If it’s your turn to find somewhere for happy hour, check out these Illawarra gems. Photo: baffos.
There’s nothing quite like a good happy hour, especially when your wallet could use a break. From Thirroul to Gerringong, we’ve rounded up some top spots for well-priced drinks and bites throughout the week. Whether you’re after a breezy rooftop cocktail, an elevated dining experience at a fraction of the price, or a laid-back beer by the water, Illawarra’s happy hour scene has you covered. Gather your crew and start planning your next round.
Franco Pizza Bar – Thirroul
Shop 1/382-384 Lawrence Hargrave Drive
An understated Italian gem and one of our favourite happy hours for the whole family. Its Bambini & Aperitivo Hour (Thursday to Sunday, 4:30 to 5:30 pm) serves up antipasti for $10 or less – think silky prosciutto, buffalo mozzarella, house-marinated olives, and its signature house-made focaccia.
Drinks-wise, sip on a Limoncello Spritz or Lychee Martini for just $10, alongside house wines. Families will love the $10 kids’ pizzas, making this an excellent stop after a beach day.
Franco Pizza Bar, Thirroul is a great stop after a day at the beach. Photo: Franco Pizza Bar.
Babyface Kitchen – Wollongong
1/179 Keira Street
You might not expect a fine-dining spot to jump on the happy hour train, but Babyface Kitchen does it with serious flair. Its Halfway Sourced menu (Thursday & Friday, 5 to 7 pm; Saturday, 5 to 6 pm) features small plates crafted from leftover seasonal produce, still prepared with the same attention to detail that earned them a ‘hat’.
Highlights include Brisket Cigars with rhubarb ketchup ($12), Parmesan Custard Donuts ($6), and Sydney Rock Oysters ($3 each). Pair it with a $10 glass from a rotating selection of local wines or a mini Yuzu Margarita.
Humber – Wollongong
226 Crown Street
With a rooftop bar that soaks up the afternoon sun, Humber’s happy hour (Wednesday to Sunday, 3 to 6 pm) is hard to beat on a summer’s day.
Expect $6 wines, $9 beers, and $12 cocktails in a vibrant, open-air setting, perfect for after-work drinks or kicking off the weekend. Centrally located in the CBD, it’s an easy go-to for a casual drink with friends.
Humber’s rooftop bar is hard to beat at any time of the day. Photo: Supplied.
La La La’s – Wollongong
3 Globe Lane
We’re lucky to have a live music venue like La La La’s in the Illawarra, showcasing incredible local and international talent, alongside an equally impressive drinks offering.
La La La’s happy hour (Tuesday to Friday, 4 to 6 pm) serves up $7 tap beers, natural wines, and spirits, plus $12 margaritas, espresso martinis, and amaretto sours. Fridays come with a bonus of vinyl DJs spinning tracks from 4 to 8 pm to set the perfect weekend mood.
Waterfront Tavern – Shellharbour
11 Marina Drive, Shell Cove
Shellharbour has long needed a good spot to grab a drink, and the Waterfront Tavern truly delivers.
With its stunning marina views and relaxed vibe, it’s the perfect place for everything from a casual drink with friends to a family meal. Don’t miss its happy hour (Monday to Friday, 4 to 6 pm), offering $6 tap beer, sparkling wine, and house wines.
Shared dishes and cocktails from Little Betty’s Bar. Photo: Hayley Haynes.
Little Betty’s – Kiama
1/55 Collins Street
Little Betty’s brings elevated dining and a sleek bar experience to Kiama.
Its happy hour (Friday and Saturday, 4 to 5 pm) keeps things classy with $15 espresso martinis, margaritas, and amaretto sours. For the best spot, head upstairs to the balcony and soak up the sunset views.
Hungry Monkey – Kiama & Thirroul
5/32 Collins Street, Kiama
Shop 3/369 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Thirroul
Hungry Monkey is renowned for serving up some of the best burgers on the South Coast.
Every Wednesday, all burgers on the menu are just $12. Whether you’re a fan of the Southern Fry or the classic Royale, you can enjoy them at an unbeatable price. And from 2 to 6 pm, you can sip on $10 cocktails and $5 tap beers, wines, and spirits. Wednesdays are the real winner here …
Hill Bar and Kitchen at Gerringong is a top spot to enjoy happy hour with mates. Photo: Hill Bar & Kitchen.
The Hill Bar & Kitchen – Gerringong
98 Fern Street
With coastal views and a relaxed vibe, The Hill Bar & Kitchen makes every hour feel like golden hour.
Its daily happy hour (3 to 5 pm) features $14 Tommy’s margaritas and $6 Stone & Wood Pacific Ale, best enjoyed on the alfresco balcony which has ample seating and a sea breeze. The Hill Bar & Kitchen also offers a delicious share-style menu, including fresh oysters, fish tacos, and tuna sashimi.
No matter your vibe, rooftop cocktails, fine dining at a discount, or a casual beer by the water, Illawarra’s happy hour scene has something for everyone. Cheers to great drinks, good food, and even better company!
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