Surly's American Tavern

Okay so…. Unpopular opinion over here…. We did not enjoy the meat. Like at all. In fact we gave our leftovers to a homeless man on the way home. We found it to be flavourless, apart from a Smokey flavour. To the point we actually couldn’t even taste meat. After hyping ourselves up, not eating all day to fit in as much as we could, we were left quite unsatisfied. The coleslaw was worse than a prepackaged one from Woolies. On the other hand, the mash and gravy was awesome. The Mac and cheese was great (hopefully it’s homemade cause I can compare it to the Kraft packet one level of so bad for you it taste awesome). The cocktails = AMAZING. The highlight of this place was the atmosphere and staff. The staff are attentive and super kind. The other thing I didn’t enjoy was how quickly the food comes out, we were in and out within 40 minutes which to me isn’t really a dining experience but more of a fast food. Wouldn’t go back, but if we did, we would get something else off the menu. For $180 spent (even with 2 for 1 cocktails) I would say we’re left rather bitter.

Brisket was not the best I’ve had but was ok. Other foods were good - no complaints. Really really hate any place that requests a tip before any service/food has been given. Order was done via QR code and before you can place your order, it asks for a tip. I did tip because I always do but it doesn’t make sense to me!! It’s a silly system. I mean even compared to America (being an American tavern and all) the tip is at the end right? The ordering platform should allow tips to be added at the end of dining when you can tip based on food, customer service etc. Waitress wasn’t available for in person ordering.

One of the good American taverns I have come across in Sydney. Great and affordable food and drinks, good ambience, and friendly staff to look after you. For those big eaters - Go for the bbq platter straightaway. You won't be disappointed 😉

Went there on a Monday. Won't recommend to go right when they're open. We ordered a burger and bbq box. Burger was decent, my partner was happy about it. But the bbq box is not worth for $35 when i get there. Mac n cheese are your typical mac n cheese in a grocery box, felt like not homemade. The mustard bbq sauce with it, taste more like a vinaigrette, very sour. The brisket that i was waiting for and wanted to try was so dry. No juiciness on it. I knew it was not fresh and was a leftover from a day before. The corn was good though as well as the coleslaw. Coleslaw was fresh atleast on that box. And I like the cornbread. Didn't want to complain about it since it was my partners birthday and didn't wanna ruin the night. The drinks were nicely presented and taste good. The servers were nice as well. Food, i don't know. Would love to have a good juicy brisket and not dry tasteless leftover. I am a chef as well, been to america and I was excited to try because I miss a good brisket taste like from america, my partner was excited as well as his American. But I'm glad he had a good burger he was happy about. I was just disappointed on mine.

We couldn't wait to visit Surlys after months of salivating when scrolling through their socials. I was dubious, as not all live up to the hype. Thankfully, it was nothing but true love at first bight. The family and I devoured the bbq platter for four. The meats were full of flavour, perfectly seasoned, smoked and juicy. Perfect portions (no skimping here) which went down a treat. We couldn't fault anything on our platter. 10/10. Corn bread, creamy corn and tater tots were sensational. The only area for improvement was the Mac & cheese. Wasn’t to our liking as it lacked the cheese creaminess we desired. The BB burger was next level in every aspect. Couldn’t fault it. Yes I had a burger and the platter. What? Nothing to see here! Can’t wait to go back for more Surlys goodness. What an epic feed, something dreams are made of. I haven't stopped thinking and talking about it since. Thanks for making my birthday dinner epic. 9.5/10 overall for food, service, atmosphere and price.

Really nice spot for drinks and yummy food. I had the fried chicken with buffalo sauce and it was some of the best fried chicken I have tasted. Crispy, well seasoned and juicy. I also liked the cocktails, they has a good variety to choose from and it was refreshing and tasty. I enjoyed the decor and the vibe, will definitely visit again to try some different things. The service was also very friendly and courteous.

The BBQ tastes comparable to places in St. Louis and Texas BBQ restaurants. Those burnt tips have full of flavor: smoke, and sweet. Who needs to travel to Missouri or Texas? Service is dialed-in, quick, and straightforward. Recommend groups and friends. LGBT respected. The atmosphere feels like a rodeo club. All that's missing are American redneck license plates on the wall. The John Wayne picture is an especially cheeky touch.

We had an amazing work end of year dinner here, it's a fantastic venue to get out for a couple drinks and most importantly their BBQ. It was spectacular with all sides offered with their selections meats. By far I dislike the wings compared to all other American BBQs however the brisket and pull pork were the highlight of the platter. I would suggest ordering the $120 four person platter as this is an overwhelming amount of food. Would recommend to everyone!! The pickles with fries combined with corn was 🔥 Full of Smoke flavors