Marrickville

Things to do

If you’re into the arts or enjoy live music, you’ll have a wonderful time in Marrickville. Head to the community-run Red Rattler warehouse theatre for alternative drama, film and music. Factory Theatre puts on live performances from emerging talent, Camelot Lounge has everything from cabaret to comedy, and Lazybones Lounge offers live music every night of the week.

On Sundays, visit the popular Marrickville Organic Food Market at the Addison Road Community Centre to pick up organic fruit and handmade goods. While there, pop into Reverse Garbage, a creative reuse centre that will unearth some treasures and support you with your DIY skills.

Camelot Lounge, Marrickville

Eat & drink

Make sure you bring your appetite because Marrickville’s reputation as an eating suburb is well deserved, serving up a range of cuisines. A former Greek enclave, you’ll find a great Greek deli and Greek restaurants, along with an amazing Italian cheese shop and some of the most authentic Vietnamese food in Sydney.

Stroll along Illawarra Road for fantastic Vietnamese at Banh Cuon Ba Oanh, Hello Auntie and VN Street Foods, find authentic Greek fare at the Corinthian Rotisserie Restaurant, and pick up all your Italian staples at the Paesanella Food Emporium, which also has a dreamy cheese room, cafe and pizza bar. One of the best spots for banh mi in Sydney is at the tiny Marrickville Pork Roll.

VN Street Foods, Marrickville

Marrickville has a strong cafe culture, with many warehouse spaces having been transformed into coffee roasters. Coffee Alchemy on Addison Road sells single-origin and house blends and ONA Coffee is so serious about their brews that they encourage you to ask the barista where it came from. For a different kind of breakfast, head to Kurumac, which dishes up all-day meals that emulate the morning staples you might find in family-run joints all over Japan.

Baba’s Place is a friendly neighbourhood diner reminiscent of a cosy grandmother’s kitchen. Messina has a new HQ in Marrickville, where you’ll find all 40 gelato flavours. Valentinas is an all-day American-style diner that will transport you to the nostalgic charm of classic diners in New York and Los Angeles.

Valentinas, Marrickville - Credit: Valentinas

An easy way to appreciate the flavours of Marrickville is on a foodie tour. Gourmet Safaris provides a wonderful introduction to the suburb’s culinary delights or join Dave’s Brewery Tours and discover some of the suburb’s iconic microbreweries such as Grifter Brewing Co, Batch Brewing Co, Sauce Brewing Co, Wildflower Brewing & Blending, Mixtape Brewing and Philter Public Bar and Brewery.

Grifter Brewing Co, Marrickville

Marrickville also offers an assortment of other drinking establishments, from lively pubs to small wine bars such as Where’s Nick. A local favourite is The Henson, an Art Deco pub with a charming beer garden. The Vic on the Park is a beloved pet-friendly venue, while The Marrickville Hotel is a cross between a small bar and a pub. Gin connoisseurs should head to Poor Toms to sample spirits in the Gin Hall, and those who want to dine on delicious Chinese bar snacks while sipping on a cold one shouldn't miss the Bob Hawke Beer & Leisure Centre.

The Bob Hawke Beer & Leisure Centre, Marrickville - Credit: The Bob Hawke Beer & Leisure Centre

Getting there

You can catch a train direct from the city centre to Marrickville, getting off at either Marrickville or Sydenham stations, with the journey taking around 20 minutes. There’s also a range of bus services that connect Marrickville to the city and the neighbouring suburb of Newtown.