6 Americana Joints in Sydney


Get your Stars ‘n’ Stripes on with these 6 Americana-inspired joints.


Brooklyn Social – Surry Hills

This dive bar only recently opened but has already shot to the top of the list. The vibe reflects NYC circa late-60s-early-70s and aims to pay homage to places like CBGB, the iconic East Village live music venue.

This Surry Hills hotspot boasts 44 types of gin, Brooklyn Lager on tap and some of the best American-style food going around. Head here for their Chicken and Waffles; Meat Packing District Burger; a selection of Dogs on Mac and their Cheese Balls. You won’t be disappointed.

Shady Pines – Darlinghurst
This American style saloon is another Darlinghurst favorite and still has lines to get in over the weekend. The walls are decked in taxidermy; the speakers blare country music and patrons are served complementary peanuts in shells – all screaming Midwest USA.

Their cocktails are impressive and the friendly bar staff are more than welcoming, but this joint is more for bevvies so eat before you get there. 

The Soda Factory – Surry Hills

Cheese Burger Spring Rolls - The End.

But really, this place is great. They know how to make a mean (read: freaking huge!) dog and also offer killer wings. The menu at this place is very Americana and they even offer a dessert dog – The Elvis Presley. As you would expect from a joint named The Soda factory, this place also loves an ice cream float. Try the Pina Colada one - it’s an adult’s ‘Spider’ and a new fave of ours. 

SoCal – Neutral Bay

This Southern Californian-influenced joint is one of the best restaurants north of the bridge. The food is very Mexi-Cali with obvious influences of both sides of the border. The menu features dishes that are best shared with friend while the drinks menu is extensive.

Pages of options include PBR tallboys, sangria jugs, varying tequilas - including our pick of the litter, the ‘Spicy Senorita’ (jalapeno-infused tequila with Cointreau, lime juice, and more). Amazing

Miss Peaches Soul Food Kitchen – Newtown

Even just saying the name you can’t help but put on an accent with a southern twang. You know the one. Southern style comfort food is what this joint is all about. Bringing flavors from the deep South to Newtown, this restaurant serves up corn bread sliders, tots, spice-coated shrimp and popcorn, fried chicken and their jambalaya. The menu also boasts a plethora of US brews including a few Sierra Nevada options.

We love this joint. Head here on a Sunday when you’re recovering from a big weekend, you don’t care about the calories and really do need some comfort. 

The Standard Bowl – Surry Hills

This new Sydney fave makes the list due to the fact that is our local version of the famous Brooklyn Bowl. Bowling alleys are big in the States and until The Standard Bowl opened up, in Australia they were more suited to a 10 year old’s birthday than a big night out.

The venue also boasts live music and DJs so weekends go off. Get some friends together, and let’s roll!


Written by Rebecca Clark