Golden Age Bar

bar

A heritage cinema and cocktail bar inside the art deco Paramount House, screening cult films and new releases alongside drinks in an intimate basement setting.

4.6

(636 reviews)Google

Happy Hour Deals

Happy Hour

$15 negronis
$15 manhattans
$10 prosecco

Every Day

5:00pm – 7:00pm

Best For

BarWheelchair AccessibleQuietGood For GroupsAfter WorkSpecial Occasion

80 Commonwealth Street, Surry Hills 2010

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Opening Hours

Monday5pm – 11pm

Tuesday5pm – 11pm

Wednesday5pm – 11pm

Thursday5pm – 11pm

FridayToday5pm – 11pm

Saturday12pm – 12am

Sunday12pm – 12am

The Vibe

Setting: The basement of the heritage-listed Paramount Pictures building from 1940, with original art deco fittings that give the space genuine old-world cinema charm rather than manufactured nostalgia.
Layout: A 60-person bar adjoining the screening room, accessible whether you're seeing a film or just drinking. The intimate golden stage hosts emerging acts on Friday and Saturday nights, while the bar serves as a pre-film gathering spot and standalone destination.
Crowd: Date-night pairs make up a solid portion, drawn by the romantic combination of classic films and cocktails. The programming of cult classics, never-before-screened films and recent releases attracts serious cinephiles alongside casual movie-goers looking for something different from the megaplex experience.
Energy: Buzzy but not rowdy - conversation-friendly until showtime when the cinema crowd filters through. The live music nights bring a different energy with local hip hop and contemporary jazz acts on the small stage.

What People Love

Cocktails and wine: The bar focuses on interesting producers rather than flashy presentation, serving wines, beers and cocktails that complement the old-cinema atmosphere without trying too hard to be themed.
Film-inspired food: The Spielberger toastie gets regular mentions - pastrami, Swiss cheese, pickles, sauerkraut and mustard pressed into what regulars describe as the cheesy treat they've been waiting for. Messina sundaes provide the dessert option, while deli selections and pasta round out the larger plates.
Programming: The film selection draws people back - highlights have included Lena Dunham's Tiny Furniture and Michele Gondry's The We and the I, plus Australian premieres of restored cult classics. The mix of old and new releases, plus films never before shown locally, keeps the programming fresh for repeat visitors.
Cinema snacks: Members never pay for popcorn again, a detail that matters more than it should when you're settling in for a double feature.

The Neighbourhood

Location: Positioned at the intersection of Hunt, Commonwealth and Brisbane Streets in Surry Hills, the Paramount House building serves as an elegant art deco landmark that's hard to miss. The building itself signals the venue's character from the street - heritage-listed architecture that promises something different from the standard bar experience.
Transport: Easy walking distance from Central Station, making it accessible for people coming from across Sydney for the evening film programming. The Commonwealth Street address puts it in the heart of Surry Hills' dining and drinking strip.
Neighbourhood fit: The venue sits naturally within Surry Hills' collection of creative businesses and independent venues. The focus on cult cinema and emerging live acts aligns with the area's reputation for supporting arts and culture beyond the mainstream. The building's restoration by Right Angle Studio's Barton brothers reflects the broader gentrification of heritage spaces in the suburb while maintaining cultural programming.

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Contact

The Vibe

Setting: The basement of the heritage-listed Paramount Pictures building from 1940, with original art deco fittings that give the space genuine old-world cinema charm rather than manufactured nostalgia.

Layout: A 60-person bar adjoining the screening room, accessible whether you're seeing a film or just drinking. The intimate golden stage hosts emerging acts on Friday and Saturday nights, while the bar serves as a pre-film gathering spot and standalone destination.

Crowd: Date-night pairs make up a solid portion, drawn by the romantic combination of classic films and cocktails. The programming of cult classics, never-before-screened films and recent releases attracts serious cinephiles alongside casual movie-goers looking for something different from the megaplex experience.

Energy: Buzzy but not rowdy - conversation-friendly until showtime when the cinema crowd filters through. The live music nights bring a different energy with local hip hop and contemporary jazz acts on the small stage.

What People Love

Cocktails and wine: The bar focuses on interesting producers rather than flashy presentation, serving wines, beers and cocktails that complement the old-cinema atmosphere without trying too hard to be themed.

Film-inspired food: The Spielberger toastie gets regular mentions - pastrami, Swiss cheese, pickles, sauerkraut and mustard pressed into what regulars describe as the cheesy treat they've been waiting for. Messina sundaes provide the dessert option, while deli selections and pasta round out the larger plates.

Programming: The film selection draws people back - highlights have included Lena Dunham's Tiny Furniture and Michele Gondry's The We and the I, plus Australian premieres of restored cult classics. The mix of old and new releases, plus films never before shown locally, keeps the programming fresh for repeat visitors.

Cinema snacks: Members never pay for popcorn again, a detail that matters more than it should when you're settling in for a double feature.

The Neighbourhood

Location: Positioned at the intersection of Hunt, Commonwealth and Brisbane Streets in Surry Hills, the Paramount House building serves as an elegant art deco landmark that's hard to miss. The building itself signals the venue's character from the street - heritage-listed architecture that promises something different from the standard bar experience.

Transport: Easy walking distance from Central Station, making it accessible for people coming from across Sydney for the evening film programming. The Commonwealth Street address puts it in the heart of Surry Hills' dining and drinking strip.

Neighbourhood fit: The venue sits naturally within Surry Hills' collection of creative businesses and independent venues. The focus on cult cinema and emerging live acts aligns with the area's reputation for supporting arts and culture beyond the mainstream. The building's restoration by Right Angle Studio's Barton brothers reflects the broader gentrification of heritage spaces in the suburb while maintaining cultural programming.