Hubby and I went to Mr and Mrs G's last Friday. It's on the tip of Eagle St Pier; where there used to be a gazebo, they've closed it up to turn it into a cocktail bar. You can get to Eagle St Pier by any public transport and then hoofing from Central Station or any of the littered bus stops in the CBD, or you can catch a cab, or there is onsite parking (hefty unless you park after 5pm).
Ambience ***
Mr and Mrs G Riverbar is owned by the couple responsible for Il Centro's success. This is obvious as you first approach the bar by the sight of the frosted glass panel fencing surrounding both venues - and if that's not clue enough, go visit the website. If you've never been to Il Centro, it's worth a visit. If you've visited in the past, it's worth a revisit - they've given it a bit of a facelift by the looks of things. Back to Mr and Mrs G's. The small cocktail bar is tidily outfitted with a scattering of four-chaired tables, scalloped one-seater lounges and stools at the bar. It has sweeping window views which have come to be expected on Eagle St Pier (who wouldn't take advantage of the view?), and while looks open and outdoorsy thanks to the clever use of lighting, reflections and Moroccan textiles, is climate controlled and quite tightly spaced. On a Friday office exodus, the bar was packed with trendy socialites. Relatively new, the Riverbar still attracts a large crowd based on curiosity alone and doesn't fail to impress. I heard La Roux's In for the Kill Skream remix while there which put a smile on my face; a cool tune well set to the atmosphere. But in the end it was too squashy, the air conditioning had to be hiked up to deal with the mass of hot bodies, and had max capacity been set a little lower (not likely for the transients moving from bar to restaurant), I would have enjoyed the setting and stayed longer.
Service *****
Amazing. I have never stepped into a packed bar to be immediately greeted by a wandering waitress. It was our first time here, and that was picked up on by our bemused expressions as no sooner had we 'umm'ed were we handed two drinks menus. Another reason to smile! Hubby found our group of co-exodusees and we took up a couple of brightly coloured basket seats. I knew I wanted a cocktail but that was as far as I'd gotten. I settled on a 'Clockwork Orange', and accompanied hb to the bar where we were served quickly considering the crowd. Why is it that people like congregating ON the bar? We stood at the very edge, ordered drinks and then were shooed back to our table as the drinks would be brought to us. You mean I don't have to stand around waiting for my inconvenience of an order? I'm in! About five minutes (probably less) after my glass was empty, a waiter came along for the glass and asked if I'd like another. Er, cocktail table service? I can officially die happy.
Drinks *****
I have to give 5 stars here; my cocktail was luscious. A 'Clockwork Orange' is a perfect Summer beverage. I had to stop myself quaffing it in one gulp as it came in a martini glass and I had to savour every sip. I only ended up having the one drink; my mood didn't warrant staying much longer than what I considered socially acceptable before retreating for the night. From that first experience and the look of the extensive cocktail menu, though, I know I could go back for more, and more, and more, and more! There is a food menu, too, however being a busy Friday night I wasn't about to trouble myself with a plate to be shared amongst ten others, nor the inevitable chicken wing eating style sitting on the little stools at a table would require.
Overall
On another occasion, I could spend 3-4 hours, and a good $100 or so on myself alone. It is a bit pricey for drinks, but you don't go to Eagle St Pier expecting to come away with a heavy wallet. I don't feel I was overcharged for the quality of the drinks and service received. I would love to come back to sample more concoctions and try something on the food menu, and will have to make a special effort outside of the busy 'after work' periods to head down.
What I would like to see is a stronger connection to Il Centro - made famous by its signature dish (Lasagne Alla Granseola) - why not a cocktail with a similar impact? If it is already there, it's not obvious enough. read more