Small Bar

Great busy atmosphere. We stopped for dessert and a wine. I tried their mulled wine with a shot and it was delicious. We also ordered a sticky date pudding with a glass a red. They have a wide list of wines, everything was very tasty.

Lovely bar with a great court yard. Went for lunch on a Thursday only to find they had a $20 taco+beer deal which was too good to pass up. I got the fish tacos and the service size was super generous. Our group also got the duck tacos, and chicken. Duck was apparently very good. Highly recommended and for $20 (on Thursdays) you cannot really go wrong.

Great job. Everyone seemed happy with food. Service was great. Splitting the bill was made very easy. And we were happy we could order whatever we wanted without a forced minimum spend or set menu. We also had a vegan in our group who was happy with the selections available. Appreciate your flexibility! Perfect for our group gathering :)

We first arrived at the Small Bar for drinks. I read about it, and it sounded like such a chill environment. And so we came in for a couple of drinks, and it was really lovely, and everybody was so welcoming, and then… We saw they had Taco Tuesday. And we were excited, as the taco varieties look great, but it was not a Tuesday, sadly for us. We resolved to come back. For drinks, we sat outside, because it was a bit of a mild day, but when I went inside and saw the courtyard, I knew we would have our Taco Tuesday in the interior courtyard one day. The courtyard was the perfect combination of sparkling and cozy. We were staying in the area for several more weeks, and so we put it on our calendar. A couple of weeks later, on a Tuesday, we came in and sat in the courtyard; it was fairly early, so we were some of the only customers, and the tacos were exquisite! So inexpensive, so chock-full of goodness. We paired them with the spicy margaritas which perfectly complemented the tacos, and… Wow. Such fun. Our server was super friendly, and the courtyard was cozy even though it was a bit of a chilly day. Two tacos per plate (times three different versions) was certainly enough for dinner. And the flavors were really well-balanced. The hoisin duck was awesome! The fish was also very good. The only disappointment was the smoky pulled pork, because we felt that the barbecue sauce was a bit thick. We are from the American south, and so we love barbecue sauce, but we use it a sparingly, because it can be overpowering. So maybe if they pulled back a bit on the barbecue sauce with the pulled pork. Overall, we were thrilled with the tacos, and the service, and the price, and the margaritas. If we lived here, we would be back on a regular basis!

Great place to have some cocktails and light dinner. Fantastic service and proper cocktails. Sitting out on the footpath is great for “people watching”. Staff were very friendly and attentive. A must have are the spicy cauliflower wings

Absolute legends work here! On Monday night Henry got free reign to surprise us with food and drinks, and he absolutely nailed the brief. Every choice was a winner, and his whole vibe made the night extra fun. Big props to the whole team working that night too! Friendly, fun, and totally on point. Such a good time, thank you! x

Small Bar was a great place to catch up in casual surroundings for a drink and some delicious food with options that were perfect for sharing. We sat inside and it wasn't too noisy. The table service was attentive and we didn't feel rushed or pressured to leave after a couple of hours which was nice. The prices are reasonable too.

Becoming one of our regular places, as it has a couple of vegan (or can be made dairy free) options. Had the vegan burger (great bun) and the black bean tacos without the sour cream. All really good. The staff are friendly and attentive and I love the cute vibe of the interior. It’s definitely mood lighting inside the bar section, and we appreciated that they have sound felt on the ceiling to keep the noise levels down.

My friends and I had a hankering for tacos and we saw the variety of pub style foods they had, so small bar it was. The name was fitting as it was quite tiny inside, but we were able to find a seat right away. I ordered the jerk chicken tacos, which were absolutely delicious. My friend ordered the same but got the gluten free version. Maybe it's just me being silly and a little too American, but I found it a little ridiculous that she had to pay 2 dollars extra for corn tortillas, when that's exactly how tacos are served traditional. Thankful, because corn tortillas are typically smaller, she got 4 tacos instead of 3. I also was able to grab a gin and soda which was flavored with orange, delicious.

Great burgers and a very nice wine list. We stopped for dinner on a Wednesday night and ordered a couple of glasses of wine and a couple of cheeseburgers. You order at the bar (it's at the bottom of the menu, but we were tired and didn't immediately notice that), and the food comes out pretty quickly. The wine list had great offerings, including a very nice brut sparkling wine, and a good choice of other varietals. The burgers were juicy, flavorful, and very filling. The fries were crispy and delicious too.

I'll preface this by saying I took advantage of an online deal for 3 of us. That said, a promotion should never diminish a restaurant's offering. One of the most uncaring, lazy and poor restaurants I have been to. No love. No real service. "Whatever mate" attitude. The arancini were nice but the barramundi 'tempura' (ha) was a frozen piece of nothing. Resembled a tatty Mac Fillet-O-Fish. Tacos were meh. This place is utter TOILET. To the brim. Don't go.

It is exactly what it is, a small bar. Quite narrow with a long bar to your left and to the right are tables. Have to say overall the food was not that great. The chips were normal crispy chips, nothing special, and came out with tomato sauce and garlic sauce. Corn chips were good in that they give you a lot of guacamole. Usually places don't do this but here they don't hold back and you are sure to have no shortage of guac. Sliders weren't great, very bland and very basic. Unexciting. Chicken skewers were tender and had nice big pieces. I can conclude that when it comes to quantity Small Bar are pretty good, but quality was a little lacking.

Now this lovely little nook of drinking and eating intimacy is a bit of a gem for the patrons North of the bridge. Small Bar provides a truly relaxing and placid spot for social drinks and romance. It definitely has that air of 'first few dates' appeal about it. You can drink and also eat from a simple menu but interesting menu of small foods and food to share. There are three entertaining areas, on the sidewalk (covered), the dimmed lighted interior or my own personal favourite the rear exterior. This last area has its own bar, candle lit tables and again, really friendly and professional service. The ambience allows the drinker, lover or thinker to simply blend into the atmosphere of smooth easy going fun. I don't talk about prices because quality is what you pay for. No need to quibble with prices because you truly do get a worthwhile experience. The only thing that I could say I would like to see happen at Small Bar is a change in their choice of tables and seats. Not the most comfortable of seats and wobbly tables but that is not any reason to avoid this lovely bar. You can't go wrong if you desire a chilled atmosphere where you take in the ambience as much as the booze and food. Totally recommend!

One of the things I like about going and checking out places is that I end up going to areas that I would not normally visit if I was a simply tourist, and one of those places on my recent trip to Sydney happened to be Crows Nest. Okay, I've always wanted to check it out, and I'm glad I did this time because I came across this little gem of a bar. While it isn't exactly hidden away, I wouldn't have discovered it if I hadn't have gone to Crows Nest. It is an absolutely gorgeous little bar with a lovely garden out the back, and with the recent changes in the smoking laws, you can sit out here smoke free. The staff are really nice as well, though the best part about this place is the atmosphere.

I really like this bar. It's long and narrow with a range of areas in which to hang out: enclosed bar-front, or semi-garden back yard, with vines and wrought-iron furniture. The drinks menu is varied, and the wine list is very good. I've eaten brunch here, which was quite good. Tasty, not too much. There's just something civilised and trendy and relaxed about the whole vibe of the place that really makes me like it here. Maybe I'm just pretentious but it feels like the right mix of upscale and casual to really interest me.

There are heaps of small bars in Sydney now but none of them would be there without Small Bar, Sydney's first small bar. Small Bar is just around the corner from work, which is a dangerous thing. It is all too easy to end up at Small Bar for a few quiet drinks after work. Unlike the small bars that have come after, use Small Bar doesn't have a gimmick. It's not done up like a speakeasy, it's not voodoo themed, it's not decorated with old sewing machines, it doesn't specialise in whiskey or gin, it hasn't invented any cocktails. When Small Bar opened, being a small bar was the gimmick. "My goodness... A bar that isn't the size of a small barn, packed with poker machines and crammed with drunken office workers." Its a formula that worked for them back then and it's still working for them now even with all the competition from the dozens of other small bars that have come after. It's a great spot for a few quiet drinks after work. The drink selection is good. No gimmicks. The atmosphere is quiet and friendly. Service is fast and friendly. It's usually busy but not packed. The bar food is good and reasonably priced. The only thing I do need to make spacial note of are the stairs to the upper and lower levels. People with giant feet (like me) will need to take some care on the crazy steep, narrow treads. Particularly after a few drinks. Ladies in skirts (and Scotsmen in kilts for that matter) may also want to go last up the stairs to avoid giving the rest of your party an unintended eyeful. Seriously, you will see what I mean when you climb them.

Beautiful spot, outside bar was booked for function but look cozy and quaint. Would definitely have a few out there. Food was nice, tapas style So great to share.

Beer garden in the back is not as air-y as I'd like but the plants on the ceiling with fairy lights and old stone & wood with cushioned booth seating is very well done. Great for groups or a date, especially in the back. Easy to meet others. Friendly atmosphere. No smoking in the beer garden allowed. There is outdoor street seating as well. Dining area in the front. Open space bar scene in the back. Impressive to have 3 atmospheres in one not-too-small, narrow bar.

Cute small bar in the city. Went there on a cold night and warmed up pretty quick with a delicious mulled wine. The bar has 3 levels and a small outside area for the smokers (basement level). After that my friend and I shared the Bocconcini Arancini and I had the pulled pork burger with the waffle fries. The food is really good and the wines are great too. On the ground floor they even had a live band performing on a school night which was good entertainment. If you prefer it more quiet just go to one of the other two levels. I personally liked the cozy basement area with candles all over the place

Everyone needs an ol' faithful. That place that is so generic it appeals to everyone. That place you go to when you're so mentally exhausted that you can't be bothered to think of somewhere impressive and you can't be bothered to be around anyone who you need to impress. All you want is a good drink selection - not too much choice, just enough that you know you'll find something that suits your mood. Enough tables that you don't end up awkwardly lined up along the bar, too bad if your the one on the end straining to be included in the conversation, experiencing debilitating anxiety and FOMO. Yes I said FOMO. What? Somewhere not too far from work but far enough that you're not going to be caught by the very people you are trying to avoid. Small Bar is that place for me. Small Bar. I feel like that name could have been ironic at one point but like everything hipster the irony was quickly lost. If you work nearby, Small Bar could be your old faithful. Great for self-medicating. Great for discussing all the ways the world could be fixed if everyone was as smart as you. Don't lie. You've all been in that headspace. They also do food. Apparently.

I can't believe I haven't reviewed this place yet- it's an old favorite of mine and for good reason: great (although small) wine selection, good food and great music. Small Bar is quite how it sounds- small. It looks like it's a renovated old row house or something, so it's three levels, but quite narrow. The stairs are quite treacherous so if you're in heels or planning on drinking quite a bit I'd recommend staking out a spot on the main level. There's also some outdoor seating as well, which makes for a great option if it's a nice night. The sliders and tacos are great and come four to a serve for $16-$18, so great value as they're fairly big portions. Skip on the dips as they're not super flavorful, but the grilled prawns are excellent (and come with great crusty bread for dipping) and the grilled haloumi always hits the spot.

Let me start off by saying that I really like this place. I have been many times. I love the atmosphere (some high tables, open air seating in the back and outdoor seating in the front). I love the menu (the arancini, quesadilla, grilled haloumi, guacamole and sliders the best). The service has impressed me on more than one occasion, especially the time they brought us free mulled wine on a particularly cold day. However, on my last visit there was a rat running back and forth through the courtyard throughout most of my meal. Shit happens, rats exist, I know. My issue was more with the response. Either lack of caring or a "they come from outside, we can't help it". Yes, I know they come from outside....they should not come inside. Please do what is necessary to fix this problem! I really like this place and if I wanted to eat with my feet up I would stay home. Thanks. Happy to edit this with an appropriate response.

Busy bar that lives up to its name, between Wynyard station and King St Wharf. There's an upstairs area that you can reserve if you like, and a downstairs that's pretty packed on weekends. There's a decent wine list, and a kitchen that serves things like sliders and arancini. Small Bar is a good place to go if you equate cramped conditions and quality booze with trendiness.

Small Bar lives up to its name - it's small! That's part of its appeal, a nice little place to go for an after work drink. They also do food which I haven't tried but my friends have told me the burgers are particularly good and filling. The area upstairs is good for small groups or functions. My friend booked a space for a small gathering to showcase some beauty products she was selling. I've used the term small five times now, so to balance it out I will conclude with the fact that the wine glasses are not small (six times!), they are big :-)

Wow, I really enjoyed this bar, it has a really nice balance of funky and up market whilst still being casual enough to simply chill out with friends. There is an outdoor area in the back (which makes the venue larger then you may think from the street) with a nice vine covered roof, lighting provided by some low-key fairy lights (it works well). No table service, but it was not a hassle to go to the bar, and the guy behind the bar was able to help with useful tips on the wine. We shared two bottles of red (A Pinot Noir from NZ and a blend from Spain), both were very enjoyable, I would definitely go back if I was looking to catch up with some friends over a leisurely glass or two.

When the archaic drinking liquor licensing laws changed for NSW the Small Bar in Erskine Street was the first to lead on the small bar revolution in this city. Though I have always wondered how the Tank Stream bar let the Small Bar get away with the lead role. There are three levels to this bar with the laneway level in Sussex Lane able to seat up to 10 people and stand 40 people. The ground floor inside can hold up to maximum 40 people seating or 60 people standing and finally the upstairs bar can seat 20 with maximum 60 standing. This bar and restaurant is a regular for my work colleagues and myself. We frequent it mainly to enjoy lunch in the laneway area though on nice sunny days you have to get there early to ensure getting a seat. The menu is small and the drinks menu is short suitable to keep the theme consistent perhaps? It has a welcoming atmosphere with beautiful curtains, exposed brick walls within this little heritage building. Even though all 3 levels of Small Bar get packed from lunchtime onwards it still manages to maintain a 'quiet escape' feel. Its a must visit just to see how it thrives in this bustling CBD.

The name of this place pretty much sums it all up. Small Bar. It's not the smallest place in the world and does go over three levels but the name is quite accurate, don't worry about that! It's a midweek night that's cold and rainy and my companion and I decide to avoid peak hour traffic so we try out Small Bar. A lot of other people have thought the same thing and this place is jammed. Even though yes, it is a small bar. In saying that we manage to find a seat quite easily (luckily maybe?), there is a pretty good wine list and a handy food menu to match. It feels nice and cosy in here! If you don't manage to find a spot on the street level area, you can try upstairs which might be your best bet or if you're lucky you might be able to snare a lounge down stairs. It's a pretty busy position too although that may have something to do with the amount of foot traffic heading to the bathroom!

I have been to Smallbar more times than I can count and that is entirely due to the kind of place that this is not. It's not small. I know small. It's not small. It's cushiony and long (but not wide) without being stuffy, it's contemporary (although there are pictures of Sydney lined up against the stairs taken many eons ago if you're a history buff) and it'll be a quick fix if you're having "feeling lonesome tonight .." thoughts at any given time (lunch is a good time to go) because people who go here are generally very decent and the tables, for the most part, are close enough or communal enough if you have something to say or feel like saying something to a neighbour-stranger. If you're more into the isolation thing, not to worry, you're still in luck. There's a bench lined up next to the door which is separate from all the other seating options or just go upstairs. You'll find many individual tables there (mind the stairs, though, they're steep and they're almost invisible). The red wine here is great but the food is the best part - it's outstanding. I have had the chicken burger with fries more than once but there are also a lot of other things on the menu like salads and various kinds of appetizers and red meat and fish. Come for lunch or at night mid-week when there's less people on the ship and if you like what you see, eat, and drink, come along to the (mellow) party on a Friday or Saturday night.

Lovely food...vegetarian options, nice atmosphere and friendly service. Very nice casual lunch.

Came here for a Christmas drinks with about 25 people so we had the downstairs section booked out. I've walked past this bar thousands of times over the past few years yet never realised there was a downstairs section (otherwise the ground level on tbe Erskine side is seriously tiny). The bar food we were served that night was fantastic and included fried zucchini, arancini balls, sliders, and battered fish (lots of unhealthy but great finger foods!). The only tip to note for the ladies - if going downstairs in heels, be super careful as the steps are thin and at night it's not too well lit. Given the success of the night, I'm very tempted to come back and host drinks or a birthday event at Small Bar!

Small Bar, Sydney's Original, Small Bar. Who'd have thought!? With all the new bars opening all over the city, Small Bar have quietly continued to go about their business, and what a business it is!!! Walk in off Erskine street, and you're greeted by the oh so affable and humble Chris. His big smile and sharp whit, has us feeling at home instantly. Small Bar is easy on the eye too, and feels warm and cosy. Split over 3 levels, giving you the choice of space, and available for hire, upstairs is intimate with its own small balcony while downstairs has its own bar with both indoor and courtyard seating. The drinks list is impressive, with a great wine offering. Problem is you just don't know where to begin. Highly recommend asking Chris or the other staff to take you through the list. They really know their wine, and are only too happy to provide a tasting if you're not sure. Just another example of the exemplary service and standards here. They also have some fantastic craft beers and ales, which is something I adore! We will definitely be back! These guys really knocked it out of the park. Follow them on twitter for all the latest updates - @SmallBarSydney

Great little bar, it is small as the name suggests, the main down fall is that its quite a long narrow space so the sound carries and it can get quite noisy. It has quite a friendly atmosphere and the staff are polite and friendly. It does seem more expensive compared to the copious amounts of bars in the area. Great wine selection though!

A really cool little spot that brings some city-center chic to the relatively quiet business suburb of Crows Nest. Great drinks selection too, and a cosy-feeling, undercover outdoor area out back. Perfect for diving into a big glass of vino at the end of a long busy day.

Went on a quiet Monday night - nice selection of wines and beers, a narrow quiet bar with excellent sliders. I ordered at the bar, and they let me mix the pork and burger sliders since it was a quiet evening (though I was told this wasn't a great idea to ask on a busy Friday night). Great heaters in the back patio, would definitely go back!

Seriously small! But for a small party its a great little stop off for a drink, or for a small event of 20-30 people. Two areas, upstairs and downstairs. Keep in mind if you have an event, there are only toilets downstairs so you are either going to have to book out the whole place, or have a stream of people going downstairs. Good selection of wines and very good service - in Sydney! Food was OK to middling, but could be better.

Melbourne had a bar scene that I dare say Sydney did not...until recently. In the past couple of years we've seen tiny drinking holes and laneway delights popping up all over town. Small Bar led this Sydney revolution. The success of their original Erskine Street establishment led to the opening of the Crows Nest space. Again, another revolution by Small Bar. Crows Nest doesn't exactly have the cool factor that the likes of Surry Hills or Paddington have but there is a young, attractive crowd that lives and works on the lower north shore looking for somewhere to have an after work drink or a local Saturday night. Safe to state the obvious, the bar itself is on the small side. But not stupid small, more intimate, cosy small (100 people max.). Inside the atmosphere is intimate and relaxed with the courtyard a great place to chill out with a wine and cheese board ($19.50). They say small things are the cause of great things, which is ultimately true of Small Bar. Viva La Revolution!