I've just started working in the area and it seems like this is the 'after work drinks' spot...it's hidden away, like stepping through a portal into a strange little funky den. Definitely wouldn't have noticed it if I wasn't taken here! It's nice, cozy and definitely has some attitude for a small little place. The staff seem 'ok'...I guess (one guy was a little moody), but put your hand up at the bar to be served or they'll probably just ignore you. The paintings that adorn all the walls are pretty cool (except for the one that's upside down...fighting the OCD to turn it the right way up!!!) and the theme of always having something to look at continues to the bathrooms, us guys even get retro 50-60's topless pinup pics (most probably to take attention away from the total mess that the itty bitty bathroom is in). As I've only been on Friday's, I know happy hour is from 5-7pm with beers, wine, cocktails & jugs on the menu, all seemed to be priced ok (nowhere as cheap as places close-by like the Brighton Hotel). Be warned that they're quite strict on times, so don't show up 5 to 5 and expect happy hour prices. The range of drinks isn't massive here and most of the drinks are bottled. Outside of happy hour, the price of drinks can be pretty high. I felt like cider after a long day at work and saw that they had Rekorderlig on the menu, but for $14 a pop I'm going to pass (only $7-8 at BWS). Now, what I give the place credit for and really is a hidden gem...the pizzas. Perhaps it was the alcohol, but free pizzas with jugs were most welcome (not sure if this happens all the time). I tried the chorizo pizza which was awesome, flavourful slices of chorizo, flowing with melty cheesy goodness and on a decent thin base. I also tried the margherita but can't remember how it was...I pretty much inhaled it (my colleagues seemed to do the exact same thing). As it's so close to work, I'll probably keep hitting Cafe Lounge up on a Friday but don't really see myself trekking over from the North Shore at any other time. If you are in the area though, go lounge around, chill, have a drink and try to resist the need to stick the toy animals/dinosaurs they give you as table numbers into the giant jars with candles...(it wasn't me, seriously...). read more

Cafe Lounge - Watching you in action in the cubical of the mens bathroom... - Bars Near Me - Surry Hills, NSW

Came Thursday night for free jazz, although in my opinion it was more oldies songs being covered than jazz. The place has a definite retro-dive feel to it. This is the kinda bar where you expect a generous pour and inexpensive drinks, but they definitely measure their shots. read more

This joint is very hipster with random decor. The staff were very frienly and laid back. When you order from the bar they give you some random shark, dinosaur ..... toys etc instead of a number or a buzzer. They do nightly food and bevvy specials. They pour some stiff drinks, love it. We stopped in on a Thursday for $10 burger night. I ordered the southern fried chicken burger. Full of flavour with a kick from the cajun spiced fried chicken and jalepenos, niceThe burger came with some crispy fried wedges. The wife was trying to get at mine, so I had to divert her hand a few times with a slap. Also noticed they have $3 pizza on Tuesday nights and $10 cocktail happy hour on Friday from 5-7 for after work drinks, Bargain Great spot if you are a uni student, on a budget or just a tight arse who loves a bargain. read more

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Excellent choice of 3 dollar pizzas on Tuesday night! Also good price for happy hour beer between 5 and 7 pm! Great music, kind of oldies and rock music! read more

Cafe Lounge - Entrance by night - Bars Near Me - Surry Hills, NSW

While there's been quite a number of small bars popping up over Sydney since the liquor licensing laws were changed, lounge bar is one of the few quirky small bars that has been around for some time. Located just off Crown st, near the corner or crown and oxford st, lounge bar is great place to go, where you don't need to dress up, where you can kick back with some good tunes (the night I was there they were playing 50s rock n roll, soul and rhythmn and blues artists like Otis Redding) and take in the cool ecclectic decorations, like the 2nd hand lamp shades, gold painted wall or the large tropical mural, fairy lights and 2nd hand cathode ray tvs plonked against the wall. A good night out when you just want to chill with mates in a welcoming place that's got character. read more

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Walk through the door (or rather, pull back the curtain) and enter this snug, semi-underground drinking den. Café Lounge is a popular haunt for its mixed crowd, inviting punters in with it colourful walls, communal bench seating and rear courtyard area. They come for the drinks, but they stay for the food - this place is pumping out some seriously delectable pizzas. Super thin, crusty bases are topped with non-traditional ingredients to great effect, like on the 'jamon' with Spanish serrano ham, fresh pear slices and rocket dressed in balsamic vinegar. All their flavours are awesome, but the best by far is the 'funghi' with mixed wild mushrooms, a light layer of chopped tomatoes, melted boncconcini and a decent amount of deluxe truffle oil. On a recent trip here, a friend* became so intoxicated by the lure of these addictive woodfired delights that after a few too many vinos (just $6 for a glass of their berrylicious organic house red) took to chatting up fellow guests at random in the hope of scoring an extra slice or two. And it worked. *I lie. 'Twas not a friend, but me. read more

Cafe Lounge - Bars Near Me - Surry Hills, NSW

Tucked away just off Crown Street is this funky den for local hipsters and spot where the cool kids hang out. Lounge is a relaxed, intimate, underground cafe and bar to eat, be merry and shamelessly lounge around. Gloriously decked out with eclectic retro decor, a mish mash of furniture and wonderfully kitsch paintings. The colourful, hawaiian style mural across the courtyard wall of palms against a setting sun, set the scene nicely. The atmosphere is relaxed, warm and intimate, just like hanging at a mate's place (a stylishly shabby chic mate, with a load of hip friends). A local favourite for live music, a few nights a week, and comedy each Monday. The food on offer is all tremendously good value, a great selection of snacks to share. Try the salt n pepper squid ($10), or the tasty cajun spiced wedges ($8). Great selection of pizzas too all $15 each - I recommend the Chorizo, with spinach and onion, or Prawn and Banana for the brave, with onion, peanuts, chilli sambal and coriander. The solid selection of mains are all well priced at $15. Try the Braised Lamb Shank on creamy mash with blanched greens, Zucchini flowers stuffed with pumpkin and amaretto on a rocket, pear and walnut salad, or the Grilled pork skewers on cous cous with a peppered fig relish is a must-try. read more

Cafe Lounge - Bars Near Me - Surry Hills, NSW

Recently in Sydney for a work trip, and being born and raised a Sydney-sider, the pressure was on for me to come up with a Monday night plan for the interstate group. Sneaking a peek in the Time Out (some might call that cheating; I call it using a secret weapon), I saw that Cafe Lounge offered $10 comedy and cheap pizzas on a Monday night. Best $10 I've ever spent. There were about 10 acts and a very funny MC. Each act had a five minute slot and many of the comics were trying out some new material. As expected, there were a couple of flops, but all took it in their stride. For the most part, my colleagues and I were not just smiling, but laughing. I even guffawed. I might have had tears on my cheeks at one stage. So many jokes and funny anecdotes that appealed. Although, perhaps a little too much focus from a number of the comics on rape? Pizzas looked good, but with a GF colleague, we didn't actually eat at the establishment. But lots of other people were and there didn't seem to be anything but empty plates going back to the kitchen. Cute little dimly lit establishment with enough nooks and crannies to seat a good crowd. Wouldn't want to be in there if there's a fire, though. read more

A bit dingy on the inside, but totally willing to forego wearing white pants to take advantage of their awesome happy hour. Likely the best $10 espresso martinis you'll ever try-- those babies are lethal, too! And since I can't stop at just one (nor should you!!!) you should also give the Sloe, Baby, Sloe a try. I'm not a massive gin fan and I could barely tell with all of other deliciousness going on. They've also got great deals on during the week (did someone say $3 for a pizza on Tuesdays?). Definitely a hidden gem. read more

It seems like a no-brainer that comfy, cozy bars are better. Booze and couches go together like ham and cheese, and why more Sydney establishments haven't sorted this one out is beyond me. The Lounge in Surry Hills on Goulburn (off Crown Street) has that "secret hideout" feeling. I suggest checking it out on a weekday evening when it's less likely to be packed wall-to-wall with people. Lounge offers a unique cocktail menu with a small food menu to match. I recommend the prawn and banana pizza ($15) that will knock your taste upside the buds with Spanish onions, peanuts, chilli, sambal and coriander. Wash that down with a cold lager, sink back into the plush sofa and I basically guarantee you'll be feeling pretty darn good. read more

Cafe Lounge - Bars Near Me - Surry Hills, NSW

This place is great - sitting back on one of the comfy chairs or up at a table to some really great music, drinks and food. Staff are really friendly and happy people. Pizzas were really nice - had the duck pizza and lamb roast pizza and they were gone in minutes! Loved them so much we ordered another. Highly recommend going on the acoustic music nights for free. read more

Checked out Cafe Lounge out of curiosity on a Wednesday night (found it on bobbingowl.com) and could not believe the VIBE!!! As soon as I stepped into Cafe Lounge, I was transformed into another world - disco balls, lounges, palm trees on a colourful stage and a chill crowd chatting away! The venue is well structured for groups of all sizes - big tables near the stage, smaller more intimate tables and couches further back towards the bar. The burgers with wedges were an absolute steal for $15! What made the evening that extra bit special was the live music, I could not believe the talent in these musicians ... how have I not heard of this place before?! Will definitely be revisiting! read more

A comedy club on Monday nights on Goulburn Street Surry Hills, great for a laugh, it's small and cosy but has some fantastic acts come through the doors. The bar has almost all of the good stuff in the way of liquor and the staff are really courteous and add to the atmosphere, I would recommend pre-booking your tickets as you don't want to miss out. There are DJ's and live music scattered through the week. It is good for a Friday and Saturday night here. There are cheap $10 pizzas if you go early enough - these really do demand your attention and the bar gives you a feeling of being in the know, like you've discovered a well kept secret - it's got that hidden treasure cove feel to it. The atmosphere is very social and mingling is definitely encouraged from the set out of the furniture. Enough said, come and see for yourself. read more

Cafe Lounge - Bars Near Me - Surry Hills, NSW

Ten stars. Went here on a Tuesday night, which helped, but even outside of happy hour the prices are reasonable and the vibe is great (the Shady Pines crowd has not yet taken over!). The only downside was the long line at the bar and the similarly long wait for food, but for the price it's hard to complain. The music was also good, which was a pleasant surprise. Will definitely be back. read more

Visiting Sydney, not too sure what to do on a Monday, this place came up as a suggestion. Upon arrival, we weren't sure but decided to go in anyways. What a cool little spot! The decor is eclectic and funky, service members were great. But the cheeseburger is probably one of the best I've had. Highly recommend for a fun night out!! read more

I love the thin crust pizzas... Which are even better value during the 5-7pm happy hour ($7 down from $15) - you can't get a better pizza in Sydney for $7. And, that's not all, The Comedy Lounge on Monday nights (weekly), Nerd Nights on Wednesdays (monthly), and free music nights on other weeks make it one of the best places to hangout in the hippest suburb in Sydney. The pizzas, comedy/nerd nights, music and decor really make it a very unique stand-out place in Sydney. Highly recommended! read more

Awesome bar for local stand up comedy on Monday nights. Great deals during happy hour (5:30 - 7pm), $5 beers and $10 cocktails. I highly recommend the prawn & banana pizza, and for cocktails go with the kiwi love chair. read more

After arriving at the bar (sober), I purchased a drink for myself and my friend for his birthday. Amidst laughter and celebration, one of the bouncers asked me to leave for 'showing signs of intoxication.' He claimed that my eyes were glazed over, I was slurring my speech, and I was walking funny. I reacted calmly for someone with allergies and a former speech impediment, yet the bouncer claimed that I was 'showing signs of aggression' and nudged me out the door. I then had a very lengthy conversation with the manager, in which he admitted that the bar has a 'quota' they must reach in removing people from the bar every night regardless of whether they are truly intoxicated. I asked to take a breathalyzer to prove my sobriety and the manager refused, claiming (in the same way as the bouncer) that my eyes were glazed over, I was slurring my speech, and I was walking funny. They seem to have this who act down to a science. There's no other way to put it; if you're a male with a drink in your hand, you're at risk of being kicked out of this place. Save yourself the trouble and find a new venue instead. Also, the drinks were mediocre. read more