Erskineville, a suburb around 6 km from Sydney, is quite easy to overlook as a tourist destination. However, one thing you cannot miss is the few legendary pubs in Erskineville. If you are in Sydney on vacation and looking for some happening places to enjoy the nightlife, you can head out to Erskineville for its fantastic and cosy cafés and restaurants, and the major one that you should not miss is The Imperial Hotel, which is the most popular drag show pub which got featured in the legendary movie named Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. This article lists the best 5 pubs in Erskineville that you can try for great wines, chilled beers on taps, and authentic Australian cuisine.
About Erskineville
Image Credit: Maksym Kozlenko for Wikimedia Commons
A suburb in the Inner West of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, Erskineville is the home to diverse ethnicities from Southeast Europe and the Aboriginal community. Also known as Erko, the suburbs of Newtown border this suburb from the west, Redfern from the north, St Peters from the south, and Alexandria from the east. Originally, Erskineville was called Macdonald, and it was named so after a subdivision in 1846 in the south of Erskineville owned by Stephen Macdonald. In 1893, Macdonald was renamed as Erskineville.
One of the major tourist attractions in Erskineville is The Imperial Hotel, a popular drag show pub that was featured in the movie Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. Erskineville was also featured in the indie film Erskineville Kings, one of Hugh Jackman’s last projects.
Also Read: Redfern In Australia
5 Best Pubs In Erskineville
Some of the best and most popular pubs in Erskineville are mentioned below:
1. Rose Of Australia
Owned and operated by the Leach Family for over 25 years, Rose of Australia has one of the iconic pubs in Erskineville, The Corner Bar. For years, this bar has been a social hub of Erskineville Village, where you can see an eclectic mix of residents, students, urban professionals, and local identities. The main feature of this pub is its island bar, which reflects an intent to create social interaction and a sense of community.
Featuring traditional draught beers and a wide selection of craft beers on tap or bottled, this bar also offers original NSW wines and ciders on the beverage list. Enjoy this pub’s outdoor street seating, or climb up to the Howards Cantina to find a cocktail bar, Italian pop-up restaurant and outdoor terrace. When it comes to cocktails, you can enjoy the classics with a twist and original creations here. The team at the pub tries to get the perfect balance of flavour that is unique and has that taste that will make you come back for another round.
Address: 1 Swanson St, Erskineville NSW 2043, Australia
Price: Rs 2500 onwards per person
2. The Imperial Erskineville
The famous queer bar, The Imperial Erskineville, has been an inviting space for the LGBTQIA+ community since 1983. One of the unique pubs in Erskineville, this place invites you to drag and dine or party the night away in their main bar with live performances, dance and music. All this entertainment, along with good food and killer cocktails, makes The Imperial a must-visit bar in Erskineville.
Up on the top is a rooftop bar waiting for you, with immaculate vibes. Immensely famous for its delicious pizzas, this rooftop bar is the perfect place for a slice, a spritz and some revelry you won’t regret. The basement of the Imperial is the place where you get to part. The place features live performances, DJs and parties hosted by some of the popular promoter groups, including Dumpster Dive, Superficial, Girlthing, Bearpit, and Runway.
Address: 35 Erskineville Rd, Erskineville NSW 2043, Australia
Price: Rs 2500 onwards per person
Related Post: Sydney Tower Eye
3. The Hive Bar
Get the real vibe of Erskineville in the evening by visiting one of the most popular pubs in the city, The Hive Bar. You cannot miss three things at this place: burgers, beer, and cocktails.
If you are looking for a private space to host your special occasion, the Hive Bar is the perfect place to be. It has a function room upstairs, which can accommodate up to 35 guests and comes equipped with its own personal bar. This is one of the most popular pubs in Erskineville among locals and tourists.
Address: 93 Erskineville Rd, Erskineville NSW 2043, Australia
Price: Rs 2000 onwards per person
4. MoshPit
Located at the south end of Newtown, MoshPit is a small yet inviting rock’ n roll bar in Erskineville. Visit this bar to spend your weekend partying in the town with local beer on tap, amazing music to dance to, and pizza from local legend Alberto’s. Every night is a special night at MoshPit, where events like live music, open band night, open mic night, and more are organized.
With a total capacity of 100 people at a time, the bar’s ambience is very chic and chill. Dark brick walls are adorned with Tickets and posters from Pat and Wax’s own collections. A distinctive and original blend of drinks, decor, and dive is what makes MostPit one of the best pubs in Erskineville.
Address: 642A King St, Erskineville NSW 2043, Australia
Price: Rs 2000 onwards per person
Related Post: Taronga Zoo Australia
5. The Erko
The Erko, a go-to pub in Erskineville, is the most iconic place that reflects the authentic charm and beauty of the city. Presenting an ideal setting for quality food, drinks and family gatherings, The Erko is where you want to visit for different occasions ranging from long lunches to late-night drinks and everything in between. This is a one-of-its-kind pub in Erskineville that welcomes little ones and fur babies to their place. So, you do not need to leave behind your kids or pets at home and can have a family outing at this dog-friendly pub in Erskineville.
Ethan Robinson, who is the head chef in the kitchen, makes sure that the guests get served with cuisines that are prepared in-house using the freshest homegrown ingredients. For instance, their hand-cut chips or herbs are plucked from their patch at the Erko Road Community Garden. Other than the food, when it comes to drinking, this place will become your favourite once you get the taste of their flight of brews and natural wines that you can enjoy in their beer garden, around the pool table, or at the bar.
Address: 102 Erskineville Rd, Erskineville NSW 2043, Australia
Price: Rs 2500 onwards per person
You May Also Like To Read: Bondi Beach
Get yourself a beer or cocktail at these pubs in Erskineville, accompanied by some good food to spend the evening most memorably. Trying out handcrafted beers on the taps and local wines from nearby regions is another way to explore the city’s culture; one should not miss this. Whether you want to chill with your friends or celebrate a special occasion with your family, the pubs in the city have the perfect seating option for you. So, next time you are on a trip to Australia and travelling through Erskineville, do not think twice before stopping here and visiting one of these top-rated pubs for a quick drink and meal.
For our editorial codes of conduct and copyright disclaimer, please click here.
Cover Image Credit: J Bar for Wikimedia Commons
Frequently Asked Questions About Pubs In Erskineville
What train line is Erskineville on?
The railway station of Erskineville is a heritage-listed railway station. Located on the Illawarra line, this railway station serves the Sydney suburb of Erskineville.
How far is Sydney from Erskineville?
Sydney is around 5.5 km from Erskineville. It takes around 14 minutes to reach Erskineville from Sydney via Princes Highway A36.
What is there to explore in Sydney?
Sydney is a popular tourist destination featuring some must-visit icons like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House. While exploring the city, you can see new theatre shows, rooftop bars, and designer shops at every turn. The happening city scene gets perfectly balanced by afternoons spent lying on the sand, and this is what makes Sydney a perfect holiday destination.
What are some interesting facts about Sydney?
There are over 100 beaches in Sydney. Some of them are considered the best beaches in Australia. The Opera House in Sydney is the most iconic in the world. Lastly, the Sydney Harbour Bridge is one of the largest steel arch bridges in the world.
What is the best time to visit Erskineville and Sydney?
The best time to visit Erskineville and Sydney is during the spring season from September to November and autumn from March to May. During these months, you will get the weather to be mild and pleasant, with comfortable temperatures for enjoying outdoor activities like sightseeing, beach trips, and hiking.
People Also Read:
Pubs In Gisborne Pubs In Mildura Pubs In Abiansemal Bali
With a passion for exploring and travelling to the roads long forgotten, experience the world through enthralling stories and adventures. Join me as I share my experiences at some of the world’s most popular tourist destinations and quench that pestering curiosity with something exciting!
