Vasco

Vasco saved the day a few weeks ago after we’d eaten a terrible meal at a once awesome Surry Hills wine bar. They make delicious fresh gnocchi daily and you can definitely tell. The best part is that your typical Eastern Suburbs show pony doesn’t hang out here. It’s definitely for locals which make me love it all the more 👏🏼

We entered the bar 15 minutes before it was about to close. The bouncer let us in. Nice cocktails, decor, great metal/rock and didn't have any of that long bearded hipster s-hit "crafty" looking do uche crowd. Our bartender was this long haired sweaty mofo who made some kick ass cocktails. The bald bartender seemed angry and tired. But overall a good place to be. Only bad part - EXPENSIVE! 38 dollars for 2 whisky sours. Come on!

I think Vasco Bar in Surry Hills should be renamed- Good Times Bar. Actually, that’s a pretty shit name for a bar so let’s stick with Vasco but let it be known that this is a bar where good times roll. Behind the spirit and vibrato of this small bar with big energy is Max Greco. You may remember him from Eau De Vie in Darlinghurst where he was shaking and stirring (even door bitching) for a number of years. Towards the end of 2012 Greco traded in his bow-tie and suspenders, rolled up his sleeves flashing his tattoo covered arms and opened his dream bar.

Surry Hills Rock @ Vasco. Vasco’s, a small hole-in-the-wall in Surry Hills, is perfect for rock ’n’ roll fans who enjoy simple yet tasty food, and a good stiff drink. The interior cleverly mixes band posters and pictures of rock icons alongside high timber bar tables and retro Fender vinyl bar stools, whilst the small outdoor area is all about the astro-turf and couches for a relaxing drink and cigarette. The vibe is raw and rustic, yet also quite refined. Perhaps this is due to the background of owners Max Greco and Luke Ashton (formerly of Eau de Vie and The Roosevelt respectively). Some may love that the edge has been taken off for a more polished look, yet I felt it lacked the same character that places like Frankie’s Pizza have. Rock ‘n’ Roll should be dingy and a bit dirty, so whilst the aesthetics of Vasco’s was spot on, it was missing that little something extra.

However, in saying this, the food menu was short, simple and everything was full of flavour. Having taken a Brazilian friend along, he was quick to note (and appreciate) that the polenta chips were covered in a gorgonzola sauce, something which is difficult to come by in Australia. The arancini balls were beautifully cooked, with that crisp bite on the outside and a softer, more textured centre. Each dish was easy to share, which was perfect for our small group.

The drinks menu was, again, short but spot on. Having come from such respected bar backgrounds it was inevitable that the cocktails would be a must-try, with a couple of signature cocktails such as the Vasco Spritzer or the Hendrix Experience packing a real punch. The wine list if very succinct, with only a couple of reds and whites, but good ones nonetheless.

Aside from the overly polished interior, which I could easily excuse, there was two other things which frustrated me- the service and the noise. Considering we went on a weeknight and the bar was not particularly busy, it took us forever to get served. Originally ordering took quite a while, but we then had to wait at the empty bar for over 5 minutes just to ask to get another glass for our wine. On top of this, the music was quite loud, and although we all sat in close proximity to one another, it made it very difficult to carry a conversation, and considering Vasco’s isn’t exactly a nightclub, being able to talk to the people you are with is important.

Overall, Vasco’s is an interesting change for Greco and Ashton, and whilst I appreciate what they were trying to achieve, I don’t think that have quite hit the nail on the head yet. Perhaps with time they will find their groove, or perhaps I just went on the wrong night, either way, I’m willing to give Vasco’s another try.

I had the ragu which was delicious. My friend had the vodka pasta which was divine too. Such a great place for dinner (or even a date!) we went mid week which was chill but I imagine on Friday and Saturday it’s busy and popping off. Didn’t expect to find a rock and roll X Italian restaurant in Surry hills! Food was quick to come out and service was nice

Good food good service’s good music recommend for dating night out

Great food and drinks. Staff were super lovely just forgot to come back to us a few times with table water, when we’d asked to order more food/drinks etc but still great atmosphere. Super specific but the chairs are wobbly so wouldn’t recommend bringing your parents if they’re unsteady.

Definitely some of the best gnocchi in town. Drinks are as good if not even better then in usual 5star hotel. Chef checked on us in person and is very friendly. Atmosphere is great. I will be back.