Oscars Grill @ The Southern Cross Hotel

6.8 Recommended

Food  6      Drinks  7      Ambience  8      Service  7      Value  6     

Been here a few times. Pub food is Ok although a little on the expensive side. They do have specials during the week which makes it more reasonably priced, but still, the food is average. Nice decked area out the back. Pleasant indoor area as well. Staff are friendly but on quiet days, they can go "missing" and it can take a while for someone to return and take your order.

Feb 25, 2012 

4 Below Average

Food  1      Drinks  7      Ambience  7      Service  2      Value  3     

My first and last time! The bar man took our order, he was not trained and only new so it took nearly ten minutes to order two meals. The mains were awful and the side salad was wilted lettuce with a slice of tomato.

Sep 27, 2011 

2.6 Not Recommended

Food  1      Drinks  5      Ambience  5      Service  1      Value  1     

12 months ago I may have agreed with the reviews below, albeit it erring on the high side, however, over the last 5-6 months, we have visited there to dine at least 5 times and on each occasion I have ordered the blue eyed cod with fennel salad, only to be told it is not available.

Last Monday, my husband was keen to participate in the $10 rib special so I went in trepidation. No surprises that the blue eyed cod was yet again "not available", apparently they don't serve it anymore and are waiting for a menu reprint, why they couldn't blank the blue eyed cod out from offer is beyond me.

I asked whether I could have a plain piece of fish with salad (I was told there was an alternative fish dish on the "specials menu"), this specials menu, which used to be on the blackboard in front of the bistro and updated weekly, is a printed out A piece of paper on the tables, that has not changed in months. I did not want their barramundi stuffed with olives, feta and an array of other ingredients so asked again, could I have a plain piece of fish grilled, with salad.

There is nothing else on the menu if you don't want to eat steak that is not deep fried, covered in crumbs, schnitzeled or remotely healthy. Someone from the kitchen eventually conceded to cook me a piece of "salmon" but "it is going to take 10-15 minutes", I was happy to wait. 15-20 minutes later, my husbands ribs arrived, followed by a piece of white fish with reddish skin, looked like a banana, curled up on each corner and so overcooked it was completely inedible.

I do not know for the life of me how anyone calling them a chef, cook or bottlewasher would serve up this overcooked rubbery meal. It seems the floor staff and cooking team revolve. When we first started going here, the food was great, the service was great, a good time was had by all.

Right now, and for the last 5 months at least the menu hasn't changed, they pick and chose what they want to serve and what they don't, the service is deplorable and we have decided that an additional $10 is a wise investment when a rib fix is next required, in a local restaurant where the menu caters for all and the people that serve you actually care.

Jan 29, 2011 

8 Recommended

Food  8      Drinks  8      Ambience  8      Service  8      Value  8     

The food at this hotel is good, however, if you are checking the website menu there is no sunday roast. We went for the sunday roast last week after seeing the all day sunday roast on the menu and the staff knew nothing about it. Rang back 2 months later after all day Roast still on website, male I spoke to stated "so what I couldn't care less". Good to see that staff care.

Jul 02, 2010 

7.8 Recommended

Food  8      Drinks  8      Ambience  7      Service  7      Value  9     

Yep it's a pub. It's also a pub in a fairly inaccessible place on the start of the highway going down south out of the city. If you live locally, frequent this place. They've spent a fair bitta dosh on making this place a destination, purely because nobody lives locally in a sense of walking distance.

I like the true separation of rooms for the punters here. You want horses, gambling and house beer? Go to the front of the place, but if you want some fairly high standard pub food without the pretence, go to Oscars. They have different offers most nights of the week so you can sample all sorts which won't burn the wallet. In summer head outdoors and enjoy the food.

Essentially, it's a pub and a formulaic pub to soothe all sorts to venture in, but providing you aren't expecting silver service, find dining, the food is actually better than homely, less than Aria.

Jun 30, 2010 

8.4 Highly Recommended

Food  8      Drinks  8      Ambience  8      Service  9      Value  9     

This was a really pleasant surprise. We had the portuguese chicken burger, along with the Oscars Beef burger for lunch. On turkish bread rolls, they were wonderful, served with great chips, huge serves that saw us both forgo dinner for the night! Service was excellent, all staff members had a smile and a greeting. We will make the effort to go again.

Mar 28, 2010 

7.8 Recommended

Food  8      Drinks  8      Ambience  7      Service  8      Value  8     

I went to Oscar's for the first time thought close to home something different give it a go. It was worth it. Bar staff was very friendly. Service was good and quick.
My friend and I both ordered the Oscars Pork Ribs and they were very nice. I recommend you try them.

May 28, 2009 

9.6 Highly Recommended

Food  10      Drinks  10      Ambience  8      Service  10      Value  10     

I went to Oscars Grill with an Entertainment Book coupon but decided to save it for next time after being greeted by the friendly staff upon entry and being informed of the Monday night special. It was rib night (your choice of Pork or Beef) for $15 (normally $25)! The picture on the website is what you get. Served with salad and chunky steak cut chips (the way I like them) the ribs were delicious and filling!

Whilst waiting I checked out the other meals coming out from the open kitchen, the burgers looked great too! Aside from the uneven table (we moved), the venue is a pleasant oasis away from the busy highway outside. There's a nice deck with sunsails if you want to dine alfresco or you can stay inside. There's plenty of parking out back, but to get there you have to take the next street and loop back.
I will definitely be back soon!

Jan 06, 2009