A local's guide to Glebe
From the newly popular Tramsheds and other hidden gems to always-happening Glebe Point Road, Glebe and surrounds has much to offer locals and visitors alike.
We asked Sydneysiders on Facebook and Twitter to share the spots they love in Glebe – and why they love them. Here’s what they told us.
Glebe by day
Photo: Courtesy of The Works Showroom
The Works Showroom
62 Glebe Point Road, Glebe
“The perfect spot for finding unique gifts and supporting local small businesses and artists at the same time!” says Alex on our online form
The Works Showroom is a communal retail space that enables businesses to set up pop-up shops for as little as a month at a time. Shoppers can pop in to see an ever-changing mix of brands, artists, designers and makers and their products and handicrafts – all in 1 convenient location. You’ll get your shopping done and support up-and-coming local artisans. The Works Showroom is open every day.
Photo: Katherine Griffiths/City of Sydney
Sappho Books, Cafe & Bar
51 Glebe Point Road, Glebe
“It’s a quaint little space with positive colours that makes you smile!” says Cytee on Facebook
For fresh brews, books and more, Sappho is your 1-stop shop. The bookstore has a pleasant courtyard cafe for breakfast and lunch (and to start on that fascinating second-hand book you’ve just bought). The shop not only buys and sells used books and vinyl, but also hosts live music nights and monthly poetry events. Wednesday to Saturday nights, the cafe morphs into a wine bar featuring wine, craft beers, cocktails and tapas.
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In the Annex
35 Ross Street, Forest Lodge
“In the Annex has amazing coffee and a part-of-the-family warmth,” says Amelia on our online form
Glebe Point Road can’t have all the glory. For caffeinating, breakfasting, brunching and lunching, this Ross Street cafe is well worth wandering off the main drag. The 30-seater spot is industrial-chic yet comfy, with friendly staff, an outdoor area and noteworthy vego options.
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Le Petit Tarte Cafe
219 Glebe Point Road, Glebe
“Great food, friendly staff, great location … easily the best coffee in Glebe,” says Alex on Facebook
This is a friendly and relaxed Australian cafe with a French twist (and name). It’s a cute spot for a delicious hot or cold coffee – depending on the weather Sydney’s serving up – and tasty all-day breakfast.
Madame Frou Frou Cafe
379 Glebe Point Road, Glebe
“Best haloumi salad and careful to provide gluten free and vego dishes … a great lunch and coffee spot,” says Diane on Facebook
This cafe has a name that’s fun to say. Also fun is the frothy and skilled coffee art, which ranges from the adorable to the dramatic. What’s more, the coffee tastes good and is consistently good. The classic Aussie bacon-egg roll is a popular staple.
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Valhalla Social
166 Glebe Point Road, Glebe
“Coffee and house-made muffins,” says Bec on our online form
A new kid on the very busy block, Valhalla Social (underneath the old Valhalla Cinema) is from the same people behind popular The Wedge Espresso, also in Glebe. Here, old-school cafe classics meet modern culinary flair. The plentiful menu leaves you spoilt for choice, and the kids’ menu spoils the littlies, too.
Katherine Griffiths/City of Sydney
Badde Manors Cafe & Restaurant
37 Glebe Point Road, Glebe
“Good food, vegetarian, good coffee, good atmosphere,” says Anne on Facebook
A fixture in the neighbourhood for more than 3 decades, Badde Manors vegetarian restaurant has seen Glebe change – along with diners’ dietary requirements. This corner cafe aims to meet those needs, offering low-calorie, gluten-free, vegan, nut-free and other specially tailored options. The multicultural menu serves up dishes hailing from the Middle East, Asia, North Africa, Latin America and the Mediterranean. Badde Manors is open every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner – and it takes bookings.
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Glebe by night
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Glebe Point Diner
407 Glebe Point Road, Glebe
“A lovely restaurant … ideal for date night and special events,” says Stephen on Facebook
Glebe Point Diner embraces fresh seasonal produce and a nose-to-tail approach to cooking – and feeding guests. It shows in the final dishes’ high quality. The restaurant’s small but smashing à la carte menu changes regularly, so you’re in for new delights with every visit. The wine list is a mix of local Aussie drops and international varieties.
The Little Guy
87 Glebe Point Road, Glebe
“No choice: The Little Guy. Great vibe, great drinks, great staff,” says Dionne on Facebook
It may be a little guy, but it’s no underdog. What it lacks in size, this bar makes up for in friendliness, a convivial atmosphere and a great drinks list. Plus, there’s free popcorn! The Little Guy actually comprises 3 small rooms: the broad wooden bar up the front and 2 back rooms dotted with tables and couches.
The Forest Lodge Hotel
117 Arundel Street, Forest Lodge
“The Forest Lodge Hotel (known as ‘the Flodge’ to its locals) is without question the best pub in 2037 [Glebe’s postcode]! It has everything a brilliant pub should have – outstanding food, pool table, indoor and outdoor area, amazing staff and the finest beers on tap in Sydney!” says Sarah on our online form
This hoppin’ local – which received heaps of recommendations from Forest Lodgers and beyond – likes its hops. With 12 taps that rotate every week and feature local and international craft beers (and one dedicated to cider lovers, too), there’s always a new pint to try. Nightly specials add fun (think trivia nights and live entertainment), value or both. The prices are affordable, the atmosphere’s welcoming and relaxed, and the alfresco courtyard doesn’t hurt, either.
Flying Fajita Sistas Mexican Kitchen
65 Glebe Point Road, Glebe
“Flying fajitas sistas for nice Mexican,” says Lai on Facebook
You’ll find lots of south-of-the-border staples here: tacos, quesadillas, burritos, fajitas, nachos, enchiladas and more. Flying Fajita Sistas prides itself on its use of sustainable practices, fresh seasonal produce and hard-to-find imported spices. Like your fare really spicy? The Wall of Pain – a rack of hot sauces – is on hand. And if you thought the food menu was generous, wait till you see the tequila options!
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Pizzeria Da Alfredo
331 Glebe Point Road, Glebe
“I love the warmth in the atmosphere, the authentic service and of course the incredible food! A true Italian wonder in the inner west,” says Elsa on Facebook
Head chef and founder Alfredo Repole fires up 13-inch, half-metre and 1-metre(!) pizzas at his traditional family-owned pizzeria. The thinner-in-the-middle, thick-around-the-edges pizzas are consistently delicious, the service great and the value for money a reason to become a regular. Who knew you could get an authentic taste of Naples by way of Glebe?
Dish Sri Lankan Street Food
381 Glebe Point Road, Glebe
“Excellent and friendly. And they have hoppers!” says Jo on Facebook
Hoppers, for the uninitiated, are airy, thin, crepe-like dishes made with coconut milk batter and rice flour. They’re a popular dish in Sri Lanka and here at Dish too. Other highlights on Dish’s traditional menu include lamprais, biriyani, roti, dosa and curries. They’ll transport you to the vibrant, buzzy market stalls of this island nation.
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The Toxteth
345 Glebe Point Road, Glebe
“With the new renovation, they have a new menu – healthy, modern and full of flavour,” says Dionne on Facebook
‘The Tocky’ is your classic comfortable community pub, even more so after recently undergoing a 6-month renovation. Now sporting a more modern interior, The Toxteth’s décor is not the only aspect that’s had a makeover. The food and drinks menus have also received an update. The pub grub now features more vego- and vegan-friendly and gluten-free options, and the wine list includes some natural, organic and vegan drops. The courtyard’s new retractable roof also means The Tocky has alfresco-all-year-round appeal.
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Timbah
375 Glebe Point Road, Glebe
“Timbah for the best small plates,” says Sarah on Facebook
Sometimes with industrial chic, it’s a feat to deliver a venue that’s cool, classy and comfortable all at once. But Timbah wine bar – down the more residential end of Glebe – handily pulls it off. It’s an intimate, cosy spot that’s ideal for some nice small-plate snacking and a lovely glass of wine or 2. And you may find yourself sipping something a bit different here. Timbah opens only a handful of boutique wines (red and white) each night. Customers who get there first dictate the selection, so you might want it to be you!
Photo: Sarah Rhodes/City of Sydney
Staves Brewery
4-8 Grose Street, Glebe
“Staves every time!!! It’s simple really … the beer is always on point and there is always something to suit every palate. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and the location is easy to get to once you have found this hidden gem. Whether you want a quiet few hours with friends, or love to listen to a great local band or laugh your head off to relieve the week’s stresses, Staves has got it all! So what’s not to love?” says Pippa on Facebook
Staves is all about pouring great beer and supporting new talent in its dedicated performance space. Sample from the brewery’s core range, or try some seasonal or other limited-edition brews. Thursdays through Sundays are live-entertainment nights, with bands, comedians, singer/songwriters and more.
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Ombretta
355 Glebe Point Road, Glebe
“Ombretta offers genuine service from their team of knowledgeable Italians. Their menu changes each month to reflect a region of Italy, which always gives you a reason to return. Their monthly regional dinners are really well-run and great value,” says Kate on Facebook
Explore ‘the boot’ region by region at this traditional Italian eatery. For example, 1 month, the menu will feature only dishes from Sicily. Go back the next month, and Ombretta will transport you to Lombardia, or perhaps Trentino. Menus are simple and straightforward (and written on the chalkboard). The easygoing and friendly staff are happy to patiently take you through them. Inside, the ambience is charming and comfortable, but dining outside and watching Glebe go by is nice, too. It’s a winning go-to spot for date night or a chilled and satisfying night out with friends.
Friend in Hand Hotel
58 Cowper Street, Glebe
“Where else do you get a cockatoo, band, crab races? A true-blue Aussie pub,” says John on Facebook
Before there was the Internet of Things, there were just ‘things’ – and they all seem to be on display at The Friend in Hand pub. Everything from stuffed animal heads, oil paintings and mannequins to musical instruments, road signs, hula hoops, bowling pins and more line the walls and surfaces of this down-to-earth public house. Along with all the inanimate objects, there’s a live cockatoo – an unconventional bouncer to say the least! The staff are fun and friendly, as is the atmosphere. The pub fare and drinks list are simple and straightforward. Come for the kitsch and stay for the regular events – crab races, Mic in Hand comedy nights, life-drawing sessions and more.
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Different Drummer
185 Glebe Point Road, Glebe
“Food and DJs till late,” says Paris on Facebook
Dance to the beat of your own drum – and the DJs’ beats – at this lively bar. Fuel your dancing feet with one of the mouth-watering burgers – definite menu stand-outs here. Or enjoy some modern share plates and a mix of traditional and experimental cocktails. The bar hosts cocktail happy hours from 6pm to 7.30pm Tuesdays through Saturdays.
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Ahgora
94 Glebe Point Road, Glebe
“Beautiful special-occasion Greek food. Lamb shoulder to die for!” says Dionne on Facebook
Ahgora means ‘gathering place’ or ‘meeting place’ in Greek, and that’s what the owners have created here. Sharing is caring – and encouraged – at this restaurant with an emphasis on Greek and Mediterranean flavours. Here, you’ll find a sophisticated, stylish setting alongside a laidback, friendly feel.
Thievery
91 Glebe Point Road, Glebe
“Delicious modern Lebanese. Great cocktails, too,” says Dionne on Facebook
You’ll be forgiven for stealing away to Thievery. The modern Lebanese restaurant features delicious Middle Eastern street food fare, creative cocktails (and mocktails) and a bottomless boozy Saturday brunch (from 11:30am to 3pm). Executive chef Julian Cincotta takes baba ganoush – and more – to the next level.
Did we miss anything?
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