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The Best Bars in Wollongong for a Cheeky Cocktail or Two
Explore the local bar scene with our list of Wollongong's best bars.
Get ready to discover the vibrant bar scene of Wollongong, where the drinks flow and the good times roll. In this article, we delve into the city’s most exceptional bars, where you can sip on expertly crafted cocktails, enjoy a cold beer, or dance the night away.
From cosy speakeasies to lively rooftop bars, these are the best bars Wollongong has to offer. Cheers!
Ilu Ilu Bar
Ilu Ilu Bar is doing things differently, offering Indian tapas, street food and a host of mouthwatering cocktails to anyone looking for a tasty night out. Butter chicken fondue and green mango margarita? Heaven is a place on earth. Keep abreast of Ilu Ilu’s socials for details on their regular jazz nights and bottomless brunches, too.
10-18 Regent Street, Wollongong
Night Parrot
As the name suggests, the good people at Night Parrot stay up late, every day of the week, to serve tipples to the bevvy of thirsty folk that stride through their doors. You can expect an exceptional wine list and zingy Asian-inspired street food. In wild news, they’re open until 2am every Friday and Saturday!
69 Crown Street, Wollongong
Halfway
If you’re looking for a chic new late-night haunt, consider your quest complete. Halfway specialises in tequila, so you can rest assured they make a mean margy. Pair with delicious grazing boards of charcuterie and you’ve got the perfect evening. Need an excuse for a night out? Halfway runs a cut-price happy hour daily.
248 Crown Street, Wollongong
Pickled Poet
Nestled within one of Wollongong’s charming coastal suburbs is Pickled Poet. Wine bar meets deli meets restaurant, this sleek spot is the place to go for grazing boards loaded with cheese, charcuterie and house-made lavosh. Those with an eye for design will appreciate the Mediterranean-inspired interior, combining curved lines and a warm colour palette. For an alfresco experience, ask for a table in the courtyard, where fairy lights and live music set the scene on a warm summer night.
368-370 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Thirroul
Scoundrel’s Rest
Scoundrel’s Rest offers a tropical escape in the heart of Wollongong, with exotic cocktails by the bucketload and a smorgasbord of Caribbean and street food-inspired bites. Expect plenty of rum and brightly covered beverages, vibrant energy and a fun lineup of regular events. One for the rum fanatics, they have a library of over 50 to try, many of which go into their signature mai tais, mojitos and pina coladas.
Keep an eye out for their regular specials that includes the likes of $10 jackfruit curry and $10 tap cocktails.
2/74 Kembla Street, Wollongong
Bar Lina
Australian wine bar meets Portuguese taverna at Bar Lina. Lean into the warm interiors as you’re serenaded by vinyl, snacking on gilda and sipping on your libation of choice. Pop in for small plates and a glass of natural wine or stay all night with cocktails and a Portuguese feast.
1/17 Globe Lane Wollongong
Humber
Humber, a fun rooftop bar in Wollongong, takes its place among the city’s finest watering holes. With its stylish ambience and impressive drinks menu, it offers a haven for cocktail enthusiasts and craft beer lovers alike. From expertly crafted libations to a vibrant atmosphere, Humber guarantees a memorable night out in Wollongong’s thriving bar scene.
226 Crown Street, Wollongong
Juniper
When it comes to the best bars in Wollongong, Juniper is at the top. Situated in the heart of the city, this hidden gem offers a unique and intimate atmosphere that is perfect for a night out. With an impressive array of handcrafted cocktails, a carefully curated selection of gin and spirits, and knowledgeable bartenders, you’ll be as smitten as we are in no time at all.
121 Keira Street, Wollongong
His Boy Elroy
His Boy Elroy is a little laneway bar and burger joint that’s all about serving up burgers and brisket – think American South. Once you have ordered the Nashville Chicken burger and Colonel Elroy’s crunchy slaw, sip your way through the cocktail menu. Beyond the classics, you will find signature drinks like passionfruit-y Pretty Woman and the floral Bloom Fizz.
Keira Street, Wollongong
Pepe’s
One of the best places to soak up the fresh sea breeze in this vibrant coastal town is Pepe’s. Serving up California cool, you can expect an extensive cocktail list, including a few fun frozen ones, alongside a Mexican-inspired menu. The sprawling alfresco deck is perfect for a lazy Sunday afternoon where you can score $12 margaritas between 4pm and 6pm.
2-14 Cliff Road, Wollongong
Howlin’ Wolf Bar
The Howlin’ Wolf is the local authority on whisk(e)y and with a line-up of live music, you’re basically guaranteed a good night out here. Don’t worry, whiskey isn’t all that these guys get right — the cocktail list is definitely worth a look in too.
103/53-61 Crown Street, Wollongong
The Prince Wollongong
The Prince is one of those bars where people come for the vibes and stay for the cocktails. We have our eyes on the ‘Chippy’ menu, paired with one of their delicious ‘Sour’ cocktails. Late into the evening you can expect fun and frivolity as it becomes the place to be for late-night shenanigans.
Globe Lane, Wollongong
Loved our round-up of the best bars in Wollongong and looking for more local inspo? Head to our roundups of the best cafes and restaurants in Wollongong.
