Those of you who know me will testify I’m a pretty avid drinker. From Friday arvo beers to Sunday sessions; whatever the occasion I’m keen. Although the beer is expensive AF in Sydney, we are blessed with some pretty awesome venues. Listed below are a few of my favourite watering holes:
Surly’s. Every time I frequent this bar my intentions of having a quiet after work bevvie escalate tenfold. It’s just too good. The beer is the best I’ve had in Sydney; the lines are clean, it’s cold, crisp, and dangerously drinkable. They have a good variety of locally brewed beer along with the straight classics. My favourite is Stone & Wood; I can seriously drink pint after pint, and the good news is you never run dry. The service at Surly’s is impeccable. The staff, comprised of fit girls with red lips and tight white shirts, and rugged bloke-ish men, are friendly, efficient and work to keep you satisfied. The food, classic stodge, is the perfect accompaniment when sinking schooeys. The hot wings with ranch dipping sauce are delish; tongue-tingling, moist (yep I said it) and totally moreish. They do an ace Philly cheese steak, and the cheesy chilli con queso is so very bad, but so very good. Surly’s has a curious and engaging aesthetic; it’s a colourful pastiche, a mix between a classic American sports bar and a traditional dive. Dark wood, neon lights, throwback US memorabilia, and baseball on the TV; it’s intimate yet lively. It's pleasure to drink here, a place you just don’t want to leave, and I have trouble every time.
Goros. I recently had my 27th birthday here and fell in love. The Japanese style go-go bar is cheeky, fun and just effortlessly cool. From the giant reclining Garfield to the Sex Toy vending machine, the space is littered with eclectic things to spark interest and stimulate the senses. Regarding drinks, Goros knocks it outta the park; I mean any place that has Asahi Black on tap is a winner to me. They have a fantastic range of sake and some seriously creative cocktails. The highlight; the Umeshu Highball (Umeshu, Aperol, blood orange, yuzu, tonic) – punchy, refreshing, and totally my vibes. There’s air hockey tables, arcade games and kick ass karaoke rooms (which proved to be so much fun I lost my voice). Goros has originality and steeze in spades and boasts a deeply playful atmosphere. You get the feeling that anything goes. You can act like Japanese business man for the night, relinquish all inhibitions and party the fuck down, free from judgement. Isn’t that what everyone wants?
The Cricketers. The OG Surry Hills pub still hasn’t lost its charm. It’s dark, dingy, and full of character. Authentic and unrefined, the unapologetic sore thumb amidst a sea of gentrified, hipster Hemmes venues that kind of all look the same. It’s a firm fuck you to the pretentious and polished mainstream. I went there recently with my two girlfriends, we sat at a poky little table hidden in the corner of the bar, drops of water falling on us from a crack in the ceiling, the smell of urinal cakes occasionally wafting by. The lack of change is comforting. My beer is served with a side of nostalgia – I’m reminded of my youth, those trashbag nights at the Crix. It’s always been a pub for the no bull shit drinker; cheap booze, generous pours and no queues. You can converse comfortably without having to yell over shitty music, and you’re not required to make idle chit chat with the bar staff; who are pleasantly aloof. Never change baby.
I know, my list isn’t exactly geographically diverse, but the fact these bars are walking (or stumbling) distance from my house definitely adds to their appeal. I also probably should have listed a brewery; I do love them and the creative things they do with beer, but they’re kind of shit to drink at. They never have food, the last time I went to the Batch the food truck ran out and my friend ending up ordering Uber Eats in sheer desperation. They also serve the beer in frustratingly small glasses (what is this a pint for ants?), and close way too early. I imagine all these issues stem from futile licencing laws, which I hope will eventually change. Till then, I’ll see you at Surly’s.