Tio’s Cerveceria, Surry Hills

A friend jokingly said the other day he could go to a new small bar in Sydney every day of the week and not return to the same place twice in a year.

Mr & Mrs Romance - Friday Drinks - 1 Tio's title

I think it’s more like two years, but I didn’t tell him that. Instead I elected to contradict him on the internet. Much more satisfying!

I’ve decided not to prove whether I’m right or wrong though, because I’ve found a few staples to my drinking diet that I don’t want to give up. Tio’s Cerveceria, for example, is one of those places I find myself going back to again and again.

Mr & Mrs Romance - Friday Drinks - 2 Tio's collage

The cool cantina feel the guys of Shady Pines fame have once again created is almost hypnotic. The décor is rich and fun, but explains what kind of place you’re in immediately.

If you’re still not sure – perhaps because you’re a bit simple – the range of tequila and mezcal behind the Mexican cantina style bar is a give-away. That and the dog statue wearing a sombrero of course.

Mr & Mrs Romance - Friday Drinks - 3 Tio's bar

Tio’s has an amazing vibe. Rows of bench seats and tables fill the main area, and in the heat of rush hour – anywhere between 8pm and midnight – you’ll find an incredible diverse range of clientele sharing those seats and tables.

We enjoy going to Tio’s to finish an evening off. It’s such a ball of energy at the bar and the cocktails are very well-made. The staff are here are a rare breed because they’re willing to interact with you. Even if it is to take the piss a little bit.

I’ve heard people getting upset with them but that’s probably either because those people have no sense of humour or they were doing something dumb.

The bar itself is so well stocked it makes me weep a little. They have a tequila of the month you can try or maybe just go all out for a shot of silky smooth Tapatio Excelencia – caramel in tequila form – and a big favourite with the barstaff. At $35 a shot though, you might want to start a tab!

Mr & Mrs Romance - Friday Drinks - 6 Tio's tequila

If that’s a bit rich, you can choose from one of the chalkboard beer options – cans of Rio Bravo are only $5 and come with a chunk of lemon. The cocktails are all great too. Choose from the $10 classics or the more upmarket $17 tipples.

Mr & Mrs Romance - Friday Drinks - 4 beer boardMr & Mrs Romance - Friday Drinks - 5 Tio's cocktail list

So if it’s a quite drink and a chat you’re after or a romantic table for two, go somewhere else – even though Tio’s does have candles on the tables! However, if you want to cut loose and have some fun, shout at each other over loud eclectic music and a great tequila cocktail, run. Run as fast as you can for Foster Street and Tio’s.

Tio’s Cerveceria

Open 4pm – 12am Monday – Saturday, 2pm – 10pm Sunday.

4 – 14 Foster Street
Surry Hills
Sydney

tioscerveceria.com

By the way if you get hungry while you’re enjoying yourself at Tio’s, there are bags of free paprika popcorn at the end of the bar.

Or try Alvarez & Sons’ tacos Tuesday to Saturday 6pm -midnight.

Slow cooked beef, pulled pork, vegan cactus or spicy sausage tacos on gluten-free tortillas for $5 each. Or try the nachos or pulled pork burgers also up for grabs.

Mr & Mrs Romance - Friday Drinks - 7 Tio's foodMr & Mrs Romance - Friday Drinks - 8 tacos at Tio's

Where do you go if you’re feeling Mexi-loco? Tell us in el commentos!

Images by Mr Romance.

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