From diner-inspired cafes to burger praising bars, these American eateries in Sydney are just what you’re looking for!

Craving some Californian charm? Or a true taste of the mid-west? Forget long-haul flights and squawking eagles, surprisingly Sydney is home to a sensational array of American-style restaurants.

And, there’s no denying, that sometimes all we need is a good old classic burger to satisfy our gurgling stomachs or the waft of a smokey barbecue steakhouse to perk our senses. If that’s you, then you’ve come to the right place.

Saddle up, partner, it’s time to whet your appetite with our list of the best American restaurants in Sydney of 2024:

<strong>Belles Hot Chicken</strong>
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Belles Hot Chicken

With three convenient locations – Barangaroo, Circular Quay and Tramsheds – if you’re ever craving chicken and waffles Sydney, Belles Hot Chicken should be your go-to. Their offering of Hot Chicken, Waffles and Syrup ($23) is only available on the weekends for lunch, so we recommend you clear your plans and get in early. If you’re after something more than this sweet and savoury creation, Belles is a haven for all things Nashville-style chicken, pickles and house-made lemonade. Choose your cut, spice level, sides and let the Belles team do their thing. A must try in 2024!

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Various Locations.
<strong>Happyfield</strong>
Image supplied via @happyfield.haberfield Instagram.

Happyfield

If you’re happy and you know it, line up at the happiest place in Sydney, Happyfield. This quirky cafe in Sydney is our go-to spot for the best brunch and, its bustling Haberfield location ensures that your visit will be one to remember. With breakfast bowls, brekkie burgers, eggs your way, legendary coffee and delicious shakes, we recommend spooning into their famed pancakes to get your day going. They say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so why not make it the happiest with Happyfield!

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96 Ramsay St, Haberfield, NSW 2045
<strong>NOLA Smokehouse and Bar</strong>
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NOLA Smokehouse and Bar

Home to Australia’s Most Expensive Whisky Flight, it may come as a surprise to some that NOLA Smokehouse and Bar is considered as one of the best American restaurants in Sydney. Providing the best of both worlds, NOLA has a mighty collection of over 500 whiskies that are mainly sourced from America. Taking pride in their limited-edition bottles that are added onto their shelves each week, NOLA also whisks together a soulful food menu that draws inspiration from New Orleans.

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International Towers, Level 1, Cnr 100 Barangaroo Ave & Shipwright Walk, Sydney, NSW 2000
<strong>SoCal Sydney</strong>
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SoCal Sydney

Over the bridge and less than 15 minutes north of Sydney’s CBD, lovers of tacos, tequila and everything in between will fall in love with Neutral Bay’s SoCal. Founded by Applejack Hospitality’s Hamish Watts and Ben Carroll, SoCal draws heavy inspiration from America’s sunny state of California – so expect a laid-back, southern vibe and theme throughout. Their rooftop space is filled with an array of succulents and cacti, pastel decor, hanging greenery and a range of vibrant eats including meats from their smokehouse, exotic taco fillings, fresh salads, raw fish dishes and even Churros for those who can squeeze dessert in. As for tipples, SoCal features an impressive tequila menu that will surely get you talking.

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1 Young St, Neutral Bay, NSW 2089
<strong>Surly's American Tavern</strong>
Image supplied via @surlys_american_tavern Instagram.

Surly's American Tavern

Tucked along Campbell Street in Surry Hills is Surly’s American Tavern. Apart from the vibrant atmosphere, brick-clad walls and vintage American memorabilia, Surly’s also takes the cake as the home of one of the best burgers in Sydney. With eight burgers to choose from – two of which are vegan and vegetarian – Surly’s reassures that the American dream can in fact come to life. If burgers aren’t your thing, you can create your own loaded fries or you can feast your way through their Ultimate BBQ Platter. With cocktails, sweets and daily specials, you can’t go wrong with Surly’s.

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182 Campbell St, Surry Hills, NSW 2010
<strong>Winghaus</strong>
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Winghaus

Welcome to Winghaus! The American-inspired, chicken wing-praising, finger-licking sports bar! With three convenient locations in Sydney – Barangaroo, Circular Quay and the Entertainment Quarter – here you’ll find an impressive selection of chicken wings (alongside other treats and snacks to nibble into), cocktails, wine and, most importantly, a lengthy list of draught beers on tap. Plus, did we mention that each of their venues feature an eye-catching amount of large screen TV’s showing the latest sports game? When they say ‘the bigger the better’, at WingHAÜS they mean it.

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Various Locations.

Hungry for a hamburger? Here are the 10 Best Burger Joints in Sydney. Or shake up your weekend plans with a visit to one of these Top 10 Cocktail Bars in Sydney.

Feature image: Winghaus Sydney. Image supplied.
This article was first published on June 23 2019. It was updated and edited by Hunter and Bligh on January 17 2024.