The Social @ IPAC

On-site at Illawarra Performing Arts Centre

A great selection of lighter fare perfect for a quick bite before a performance or something to indulge a sweet tooth. The café & bar is open 1 hour before every show for a pre-drink or a pick me up. All profits from The Social go back into helping bring the performing arts to the Merrigong stage.  

Due to the operating hours, we cannot take bookings however we recommend you visit us a least 45 minutes before a show to avoid disappointment. 

Monday – Friday: 7.30am – 2.30pm and 1 hour prior to shows

Meat & Grain Steakhouse

Kembla St. Walking distance: 1 min to Town Hall, 3 mins to IPAC

Drawing inspiration from South African steakhouse heritage, Meat & Grain offers a refined and lively dining setting. Grounded in timeless tradition, we deliver an elegant ambiance, top-tier steaks, ribs, and exquisite wines, ensuring every visit to our Wollongong restaurant becomes an unforgettable culinary journey.

Open for dinner 7 days from 5pm and lunch
Wednesday – Sunday from 12pm

The Icon 

Town Hall Pl. Walking distance: 3 mins to Town Hall, 1 min to IPAC 

Opened in November 2019, The Icon is built on the philosophy of creating unique experiences for guests through food, drinks and music. We offer the community a plethora of food options with a wholesome, produce-driven menu that is fresh, fun and innovative.  

To offer the best we source our produce locally and internationally with an emphasis on quality. We pride ourselves on our ever-evolving vision and innovative offerings. 

Open 11am – Late
Thursday – Sunday 

2 Smoking Barrels

Crown St. Walking distance: 1 mins to Town Hall, 1 mins to IPAC

We offer a relaxed and casual dining experience, serving up a whole lot of Authentic good ol’ Barbecue. Our menu has a core focus on American Barbecue meats, plates and tasty as burgers. We also have a great selection of tap beers, cocktails craft tins and wines, we are all about the sunshine and good times!

Open from 12pm – Late
7 days

Osteria Lume

Kembla St. Walking distance: 3 mins to Town Hall, 5 mins to IPAC 

Located in the heart of downtown Wollongong, Osteria Lume offers an authentic Italian dining experience that tantalises the senses. Specialising in wood-fired cuisine, the menu showcases genuine Italian flavours, enhanced by the rich, smoky notes unique to a wood-fired oven. From the moment you walk in, Osteria Lume exudes a warm and inviting atmosphere. The staff are attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about the food they serve. 

Open 4pm – Late
Wednesday – Saturday

Scoundrels Rest

Kembla St. Walking distance: 3 mins to Town Hall, 5 mins to IPAC

Scoundrel’s Rest is your local slice of paradise; a mini tropical holiday right in the heart of Wollongong. A Neo – Tiki Cocktail Bar and eatery, Scoundrel’s Rest specialised in original and classic tropical cocktails, paired with a dining menu inspired by the Caribbean, South East Asia and Latin America. With 4 house made cocktails pouring on tap, a selection of over 50 rums on the backbar, and a friendly, knowledgeable team, your next trip to the tropics is closer than you think. See you there, Scoundrel. 

Open 4pm – Late
7 days 

Dagwood

Market St. Walking distance: 5 mins to IPAC, 6 mins to Town Hall

Our menu is stacked with flavourful Latin American & East Asian inspired street food. 

We are casual shareable dining at its best. Our menu is designed to allow you to share an array of easy finger food dishes. Have a dietary concern, no problem! We have gluten-free (GF), dairy-free (DF), vegan & vegetarian options on the menu. 

Open 4pm – Late Wednesday/Thursday, Midday – Late Friday/Saturday
1pm – Late on Sunday

Soco Kitchen

Crown St. Walking distance: 2 mins to Town Hall, 3 mins to IPAC 

SoCo Kitchen is a small restaurant & bar serving up Southern inspired flavours & vibes in the heart of Wollongong. 

Established in May 2019 by Sean & Amy, SoCo is locally owned & operated by the couple.  

The name ‘SoCo’ pays homage to being located on Illawarra’s SOuth COast & pulling inspiration for the restaurant’s food, drinks, music & décor from the Southern states of North America & surrounds.  

We look forward to having y’all dine with us! 

Open Wednesday – Thursday, 5pm –9pm Friday – Saturday, 12pm – 3pm, then 5 – LATE
Sunday 12pm – 4pm

To book, call: 0447 556 816

An Chut Chut

Arts Precinct, Walking distance: 1 minute to IPAC, 2 minutes to Town Hall 

Tucked away at the back of the courtyard between the Wollongong Art Gallery and Performing Arts Centre is a hidden foodie gem! 

An Chut Chut serves up traditional Vietnamese food with a wonderful twist. The varying incarnations of seating add to the street food experience that makes this such a fun place to eat. Everything on the menu is fresh and thoughtfully prepared. Servings are generous and packed with flavour. Service is fast and friendly and meals come out quickly which is great for those who need to rush off to the theatre! 

Open 10am – 6pm, Monday – Thursday 10am – 8pm, Friday – Sunday

To book, call: 0493 539 069

Bar Cabron

Kembla St. Walking distance: 3 mins to Town Hall, 5 mins to IPAC

Walking into Bar Cabrón, you know you’re in for serious fiesta vibes. Hailed as the pinnacle of Mexican cuisine and tequila, this vibrant diner and tequila bar will transport your taste buds to the bright streets of Mexico.  

Expect a drool-worthy menu, a lot of salt-rimmed glasses and an all-encompassing passion for a fiesta, Bar Cabron is the perfect storm. 

Open Tuesday – Thursday, 4pm-11pm Friday – Saturday, 12pm-12am

Howlin’ Wolf

Kembla St. Walking distance: 1 min to IPAC, 2 mins to Town Hall

Step back into the Glory Days with Howlin Wolf’s homage to a classic seaside takeaway shop. Burgers with the Lot, Fish & Chips, Scallops & golden cripsy classics, Glory Days is a love letter to the coastal lifestyle. Paired to our wide range of beers, wines and of course, over 300 whiskies, Howlin Wolf is a grungy and authentic dive bar with a backbone of great hospitality. 

Open 7 days
4pm – midnight (food until 8.45pm)