Overview
The lower end of Crown Street did it tough in 2018, with a large number of empty shopfronts littered along the block between Cleveland and Devonshire streets, long-time residents Mr Fox and Cafe Mint closing down, and Bishop Sessa forced to change from fine dining to a more casual affair. But, in good news, one of those spaces has re-opened, with 4 Pines Brewing Company taking over Mr Fox's former abode.
As first announced back in November, the Crown Street joint marks the brewery's fourth venue — and its first off the north shore. The new spot isn't just about brews, but about loaded burgers too. Thirsty patrons will find the full 4 Pines core range and limited releases flowing through the taps, alongside some seriously stacked combos of meat and bread.
Think dishes like cornflake-coated buttermilk fried chicken burgers with chilli and peanut butter; sweet and sour pork belly topped with Asian slaw, 15 fresh chillies, yuzu mayo and pickles; and both a regular cheeseburger made with Angus beef and a double-sized version that also features smoked bacon. Sides-wise, you can opt for panko-fried IPA jalapenos, a serve of chicken wings, falafels with yoghurt and pickled chillies, and spiced pulled pork croquetas.
Apart from beer, there's also a modest supply of wines and spirits on offer, plus a five-strong cocktail menu that makes ample use of ginger beer.
The new bar has a similar fit-out to the brewery's other instalments, which include the Manly Brewpub, Brookvale Truck Bar and the Newport barrel-aged outpost — plus the Manly ferry bars and the SCG craft beer stall which opened in April last year.
Find 4 Pines Surry Hills at 557 Crown Street, Surry Hills, open Monday to Thursday from 4pm until late, Fridays and Saturdays from 12pm until late, and Sundays fro: 12–10pm.
Images: StevenWoodburn.