The Oaks Hotel
If there’s a better pub steak in Sydney than this Rib-Eye on the Bone ($42), I haven’t found it. Believe me, this baby is worth the spend, arriving in a mountain of marrowbone, golden spuds and spinach, with anchovy and parsley butter on the side. Danny Russo’s also done wonders for the humble Sausage Roll ($13) served up all traditional-like with mustard and HP. He’s even perked up pub mussels, best Au Congo ($29) with lemongrass, chilli and coconut cream. Russo’s clever adaptations of pub classics parallel the pub’s sensitive phased-renovation. Downstairs you’ll find designer Paul Kelly has given the restaurant a richly red, mid-1930s American steakhouse feel, while upstairs you’ll find Art Deco styling and a long hallway of private poolrooms sporting classic beer posters. Publicans Andrew Thomas and his dad David Thomas even went as far as consulting the Art Deco Society on aspects of the refit – that’s how much they care! Take a tour, and then tuck into Potato Scallops ($10) and Two Birds Golden Ale ($4.90/middy) in the leafy courtyard. The premium by-the-glass wine list also offers enough interest to see staff rib me for being “triple parked at one o’clock in the afternoon” with wines including the Shaw & Smith M3 Vineyard Chardonnay ($15/glass).
The Oaks Hotel
118 Military Road, Neutral Bay
Ph: (02) 9953 5515 oakshotel.com.au
Pub Bistro, Steakhouse $$$$
