Although it looks much like every other TAB/bar/pub in Australia from the outside, it's actually…read morefairly well-looked-after on the inside, despite being in the heart of Auburn. Granted, it was the middle of the afternoon, so I wouldn't have expected the messy drunks to turn up in any case. The bartenders were really friendly and accommodating, flashing smiles all around, which always makes customers feel better. Their cider, by the way, is the most delicious thing I've tasted in a while. It tastes almost like really strong sparkling apple juice, and is no less intoxicating for its deliciousness, not to worry. They have two well-maintained pool tables, the cues are unbroken and unblemished (which is a rarity in pubs, I've noticed), and they don't have any balls missing! Another rarity. The premises is really clean and well-kept, as well as being air-conditioned (though not too cold.. too cold defeats the purpose a bit, doesn't it) to perfection. I like it, I would go here again for a drink if I'm in the area.

The food and service was excellent! Our waitress recommended delicious meals. We had a good view of…read morethe sunset.

We ate here one evening while staying at the adjoining Echoes hotel…read more The food was really good - I opted for a medium-rare ribeye steak with peppercorn sauce and it was cooked perfectly. The sauce was on the side by default, so you can control just how saucy you want to be. It came with a small potato gratin and mixed vegetables. I split a pear, parmesan, and pecan salad with my husband and I also enjoyed that. I'm not a blue cheese fan, so I was happy to see a pear and nut salad with something other than gorgonzola. We got macaroni and cheese for the kiddo, and he loved it. We also appreciated that it came first so we could stave off a hangry tantrum. He also got ice cream and a drink with the kid's menu meal. Service was great - we had a wonderfully friendly server. Chatty without being intrusive, and helpful with recommendations. I probably should have taken her advice on the Shiraz because it wasn't my favorite, but sometimes you just gotta go maverick, right? No. Listen to your server ha ha. It's in a hotel lobby. The space is lovely, but still feels like a lobby. We didn't have much traffic walking through at all, though, and there are lots of choices for seating (tables for 4, 2, sofas, etc). Full bar and a decent selection of wines.

Atmosphere is truly different. Staff are nice, service is fast and the food comes in large…read moreservings, bursting with flavour. Wine list is a tad limited but what they do offer is at a reasonable price.

In its second incarnation after a fire demolished the first, The Avalon is now situated in a…read moreretired art-deco cinema. It feels a little like you're eating on a boat - with chrome railings and huge windows looking over the magnificent Blue Mountains. The Avalon is an institution and you'd be well-advised to book. The menu hasn't changed in years (who knew eggplant could taste so good), the vibe is eclectic, artsy. The furniture is a mixture of different antique styles, the staff are cool but friendly and the cost is tres reasonable.

EXTREMELY rude and hostile waitress. And to preface, I never write negative reviews…read more My husband and our sleeping infant (in his pram) walked into the almost empty restaurant. The waitress seemed bothered and told us to sit in a small table in a dark corner on the far side of the restaurant. We asked to be seated more comfortably and centrally. Her attitude made it seem like we were greatly inconveniencing her with our tiny travel stroller and fast asleep baby. Deciding to make the best of it we placed our lunch order - which arrived COMPLETELY wrong. Every aspect was incorrect (including my husbands burger which was served WITHOUT THE BURGER PATTY and my cole slaw having ZERO dressing (literally dry cabbage)). I politely asked for dressing for the Cole slaw. She snapped and said "this isn't America, we do things differently here" and angrily walked away. A. I am an Australian citizen. We are here visiting family and visit often. We don't think that expecting basic decency at a restaurant is an exclusively American value. B. From the moment we entered the restaurant she seemed angry and the entire experience was tense and awkward. Aside from the hostile service, the portions were tiny and overpriced. Two sandwiches and two beers cost us $100. We would give zero stars if we could.

A wonderful discovery on our way through the mountains, a hidden gem. Warm and welcoming, with a…read morelovely quirky decor and great waiters. We had the zucchini fritters, coffees and desserts. Prices reasonable. Would definitely come again!

Always wanted to go here every time I pass by..and when I did, I couldn't wait to go back.read more

This is the most amazing new nightspot in sydney, Great…read morelive jazz bands and the best DJ's that play old records of some real classics Craig the owner and barman is out of this world this place is going to do really well. Hidden just off the main street of Marrickville up a few flights of stairs you walk in to a awesome bar with the roof painted with a huge Kama sutra mural and tin roof tiles and leather lounges. Licensed to 3am with great wines and boutique beers on tap.

Food service ambience the character and atmosphere of a place…read more "the relaxed ambience of the cocktail lounge is popular with guests"

Food was terrible and the server sweared at me food was raw and the waiter spat on it after u…read morecomplained. 1/10 would never go again, waiter didn't speak English only Cantonese

I stayed here a few nights. Great undercover secure parking. Although our room was old the bathroom…read morewas all modern. Great atmosphere! The breakfast was included which was great. Ill be back here again!

I have visited this historic property several times for the Sydney Writers' Festival in May. In…read morefairness I have not stayed at the property but they handle special events seamlessly. The venue itself is exquisite. Every detail of the decor is charming and in line with the historical significance of The Carrington. Facilities are always clean and the staff patient despite the size of the crowd. I can't give five stars since I have never been in a private guest room, but if the public spaces are any indication, this is a great place to stay.

I've seen many a great band advertised here but as is my wont, the thing that finally got me here…read morewas the lure of a spankin new comedy night. And it doesn't hurt that this deep wild-wild-inner-western venue is on the freakin bondi junction train line! #ftw Hump Night (Wednesdays, in a camel themed bar, capiche?) Comedy's opening night was brilliant, with a stellar lineup & full house. The decor description is best quoted to the night's MC- David Smeidt- who described it ss if a gay pirate was having a garage sale. Camels, camel themes, and some classic posters- the gay pirates responsible for decorating Camelot have definitely never heard the expression, "less is more"... I ordered a garlic pizza cos it was like $8. It was alright & for $8 I ain't gonna complain the crust was a bit hard tho. Some pretty amazing looking mezze plates were doing the rounds and making me regret my decision. Now that I know how easy it is to get to and groovy a venue it is I'm looking forward to joining the camel cult.

Random nights are the best nights, aren't they?…read more My friend Isobel sent me a message last week, with a Facebook link saying, wanna check this out next week in good old Marrickville? I was like, yeeerrrppppp, let's go. Why not, right? So tonight, I look at the Facebook page to figure out where it is and its like all trendy and ambiguous "in the back streets of Marrickville".... well, where the FUCK is that, eh??? Bloody thing. Well, I figured it out and I can't tell you how AWESOME it was! Dimly lit, trendy, hipster kitch. Think Shady Pines, but not so much Americana. Yes, cowboys. But also gypsies, persian carpets, camels and eastern flair. The owner, came over and introduced himself to us and was like, how did you hear about us? Well, we have the very uncool story that Isobel's mum told her about it. Yeah, I'm serious. LOL. We think it's funny as hell too, especially since the place was so great, so unknown. Her mum saw some live music here a few weeks ago. I should probably make up a cooler story about how I know about the place that makes me sound really awesome with my finger right on the pulse of avant guarde Sydney or something, so when I bring people here I can be like... yeah... I'm cool... man?!! We had wines which were delicious. I had an SA Pinot Noir. Hey, look! I'm trying to learn my wines! Be impressed. I'm a wine doofus. Downstairs is "Django Bar" which is I guess, not a music venue. Camelot is technically on the top floor, and is a music venue with some food... the garlic pizza is amazing. Perfectly garlicky and cheesy melty goodness. Sean Taylor was playing, he was described as a Chris Isaak acoustic guitar type.... well, wow, I could have easily stayed out til past midnight if it wasn't a school night. He was amazing. Everything was 5 star. I'm really glad to be able to write this review for such a great NEW establishment, but it's even better that it's in my home suburb of dear old MARRICKVILLE!!! Marrickville is seriously Sydney's Brooklyn. Seriously. Its coming up in the world. Watch out.

To close out Sydney's Vivid week of techno light explosion, a group of us caught up on the sky…read moreterrace. Providing spectacular views of the city the sky terrace is a must go-to spot. Although most of the vivid lights were kept out of view we got to lounge on neon light up seats and oversized Lego pieces. Caught a technicolored light up suite display the blast of final fireworks and the harbour bridge display. We also landed on some 2 for 1 drink tickets so sipping bubbly was in order. This was my second time at the terrace, the first being a quick meet up spot before a hens do. I highly recommend for tourists and locals because the view is excellent and the space is huge-perfect for big groups! Plus, if you get bored you can always gamble!!!

Sky Terrace at The Star overlooks the Sydney City and Harbour. A large outdoor lounges and tables…read more Located on Level 3, you will need to take the escalators towards Marquee and continue one level up. They have a Moet Chandon tent, a full service bar, food tents and areas that you are able to gamble as well. DJ's on most nights. The only thing that worries me, is that if it rains there is only a limited area that has cover, so that does not leave much room for everyone. Great place to have drinks on a lazy sat and sunday on a sunny day as it would be a spectacular sunset.