June 2015

177 286

BAR TAB
177 June15
We scour the bar scene to bring you the new and
the noteworthy. It’s a tough job, but somebody’s
got to do it!
Draft and Craft
31 Circular Road
6532 0604 |
First impressions: A simple, narrow den with a stripped
back industrial feel that lets the draft beers do the talking!
Its unpretentious air makes it ideal for whiling away an
afternoon while trying out each of the different beers.
They also have a delicious range of cocktails and wines
handpicked by owner Keira, who buzzes around chatting
with customers, recommending tipples.
The Chosen One: You can’t come to Draft and Craft
without trying out the beers; my favourite was the light and
floral Birra Saison, Prairie Artisan Ale ($16). There are
five set beers on tap every month, and a rotating tap that
features a different beer each month. However, if beer’s
not your thing, the cocktails are also worth a try. Made
from the freshest ingredients, the Mojito ($16) includes
basil and mint to give it a smooth finish – and, it has to
be said, my boyfriend proclaimed it to be the best mojito
he’d ever tried (a bold statement!).
The Cheapskate: Happy hour extends to 9pm every day
(starting from noon on weekdays and 4pm on Saturdays)
with $2 or $3 off most drinks – ideal for an after-work drink
that won’t break the bank. The bar bites are also extremely
reasonable and come in good-sized portions.
Bite on this: Inspired by Southern Californian comfort
food, the bar bites are simple but effective. Try the
delectable grilled cheese sandwiches ($14), mouth-
watering homemade tortilla chips and salsa ($8) and
scrumptious tacos ($16); we loved everything.
Natalie Whittell
McGettigan’s Clarke Quay
3A River Valley Road, #01-01 C/D
6694 6911 |
First impressions: The new kid on the Clarke Quay block is
very impressive – a mixture of cool and grand, with cosy little
areas, funky sections and a traditional wine vault. There’s a live
band area where you can dance, but also quieter areas to sit
and chat – the best of both worlds. They have really invested
in the décor, with some unusual block ceiling panels, lighting
panels and bookshelf-adorned walls resembling an old library.
The Chosen One: Guinness draft ($15.50 pint; $12 half
pint) and Magners Original Cider ($14).
The Cheapskate: There’s a happy hour every night from
5pm to 8pm ($10 nett for house beer and wine, and selected
spirits), and a ladies’ night every Wednesday from 8pm to
10pm, including five free drinks and party music by a DJ. For
$99 you can have a Saturday lunchtime brunch from 12 noon
to 3pm (giving you all of Sunday to recover!) with free-flow
beverages and à la carte dishes, plus live music.
Bite on this: There are lunch, dinner and snack menus with
comfort food favourites including crab cakes, signature
chicken wings, pork bangers and mash and fish and
chips – all ranging from $18 to $28. While we found the fish
really good, the chips were just okay; however, the classic
wagyu beef burger was absolutely delicious and done to
perfection. Apparently, the Guinness pie is set to be a “must
have”, so we look forward to trying that and the full Irish
breakfast soon.
Last but not least: There’s livemusic five nights a week, plus an
iPaddyQuizNight everyMonday at 8pm, withprizes up for grabs.
Rebecca Bisset