10 Bars That Prove Wollongong Is Australia's Best Kept Secret

Bring on the happy hour.

1. The Little Prince

The Little Prince / Via thelittleprince.com.au

The Little Prince celebrates alcohol like no other bar in Wollongong. With "prohibition is over!" scrawled across the table signage, this speakeasy style bar is quirky and cool. Feeling adventurous? Try the Nuclear Daiquiri - it's strictly limited to one per person and is "served in a nuclear waste container instead of a martini glass to prevent nose-bleeds". Fun!

2. Alibi

Alibi / Via Facebook: AlibiLoungeBarWollongong

A sophisticated yet chilled bar has $7 cocktails everyday between 4pm and 8pm. For intimate drinks, live music or gourmet nibbles, Alibi is the place to be. And, in case you get peckish, rest easy knowing their sweet potato wedges are the best in town.

3. Dagwood

Dagwood / Via Facebook: dagwoodbk

When Asian and Mexican street food meet, you can expect a fiery drinks menu to follow. Dagwood offers an extensive list of tequilas, Mexican and Japanese beers, and of course, some seriously intense cocktails.

4. Howlin' Wolf Bar

Howlin' Wolf Bar / Via Facebook: HowlinWolfwollongong

If over 100 types of whiskey and jazz music doesn't get you excited, then half-price Whiskey Wednesdays should do the trick.

5. The Illawarra Brewery

The Illawarra Brewery / Via Facebook: theillawarrabrewery

Enjoy locally brewed, quality beer overlooking the ocean, or come for trivia on a Wednesday night. If you're after something a little more up-beat, check out the live music on Friday and Saturday nights.

6. His Boy Elroy

Hi Boy Elroy Facebook / Via Facebook: athisboy

With an industrial-style interior and old New York feel, His Boy Elroy is cool and vibrant. Let the cocktails take you back to mid-century lovin' and experience their acclaimed "best burgers in town".

7. PEPE's on the beach

Facebook / Via Facebook: PEPESonthebeach

Don't wait around for cocktails. Instead, keep it simple with a wine and head out onto the deck and grab a beanbag. Located right across from North Wollongong beach, the million dollar views are best enjoyed on a Saturday night or Sunday afternoon.

8. Rad Bar & Cafe

Rad Bar & Cafe / Via Facebook: radbarcafe

Rad Bar is just that: rad. With a focus on music and local talent, you're bound to end up stumbling home with a happy heart and ringing ears.

9. Red Square

Red Square / Via redsquarewollongong.com

Just as the name suggests, Red Square is a Russian-inspired bar with a serious dedication to vodka, with over 100 flavours of infused vodka, ranging from Raspberry to Vegemite.

10. The Throsby

The Throsby / Via Facebook: thethrosby

The Throsby focuses on the bare necessities of life. You know, wine, cheese and cured meats, obviously. While their large selection of wines is attractive, it's the customer service that keeps this place going. Pop in for a quick drink or take a whole bottle of vino to their cosy courtyard.