What does a Surry Hills bar do when its sticky-carpet karaoke days are behind it? Goros has answered with a $1 million refit, a vinyl-only booth and a program that hands the decks to Sydney’s own.
From Sticky Carpet to Golden Light
Goros has been a Surry Hills fixture for years. Friends who grew up in Sydney remember it as the place for cheap drinks and a wild finish to the night. One reviewer, who visited only after the refit, found that spirit still lingering, just with better lighting and a bigger budget behind it.
Speaking of lighting, that’s the first thing visitors notice. Noguchi-style lamps cast a low, golden glow over pine tables and cosy booths. Records line the walls. A custom-built DJ booth sits in the far corner, and a Martin Audio sound system keeps the music clear even on a packed night.
The reviewer ran into a friend there who now headlines some of Sydney’s biggest warehouse parties. He told the reviewer he learnt to DJ at Goros as a teenager.
A Week Built Around Vinyl
Every night of the program is played on records, and each one has its own character.
Tuesdays belong to the staff, who dig through the venue’s own collection for old favourites and whatever is on repeat that week. There are no themes and no rules. Wednesdays go to the city’s record stores, labels and collectives. Low Key Source and Fanatico Records are among those named so far, and emerging crews are in the mix too, with a new takeover each week.
Thursdays are for the residents, who invite friends and fellow collectors to play alongside them. The guest list rotates monthly. Friday and Saturday sessions are handled by the core residents, who move through hip hop, disco, soul, jazz and boogie as the night builds.
Doors are open from 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. According to the venue’s guide, Tuesday music starts at 4 p.m., while Wednesday to Saturday sessions begin at 5 p.m. Lineups change often, so the venue suggests following its social media for the latest.
Cans, Martinis and Shochu
The drinks list takes its cues from Japan. House-made canned cocktails called Goro-Kans cost $18 and come in flavours such as Yuzu Spritz and a sweet melon option. Martinis get plenty of attention, with the Vesper at $26. The Old Fashioned, also $26, is served with a square of salted caramel Lindt chocolate on top.
Shochu and awamori drinkers get their own list, with each pour served over a single block of ice and iced tea on the side. Anyone skipping alcohol can try the Ume Highball for $14, made with non-alcoholic umeshu and mandarin soda.
Skewers, Karaage and a Tiny Martini
Charcoal-grilled yakitori is the main event. Skewers start at $8 for chicken thigh or wings and rise to $9 for king brown mushrooms. Salmon, pork belly and wagyu beef are $10 each. Orders need at least two pieces, which makes mixing and matching easy.
Around the skewers sit shareable snacks. There’s tempura corn with miso mayo, plus crispy squid with furikake, lime and wasabi mayo for $25. The chicken karaage, seasoned with yuzu pepper salt, costs $22, and a larger serve is $26. The reviewer’s advice was to go large.
Early arrivals can catch the Snacky Goros Hour between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. For $18, it pairs a mini Martini in a very small glass with a sashimi hand roll.
Karaoke Hasn’t Gone Anywhere
Did the refit push out the singing? Not at all. Four refreshed private rooms sit just off the main bar, each with disco balls and thousands of songs on the machines. Food and drinks are delivered straight to the room, and the venue says guests can book one for a quick session or a long night.
Goros is at 86 Mary Street, Surry Hills, and is open Tuesday to Saturday from 4 p.m. until late.
Published Date 27-October-2026
