We are bringing the vibes back to Neutral Bay with endless tacos and flowing margies! Bookings are now open ~ Slide into our bookings today and we'll catch ya on the rooftop this summer! SoCal Neutral Bay is brought to you by boutique hospitality group Applejack Hospitality, which was founded by seasoned professionals, Hamish Watts and Ben Carroll.
Having travelled to California for a surf trip, Ben & Hamish ate and drank their way around the state and fell in love with the food, drinks and ambience of the golden state. Returning to Sydney they have poured this influence into SoCal Neutral Bay to evoke the laid back, southern Californian surf vibe and theme.
Having travelled to California for a surf trip, Ben & Hamish ate and drank their way around the state and fell in love with the food, drinks and ambience of the golden state. Returning to Sydney they have poured this influence into SoCal Neutral Bay to evoke the laid back, southern Californian surf vibe and theme.
Services
To book in for drinks only from Friday - Sunday, please shoot us an email here and we will do our best to accommodate. For enquiries over 10 people, please head to our Groups & Events page and get in touch to make a booking. Bookings are strongly recommended at this moment in time due to spacing restrictions.
SoCal is all about fresh & modern Southern Californian 'share-style' street food, packed with Latin American spices alongside 'low'n'slow' smoked meats, house-made sauces and freshly indulgent sides. The food and drinks are a reflection of what is commonly found along HWY 101.
Rockstar chef Graeme Hunt (ChinChin, Spice Temple, Rockpool) has collaborated on a fresh new menu direction featuring nine tacos and a host of fresh raw dishes and zingy sides.The creativity of the pair has produced a delicious mix of share foods comprising of fresh seafood, North American inspired flavours and Mexican dishes.
Rockstar chef Graeme Hunt (ChinChin, Spice Temple, Rockpool) has collaborated on a fresh new menu direction featuring nine tacos and a host of fresh raw dishes and zingy sides.The creativity of the pair has produced a delicious mix of share foods comprising of fresh seafood, North American inspired flavours and Mexican dishes.
Swing past SoCal on Wednesday -Fridays between 12pm - 5pm and enjoy our new lunch banquet menu for $39 per person and start with a glass of prosecco on arrival. With dishes including our grilled fish tacos and chicken quesadilla, this lunch banquet is perfect for those looking to try some of SoCal's favourites and need a quick mid-week pick me up!
Our bottomless ros lunches are perfect for your next catch up with friends or celebration!. Enjoy 2 hours of unlimited ros & ros sangria plus our delicious SoCali banquet to share for $69 per person. We're upping the ante on our bottomless lunches with live music kicking off from 1:30pm - 4:30pm every Saturday afternoon!
From happy hour to food & beer specials and celebrating dates like Mother's Day and New Year's Eve, check out our calendar of events below + head to the Cali Journal to stay up to date with the latest SoCal news. Once a month join us for an evening full of frollicking good times in The Funny Flamingo Comedy Club!
Reviews (30)
Alana Thompson
Jan 24, 2022
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The bottomless Rose lunch was so so delicious, we enjoyed everything that was brought out and the rose sangria was amazing. The service was by far the best, our sangria jug got refilled before we would think to ask and the staff were flexible with dietary requirements etc. There was no pressure to leave either, we ended up staying for more food and drinks. Great atmosphere, great food and great staff. Thank you!
Ryan Ware
Jan 23, 2022
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The food was great but the service wasn't great. First, had to prompt staff to order drinks that took a very long time to arrive. Once they did we didn't get menus until we had to get the attention of the staff, had to get attention again of a waiter wiping tables down to make the order.
There was a birthday on and the staff seemed to only be focused on that, not the rest of the patrons.
No leadership or order.
In summary, kitchen staff great! Front of house running around like headless chooks.
There was a birthday on and the staff seemed to only be focused on that, not the rest of the patrons.
No leadership or order.
In summary, kitchen staff great! Front of house running around like headless chooks.
Adrian Barnes
Dec 11, 2021
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Last minute booking for Xmas Eve for two handled with no issues. Balmy night so sat on the terrace, which is open to the sky but sheltered from the wind. Great cocktails and tasty share plates, all served by friendly staff. With COVID scares the venue was quiet for the last day before Xmas but the plus side was that our food arrived quickly. Couldn't fault the experience so we will be back!
Lea Collins
Oct 31, 2021
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Alanya Drummond
Oct 19, 2021
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We had the most amazing night at SoCal. We went for dinner with a group of friends and had the feast menu - delicious. We sat outside and there was a brilliant band playing until late that got everyone up dancing. One of our favourite local places to go out - great fun vibe, such lovely service and yummy food.
James Brooks
May 05, 2021
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I was pleasantly surprised. I went to a birthday for bottomless brunch and was surprised of the accommodation for vegan options. Their menu will quote only 1 or 2 vegan options, but they managed to make some nice cauliflower things and Tacos, grilled corn, and salads. I've been to a similar place and was woefully let down and it was a real bummer.
The staff while obviously a little flustered by the sheer amount of..... Energy of our party - I think they were attentive and kind. I left full and satisfied, however the bottomless wine isn't vegan friendly which is a shame but you can't win them all
The staff while obviously a little flustered by the sheer amount of..... Energy of our party - I think they were attentive and kind. I left full and satisfied, however the bottomless wine isn't vegan friendly which is a shame but you can't win them all
Tom Taylor-Short
Apr 11, 2021
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Elly Romans
Mar 25, 2021
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Leanne Laughton
Feb 14, 2021
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Rowena Garcia McCabe
Jan 11, 2021
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Troy Bright
Dec 29, 2020
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The most amazing Mexican meal in ages! Service was attentive, fast and friendly. Chicken burger was sooooo good!! Pulled pork burgers equally as mouth watering and salad side a meal on its on. The stand out was the rosè sangria! Do not visit SoCal and not get the sangria. We will definitely be back!
Jen N.
Aug 17, 2020
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Came here for lunch with a friend on a weekday. I had the Cauliflower Enchilada $18 (green peas, dried tomato, red pepper sauce, mozzarella) it was really nice. My friend had the Mexican Fried Chicken Burger and he said that it was very yummy.
We sat in the outdoor area. It was plenty of room between the table and it felt covid safe.
Friendly service. Will definitely come back to try more items on the menu.
We sat in the outdoor area. It was plenty of room between the table and it felt covid safe.
Friendly service. Will definitely come back to try more items on the menu.
David Maddison
Jun 25, 2020
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Bridget W.
Jan 25, 2020
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Okay... great food and bar tending staff BUT the worst service I've ever had. Whoever the man is that seems to be some sort of host or manager is horrid. He was wearing a white shirt and hat when we were there... I hope you know who you are. This man was so rude and disrespectful. He does not know what it means to work in the hospitality industry. I never write reviews but I had to report how disrespectful he was. There were also cockroaches everywhere. The poor bar staff who has to work with that man, because they really were lovely. We went for the live band (we love LVT) and were treated
Feras D.
May 28, 2018
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The atmosphere outside was nice and cozy, the service was average. The food, however, was an absolute disappointment. The small bowl of $10 chips were stale, the guacamole was hardly palatable. We also ordered 2 fish tacos, 2 brisket tacos, and a chicken quesadilla. All 4 tacos were visibly burned on the outside and with hardly any flavor on the inside. The quesadilla was average at best. Worst part, portions were all small and I walked away with a $63 bill. Totally not worth my time, money, or tastebuds. I will not be back.
Sybilla G.
May 05, 2017
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Nick K.
Dec 17, 2016
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A tad disappointed with this visit - I've heard good things about this place from the reviews and was looking forward to it all.
Perhaps the place was rushed off its feet but at the end of the day - the staff have got to remember every customer deserves a great experience
The highlight of the day's was the cocktails - if I was rating the place on cocktails alone they'd score a 5/5 especially the spicy little "Prince of Hell Yeah" - Jalepeno infused tequila!
The banquet menu looked great but only one dish stood out, the remainder were bland and weak in flavour
The staff
Perhaps the place was rushed off its feet but at the end of the day - the staff have got to remember every customer deserves a great experience
The highlight of the day's was the cocktails - if I was rating the place on cocktails alone they'd score a 5/5 especially the spicy little "Prince of Hell Yeah" - Jalepeno infused tequila!
The banquet menu looked great but only one dish stood out, the remainder were bland and weak in flavour
The staff
Natasha C.
Oct 25, 2016
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What can I say except I loved this place. The moment you walk up the stairs you are greeted by lovely staff.
For anyone wanting catch ups with an old friend or a few drinks with snacks that place is perfect.
The food: these are the best sweet potato fries I have ever had!!!!
The enchiladas was tasting and large and I even got to take my leftovers home.
The menu is only a page long but there is a lot of variety. Which adds to why this place is so great. It's modern Mexican American food for everyone.
Great music, great vibe, great cocktails, great service.
For anyone wanting catch ups with an old friend or a few drinks with snacks that place is perfect.
The food: these are the best sweet potato fries I have ever had!!!!
The enchiladas was tasting and large and I even got to take my leftovers home.
The menu is only a page long but there is a lot of variety. Which adds to why this place is so great. It's modern Mexican American food for everyone.
Great music, great vibe, great cocktails, great service.
Anna K.
Aug 30, 2016
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LOVED the ambience, and staff were extremely attentive from the moment we entered, giving a little intro about the place and explaining the menu. Throughout the meal it did get a bit too much but nonetheless friendly staff.
They have both an indoors and "outdoors" area, and if there are seats available I recommend trying to sit out the back. Set up to give off great vibes with awesome music, it makes for an all round enjoyable meal.
Corn chips to start are great, comes with guac and salsa, and all in decent servings. Then I highly recommend the California roll slider because it&apos
They have both an indoors and "outdoors" area, and if there are seats available I recommend trying to sit out the back. Set up to give off great vibes with awesome music, it makes for an all round enjoyable meal.
Corn chips to start are great, comes with guac and salsa, and all in decent servings. Then I highly recommend the California roll slider because it&apos
Venus E.
May 22, 2016
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I've been here 3 times and each time the menu has been different, but I've never been disappointed.
This is the only place I know of that has truly American style food, most of it being a mix on Californian, Tex Mex and New Orleans style.
Today's meal was stupidly delicious; we had Cocktails (no need to name them - Ive been working my way through the menu and they are all good!), the green waffles (and it wasn't even Paddys day) with chicken, hot wings and also the sauteed prawns.
We totally over ordered for just the two of us but that was ok coz it meant we had dinner for later
This is the only place I know of that has truly American style food, most of it being a mix on Californian, Tex Mex and New Orleans style.
Today's meal was stupidly delicious; we had Cocktails (no need to name them - Ive been working my way through the menu and they are all good!), the green waffles (and it wasn't even Paddys day) with chicken, hot wings and also the sauteed prawns.
We totally over ordered for just the two of us but that was ok coz it meant we had dinner for later
Shane-Brenda M.
May 05, 2016
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Amy S.
Sep 27, 2015
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Cool little Mexican joint off the main road in Neutral Bay. Go up some dark stairs and it opens up into the restaurant with an outdoor area that feels like summer.
Pretty nifty cockails including a salted caramel espresso martini.
There are a lot of options to choose from the food menu and it took us a while to decide. I ordered the Baja fish tacos and decided with a friend who ordered the Steak tacos that we would swap 2 so we could get a variety. $20 for 4 tacos. Taste wise it was ok. I preferred the steak more. Also got to try the brisket and it was tasty but a bit dry.
I noticed a few
Pretty nifty cockails including a salted caramel espresso martini.
There are a lot of options to choose from the food menu and it took us a while to decide. I ordered the Baja fish tacos and decided with a friend who ordered the Steak tacos that we would swap 2 so we could get a variety. $20 for 4 tacos. Taste wise it was ok. I preferred the steak more. Also got to try the brisket and it was tasty but a bit dry.
I noticed a few
Bernard O.
Jun 04, 2015
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If you like laid back Southern California cuisine with a Mex influence then this place should be right up your alley.
I dined here on a Wednesday night before the after work crowd poured in. And they do pour in after 6pm.
Between two of us we had three share plates - southern style chicken tacos, fish and prawn cakes and beef sliders. Really nice food - the soft tortilla tacos were a favourite.
This place has a nice vibe - even in winter - although it can be on the noisy side.
I really enjoyed the food and I'm already planning a return visit.
I dined here on a Wednesday night before the after work crowd poured in. And they do pour in after 6pm.
Between two of us we had three share plates - southern style chicken tacos, fish and prawn cakes and beef sliders. Really nice food - the soft tortilla tacos were a favourite.
This place has a nice vibe - even in winter - although it can be on the noisy side.
I really enjoyed the food and I'm already planning a return visit.
Sara Ann S.
Apr 27, 2015
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Firstly. Tater Tots.
As a Sydney-sider, you probably have experienced the 'tater tot' for the first time only recently, or perhaps you are still yet to encounter this nugget of potato goodness. But for us 'Merican expats, the tater tot represents one of the most critical advances in mashed potato history, since the addition of gravy. Now, I've read the internet (close to all of it) and I found at minimum 311 poems about this humble tot. So on that basis alone, I thank you kind people of SoCal for honouring this classic cube by featuring it so proudly on your menu. (They come
As a Sydney-sider, you probably have experienced the 'tater tot' for the first time only recently, or perhaps you are still yet to encounter this nugget of potato goodness. But for us 'Merican expats, the tater tot represents one of the most critical advances in mashed potato history, since the addition of gravy. Now, I've read the internet (close to all of it) and I found at minimum 311 poems about this humble tot. So on that basis alone, I thank you kind people of SoCal for honouring this classic cube by featuring it so proudly on your menu. (They come
Jeremiah F.
Mar 13, 2015
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I thought this place was great. Friendly and quick staff. I had a house margarita which was very good and I drink a lot of margaritas! I also had the fish tacos, they were cooked perfectly, tender fish, the tortillas were grilled to add crunch and the chili coleslaw added a great spice to the dish. It was easy to tell the chef was a pro. They have habanero hot sauce on the table which was excellent and added the kick I like for Mexican food.
I came back on a Sunday and has the steak tacos. They're better than the fish which is saying they are fantastic. Wish I was in town longer I'd
I came back on a Sunday and has the steak tacos. They're better than the fish which is saying they are fantastic. Wish I was in town longer I'd
Sam S.
Jan 25, 2015
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Friends of ours who live in the area introduced us to this place. This place has come up in the time after we moved to Europe from the area. It used to be a dark and dingy old karaoke bar. SoCal is a stark contrast to the previous place and its bright, open and tastefully decorated.
They have a decent cocktail list and a food menu. I must admit I got a sticker shock at the prices of the food here. They also have a nice choice of micro brews and other drinks. The music here was a bit to too loud for me and I was told it gets louder as the night goes on. It's popular and does seem to pack
They have a decent cocktail list and a food menu. I must admit I got a sticker shock at the prices of the food here. They also have a nice choice of micro brews and other drinks. The music here was a bit to too loud for me and I was told it gets louder as the night goes on. It's popular and does seem to pack
Mark F.
Jan 06, 2015
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Finally managed to figure out where this place is - so glad!!
This is indeed a bit of SoCal in Neutral Bay - you could easily be in any SoCal bar, because you sure don't feel like you are in Neutral Bay when you are in here.
Fit-out is eclectic hipster chic, crossed with beachy stuff. I really liked it.
We came at an unfortunately busy time, and had to wait, but it was not so bad - couple of margaritas and a beer later and who cares??
Seriously, the place is pretty good - yes the tacos and quesadillas are $20 bucks - well we aren't in Southern California, so get over it. They are
This is indeed a bit of SoCal in Neutral Bay - you could easily be in any SoCal bar, because you sure don't feel like you are in Neutral Bay when you are in here.
Fit-out is eclectic hipster chic, crossed with beachy stuff. I really liked it.
We came at an unfortunately busy time, and had to wait, but it was not so bad - couple of margaritas and a beer later and who cares??
Seriously, the place is pretty good - yes the tacos and quesadillas are $20 bucks - well we aren't in Southern California, so get over it. They are
Maria N.
Nov 19, 2014
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It's gotta be said ... I love anything Californian .. NoCal or SoCal so after hearing about this place, it was a must try. its right next to Ray White and up a flight of stairs (note the gorilla type beast splashed across the wall doing what all local cali's do - smoking a big fat .... ). Despite its location, trust me, Neutral Bay will be the last place you'll think you're in as you walk through to the bar. Palm trees/plants whatever you wanna call them line the outside area, they have hanging pots, high tables, low tables and pretty beachy colours.
Service was solid from
Service was solid from
Declan B.
Jul 07, 2014
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A place to buy pint cans of Pabst.
Also sells food that is remarkably unremarkable, so I won't remark on it.
What I will remark on is the surprising visual consistency of the crowd. I'd use the phrase cut from the same cloth but that could possibly imply the same pattern printed at a factory on separate occasions. This is more like cut from the same yard of cloth, so as to be exactly the same.
Also sells food that is remarkably unremarkable, so I won't remark on it.
What I will remark on is the surprising visual consistency of the crowd. I'd use the phrase cut from the same cloth but that could possibly imply the same pattern printed at a factory on separate occasions. This is more like cut from the same yard of cloth, so as to be exactly the same.
Elsja H.
Jan 16, 2014
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So Cal... the land I know and love so well, the place of my birth. Imagine my excitement when a place called So Cal opened up within minutes of my house. We decided to try it out this week and I wasn't sure how I felt about it when I walked in to the restaurant. I knew I could be setting myself up for complete disappointment because clearly someone FROM So Cal will have high expectations of a restaurant with the same name. I pictured overpriced small portions (isn't that how all American/Mexican places are in Sydney?). I pictured flavours that were not authentic. I pictured the staff
