Be prepared to be smacked in the face with the aroma of brisket that's been smoking in the house smoker for 16hours when you step into the magical world of American BBQ- Surly's.
It's a lively place, where there's never a dull moment. Rock 'n' roll and folk tunes play over the speakers to the background of buzzing happy hour sippers clinking their bottles of Blue Moon Belgian pale ale and Young Henry's.
Surly's well and truly represents America when it comes to the International myriad of restaurants in Sydney's hip suburb of Surry Hills. It has all the charm of a traditional US sports bars, with tv screens streaming footage of flying balls, revving engines and rowdy stadiums; filling the walls in every room.
Sporting bric-a-brac, old beer posters and random pieces of memorabilia decorate the gaps in between the tv screens and add to the slightly quirky nature of the place. All wood and red neon, the bar feels like it could easily be the set of a 90's suburbian drama set in Wyoming. It's where you want to bring the troops for a good feed, a good brew and just an all-round good time.
If signature slow-cooked meats are your thang, then this is the place for you. The all American menu prides itself on its slow-cooked ( in the upstairs smoker) ribs, smoked chicken, pulled pork and that signature brisket.
When looking at the menu, the sandwiches are more like burgers and come with a side of crispy shoestring fries, served in none other than a quintessential plastic serving basket.
Handsome Mike's is exactly as the name suggests, bloody handsome. The slow cooked beef brisket is so tender, it inherits that sweet smokiness from the hours of tender loving care its received from the smoker. It should be illegal, but the smothering of mac 'n' cheese with brisket is just too good to be true. So wrong, but so right.
For a non-bbq, straight out the spicy blocks starter, go with the buffalo wings. They are everything that there is to love about a good a basket of wings, drenched in buffalo sauce that packs just the right amount of punch. There is also a good selection of salads, poutine and light starters to select from.
No American restaurant menu is complete without the iconic Philly Cheesesteak. Crafted with grilled flank steak, onions, grilled peppers and that famous melted provolone cheese, this is one of the less smoky options.
Pull up a seat at the bar and take the time to marvel at the extensive selection of Aussie craft beers and imported brews, along with the wall of international whisky's.
All you big-kids out there, make sure you head upstairs to Smokey's Cabin for free arcade games (Hadouken!) and shuffleboard, just in case you needed another reason to visit?
182 Campbell St, Surry Hills 2010
Mon to Sat: 12pm to late
Sun: 12pm to 10pm
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