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A DAY AND NIGHT GUIDE

GLEBE, ULTIMO AND PYRMONT

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

Whether you’re after a matcha latte or a cold beer with a side of vinyl shopping, the Glebe, Ultimo and Pyrmont area is one of the best places to eat, drink and be merry in Sydney’s inner city.

In partnership with City of Sydney, we’re celebrating what makes these suburbs 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.

Whether you’re after a matcha latte or a cold beer with a side of vinyl shopping, the Glebe, Ultimo and Pyrmont area is one of the best places to eat, drink and be merry in Sydney’s inner city.

In partnership with City of Sydney, we’re celebrating what makes these suburbs 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

Some of Sydney’s most architecturally significant sites are situated in Ultimo. There are modern examples (UTS’s quirky Dr Chau Chak Wing Building was designed by the legendary architect Frank Gehry) and industrial relics, including the brick shell of the Edwin Davey & Sons Flour Mill, built in 1896, which has recently been converted into apartment buildings.

GETTING AROUND

A distinctive landmark is the former railway viaduct that now carries the light rail over Wentworth Park. It uses the original brickwork from 1922 and features 23 brick arches. The light rail connects areas like Glebe, Ultimo and Pyrmont with the CBD), along with numerous bus routes and many bike and walking trails.

DON’T MISS

We all know life is about balance. So start your day by hitting up Blackwattle Bay. The eight-kilometre follows the shore of the stunning Rozelle Bay. Then, on your way home, grab a croque monsieur from Astor Espresso.

LOCALS LOVE

With the Sydney Fish Market right on the doorstep, locals are spoilt with fresh produce and seafood every day. Hunt down the stall shucking oysters to-order and the sushi doughnuts, then fight it out with pelicans for the freshest fish of the day.

DID YOU KNOW

Restored in 2016, after laying dormant for several decades, the Tramsheds dining precinct in Glebe (home to favourites such as Belles Hot Chicken and Bodega 1904) is built around the old Rozelle Tram Depot which opened its doors on April 17, 1904. At its peak, the tram depot housed 200 tram cars.

GETTING AROUND

The light rail that connects the CBD with all of Sydney’s inner west (via Glebe, Ultimo and Pyrmont), runs until midnight (or 24 hours if you’re heading to Pyrmont). There are also numerous bus routes that run until 1am, or it’s an easy ten-minute walk down from Central Station.

DON’T MISS

Tramsheds hosts a whole heap of adult-friendly workshops where you can learn to make dumplings or cheese, and all over a glass of wine. There are also regular happenings at the restaurants within the precinct. You can learn to make pasta at Flour Eggs Water or win trivia at Redline Brewing Co.

LOCALS LOVE

Glebe, Ultimo and Pyrmont aren’t known as rowdy areas, but behind closed doors exists a well-loved live music scene. Smooth jazz vibes can be found at Foundry 616, Different Drummer hosts regular gigs paired with excellent drink deals and Sappho Books often hosts local musicians throughout the week.

How to do Glebe, Ultimo and Pyrmont

Do as the locals do.

Cafes

While Sydney has an abundance of good cafes, nowhere has more Instagrammable places to show off your coffee (or red velvet latte).

1. Local Mbassy

A quaint cafe serving red velvet everything.

2. Quick Brown Fox

A Pyrmont cafe with Gabriel coffee and some of the best breakfast in Sydney.

3. Oh My Days

A cafe in Glebe baking 'buttery' vegan croissants and pastries.

4. Pioik Bakery

A prime Pyrmont pitstop for coffee, bread and cake.

5. The Wedge Espresso

Wedge serves mugs of Milo and great brunch on Glebe Point Road.

Restaurants

No matter your budget or cravings, there’s no shortage of great eateries. Have some of the best fried chicken or a big steaming bowl of ramen.

1. Ramen Goku

Sydney's beloved ramen joint comes to Glebe- and it's BYO wine.

2. LuMi Bar and Dining

This tasting menu-only Pyrmont restaurant offers refined Italian fare with Japanese influences.

3. Flour Eggs Water - CLOSED

Crown Street's Besser has made way for A Tavola's new pasta haven.

4. Belles Hot Chicken Tramsheds

Finger-licking fried chicken goodness.

5. Chuuka - CLOSED

A buzzing fine diner on the water serving up Chinese-Japanese fare.

Shop Online

Can't visit the area soon enough? Do some online browsing and get gems from these businesses sent straight to you instead.

1. Urban Oasis

A Pyrmont gift shop stacked with local designers.

2. Sydney Fish Market

Sit amongst the pelicans at the largest seafood market in the Southern Hemisphere.

3. Passiontree Velvet - CLOSED

Order a decadent custom cake or enjoy a traditional high tea at this sweet patisserie.

4. Vegan Grocery Store Sydney

A one-stop shop for vegan-friendly groceries.

5. Vic's Meat Market

Smokers and every cut of beef under the sun — meatlovers, this one's for you.

Arts and Culture

'Look but don’t touch’ is old news, these artistic spaces and galleries are all about interaction and collaboration.

1. Kil.n.it

Here, you'll find studio space, services and classes for all your ceramic needs.

2. Powerhouse Museum

Pay a visit to one of Sydney's most interactive museums.

3. Sappho Books Cafe & Wine Bar

Have tea in the sci-fi section at this long-loved bookstore cafe.

4. Sydney Lyric Theatre

Globally acclaimed plays are held at this luxe theatre.

5. Glebe Markets

Legendary Saturday morning market with food, art and music.

Leisure

For when you feel like exercising the mind as well as the body, head to one of these stunning local spots.

1. Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre

This slick indoor aquatic centre is a must-visit for swimmers.

2. Victoria Park Pool

Take a quick dip in this outdoor pool in the centre of a park.

3. Nature's Energy Glebe

You'll find everything you need to pamper yourself at this inner west bathhouse and spa.

4. The Goods Line

Sydney's answer to New York's High Line.

5. Pirrama Park

The harbourside park offers free barbecues, outdoor exercise equipment and stellar views.

Shops

Shopping in the area is all about creature comforts — pick up something to decorate your home or find your next read.

1. Inner City Cycles

Glebe Point Road's long-standing bicycle shop has a broad range of bikes, including electric and hybrid.

2. Design By Them

Shop for timeless and sustainable furniture all designed and made in Australia.

3. Blackwattle Deli

Stock up on handmade cheeses and pantry essentials at this deli inside the Sydney Fish Markets.

4. Gleebooks

Lose yourself in freshly printed books here.

5. The Couch that Jack Built

Renovate a preloved couch or armchair with help from these upholstery experts.

How to do Glebe, Ultimo and Pyrmont

Do as the locals do.

Restaurants

Can't go overseas for traditional Southern or Japanese cooking? Don’t worry, your tastebuds can travel the globe in these suburbs.

1. The Charleston

This millennial pink-hued Glebe eatery is inspired by the coastal towns of South Carolina.

2. Glebe Point Diner

It's perfect for a casual graze, an intimate first date or a well-overdue catch up with mates.

3. Momofuku Seiobo - CLOSED

Put your Blackjack money back in your wallet and save it for a fantastic night of unconventional eating.

4. Sokyo

The popular Sydney Japanese restaurant does elegance extraordinarily well.

5. Ombretta - CLOSED

What Italian joints across Europe have been selling for centuries: a place to spritz and snack.

Live Music

From a brewery's malt room-turned-performance space to a lively jazz bar, catch some tunes and dance at these live music haunts.

1. The Little Guy

Boysenberry cider, a 16-strong beer list and live music.

2. Different Drummer

Before the rise of the small bar, this was Glebe's cocktail oasis in a desert of old-man pubs.

3. Staves Brewery

Get stuck in with two-for-one pints at Glebe's backstreet brewpub.

4. Foundry 616

One of Sydney's most loved jazz and blues clubs.

5. The Toxteth Hotel

This Glebe pub straddles old and new with great pub grub and a mixed crowd.

Shops

Flowers for special occasions, crystals for the enlightened and spiritual and wine for everyone else just trying to get through the week.

1. Flowers on the Point

You'll find no nonsense flowers, cards and plants at this reliable gift store in Glebe.

2. Mineralism

Find gemstones and jewels from around the world here.

3. Galluzzo Fruiterers

A Glebe Point Road institution for fresh fruit and veg.

4. Glebe Liquor

A well-stocked family-owned liquor store.

5. The Source Bulk Foods

Pick up organic treats and healthy ingredients at this waste-free corner store.

Bars

Whatever vinous adventure you crave, the Glebe/Pyrmont area has got just the spot for you.

1. Gallon

Wine and crumbed soft cheese in a leafy courtyard.

2. Mister Percy

An intimate inner city wine bar with a killer drinks list hidden in a former wool store.

3. Timbah - CLOSED

A neighbourhood wine bar pouring whatever's open and dishing out a world of flavours.

4. 12 Taps Glebe - CLOSED

Glebe's new beer bar showcases a rotating lineup of independent Australian breweries across 12 taps.

5. The Rooftop

A Palm Springs-inspired rooftop bar and lounge in Pyrmont.

Pubs

The area is peppered with historic pubs that have been given face lifts. These are our faves.

1. Quarrymans Hotel

Welcome to Pyrmont's craft beer haven.

2. Terminus Hotel

After lying dormant for 30 years, this Pyrmont pub is back.

3. Friend in Hand Hotel

You'll find this lively, old-school pub in the backstreets of Glebe.

4. The Lord Wolseley Hotel

The narrowest pub in NSW now has a star ex-Quay chef at its helm.

5. The Glebe Hotel

This historic pub has been given a new name and dog-friendly courtyard.

CP Faves

Here are our favourite haunts for when the sun goes down and the streets of Glebe come alive.

1. Bar Clementine - CLOSED

A European-style wine bar in Pyrmont.

2. Bodega 1904 - CLOSED

A wine and tapas bar — and bottle shop — in Glebe's Tramsheds.

3. Flying Fajita Sistas

Glebe’s long-standing Mexican haunt is known for it cheap tacos and glowing wall of tequilas.

4. Bombay Street Kitchen - CLOSED

This Glebe restaurant pays tribute to the dying street food culture of Bombay.

5. Thievery - CLOSED

The Middle Eastern restaurant home to that burnt butter hummus — and a cracking vegetarian feast.

Editor's Picks

Here is how our editor loves to spend a few hours in Glebe, Ultimo and Pyrmont.

  • Oh My Days

    Oh My Days

    At this plant-filled cafe, you'll find pastries baked in-house daily, burritos and pancakes — and every single thing is vegan.
  • Tramsheds

    Tramsheds

    The airy, sunlit Tramsheds has a fix for every craving, from house-made gelato to natural wine and spicy fried chicken.
  • Vic's Meat Market

    Vic's Meat Market

    Chat to the helpful staff and find your favourite cut of beef (or don't wait and eat something charred from the smoker).
  • Gleebooks

    Gleebooks

    For over 40 years, this independent bookshop has been a go-to for Sydneysiders looking for their next read. Follow its social platforms to be across upcoming book launches and other events.
  • Friend in Hand

    Friend in Hand

    Have your beer served by the friendly cockatoo (not really) at this loved local pub, or just hang with this fine-feathered friend.
  • Mineralism

    Mineralism

    This mystical mineral shop has rocks to calm and improve the vibe of your home and workplace.
  • Powerhouse Museum

    Powerhouse Museum

    This museum is often host to vivid, immersive exhibitions. It also hosts regular talks and events coinciding with its exhibitions.
  • Wine Society

    Wine Society

    Fancy yourself an oenophile? Peruse the ace wines on offer at this well-stocked bottleshop in the heart of Ultimo.

Find Your Way Through the Glebe Area

Track down the must-visit local haunts.

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