The Strawberry

The Strawberry is a long-running Surry Hills pub built around straightforward food, cold drinks and plenty of room to settle in. The venue says it has been serving locals since 1870, and its approach is deliberately unfussy: familiar pub classics sit alongside seasonal specials, with generous portions and flavour taking priority over complicated presentation. The menu includes loaded burgers, woodfired pizzas, fresh salads and chargrilled steaks, as well as vegan and gluten-free options.

There are several ways to spend time here. Downstairs has the feel of a traditional pub, while upstairs leads to a sunny rooftop courtyard. A beer garden provides another spot for a drink, and the big screen makes the venue an option for watching sport. The overall setup suits a quick solo pint, a casual meal with friends or a larger gathering for birthdays and other occasions. The pub also positions itself as a place for trivia, with Monday night sessions, while its broad mix of spaces gives groups room to be social without making the whole visit feel formal.

The regular specials give the week some structure. Monday features rump steak served with chips, salad and a choice of sauce; Taco Tuesday offers chicken, fish or beef tacos; and Wednesday brings schnitzels, with the option to add a parmi. Thursday is dedicated to a curry special. The drinks program includes happy-hour tap beers, wines and spirits, craft beers and pints, while Friday brings Irish music and a DJ later in the evening. Saturday has a cocktail happy hour and a DJ, and Sunday focuses on spritzes. These offers are useful for locals looking for a midweek meal or an easy way to start a night out.

The Strawberry also has a notable place in Sydney’s music history. Its history describes the venue as a cornerstone of the city’s live music scene, particularly during the 1980s and 90s, when it hosted pub rock, punk and emerging alternative acts. The Triffids, The Celibate Rifles, Lime Spiders and The Hard-Ons are among the bands named as having played there, while bookings by the Sydney Improvised Music Association connected the pub with Sydney’s jazz and improvised music community. That legacy remains part of the venue’s character, even as its current focus centres on pub dining, drinks, sport and social gatherings.