Some of the pubs around Geelong’s city offer some decent value dining. The menus have changed over the years, and there are less mixed grills and lambs fry, but more modern dishes with plenty of taste and flair. Many pubs offer a bar menu, and there’s often a specials board or meal deal running, especially early in the week. Some of our pubs have top quality dining rooms where the food is restaurant quality, and there’s plenty of outstanding service and atmosphere.
Here are a few of our favourites from around the Geelong CBD.
The Phoenix
The Phoenix Hotel once known as the Wool Exchange Hotel is located next to Westfield in Moorabool Street. This gaming venue has a wonderful bistro that features a good selection of meals. As well as steaks, ribs and other favourite pub fare the Phoinex has an Asian inspired menu that features a delicious range of Hong Kong Specialties including roast duck, stir fries and char sui pork.
The Inn
Tucked in behind GMHBA and the TAC in Corio Street, the Inn
The Lord Nelson
The Lord Nelson is located on the corner of Malop Street and Bellarine Street and has reopened with a brand new look after the building was dormant for a few years. The pub is sensational, beautifully appointed and even features a large out door beer garden. The Lord Nelson specialises in quality dining being the winner of the Best Hotel Award in the 2014 Golden Plate Awards. Highlights on their menu include a wide range of quality steaks and tapas and slowly cooked braises.
The Sporting Globe
The Sporting Globe in Ryrie Street opposite the Village Cinema has a large dining area and some terrific value meals. The Globe has weekly meal deals including pizza and steaks and is one of the few pubs around the city which has an outdoor area to enjoy the afternoon sun. Their menu has a US flavour, with a great choice of burgers, wraps, steaks and parmis. Be sure to try their amazing firey buffalo wings.
Jokers on Ryrie
Along the road a bit is Jokers, that has a terrific little restaurant beside its Pokies venue. The pasta is delicious so is the seafood. Be sure to check if there is a theatre and meal deal available, its a great way to make the evening even more affordable.
The Geelong Hotel
The Corio Hotel is back with a new name for 2014, and is now the Bended and has plenty of great meals including one of Geelong’s best parmys, juicy steaks and also offer and a good range of specialty and craft beers. Wednesday night is Parmi Galore night and there are some truly delicious parmis on offer. The Bended can be found on Yarra Street between Little Malop Street and Ryrie Street.
Sir Charles Darling
Located on the corner of Bellarine and Little Malop Stree the Sir Charles Darling is one of the busiest gastro pubs in the city. With a diverse menu and a whole week of specialty nights including Parmi, Seafood, Steak and Burger plus a special lunch menu the Sir Charles Darling serves tasty food that doesn’t break the budget. Combined with friendly service and plenty of seating in the bar and restaurant the Sir Charles Darling is the perfect place for a meal.
The Edge
The Edge overlooks Steampacket Gardens on Geelong’s beautiful waterfront and become a favourite place to kick back and enjoy the day. Weekend brunches are a favourite and their outdoor seating is very popular over the warmer months where diners can soak up a bit of sun and people watch during their meal. The Edge is one of the few pubs in Geelong to offer all day dining. Their menu includes a wide selection of starters for that snack or something to share, a flavoursome selection of mains and some simply delicious deserts.
City Quarter at Cunningham Pier
Just across the road and out on Cunningham Pier is Geelong’s newest bar/pub establishment, The City Quarter sits proudly on top of the magnificent white building on the pier overlooking Corio Bay and Geelong’s skyline. The quarter is an excellent place for a cocktail and a gourmet pizza.
The Deck
The Deck in Gheringhap Street offers some terrific meal deals during the week. There are some top choices on their menu, and usually midweek there are some mighty cheap meal deals.
Sir Charles Hotham
The Sir Charles Hotham is another of the traditional style pubs in Geelong, which are becoming rare. The Hotham has a bargain menu board in the main bar and a very cosy family run dining room out the back where you can still get an honest and superb value home style meal. The Hotham also has an extensive gluten free menu, probably Geelong’s biggest.
The Worker’s Club
The Worker’s Club is a brand new venue next to the Eurkea Hotel in Little Malop Street. The Worker’s Club specialises in great music but also does food, including finger licking BBQ and the freshest of Mexican. We will tell you a bit more once we check this place out.
Centra
Centra is set to be Geelong’s newest pub. Opening in the old Carrington Hotel on the Yarra and Myers Street intersection in late 2015 the Centra will feature a Italian inspired menu and a north facing beer garden. Sounds great- cant wait to try it!