Best pubs in Surry Hills

The Cricketers Arms is, arguably, Surry Hills’ – if not Sydney’s – most classic Aussie pub. The fact that they’ve hardly done a thing to the bottom floor and beer garden in decades is what’s given it its charm. 

Time Out tip: Hungry? The level 1 bistro has had a a French(ish) revolution. Instead of serving up its usual pub grub classics, it’s become ‘Chez Crix’.

The Dolphin boasts a buzzy public bar, dining room and open-air terrace, as well as a wine room. It's a cracking place for a team lunch or knock-off beer, and on the weekends it pumps.

Time Out tip: Charred, blistered and puffy with flavour-bomb toppings, the wood-fired pizza here is seriously good.

A lot of Sydney’s pubs play a single trump – tender steak, good times trivia, clean beer, golden schnitzel – but it’s a truly special boozer that can show a full and winning hand. Dove and Olive is that place. They've tapped the biggest craft beer collection in Surry Hills. Suddenly we had a pub for all occasions where the beers, food and vibe are were ace and the mounted deer horns came with googly eyes.

Time Out tip: Drop in for happy hour (weekdays, 4-7pm) and make the most of $7.50 beer, wine and spirits.

Housed in a heritage-listed Art Deco building on the corner of Foster and Hunt Streets in Surry Hills, Hollywood Hotel is a Sydney icon. Former Hollywood actress and cabaret artist Doris Goddard opened the boozer back in 1977, making her one of our first female publicans. She owned the pub until her death in 2019, and in 2021, it was snapped up by the owners behind the Village Inn in Paddington and the now-closed Riley St Garage in Woolloomooloo. Sure, the inside is a little rough around the edges. But in a city of shiny new openings and multi-million dollar fitouts, an unpretentious and worn pub, where everyone is welcome, will always be welcome in our books.

Time Out tip: A straight-up booze list, ’70s memorabilia and live music remains at the heart of this watering hole. And order one of the ripper toasties.

When a hot dog and a craft brew is all your heart desires then it’s time to cannonball down the slopes of Surry Hills to the Royal Albert Hotel. You will not be the only one making a beeline for this compact taphouse so expect to squeeze inside the front bar to get amongst the good-natured carousing that happens here every evening at quitting time. When you’re not feeling the sardine vibes out the front mosey on through to the middle pod where things get roomier and you can sit rather than lean.

Time Out tip: Come to Royal Albert Hotel on Thursdays from noon for steaks from $18.

Cold beers, mid-week specials, rocking parties, live DJs and more – it's all happening at Harry's. Now owned by the team behind The Dolphin and Shell House, Harry's is your one-stop shop for a good time in Surry Hills.

Time Out tip: Hello, $10 burgers on Wednesdays. Do we need to say more?

It’d be a rare occurrence to find yourself at this Bourke Street pub not in the company of at least one floof, pupper or doggo. This pub doesn’t just have a dog-friendly policy, they actively encourage you to pop in even if you’ve only got your pet for company.

Time Out tip: Craving a hearty Sunday roast? The Carrington does a mean one.

Down the bottom of Foveaux Street is where you'll find this old beauty. A recent revamp means this Surry Hills pub is looking good. With quality pub food and 50 different beers on tap, there's a lot to like here.

Time Out tip: Keg & Brew has a great rooftop bar area and even better pizzas.

The Clock is an institution in the Sydney pub scene. The regal two-storey hotel occupies a commanding position on Surry Hills’ Crown Street and a well-earned place in the hangover hall of fame for most Sydneysiders following a big night out here. And while times change and slight décor adjustments are made over the years, the Clock essentially remains the same. It aims to be most of the things to most of the people and it does so commendably.

Time Out tip: Big game coming up? It goes off at The Clock.