The Rover

Came in with mates for an afterwork catch up. Got the signature Gidley burger, mushroom burger, oysters and fries. The Gidley burger was nice with a nice clean taste…. should it be rated top ten in the world? that’s debatable as there are so many great burger joints in Sydney which I rate just a highly. The mushroom burger although it didnt taste bad was literally just a mushroom in a burger instead of a meat patty. The pickles were absolutely phenomenal. The happy hour oysters were definitely the highlight….$2 an oyster? you definitely can’t beat that. Now to the cocktails. The happy hour cocktails were amazing! the gin and tonic, Venetian spritz and Miami Weiss all tasted great. Presentation of the Miami Weiss had to be the saddest cocktail presentation I have ever seen (it looked like how I would expect a cocktail at a country pub to look). Mushroom burger presentation could do with a little work also ngl. Burgers would have been a solid 4, however as customer service was fantastic (very friendly, welcoming and efficient) I’ll give an additional 1). Seating is limited so arrive early. Food came out in a surprisingly decent time. Ambience was nice and cosy.

The best happy hour in Sydney! I’m not one to gate keep, so here’s my two cents on The Rover’s absolutely exceptional happy hour. You can have cheaper happy hour oysters elsewhere, but no one can argue that $2 per oyster is still exceptional value. Plus they’re always freshly shucked and excellent quality. Happy hour drinks has something for everyone too, with discounted beers, wine and G&Ts. And if you feel like an early dinner or are a little bit peckish, just add a Gidley burger to your order!

We had such a wonderful evening here, everything from the cocktails to the service to the atmosphere was spot on. We tried several cocktails from the menu and each one was beautifully crafted, creative, and full of depth. The standout for me was the Miami Weiss, a gorgeous tropical mix of Flor De Caña Gran Reserva Rum, pineapple, Giffard coconut, pandan, citrus, and coconut milk whey, topped with a light strawberry daiquiri foam. It was such an experience, the first sip of that foam gave you all the bright, fruity daiquiri notes, and then underneath came this creamy, layered tropical flavour that was just divine. The Wish You Were Here was another favourite - refreshing, aromatic, and perfectly balanced. I also started with an Espresso Martini, which wasn’t on the menu but the bar team were more than happy to make, and it was one of the best I’ve had in Sydney - smooth, rich, and perfectly chilled. They were genuinely accommodating about off-menu classics too, which is such a great touch. We also had some Sydney Rock oysters, which were fresh and beautifully presented. The space itself is cosy, warm, and stylish, dimly lit with a great atmosphere. The music was at the perfect level for conversation, and the staff were excellent - attentive, friendly, and really knowledgeable about the drinks. They helped recommend cocktails based on the flavours I liked and even suggested little tweaks. We ended up staying much longer than we planned simply because it was such a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Absolutely one of the best cocktail bars in Sydney - The Rover is a must-visit.

Cute little bar, good lighting/vibe. Was served my $16 mock tail with a HUGE ice block in it which I found didn’t give me enough of the drink, especially for the price. $2 oysters are a good deal but are quite small.

The vibe was great and the service excellent. Good happy hour deals with a $8 gin and tonic with Brunswick Aces, as well as $2 Sydney rock Oysters. I was a bit dissapointed in the highly rated Gidley burger, which they are known for. I found it quite simple and heavy to eat, though the pickles on the side were great. Should order chips on the side as it doesn't come with any. Would go again.

Loved the happy hour oysters. Only intended to get a couple but kept ordering more. They are quite small but no sand and the vinaigrette was delicious. Rare to find Select over Aperol so glad they have the Venetian spritz on the menu

We had a great time at The Rover! The cocktails were beautifully crafted, the oysters were super fresh, and the burger was absolutely delicious. The ambiance is cozy and stylish, and we were lucky to visit during happy hour—an absolute bargain for the quality. Highly recommend!

Impeccable service. The bartenders here were so attentive and really lovely as well. Our drinks were never empty and they make a great selection of cocktails. Although a bar the food here is seriously good as well with a great selection of fresh oysters, scallops, as well as other dishes. The portions were decent and the food was super tasty. Loved the deep flavour of the artichoke and the lamb was just melt in your mouth. Scallops were full of flavour - plump and juicy. Very good atmosphere here and would definitely return

This is another one of those pubs that I accidentally discovered, though that seems to be one of the things with me, accidentally discovering pubs. However, if you end up wandering around as much as I do, then it sort of goes without saying. Well, this pub actually wasn't too bad, though being a Friday it was certainly pretty packed when I turned up, to the point that it was literally impossible to find a seat. Still, there were some nice beers on tap, so that certainly counts for something.

Don't let the fact that this place is a "secret" bar in Surry Hills, or the throng of hipsters that overwhelm you upon entry put you off, because this place is pretty damn great! First off, as others have said, you need to enter via an unassuming green/gold door on Campbell Street. Depending on the time you arrive, it is easier to locate due to the seemingly random location of a bouncer in the middle of the street. Once you work your way through the hipster crowd, I recommend heading to the stairs at the back and to the upstairs bar. It is much quieter, easy enough to find a seat and the bartenders are the best. Not at all your too cool for school type service you can expect from some bars of similar calibre, but all round friendly, helpful and damn good at their job. You will not find your standard Espresso Martini or Cosmo on their menu anywhere, instead the staff encourage you to try something from their carefully crafted cocktail menu, alternatively there is a list of all the beers and wines currently on offer on the back wall similar to the format of old train station boards. Sampling just one fabulous concoction was not enough and so we stayed for a second cocktail sampling, and only departed due to dinner plans and the impending requirement for food after two very delicious cocktails. Definitely go and check this place out and then take your out of town mates to show them how cool Sydney can be without being wanky!

Calling all rogues, raconteurs, and late-night drinkers. Put down your cheroots and your pints. Drop them. Immediately. Now walk out the door. Keep walking 'til you hit the big unmarked green doors on Campbell Street with the lone man standing outside them. Don't try and buy drugs off him, he's not that sort of lone man. Instead, give him a knowing nod and flick him your ID if you're a baby-faced assassin. Then walk inside and be enveloped by the glow. Here's all you need to know - Wild Rover kicks ass. Huge amounts of ass. Jack-and-the-Giant-from-the-up-the-beanstalk amounts of ass. The newest venture by the chaps behind Grandma's, this is a stay-late, get-sauced, knees-up drinking den for the anti-Ivy crowd. Cheers go up when new people enter. James, one of the co-owners, might rush over and welcome you, show you to a bar stool, settle down for a chat at the brass bar downstairs or the banging number upstairs. Food is simple and hearty, Cornish pasties with chunky meat'n'veg filling - tasty when doused liberally with Worcestershire - or home-made spicy sausage rolls. There's also freshly shucked oysters which I've yet to try. The real gold, though, is the drinks menu. It's a beast. Being Irish by name, there's a ton 'o whiskies, but the discerning tippler should first avail themselves of an amber ale (served in a ye olde worlde pewter-style tankards) before attacking the cocktail list with all the energy you can muster. There are 3 types of Bloody Mary - a light (consomme), medium and a Kilpatrick Mary that shook me around and spat me out like a dog with a chew toy. It was thick, like a gazpacho, with a spicy punch like a roundhouse kick to the face from a beard-sporting Chuck Norris. It's not on the menu, but the dirty martini Josh the bartender mixed me up was good, damned good, and when I begged for some extra fat olives he obliged, and threw in one of their home-marinated pickles for good measure. I was here twice in the three days of this place opening. Still not sure how it happened, just kind of naturally gravitated there because it was a damned sweet place to hang out.No pretense, just fun. The website says it best: a foot-tapping, swashbuckling, riotous escape from pomp. Amen.

Behind a large, warehouse-style door is a fantastically eclectic two-story space, where everything is "just right." The music was lively and fun (I believe I heard a banjo rendition of Miley Cyrus at one point), and the atmosphere was somehow both dim and romantic, while very energetic. The bartender stopped by our table to take orders as soon as we arrived. As we started to make our requests from the menu, he abruptly cut us off to ask us what kind of drinks we liked. Having been given no choice in the matter, we ended up with two amazing cocktails, designed perfectly for each of us, one consisting of habanero and bourbon (among other things), and another with a mezcal base, and about five other flavours. Both incredible. My favourite moment was when we went to pay. Almost dismissive of the exchange of money, the bartender was more interested in how we liked our drinks. It was as if he was an artist, more interested in his art for art's sake than in getting paid for it. Bottom line, great experience, great drinks, and great people!

Ok. So this place is cool. Interesting decor of Irish origin mixed New York and could easily be in SOMA San Francisco. Great attention to detail, beer and a whisky list to choose from. Two levels with different bars. I'm quite sure that on a Friday or Saturday this place would be rocking. Hard to find but don't be put off by going behind the green door!

This easy-to-find yet hard-to-see bar is a has been a great addition to the Surry Hills scene - it's definitely a cut above all the other bars and pubs this close to Central. It has this low-key vibe while still feeling classy in a speak-easy way. I think there's an upstairs section too, but I've never been one to walk past a bar if I can help it. They make a mean negroni here, which is always my first order. They usually have some good beers on tap, and the cocktail list is extensive. The bar is dark but decked out nicely; From the copper-top bar to the old train station beer menu. If you're in the area and looking for a pre or post drinks venue you can't be The Rover.

One of the best bars I've been to in Sydney!!!! Entering the bar through the obscure "Green door" you are greeted with a warm........"hey!!!!!" from all the bar staff. Just a little warning for all new comers, don't be alarmed.......such hospitality is unheard of these days I know!!! The service is unpretentious and attentive. Love this place!!!!

This place is all about the drinks. The only food on the menu is sausage rolls and freshly shucked oysters and when one of my companions asked 'have ya got any chips?' the bartender politely advised, 'no, sorry, it's all about the drinks here.' And truer words could not have been said - the drinks are Good (with a capital G!) I had The Hills cocktail which blew my mind, a tasty pear cider as a chaser and a few sneaky taste tests of my friend's drinks. The decor and accessories are an eclectic mish mash that work surprisingly well - the beer and some of the cocktails are served in pewter mugs to take you back to ye old days and water comes in measuring beakers that remind me of my high school physics class. Old train timetables list the current beers on offer, parts of the walls are tropical themed and the unisex cubicle toilets are covered in old school black and white prints. Topped off with helpful and friendly bartenders, this is the ultimate place for an after work drink...just have a snack before you go.

There's a couple of things I have decided I now can't live without when I go out for a drink... - the bar has to be unrecognisable from the street (I don't want any Oxford St riff raff walking into "my bar" just because "it looks totes cools guys, let's get haaammmeerred" - I will only ever drink gin and tonics now made by bearded men with sleeve tatts (the gin somehow tastes better) - All cocktails must now be drunk in the presence of exposed brick, dim lighting and train station menus (with up to 15 whiskey types on the list) - I will no longer walk into a bar unless I know that I, and everyone who walks through the door, is cheered for, applauded and treated like the bartenders had been waiting all night for you Thank god this place does all of the above, otherwise I just couldn't have stayed beyond that first 3 g&t's.

I didn't know what to expect when my partner led me up a seemingly dead street and pushed on a non-assuming door.....and I was blown away by what was inside. As others have said this is a fantastic hidden gem. Great atmosphere, cool staff and plenty to look at and listen too. Drinks lists are extensive and the bar staff are more than happy to help you find something that will meet your needs. I can't wait to go back to Sydney and spend a night or two here!

Small bars don't get much better than this. Great beer list complete with chilled pewter mugs to enjoy your selection from. Unique and delicious cocktails (especially if you're into the academic side of flavors) to try and choose from. Free nuts!! rad. Come early if you want to get a table, otherwise loiter at the bar with the great staff.

Another local Surry Hills hipster hangout. No sign on the door, if you did not know the address, you would never find it. We were drawn here by a company event saying farewell to a longtime employee. We occupied about 1/3rd of the upstairs bar. Service was pretty solid, drinks were strong, good selection of craft beer, which I liked, not a lot of good bar snacks. We had some Lamb sausage rolls which tasted great considering how badly we were starving....would definitely come back.

Love this bar-- some people call it the "shirt shop" because the outside of it looks like it's an abandoned dry cleaners or something. What I love about the Wild Rover is that it's a really cool "hidden" bar, but they've actually done a good job keeping it off the beaten path compared to some of the other secret bars (cough, cough, Soda Factory) in Sydney-- almost like if you happen to find it great, but they're not going to break their necks trying to be the cool kids in town. And why would they have to try? The bar speaks for itself. Great beer selection, cool decor, and awesome music.

Usually I steer clear of those places that are so cool they don't have a sign, that can only be frequented by those all knowing types and keep the non-local out just be sneering. While this bar, does not have a sign, thankfully the rest are missing. I met a ex work colleague for a drink and I admit it was a bit of an ego stroke for him to say how did you know about this place? The house beers were great (in tankard mind you) and the place lvely. Great for afterwork drink or catching up with friends. Not ideal for a beer swill night (which are not common during the week for me ... these days). Its a great bar in Surry Hills.

I wasn't going to review this place, as I didn't want anyone to go. But slowly this place is getting popular. However, please come for the right reasons. If you want good craft beer and awesome whisky, then drop on by. But if you are here for music or a teeny bopper evening then go elsewhere. The staff here are one of the best you'll find in Sydney, they know their liqueur and are willing to share their expertise. Saying that, it is hard to find this place if you don't know what you are looking for. Look for the green door. There is no sign, just the door.

I resisted the urge to review this place for ages. I wanted it for myself, but then I felt guilty so... F**k yes, amazing. Friendliest ever staff, incredible cocktails, and very hip. Winning in every respect (except slightly not the best place ever upstairs because it's very loud - people with bad hearing need not apply).

Nice cocktail bar! Those seeking GOOD cocktail bars with quality mixologists this place hits spot on. Good whiskey... Decent beer... And really good creative cocktails! And... All based on an Irish theme... Yeah Irish. What!?!? But guess what? It's great!!! It's fantastic! Price? Slightly less than average sydney... But good! The vibe is college and party scene fyi... Yet the theme is speakeasy. Now... I went on st pattys day weekend so who knows. Not a bad crowd... Just not the typical speakeasy crowd. The bartenders were super friendly and competent... And Irish I think! Were they drinking their own juice? I wonder. One nitpick... This is a personal thing... They love bullet bourbon. Anyone in the know (aka the states and bourbon snobs) knows bullet is average at best. But.. It's Australia not the USA... So all forgiven!

Cool funky place. The staff are personable and can make a good drink. It's a bit of fun, a bit loud and probably a little loose. It's quite hard to find, so look out for a bunch of hipsters standing outside a green door. This place would get the full 5 stars if it weren't for the security. Not the friendliest. The man who was in charge the night I went wouldn't even open the door for me, he was just playing on his phone and pointed at it. Gee, thanks buddy- you're not the first face of the bar one sees or anything.

Irish speakeasy. expensive, but on par with most places in Sydney. Look for the green door with no signage

Great atmosphere and decent whiskey selection. I really liked the upstairs portion and could see it being great for live music. I'd definitely come back here for the drinks. The beer selection seemed okay but I mainly went for the whiskey. Tough to find but that's kind of a nice touch.

I don't get this place. It's small, claims to have live music but I have no idea where a band would fit, expensive, and doesn't match all the hype I read about. Maybe I ordered the wrong thing & came at the wrong time... A Friday evening after work. Place wasn't that busy but definitely fully of bodies, & I had to wait quite a while to get served. The drink was ok but not mind blowing for $17-20. The secret front door makes & relative difficulty finding the place makes you think it's hidden for a bigger surprise effect, but the bar itself is plain and kind of underwhelming. I didn't think the people it attracted were very nice and friendly either, which made it less appealing. Definitely not the place to meet people or make friends, and don't expect manners with walking in the tight spaces.

I only got the sausage roll here one night, and it is excellent. It is worth the hype on the menu, and I wouldn't share if I was going back!

Nice cocktails go for a whiskey sour and dollar oysters.

Omg what a great find! Underground..hard to find but when you do it's fab inside! Happening!!

Deceptive. Looking like a cross between a TAB and a derelict Centrelink office, it is somewhat of a surprise to find a cosy dimly lit bar behind the door, dedicated to craft beer in all its many forms. A couple of booths, a friendly crowd, Wild Rover is a good place to know about it if you're in the area.

Excellent hidden gem, just look for the green door and try the awesome grapefruit beer on tap, made right down the street and the Bloody Mary which has Rosemary infused vodka! Perfect for good cocktails with great people!

A cozy bar that I would feel proud to call my local, unfortunately I live on the other side of the country

Best little bar you never knew existed! I have literally walked passed this place a dozen times without giving it a second glance. Only when I was literally at the door did I realise the building was a bar!! (And that was having been told about it!) Quality beer selection served in ingenious chilled pewter mugs. Cosy friendly atmosphere. Can see myself quickly becoming a regular...

look out for the green door or you may miss this place... once inside, order the Kooinda milk porter - delish. Will be back to try the house sausage rolls... and to redeem my bear hug.

Great hidden away night spot! The cocktails were creative and well made. Amazing beer collection also! The ambiance here is perfect for a nightcap.

Great hidden away gem. Love that they have live music. I would describe it as an Irish saloon... Complete with a county/blue grass band!

Glorious whiskey, charming bar keeps, booths. How could it possibly go wrong? This is an especially great destination early or on week nights, otherwise it can get a bit full of young hipsters for this old bird.

Jane Doe and Riesling went down well. Shame about the oldies in the corner, oh wait that's a mirror.

Superb cocktails and super friendly staff. A bit of a speak easy type entrance, with lone guy standing at unmarked door waiting for guests to arrive. Music matched the venue and cocktails on offer.

Great music, great atmosphere and seriously professional bar staff who do a great job and are attentive and talented. Get here, or don't the less people the more fun for the rest of us. God bless the return of the bar!