music is on.

11. Royal Albert Hotel — 140 Commonwealth St

Rating: 4.4/5 | Price: $20-$40 | Opens: 11am

The Royal Albert is a proper Australian pub in the best sense — the kind of place where you can walk in at midday on a Saturday and feel entirely comfortable having a pint without spending a fortune. The taps are well-maintained, the staff are friendly without being performative about it, and the atmosphere is the easy, unpretentious kind that is genuinely hard to manufacture if it is not already there.

Commonwealth Street is a little quieter than Crown or Bourke, which gives the Royal Albert a local regulars feel that is increasingly rare in an inner suburb that has attracted a lot of new and polished venues. If you want to feel like you are drinking in Surry Hills rather than a version of Surry Hills designed for Instagram, this is a very good choice.

12. Keg & Brew Hotel — 26 Foveaux St

Rating: 4.3/5 | Price: $20-$40 | Opens: 10am

The Keg & Brew on Foveaux Street has one of the more compelling packages of any pub in the area. The rooftop is genuinely impressive and earns consistent praise from visitors who make the trip upstairs, particularly on a clear evening when the city skyline provides a backdrop that most venues could only dream of. The beer list runs deeper than your average pub, with a solid craft selection sitting alongside the crowd-pleasing taps.

The food is pub-appropriate and well-executed, and the overall atmosphere is cosy without becoming claustrophobic. Opening at 10am makes it one of the earlier starts in the area, which works in its favour for weekend brunches that slide comfortably into afternoon sessions. The Keg & Brew is the kind of pub that earns its way into your regular rotation and stays there.

13. Li’l Darlin Surry Hills — 420 Elizabeth St

Rating: 4.5/5 | Price: $20-$60 | Opens: 12pm

Li’l Darlin has developed a strong following on Elizabeth Street thanks to a combination of genuinely excellent cocktails, food that goes well beyond pub staples, and staff who are consistently described in reviews as some of the friendliest in the area. The price point sits at a reasonable mid-range, making it accessible for a regular Friday afternoon knock-off drink as well as a more deliberate cocktail evening.

The venue has a relaxed energy that makes it easy to stay for longer than planned, which is always a good sign. The cocktail list shows genuine creativity and the execution is consistent — not an easy thing to maintain when a bar gets busy. Li’l Darlin is very much worth your time on Elizabeth Street.

14. The Carrington — 565 Bourke St

Rating: 4.4/5 | Price: $20-$40 | Opens: 12pm

The Carrington holds a special place in Surry Hills pub culture for being genuinely, unambiguously dog-friendly throughout the venue — not just a designated outdoor area, but the whole pub. For dog owners in the area this is not a small thing, and it has earned the Carrington a devoted following that would rather support a venue that welcomes their four-legged companions than find somewhere technically smarter but less welcoming.

Beyond the dog-friendly credentials, the Carrington is a buzzy, well-run pub with solid food and a kitchen that takes its role seriously. The room has good energy on a Friday or Saturday night, and the pricing keeps it firmly in the accessible range. A very reliable Surry Hills local.

15. The Beresford — 354 Bourke St

Rating: 4.2/5 | Price: $20-$40 | Opens: 12pm

The Beresford is one of the most recognisable pubs in Surry Hills, in part because of its scale and in part because of its history. The beer garden is a significant drawcard, particularly in the warmer months when the outdoor space fills with a crowd that skews young and sociable. The music policy gives the venue an energy that distinguishes it from quieter, more contemplative establishments.

With over 3,300 reviews, the Beresford is clearly doing something right at volume. It is not the most refined venue on this list, but it was never trying to be. What it offers is a big, fun, social pub experience that is easy to enjoy and easy to come back to. For a large group outing or a casual Friday session, the Beresford delivers consistently.

16. Dove & Olive — 156 Devonshire St

Rating: 4.2/5 | Price: $20-$40 | Opens: 12pm

The Dove & Olive on Devonshire Street is the kind of pub that rewards the people who actually live in Surry Hills rather than visit it. Situated on a quieter stretch of the suburb, it has a more relaxed and neighbourhood-focused energy than the venues on Crown or Bourke Street. The beer selection is solid and varied, the staff are approachable, and the overall volume of the pub allows for conversation that does not require leaning in and shouting.

Over 2,200 reviews at 4.2 stars is a solid result for a pub that is genuinely trying to serve its local community rather than maximise tourist throughput. The Dove & Olive is a very dependable option for a quiet Sunday session or an after-work drink on a Tuesday when you want a good pub without the weekend crowds.

17. Forrester’s — 336 Riley St

Rating: 4.2/5 | Price: $20-$40 | Opens: 11:30am

Forrester’s sits alongside Bar Conte on Riley Street and has built a strong reputation for being a proper locals’ pub that also handles food well. The dog-friendly policy has won it a dedicated following among Surry Hills residents who want a venue where the whole household is welcome, and the food offering goes beyond the bare minimum to include dishes that are genuinely well-cooked.

The setting is vibrant without being overwhelming, and the combination of indoor and outdoor space means it works across a range of weather conditions and occasions. Forrester’s is consistently described as a fun, lively venue that manages to feel inclusive rather than exclusive — a quality that is harder to achieve than it looks.

18. The Clock — 470 Crown St

Rating: 4.2/5 | Price: $20-$40 | Opens: 11:30am

The Clock is a Crown Street institution that has been through various iterations over the years and continues to hold its own in a street that has become increasingly competitive. The multi-level layout gives it a flexibility that single-room venues cannot match — there are enough different spaces to find the right spot depending on your mood and your group size.

The drinks offering is straightforward pub-quality, the food does what it needs to, and the overall atmosphere is comfortable and unpretentious. With over 2,600 reviews at 4.2 stars, The Clock clearly has a broad base of supporters who return regularly. It is the kind of Crown Street pub that anchors the neighbourhood rather than trying to redefine it.

19. The Strawberry — 453 Elizabeth St

Rating: 4.0/5 | Price: $20-$40

The Strawberry Hotel on Elizabeth Street is a straightforward, no-fuss pub that does the basics well without reaching for anything too ambitious. The food is classic pub fare served by genuinely friendly staff, and the atmosphere is lively enough to feel like a proper pub rather than a quiet bar. Over 2,100 reviews at 4.0 stars indicates a venue that reliably meets expectations even if it is not consistently exceeding them.

For visitors who want a casual meal and a couple of cold beers in a lively setting without worrying about bookings or dress codes, The Strawberry is a solid pick. It sits comfortably in the category of ‘places that Surry Hills genuinely needs’ — approachable, affordable, and consistent.

20. Surry Hills Hotel

Rating: 4.1/5 | Price: $20-$40

The Surry Hills Hotel is the kind of neighbourhood pub that local residents quietly appreciate because it has not tried to become something it is not. The staff are described as friendly and genuinely welcoming, the food is honest and well-prepared, and the overall vibe is that of a pub that belongs to the people who drink in it rather than to a brand or a concept.

In a suburb that is sometimes accused of losing its neighbourhood character to gentrification and development, the Surry Hills Hotel is a reminder that there is still room for a proper local pub without a wine director or a cocktail programme. That is not a criticism — it is a compliment.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of the Surry Hills Pub Scene

Surry Hills is compact enough that you can easily visit three or four venues in a single evening on foot. Here are some practical notes for making the most of it:

• Crown Street and Bourke Street are the main arteries for pubs and bars. Walk the length of Crown Street from Oxford Street down toward Cleveland Street and you will pass more good venues than you can realistically fit into one night.
• Weeknights, particularly Thursdays, often offer better service and more relaxed seating than Friday and Saturday evenings when the best venues fill up quickly. If a venue is on your must-visit list, check whether they take bookings.
• Many of the best wine bars in Surry Hills operate a walk-in only policy or keep limited seating for reservations. Arriving early — before 6pm on weekdays or before 7pm on weekends — gives you the best chance of getting a seat.
• The suburb is very well served by buses on Crown Street and Elizabeth Street, and it is a manageable walk or short ride share from Central Station. Driving is not recommended given the parking restrictions and the density of the venue options — you will want to be able to drink freely.
• Dog owners should be aware that The Carrington and Forrester’s are the most consistently dog-friendly options, with indoor access for well-behaved dogs throughout the venues.
• If you are interested in craft beer specifically, the Keg & Brew Hotel and the Dove & Olive both maintain solid tap and bottled selections that go beyond the major commercial lagers.

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Best Pubs in Surry Hills by Occasion

Different venues suit different nights out. Here is a quick guide to matching your mood and occasion to the right Surry Hills pub:

Best for a Romantic Night Out

Jane Surry Hills and Lokal are both well-suited to date nights. Jane offers a polished cocktail and dining experience in a warm, intimate room, while Lokal provides the kind of relaxed but genuinely special wine bar setting that makes for an excellent second or third date.

Best for a Big Group Night Out

The Beresford is the obvious choice for large groups thanks to its scale, beer garden, and high energy. The Keg & Brew rooftop is another strong option if the weather is on your side. Both venues are spacious enough to accommodate a sizeable group without the experience feeling cramped.

Best for Craft Cocktails

The Rover, The Nocturne, and Shady Pines Saloon are the clear leaders for serious cocktail drinking. Each has a distinct personality — The Rover is polished and contemporary, The Nocturne is intimate and considered, and Shady Pines brings an energy and theatricality that is entirely its own.

Best for Wine Lovers

Bar Copains, Lokal, and The Winery are the top three destinations for anyone who cares about what is in their glass. Bar Copains and Lokal both lean toward natural wine, while The Winery offers a broader and more accessible selection across styles and price points.

Best for a Casual Weekday Drink

The Dove & Olive, Royal Albert Hotel, and the Surry Hills Hotel all hit the right note for a low-key after-work drink in a venue that does not require you to spend big or plan ahead. These are genuine neighbourhood pubs that are comfortable and undemanding in the best possible way.

Frequently Asked Questions: Pubs in Surry Hills

Final Thoughts: The Surry Hills Pub Scene

What makes Surry Hills such a genuinely excellent destination for a night out is the sheer variety of what is on offer within a very compact geography. You can start the evening with natural wine at Bar Copains or Lokal, move on for a creative cocktail at The Rover or The Nocturne, and close out the night at Shady Pines with something a little less reverent. Or you can keep it simple and spend the whole evening at the Keg & Brew rooftop with a cold beer and a good view.

The suburb has enough heritage pubs to remind you where Australian drinking culture comes from, and enough forward-thinking wine and cocktail venues to show you where it is headed. The best pubs in Surry Hills are not competing with each other so much as they are offering different answers to the same question: where do you want to be tonight?

The answer, more often than not, is somewhere in Surry Hills.