IgoUgo

Sydney Journals

Thanksgiving in Oz

A November 2010 trip to Sydney by cjg1

Beer Here! Photo - Lowenbrau Keller, Sydney, Australia More Photos
Quote: We escaped the horrible American Thanksgiving with the Turkkey and stuffing. We instead spent it eating mussels on the beach....

Marigold Restaurant

Restaurant | "There wasn't a dish I didn't Love......."

Quote:
Marigold is a popular place in the heart of Chinatown. Our friend Jackie loves this place and decided to take us here for a farewell lunch. We arrived early at 10:30am since we wee told the place gets jammed by 11am with a long wait for a table. We arrived to an already packed restaurant but with tables available. We were seated at a nice round table and not too far from the kitchen (which turned out to be a good thing).The deal here is that you can order off the menu or pick dishes off of rolling carts that pass by your table. When you select a dish you table card is stamped to indicate what you chose and is tallied up later for your bill. Since we were so close to the kitchen we had firs...Read More

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on March 7, 2011

Marigold Restaurant
683 George Street
Sydney, Australia 2000
+61 (0)2 9281 3388

Heritage Belgian Beer Cafe

Restaurant | "Belgian Beer and Good Food"

Quote:
The Belgian Bier Cafe was a place my wife wanted to try as soon as she heard about it. We decided to meet up with our friend Jackie for a nice dinner and some Belgian beer. The place is pretty popular and fortunately we managed to get a table despite not having a booking.We were seated at at nice table in the main dining room with a view of their large bar area (which happened to be packed to the gills). As we were handed beer and food menus I saw my wife's eyes glaze over at the huge selection of beer. My wife is a huge Belgian beer fan and was thrilled to find many of her favorites on the menu especially Orval. The food menu had a great selection of local specialties such as kangaroo and...Read More

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on March 7, 2011

Heritage Belgian Beer Cafe
135 Harrington Street
Sydney, Australia
+61 92411775

Pub with No Name

Restaurant | "Incredible Mussels"

Quote:
Pub with No Name was just reopened four months ago with new owners; two brothers (great guys we had alot of un with them). The Pub specializes in Belgian beer and has just about every type you could want. My wife is a Belgian Beer nut so this place made her incredibly happy especially since they had some of her favorites; Stella, Leffe Blonde, Orval, Chimay Rouge.The pub itself is right on a main street and is very large. They have several dining areas throughout including an outdoor area in back as well as bar seating. We first came here for drinks but then decided to come back later for a meal. One of the owners told us his mussels were amazing so we had to try them out. The mussels were...Read More

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on March 7, 2011

Pub with No Name
82 Darling Street
Balmain East, Sydney, Australia 2041
(02) 9810 1663

Kamari Greek Taverna Cafe

Restaurant | "Incredible Food & Service"

Quote:
After spending the morning exploring Botany Bay with Jackie we were in need of some lunch. We stumbled upon this little Greek Place and decided to try it out. We were greated warmly by our waiter George who immediately fell in love with my wife's New York accent and kept gushing.George brought us menus and informed us of the specials of the day. We decided to order some Pure Blondes as well as an appetizer of dips to share. After some serious perusing of the menu (everything looked amazing) we made our choices. Liz ordered the stuffed zuccini blossoms; she loves them and makes them at home. Jackie went with the greek meatballs and I ordered the calamari strips.The appetizer arr...Read More

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on March 7, 2011

Kamari Greek Taverna Cafe
82 The Grand Parade
Sydney, New South Wales 2216
(02) 9556 2533

Sinma Laksa House

Restaurant | "Singapore Chili Crab!!!"

Quote:
We chose to eat at this place after I read a food blog raving about their Singapore Chili Crab; which I am a huge fan of. It didn't take much convincing to have my wife and our friend Jackie try the place out since they are both adventurous food wise.The restaurant was located not to far from Jackie house and tucked away on a corner of a main drive. When we first entered I knew it had to be good since the place was packed. We were seated at a table by the window and handed menus. I knew exactly what I wanted but the girls took their time perusing the menu items.I ordered my delcious chili crab, Liz went with a Singapore noodle dish and Jackie had a chicken dish of which I canno...Read More

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on March 7, 2011

Sinma Laksa House
234 Forest Road
Hurtsville, Sydney, New South Wales 2032
02 9313 7663

The Vintage Cafe

Restaurant | "A Good Choice for Lunch"

Quote:
The Vintage Cafe is a small restaurant tucked into the Rocks. We decided to grab some lunch here before catching a ferry at Circular Quay. We climbed the stairs of their outdoor patio and asked for a table for two inside out of the sun. The menu here has a mix of pizza, pasta, chicken, beef, seafood and salads. After perusing the menu we both decided to have some pizza; the Margherita for Liz and the Chorizo for me. I decided to have a beer and Liz had a mint iced tea.Our food arrived rather quickly and with a friendly smile from our waitress. Both of our pizzas came with a side salad which was quite nice. The pizza was very tasty but the crust was a bit on the thick side for my liking. Th...Read More

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on March 7, 2011

The Vintage Cafe
R2 Nurses Walk, The Rocks
Sydney, Australia
(02) 9252 2055

Izakaya Musashi

Restaurant | "Excellent Sushi"

Quote:
Mushashi is a place I first visited many years back with my friends Helen and Doug. During our November 2010 trip we decided to have a nice dinner here with our friends Helen and Jackie. This place is busy and right in the center of Chinatown. The food here is incredible and everyone knows it; so make a booking for a table. We had a booking for 6pm and Helen was running late so Liz, Jackie and I decided to order some drinks and appetizers to start. Jackie ordered a cold Saki, Liz had a lemon tea and I wanted a Sapora. After perusig the menu we chose some edamame and fried tofu with shrimp for starters. As our appetizers arrived so did Helen. After persuing the menu; which is so...Read More

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on March 7, 2011

Izakaya Musashi
Shop 5, 447 Pitt St
Sydney, New South Wales 2000
(02) 9280 0377

Pancakes on the Rocks

Restaurant | "Great Breakfast!"

Quote:
Pancakes on the Rocks is one of those love it or hate it places. It’s a simple enough place that could pass as a diner in most places. But food is quite good here. Granted I’ve only tried the pancakes. Although on the menu I just can’t see ordering lunch and dinner food at a place call Pancakes on the Rocks. The menu here has a large selection of specialty pancakes as well as regular pancakes. They also have omlettes, burgers, sandwiches, milk shakes and other entrees. I think if you come here Pancakes should be the choice.....We first visited Pancakes on the Rocks during our October 2007 trip. We loved both times we ate here and couldn't wait to return during our 2010 trip. Th...Read More

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on March 8, 2011

Pancakes on the Rocks
4 Hickson Road
Sydney, Australia
+61 2 9247 6371

The Lindt Cafe

Restaurant | "Incredible Ice Cream!"

Quote:
We first discovered this place when I was looking for a Kebab House in 2007. Housed where there used to be a cheap and so so kebab place we stumbled across it actually looking for said kebabs. I was in the mood for a quick snack that it would have provided and we were just steps away. We recently returned to this location during our 2010 trip to Sydney. The Cafe has a huge display case that takes up most of the center of the area and tables on the far left along with the tables on the outside. This is all well and nice but rest assured that the main reason to come here is on the right. This would be the ice cream. They have a small variety of flavors but trust me their ice cream is very go...Read More

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on March 8, 2011

The Lindt Cafe
104-105 Cockle Bay Wharf
Darling Harbour, Sydney

Lowenbrau Keller

Restaurant | "Touristy but a Fun Place"

Beer Here! Photo - Lowenbrau Keller, Sydney, Australia
Quote:
This is one of the few places I have been to every time I come to town. Yes, it is a big "tourist" spot but even locals are drawn here for food and drinks. I love the atmosphere and the liters of Spaten. Located right next to the Rocks Sydney Visitor’s Center on Argyle Street it’s just a place I always find myself for at least a few beers per trip. I must admit it doesn’t get to be much more than one or two though as its only a liter and they charge $19. You can get the same amount of beer just down the street for $12 to $14. And that adds up quick. So I go and enjoy one or two and then move on.The nice thing here is that they do have a large our-door seating area with bench ta...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on March 8, 2011

Lowenbrau Keller
Corner of Playfair & Argyle Streets
Sydney, Australia
+61 (02) 9247 7785

Hero of Waterloo Bar/Restaurant

Attraction | "A Relaxing Pub tucked away in the Rocks"

Relaxing with a Beer Photo - Hero of Waterloo Bar/Restaurant, Sydney, Australia
Quote:
The Hero of Waterloo is a quiet and relaxing pub in the Rocks area. It's off of the tourist drag so it has more locals than your typical Rocks pub.

Liz and I came here to enjoy some beer before heading off for a lunch with some friends. The pub has that oldtime feel with lots of hardwood accents and a nice worn in bar. There were plenty of seats at the bar as well as a back area with tables. We had a seat at the bar to enjoy some ice cold beer.

This was a great find and the perfect place to relax without any worries.



Member Rating 4 out of 5 on March 21, 2011

Hero of Waterloo Bar/Restaurant
81 Lower Fort Street
Sydney, New South Wales
02 9252 4553

Australian Hotel

Attraction | "A Fun Rocks Pub"

Enjoying a frosty brew Photo - Australian Hotel, Sydney, Australia
Quote:
The Australian Hotel is an old pub in the Rocks section of Sydney. The orignal pub was opened in 1824 and this location has been around since 1913; which makes it a popular Sydney institution.

After wandering the back streets of the Rocks; my wife and I decided to stop her for some drinks. The place is huge with both indoor and outdoor seating. We decided to have a seat at a table for two near the bar since the outdoor crowd was a bit on the rowdy side. We enjoyed a few Toohey's while people watching and discussing our future travels.

I like that this place had a nice mix of people; young and old; casual and professional.



Member Rating 5 out of 5 on March 21, 2011

Australian Hotel
100 Cumberland Street
Sydney, Australia 2000
+61 (0)2 9247 2229

Martin Place Bar

Restaurant | "Good Happy Hour Drinks"

My wife and her favorite beer Photo - Martin Place Bar, Sydney, Australia
Quote:
Martin Place Bar is where we arranged to meet up with our friend Laura for some after work drinks. As the name implies it is located in Martin Place. The Bar is quite large with planty of seating options from high tables outside to comfy tables and couches inside as well as a private room in the back of the bar.We arrived a little early and settled into one of the couches by the window. We ordered some Pure Blonde to drink for my wife and a Hahn's Super Dry for me. The place really began fillig up at the 5pm mark with business people for some after work happy hour. Laura arrived on time and we settled into our usual hilarity. The girls ordered some house bubbles and the gossiping began. As...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on March 21, 2011

Martin Place Bar
51 Martin Place at Elizabeth Street
Sydney, Australia
(02) 9231 5575

BlueFish Seafood Restaurant

Restaurant | "A Great Place to People Watch"

My wife enjoying her wine and the view Photo - BlueFish Seafood Restaurant, Sydney, Australia
Quote:
Blue Fish is one of the many bar/restaurants in the Darling Harbour/Cockle Bay area. The menu here emphasizes seafood but has other non- seafood items as well.

My wife and I were walking around Darling Harbour before meeting our friend Laura for lunch and decided to stop here for a drink. The restaurant has a nice outdoor dining area complete with umbrella covered tables. We decided to sit outside to enjoy the weather and view while enjoying our glasses of Sauvignon Blanc. I like that this place is in the middle of the activity without the feeling of being crowded. We were able to people watch and enjoy our wine without feeling rushed or crowded.

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on March 22, 2011

BlueFish Seafood Restaurant
Darling Harbour
Sydney, New South Wales 2000
(

Glenmore Rooftop Hotel

Restaurant | "A Busy Pub in the Rocks"

Enjoying the Glenmore Photo - Glenmore Rooftop Hotel, Sydney, Australia
Quote:
The Glenmore Hotel is a historic pub in the Rocks. Built in 1921, this pub is high in the rocks with beautiful harbour views; especially from its rooftop bar. The bar has two levels as well as outdoor seating. My wife and I stopped here for a drink and a snack during our most recent Sydney trip in November 2010. We decided to sit indoors since the wind was kicking up outside and didn't want to get blown off the rooftop. We sat at a table for two to enjoy some ice cold beer for Liz and a cider for me as well as an order of their tasty garlic bread. We had a fun time here people watching since this place is apopular spot for both tourist as well as locals.The vibe here is very ca...Read More

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on March 24, 2011

Glenmore Rooftop Hotel
96 Cumberland Street, The Rocks
Sydney, Australia

Mercantile Hotel

Attraction | "Great Pub with Sports Watching"

Cheers! Photo - Mercantile Hotel, Sydney, Australia
Quote:
The Mercantile Hotel is one of the many bars situated in the Rocks and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The bar areas is rather large with bar seating as well as indoor and outdoor tables. My wife and I love exploring the Rocks and found this pub to be an excellent place to grab a drink. During our visit we found a cricket game on which was quite entertaiing as we drank our ice cold beer. We were seated at a nice table for two inside and enjoyed the laid back atmosphere. The patrons were a mix of tourist as well as locals and all seemed to enjoy the casual friendliness of the place. I really enjoy that they keep the doors open to allow for a nice breeze from the harbour inst...Read More

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on March 24, 2011

Mercantile Hotel
25 George Street, The Rocks
Sydney, Australia 2000
+61 (0)2 9247 3570

About the Writer

cjg1

cjg1
New York, New York

Sydney Harbour Bridge

User Rating:

Royal Botanic Gardens

User Rating:

Sydney Opera House

User Rating:

Manly Beach

User Rating:

Sydney Aquarium

User Rating: