Local Taphouse, The

7.2 Recommended

Food  5      Drinks  8      Ambience  9      Service  7      Value  7     

I love this place. Can't comment on the food, as I've never eaten there, but they have done an amazing job with the ambience. Its beautiful inside, just the right amount of lighting and noise for a relaxed night that often turns in to an amazing one. Congratulations to the business owner, who has managed to transcend sydney's often sterilised bar scene and find the perfect atmosphere for a relaxed but special night. The staff are always very friendly as well.

May 04, 2012 

3.2 Below Average

Food  1      Drinks  9      Ambience  1      Service  1      Value  4     

We went to the Local Taphouse Sunday lunch time for a bite to eat and to savour a couple of their much praised beers before an international Super 15 game. We expected the Taphouse to be busy and were more than happy to queue for our drinks but were surprised to find there was only one bar person serving when we arrived at lunch time (a second bar person did come and go sporadically). This might explain the bar person's lack of enthusiasm!

We enjoyed our first beer whilst perusing the menu and watched delicious looking meals come out of the kitchen. Having decided what we would like to dine on, we bought another beer and attempted to order lunch only to be told that they were not serving food and could not tell us when they would resume service (It was only 2pm and we understood they served meals until 10pm). Had we known there was no food available we would not have ordered a 2nd beer and stated this to the bar person, who's response was just to shrug his shoulders. We were stuck with a large beer and no food, over all very disappointing service and attitude.

To top off our mediocre experience, the position of our table (and we weren't the closest) was constantly wafted with the ordour of urinal tablets from the gents toilets every time the door was opened, being a beer establishment, that was often.

Sadly, won"t be back, we'll get delicious beers elsewhere.

Apr 30, 2012 

2.8 Not Recommended

Food  3      Drinks  5      Ambience  4      Service  1      Value  1     

We had made a booking for a birthday for a group of 15, we had ordered nice beers which were a little more expensive for their size though the variety was impressive.

The beef burgers were not exceptional as they claim to be (advertised as best in NSW) but were also good. There are better burgers in Grill'd on Crown St.

What we didn't appreciate is the bar tenders rude manners to all of our guests. He was patronising and the toothpick in his mouth for the whole afternoon was not 'cool'.

One of my friends had asked the bar tender politely, Since there are many beers to choose from, are there any which are Low Carb? He then replied 'There's no such thing as Low Carb Beer'. She replied 'Low Calorie Beer then? He quickly said 'It's not Calorie its Kilojoules.' then gave her a sample of a beer to taste.

This makes no sense since Kilojoules are just another unit of measure for Calories buddy! Plus there is no need to be rude about it. Just serve the beer and do your job.

Then after we just settled with our friends the bar tender walked next to our table and put down a piece of paper saying that this table is booked for 5pm, and asking us to leave the bar for the next lot.

This is fine though we have made a booking with the intention of staying there from the afternoon into the evening. We were not aware that there was a 'time limit' if we were aware of this, we would go elsewhere.

So I had to tell my guests to make a move to a different bar. Not nice. Also this was very embarrassing. I'm sure this is a nice bar just to grab a quick drink and in the upstairs area (if there's not a 'function' on), but for groups it's not ideal.

I will not be coming back to the bar if it means I don't have to deal with the Bar Tender. A number of my friends have separately commented on the guys attitude.

Apr 01, 2012 

9.2 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Drinks  9      Ambience  9      Service  10      Value  9     

Great place, great service and the most amazing beef burger I've ever sunk my teeth into. You have to try it!

Feb 27, 2012 

4.2 Below Average

Food  2      Drinks  7      Ambience  5      Service  4      Value  3     

First timers at the restaurant. Read the high rating on Eatability and thought we would try it. Very disappointing food. The meatballs were cold! The risotto was thick and gluey. At least the beer was wonderful! I really think the kitchen staff should have a good look at what is hitting the tables before it goes out. Maybe we had some bad luck, but I would not be back again and don't think I would recommend it.

Feb 26, 2012 

8.6 Highly Recommended

Food  7      Drinks  9      Ambience  9      Service  10      Value  8     

Booked a function room here in August. The staff were amazing, prompt, attentive and helpful from beginning to end, even on the busy Saturday night it was. Food was tasty, though the portion sizes of the chips and pizzas were smaller than expected. The share platters of antipasto/meats would be great if they came out in smaller pieces (so they could be shared?).

Drinks - what an awesome selection, can't fault them here. And the labelling of the tasting platters along with the menu is great! All in all I was very impressed, a huge thanks to the staff for a great night!

Aug 26, 2011 

8.2 Recommended

Food  9      Drinks  8      Ambience  9      Service  7      Value  8     

Had an amazing meal here with some friends the other night, a quarter of a lamb! Can't remember what they cooked it in but it was delicious and big enough for the 4 of us easily. Waitresses seemed a little distracted but the food and beer were great!

Jun 23, 2011 

5.2 Average

Food  2      Drinks  7      Ambience  7      Service  7      Value  3     

Solid pub with friendly staff, unfortunately, let down by ordinary food. The after taste from the pizza's was of charcoal given they all came out burnt.

Jun 20, 2011 

7 Recommended

Food  4      Drinks  10      Ambience  8      Service  8      Value  5     

The first few times we went to The Local Taphouse the food was really great, especially the meatballs. But that was last year, and since we've been back this year it seems the quality of the food has declined. The drinks are still great, though.

Last visit I ordered the Scotch Fillet from the menu, and got the grisly end of a rump steak. I like rump steak, but if I order scotch fillet, thats what I expect to pay for. My girlfriend ordered some type of Guinness pie thing, which was only about an inch tall, which was a disappointment, because she was expecting a big, hearty meal, like most Guinness pies.

Her first choice was the meatballs, but they had run out. They had also run out of dessert dishes. Food aside, the drinks are still awesome. Its always fun to get a paddle of tasters, and try some new drinks.

Also, the decor is pretty cool, with a bunch of old, mismatched furniture everywhere, and murals and old posters scattered about. The place is a bit small though, and you'll struggle to find a seat on a Friday/Saturday evening. Also try to get a booth upstairs, cos the tables are very small.

Jun 14, 2011 

7.8 Recommended

Food  6      Drinks  8      Ambience  9      Service  9      Value  7     

Rated this place mainly for its wonderful vibe, awesome interior design, comfy couches, drinks and some great menu selections.

Savoury dishes were delicious. But the dessert Chocolate Fondant was awful! We showed the waiter and he agreed it was dry, hard with no chocolate oozing from its centre. A second Chocolate Fondant came out and was just as bad. We had to wait over 30 minutes, were hungry for our last course, so just tolerated it. Have the pastry chefs watched Master Chef yet?

For a place with so much on offer, a true chocolate dessert would be a nice finishing touch.

Jun 13, 2011