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A DAY AND NIGHT GUIDE

ALEXANDRIA, ROSEBERY AND GREEN SQUARE

Flip the switch below and discover Sydney by day or night
Concrete Playground
November 11, 2020

The former industrial heart of the city has taken on new life as a homewares and food mecca.

In partnership with City of Sydney, we’re celebrating what makes Alexandria and Rosebery such vibrant communities to live in and visit: their local businesses. It’s been a tough year, and these bars, restaurants, shops and cultural spaces need your patronage more than ever. It’s time to hit the streets, spend consciously, and throw your support behind these local gems.

Flick the switch above, and we’ll dim the lights to show you the best things to do once the sun goes down. You can also explore more inner city suburbs and discover more local businesses to support here.

The former industrial heart of the city has taken on new life as a homewares and food mecca.

In partnership with City of Sydney, we’re celebrating what makes Alexandria and Rosebery such vibrant communities to live in and visit: their local businesses. It’s been a tough year, and these bars, restaurants, shops and cultural spaces need your patronage more than ever. It’s time to hit the streets, spend consciously, and throw your support behind these local gems.

Flick the switch above, and we’ll turn on the lights to show you the best things to do pre-6pm. You can also explore more inner city suburbs and discover more local businesses to support here.

DID YOU KNOW

Green Square is a ten-year development project. We’ve already seen the unveiling of an underground library and creative centre (managed by Redfern’s 107 Projects). And construction is underway on an aquatic and recreation centre inspired by Sydney’s ocean pools, a 6200-square-metre park and a futuristic residential development with a food-filled laneway.

GETTING AROUND

Green Square Station is just a few quick stops from Circular Quay in one direction and the airport in the other, so the train is the easiest artery into the area. There are also bike paths that connect the city to Green Square via Alexandria, and pedalling is a good way to get between venues, which can be quite spread out.

DON’T MISS

One of the most Instagrammed places in the whole country, The Grounds of Alexandria is a colourful garden and cafe with a bakery, weekend markets, a florist and many farmyard friends. The grounds in question are an old pie tin factory, which has been converted into a lively community space popular with families, foodies and photographers.

LOCALS LOVE

Alexandria is a coffee lover’s paradise, with no shortage of well-brewed beans. Mecca has its headquarters here with an on-site roastery, the understated locals’ secret Two Tales is brewing delicious cups opposite leafy Alexandria Park and people travel from across the city and beyond for the rotating menu of global coffee beans at The Grounds.

DID YOU KNOW

When Archie Rose Distillery opened in 2015, it was the first independent distillery to open in Sydney since the 1850s. The distillery’s opening also helped kick off the rise in homegrown spirits which now dominate many a cocktail list around Sydney and beyond.

GETTING AROUND

Green Square Station is just a few quick stops from Circular Quay in one direction and the airport in the other, so the train is the easiest artery into the area. The summer timetable has trains running until around 1.30am.

DON’T MISS

Thrill-seekers looking for fun hangs should head to Doody Street in Alexandria. At Sky Zone you can flip out on trampolines, join a dodgeball league or climb some rock. Next door, live out your Stranger Things arcade fantasies, complete with bar, bowling alley and laser tag at Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq.

LOCALS LOVE

This is the land of boutique booze. Archie Rose has revived the art of distilling local liquor, while The Rocks Brewing Co. was one of the earliest adopters of the craft brew movement in Sydney. The local bottle-o has been taken up a notch here too, with exquisitely curated selections at The Drink Hive.

How to do Alexandria, Rosebery and Green Square

Do as the locals do.

Cafes

Choosing between the local lineup of elite coffee brewers and brunch masters is a privileged problem keenly felt in Alexandria and Rosebery.

1. Textbook Boulangerie Patisserie - CLOSED

This inner-city patisserie's croissants have gained a cult following in Sydney.

2. Went to See the Gypsy - CLOSED

An Alexandria specialty coffee hot-spot with a state-of-the-art brew bar, salted pistachio espressos and food by an ex-Cho Cho San chef.

3. Bread & Circus Wholefoods Canteen - CLOSED

The impression of wellbeing and earthy goodness is hard to escape at this ever-popular spot.

4. Meet Gerard

Once you have, thank him for the top-notch feed.

5. Mentmore & Morley

Find fresh, inventive takes on classic dishes in a sunny indoor/outdoor space.

Restaurants and Pubs

This on-the-up area is attracting exciting new names in the food scene who are eager to move into the ever-expanding drinking and dining district.

1. The Grounds of Alexandria

The Grounds is innovative, idealist and a little bit chic — in the best possible way.

2. Three Blue Ducks Rosebery

This big, bright outpost of a Sydney fave brings farm-to-table ethos and darn good coffee to Rosebery's up-and-coming food precinct.

3. Sushi Jones Japanese Bistro

An affordable, unassuming Japanese eatery that will let you bring you four-legged friend with you.

4. The Nighthawk Diner

Sydney's beloved Americana food truck.

5. Rocks Brewing Co Tap House

Brews inspired by the dubious characters of colonial past should be enjoyed in one of the best beer gardens in Sydney.

Shops

Worthwhile fashion outlets, delicious food emporiums and pre-loved wares reign supreme in this area of warehouse stores worth getting lost in.

1. Lunatiques

A mammoth (300-square-metres) warehouse of well-curated vintage finds from eras past.

2. Incu Outlet

The longstanding fashion retailer's chic new outlet store offers luxe emerging and established labels for up to 60 percent off.

3. Koskela

Carefully created interior warehouse with sustainability at its core.

4. Mr Cook

For epic wedding-worthy garlands, call Mr Cook.

5. Simon Johnson Providore

The long-standing providore market has transformed its Alexandria shop into a clearance store.

How to do Alexandria, Rosebery and Green Square

Do as the locals do.

Restaurants and Pubs

From industrial warehouse to Italian farmhouse, the restaurant interiors are as inventive as the cuisine served within.

1. Da Mario

This pizza's so good it'll sabotage your ability to try anything else.

2. COOH Alexandria

For wholesome dining in an unsuspecting industrial area.

3. Frenchies Bistro and Brewery

Parisian bistronomy and local brewing come together at this spot run by two ‘Frenchies’ with a penchant for culinary delights.

4. Pino's Vino e Cucina

Dig into rustic dishes and divine cocktails set amongst dark timber and candlelight in the style of an Italian farmhouse.

5. Nguyen Brothers Alexandria

Get your pho and rice paper roll fix here.

Bars

If you’re searching for drink diversity, you’ll never get bored in this neighbourhood rife with craft creations and cocktails.

1. Yulli's Brews

A totally vegan (and dog-friendly) taproom and restaurant.

2. Archie Rose Distillery

If you're looking to lift your spirits, this gin distillery is the place to be.

3. No. 5 Restaurant and Bar

Once a gemstone processing facility, now a local restaurant with a cosy fire, craft beer and a pooch area.

4. Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq

The activity-filled warehouse comes from the team behind Holey Moley and features ten-pin bowling, dodgem cars and cocktails.

5. The Lord Raglan Hotel

This brewpub tries to do it all, and actually succeeds.

Shops

Find shops that cater to your creative inclination, whether that be towards food and drink or the arts.

1. The Drink Hive

Not only replenishing your growlers with local brews, this joint also has refillable wine stations.

2. Mitchell Road Antique and Design Centre

Bring water and provisions, you could be browsing through this antique gold mine for quite some time.

3. Gelato Messina Rosebery

Get a scoop at Sydney’s beloved gelateria’s headquarters in the inner south — or learn to make your own.

4. Australian Meat Emporium

Don an insulated jacket and explore the biggest public cold room in the country to discover meat cuts of all shapes and sizes.

5. Hunter and Fox Tattoo

Get inked by some of the best in the biz.

Editor's Intinerary

Here is how our editor loves to spend a few hours in Alexandria and Rosebery.

Find Your Way Through the Alexandria Area

Track down the must-visit local haunts.

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Explore more of Sydney and your favourite suburbs through the eyes of other locals by following #sydneylocal on Instagram.

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