Cafe Lounge

Tucked away on a side street running off Crown, you'll find a courtyard packed with the cool kids of Surry Hills. Beneath the mural of a setting sun, said clientele are drinking Caprioskas and lounging on mismatched furniture. The décor is eclectic and a little manic, but the vibe is relaxed and the staff are very friendly. The bar is small, but stocked with the essentials. There's an extensive cocktail menu with a few twists on some old classics, local bottled beers and a modest wine list. As for food, the menu boasts mains around the $15 mark. There are salads, linguine in various guises and thin-crust pizzas. (The more adventurous pizza-eaters can try a prawn and banana combo if they ask nicely.) Many nights of the week you'll find the Lounge DJs spinning disco, jungle or hip hop with the odd live music event thrown in for good measure. Works by local artists adorn the walls and the pieces rotate regularly. By day, Café Lounge is a nice spot for an afternoon coffee but be warned: there's no smoking in the courtyard. Café Lounge now features regular live music and with a few Long Island Iced Teas under your belt, it's the perfect way to begin a night out.