The temperature might be dropping but the vibes are high at these cosy Wollongong bars.
Picture this - the sun is setting, it’s a crisp evening, and you’re in the mood for some fun. But where should you go? Good news is Wollongong CBD has plenty of boutique bars with cosy corners perfect for a cocktail or a mulled wine.
Whether you’re looking for a hot spot to chill out with friends or something more intimate for a cosy date night, these bars have got you sorted.
Keep reading to explore just a handful of the cosy bars that Wollongong CBD has to offer.
Night Parrot Bar & Kitchen
A pairing of wine and dumplings right here in the CBD? Sounds incredible! Night Parrot is an intimate bar located on lower Crown Street with an impressive beverage list and delicious handmade Asian inspired street food.
The rich wooden floors, velvet booth seating and strings of festoon lighting make for a classy late-night atmosphere. If you’re after a touch of sophistication without compromising on the fun vibes this is the bar for you.
The menu is stacked with handmade dumplings, bao buns, and bar snack favourites like their Korean Popcorn Chicken; or of you don’t feel like choosing you can order their Feed Me menu for $50 per person. Grab a glass from their extensive wine list, warm up with a Flaming Gala shot, or try That Bloody Bubble Thing (don’t forget to film it for the ‘gram).
You can visit Night Parrot Bar & Kitchen at 69 Crown Street, Wollongong or find out more on their website.
Howlin’ Wolf Whiskey Bar
What’s better than a warming whiskey on a cold night? Step into the dimly lit hideaway that is Howlin’ Wolf Bar, tucked away on lower Crown Street and fiercely loved by a loyal crowd of whiskey enthusiasts (or those looking for a good time)! Since 2017 Howlin’ Wolf has been raising the bar for whiskey joints with their cosy space offering a seven-day escape from the outside world and over 350 whiskies to choose from.
They’ve got plenty of regular events including trivia every Monday, vinyl DJ’s every Friday, monthly whiskey tastings and happy hour from 4-7pm daily.
If you’re not a whiskey lover never fear, they’ve also got a a large range of cocktails and craft beers available – and who can forget their famous ‘Booze ‘n Juice’! The most important thing to know is if you’re at ‘The Wolf’ (as their patrons call it) you’re going to have a good time.
You can visit Howlin' Wolf Whiskey Bar at 103/53-61 Crown Street, Wollongong or find out more on their website.
Ilu Ilu Cocktail Bar & Indian Tapas
Ilu Ilu is a luxurious taste of India – but not as you know it. It’s a unique tapas bar that feels both exotic and comforting. When you walk in, you’re stepping into a welcoming cocoon of regal blues, velvetty magentas and splashes of gold that instantly evoke images of decadent Indian palaces with a contemporary twist.
There’s a delicious selection of Indian inspired tapas dishes on the menu including Butter Chicken Fondue, and over the bar there's a mix of local spirits and Indian favourites. You'll find South Coast Distillery gin, Brix rum, and Great Southern Mead rubbing shoulders with Indian Amrut whiskey and Bira 91.
We love the cosy Toastie Tuesday special with Indian Inspired Cheese Toasties, the live (and free) jazz band every Thursday, and of course the Bottomless Brunch each Sunday from 12 – 2pm.
You can visit Ilu Ilu Cocktail Bar & Indian Tapas at Shop 5/10-18 Regent Street, Wollongong or find out more on their website.
The Black Cockatoo
Hidden through the back of a pop-up bakery is the entrance to the low-key and cosy Black Cockatoo Bar. The bar holds just 50 patrons at a time – and they like it that way. Whether it’s their Monday industry night or a post dinner drink, it feels like visiting your mate’s place that’s had a bit of a fancy makeover.
This is the perfect spot for locals looking to shake up their after-work routine, or to add some awesome vibes to your weekend – with happy hour specials from 5-7 including cheap tap beers and cocktail specials.
They call themselves your favourite bar's favourite bar, and are known for their laid-back atmosphere, unpretentious vibe, and top-notch quality.
You can visit The Black Cockatoo at 88 Kembla Street, Wollongong or find out more on their website.
Breakout Bar & Escape Rooms
If you’re looking for a different kind of night out, Breakout Bar & Escape Rooms is a completely unique adventure. As you step in the door you’ll be transported to another world, in a steampunk mixture of old-world luxury, and quirky industrial decor.
In just one evening you can experience an escape room, indulge in a creative cocktail, and belt out a tune in a private karaoke room.
The bar is a cosy feast for the senses. The cocktail menu features twists on classics, and interactive experiences from spirits in test-tubes, to flaming creations. Keep an eye out for Mulled Wine which will be on the menu seasonally from late June to the end of winter.
You can visit Breakout Bar & Escape Rooms in Crown Lane, Wollongong or find out more on their website.
Moominn
Moominn is a different kind of place. It’s a comfortable quirky yellow bar and restaurant in the heart of the CBD lovingly known as ‘The Czech Pub’ to its regulars. Serving up a casual menu of Czech/Asian fusion alongside a fun drinks menu they’ve got all the ingredients needed for a cosy bar.
The wooden bar and eclectic furnishings will make you feel right at home, it’s an ideal place for a schnapps and a schnitzel to help keep you warm and toasty!
Get down each Tuesday for their Litty Schnitty special including your choice of any loaded schnitzel from their menu plus a schooner of Czech beer for $25, try one of their bottomless brunches every Friday and Saturday, or get a ‘duck for a buck’ in your next cocktail.
You can visit Moominn at 68 Crown Street, Wollongong or find out more on their website.
Hungry after all that fun? Here are 6 must try pastas to warm you up. Still up to explore? Check out some unique places to take your mates.
