The Soda Factory

Best For

Opening Hours

The Vibe

• The entrance: Pull the handle on what looks like a Coke machine behind Bobby's Boss Dogs storefront and you're inside a secret world that feels like stepping into a 1950s American diner crossed with an underground club.
• The space: Stripped-back plaster walls, intricate murals and neon signs create the backdrop for this dimly lit industrial expanse. Mid-century sofas and inviting booths line the room, while a dedicated stage anchors one end for live bands and guest DJs.
• The crowd: A mix of curious first-timers hunting for the hidden entrance and regulars who know Tuesday means $1 hot dogs. Sound levels hit the sweet spot where you can dance when the mood strikes but still hold a conversation without shouting. School nights draw smaller acoustic acts and local DJs spinning '50s rock 'n' roll, while weekends see the dance floor come alive.

What People Love

• The $1 Tuesday dogs: These weekly specials draw crowds for classics like the NY Frank Sinatra topped with onion rings, turning a Tuesday night into a proper event.
• Boozy floats and cocktails: Root beer floats spiked with alcohol ($14) and share siphons ($30-$35) that serve five or six sparkling cocktails to groups. The Chocolate Passionfruit Martini ($17) balances rich liquor with just a hint of sweetness.
• American diner classics: The Johnny Drama hot dog ($9) - beef sausage with bacon, sour cream, avocado and tomato salsa - walks the line between gourmet and good old-fashioned grub. Fat Bubbas fried chicken buckets and waffle fries earn repeat orders.
• The music: Heavy-hitting acts like Grandmaster Flash have graced the stage, while Wednesday nights feature a $5 menu of Tarantino film-inspired snacks alongside the entertainment.

The Neighbourhood

• Location: Tucked behind Bobby's Boss Dogs on Wentworth Avenue, The Soda Factory occupies the old Tone nightclub space in the heart of Surry Hills' bar strip.
• The street: Wentworth Avenue sits in the thick of Surry Hills' nightlife corridor, where you're within stumbling distance of multiple venues once you surface from the speakeasy. The entrance gives nothing away - just look for the kitschy neon Bobby's sign.
• Getting there: The location makes it an ideal spot to start or continue a night out in Surry Hills, with the late-night trading licence keeping things going well past midnight. The concept draws comparisons to New York's Crif Dogs entrance to PDT in the East Village, bringing that hidden speakeasy experience to Sydney's bar scene.

Nearby in Surry Hills

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