The Soda Factory, Surry Hills

 The word 'hipster' is commonly used to describe the suburban youth of today, trendy, sociable and unique. This same concept can be applied to characterise 'The Soda Factory' (16 Wentworth Avenue, Surry Hills) (if you can describe a food/bar joint like that). A newly opened hidden treasure, it definitely is all of trendy, sociable and unique in one neat little hangout spot. One big hipster you could say.

 The entrance is near impossible to spot, disguised by an empty shop front with a neon lit 'Bobby's Boss Dogs' sign and an old school Coca-Cola fridge door camouflaged into the wall also doubling as the front entrance to the all important business itself! I must say, Patty and I got lost ourselves.

Signage at the misleading shop front

 Once inside, you're met with darkness and the only light stopping you from stumbling over tables are lit by table candles and the odd singular bulb hanging from the wall. The bar area is central which is surrounded by an array of bar stools, booth seats suitable for 8+ groups of people and regular sized tables. Inside the bathroom is ingenious, well yes I do think a regular metal bucket and tap is very clever.

Sink is awesome! Buckets and Taps

 Time for the food/drinks. We dined on a Tuesday and as some may know already, it is 'Dollar Dogs' on Tuesdays from 5pm! On their website, 'The Soda Factory' it also has details on 'Movie Mondays' and 'Pulp Kitchen' on Wednesdays, both of which I definitely must try soon.

 As I mentioned earlier, it was very dark inside and so our attempted photos of the food was a failure. Therefore you may have to just rely on our description of the food and create a mental picture ... or go there for yourselves! (It's worth it ... literally) The 'Dollar Dogs' (usually $10) menu consists of 4 hotdogs from their gourmet hotdog range;

• 'The Mob Dog' - Pork & Fennel Sausage, Oven Roasted Capsicums & Onions, Fresh Chilli
• 'The Yoko Ono' - Vegan Sausage & Cheese, Avocado, Shredded Lettuce, Gluten Free Bun
• 'The Texas Redneck' - Bratwurst Sausage, Smoked Chilli, Cheese, Texas BBQ Sauce
• 'The Buffalo Bill Chicken Dog' - Battered Chicken Sausage, Buffalo Chicken Sauce, Cheese

 The latter two were the standout ones from the four. Great flavours, unique combinations, especially the battered chicken sausage which gives it that extra crunch. The other two weren't the best and the buns for the hotdogs were plain generic ones, sugary and dense. However ... honestly how can anyone complain when they are $1 each! To accompany the dollar dogs, I ordered Mac n Cheese ($6) for myself (Patty stole most of it), Patty ordered a side a Coleslaw ($4) and of course a beer to wash it all down. Mac n Cheese was definitely a standout. Creamy, flavoursome and served in a neat little box, it ticked all the boxes. The Slaw was equally as good and proved to be a great combination stuffed inside the hotdogs themselves. Next time I also have to give the Chilli Fries ($7) a go.

 Besides hotdogs, they also do other little nibbly foods but they specialise really in drinks. Cocktails looked amazing with funky straws and a must try has to be their one of a kind alcoholic floats. It'll be my excuse for a big night out next time around. Kind of disappointing however as they don't have any tap beer, instead all overpriced and sold by the bottle.

 Whatever the day, 'The Soda Factory' seems to have something special in store for each visit. If you're looking for a cheap eat during the weekdays or an exclusive hangout spot for the weekend fun, it can accommodate for any means. So much to try, so much to eat, so much to drink. Suits the Bunny philosophy. I know that we'll be back for more, hopefully before everyone finds out about it!


Bunny Rating-
Category: Bar