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
HEART OF SURRY HILLS
Mouth-watering morsels to sample and savour, speciality cocktails, gorgeous character-filled streets and live music and DJ talent for all to enjoy – you’ll want for nothing this November when you immerse yourself in the Heart of Surry Hills.
For four exciting weeks, from 01 to 30 November, the Heart of Surry Hills will bring together the area’s renowned and unique culinary flavours and experiences in one all-encompassing showcase.
The month-long program of food and beverage, art, markets and music includes a community art project, bespoke and signature beverage and dining menus, walking tours, and a free showcase event in Shannon Reserve featuring live music and DJ’s, food and beverage celebrating local brewers and distillers.
City of Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore said, “The gorgeous character-filled streets Surry Hills will come alive this November with delicious bites, and entertainment for everyone – as part of the Heart of Surry Hills celebration.
“The City of Sydney is proud to support the month-long program of food, art, and music that concludes with a spectacular weekend event at Shannon Reserve.
“This activation for the month of November highlights the very best of our world-class hospitality venues, distilleries, and breweries as well as connecting communities through art and music.”
EASTSIDE UNLOCKED
EASTSIDE UNLOCKED is an epic four-week festival celebrating the very best of Sydney’s inner-east creative precinct, with drag, art, food, music, performance and more for the entire month of October.
Sydneysiders are invited to rediscover the Harbour city’s liveliest suburbs Potts Point, Surry Hills, Darlinghurst and Woolloomooloo, through over 80 colourful and diverse events at 35 venues across the precinct.
Eastside Sydney has so much to offer when it comes to culture, live performance, food, drink and more. We’re inviting Sydney to rediscover Eastside’s world-class restaurants, art galleries, cosy cocktail bars and iconic nightlife venues.
Festival program highlights include a Caribbean Festival at Rosie Campbell's, life drawing at Ching-a-Lings, a Natural Beer Festival at Bitter Phew, Murder Mystery nights at Grove Bar, a Fashion Feast at EZRA and a Rosé Festival at the Winery. Plus, an extensive lineup of comedy nights, poetry, DJ sets, trivia, live music, drag shows and more!
For those looking to embrace the spooky season, Eastside Unlocked will also see a series of Halloween events take place on the final weekend of the festival.
This includes Hotel Hollywood’s Horror Hotel Immersive Experience, Halloween Hijinks at Soda Factory, a Haunted House party with Burlesque Entertainment at Surly’s American Tavern, Spooky Halloween Queer Cabaret at Dulcie's Kings Cross, La Vampire Du Nuit at Claire's Kitchen at le Salon, Halloween Drag Brunch at Bar Nina and a special Halloween in the Honky Tonk event at Shady Pines.
In addition, Sydneysiders will be able to experience undiscovered parts of the precinct, with an immersive augmented reality art walk designed as a treasure hunt. Artworks will come alive through digital animation and sound via the free EyeJack app.
Throughout the precinct, there will be 15 artworks to discover, created by leading artists, animators and sound designers from around the planet.
Eastside Unlocked is proudly funded by the NSW Government as part of the CBDs Revitalisation Program. With a range of free and ticketed events on offer, bookings are strongly recommended to secure your spot.
To learn more about Eastside Unlocked, or for the full program of free and ticketed events, please visit: eastsidesydney.com
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
CUT STORE
CUT Store has opened its new, flagship retail space on Crown St, which means their covetable portfolio of US fashion brands, usually only available online, are now in-store for instant gratification!
Brands include Jen’s Pirate Booty, LUV AJ, Lacausa and perfectwhitetee as well as new brands in the CUT family including Understated Leather, Daydreamer and Baggu.
“We could not be more excited to open the doors to CUT Store Surry Hills and invite our customers in to experience the world of CUT in a physical setting for the first time,” says CUT Agency director, Hannah Maginn. “We have grand plans for 2022 with the introduction of several exciting new brands which we cannot wait to share with our customers in the new Surry Hills flagship store.”
CUT stands for Conscious Universal Traders and in keeping with this ethos they search out brands that are conscious, ethical and sustainable. The CUT customers are moving away from trends and instead are investing in wardrobe pieces that are curated with longevity and craftsmanship in mind.
The store is a dreamy world of deep greens and blush pinks, with inviting, textured carpets and curved fixtures making the perfect setting for indulging in the CUT world of fashion and accessories.
263 Crown Street, Surry Hills
RU PAUL’S DRAG RACE DOWN UNDER
It’s official mothertuckers! RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under is back for season 2, dropping weekly episodes on STAN, starting July 30th. Ten Antipodean Queens from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and NZ will be sashaying in front of judges RuPaul, Michelle Visage and Rhys Nicholson, all of them vying for the Drag Race Crown. As per last season, some local Oxford St favourites are included. Look out for Hannah Conda and Minnie Cooper. Definitely recommend catching this one on the big screen at a local viewing party near you.
Suggest Universal, Ginger’s or Stonewall for some Drag Race Down Under hijinks!
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.
MARDI GRAS PARADE BACK ON OXFORD ST
The annual Mardi Gras Parade is set to return to Oxford St in February 2023, for the first time in three years. It sits in the middle of the Sydney World Pride calendar, a 17-day celebration of Australian LGBTQIA+ fabulousness, with over 300 events across the city, from the Opera House and Harbour Bridge to Bondi Beach and all stops in between. This includes Darlinghurst where there will be a series of street closures for the annual Parade and the new Pride Villages.
As the biggest event of the Sydney WorldPride festival, all eyes will be on the 12,000 marchers as 200 floats adorn Oxford Street for the first time since 2020. You can expect all your Parade favourites, from the famous rumble of the Dykes on Bikes to the quintessentially Australian Lifesavers With Pride, and the many wonders of our LGBTQIA+ communities.
Pride Villages – for 10 days from 24 February, sections of Crown Street and Riley Street will be closed and become home to stalls, dining and performances. On the final weekend of Sydney WorldPride, a section of Oxford Street itself will be closed to create a giant street party, all the way from College Street to Flinders Street.. Lots more announcements to come, so stay tuned!
More than 500,000 people are expected to participate in Sydney WorldPride, making it the biggest event to hit town since the 2000 Olympics. Other events include :
Live & Proud – Sydney WorldPride’s Opening Concert, presented by American Express – we’re getting the party started with this opening concert, hosted by Courtney Act and Casey Donovan.
Bondi Beach Party, presented by Optus – for one day only, the sandy jewel of Sydney will become the city’s hottest club for 12,000 people.
Sydney WorldPride Human Rights Conference – the largest LGBTQIA+ human rights conference ever held in Asia-Pacific region.
Blak & Deadly: The First Nations Gala Concert – experience a rainbow explosion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBTQIA+ artistry, across a two-hour concert hosted by Steven ‘Faboriginal’ Oliver at the Sydney Opera House.
First Nations Gathering Space – held at Carriageworks and running across six nights, featuring exhibits, theatre, dining and drag.
Rainbow Republic, presented by Optus – six hours of live music, DJs and performances await you at The Domain, for a queer megamix of international and local acts.
Ultra Violet – an inclusive LGBTQIA+ women’s party at Sydney’s Town Hall where Drag Kings, burlesque stars and cabaret performers take to the stage.
Domain Dance Party – dance with 10,000 of your mates at the biggest LGBQTIA+ outdoor dance party Australia has ever seen.
Pride March – 50,000 people will join this historic Pride march across one of the world’s most-recognisable landmarks, the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
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
POTTS POINT BOOKSHOP
A beautiful and beautifully curated bookshop, with every staff member knowledgable and full of book tips, whether buying for yourself or a gift (free wrapping available too). Stocking classic and contemporary fiction, biography, history, art, photography, design and cook books. Also, have a surprisingly large selection of children’s books from board books for babies to teenage fiction and everything in between.
First and foremost, a community bookstore. a place where readers of every kind are welcome. They host a range of special events, author talks and book launches to keep everyone entertained. Also host a series of book clubs, for lovers of literary fiction and crime novels.
In their own words “it’s all about sharing our love of great books, and that will never change - we love literature and we love talking about it….”
14 Macleay St, Elizabeth Bay
DAILY JOCKS
Calling themselves “the ultimate underwear and swimwear authority” the team at Daily Jocks know their stuff and really do have something for everyone, bringing together a global community of underwear fanatics.
Underwear, swimwear, sportswear, festishwear - all categories covered. The team is also champions of unity in the community and celebrates that diversity and inclusivity across every facet of the brand, from campaigns, to sizing, to the in-store experience.
163 Oxford St, Darlinghurst
BECKER MINTY
Becker Minty owner, Jason Minty started his career on-board QANTAS and hasn’t lost any of his love for jet-setting around the globe … now he’s buying up items for his fabulous Potts Point design store.
From Paris to Las Vegas and everywhere in between Jason’s discerning eye searches out art, furniture, lighting, fashion, and jewellery. Australian designers and artists are also well represented in store too. There’s also a revolving display or artists work both in the store and the annex round the corner on Macleay St.
Becker Minty is popular with architects, designers and stylists - those arbiters of style who know a good thing when they see it.
Prices range from aspirational to affordable - you could deck out your whole penthouse apartment, find a new artist to love or come home with a fab Trudon candle or vintage brooch. It’s worth a browse!
7, 81 Macleay St (enter via Manning St) Potts Point
