Living very close the Balaclava Hotel, I have read the reviews and have the benefit of seeing the clientele to validate the authenticity of people’s reviews.
I have recently gone there for a drink and tonight ventured into eating a meal territory....
I have to say, the Parma I ordered was quite good. My wife ordered the bangers and mash and was equally impressed.
Yes I have been to cleaner pubs, pubs were the cool kids hang and pubs where I pay 13$ for a beer. The Balaclava hotel doesn’t have this- it’s a knock about pub that lacks a Pretentious name, beers I have no idea about and hoards of men who wear pink shorts. It’s quiet, dark and yellow walls that scream ‘paint me’. However, the food is good, the staff are friendly and I paid 7$ for a Pepperjack Shiraz (cool pubs charge plenty more). It’s a quiet pub where the live band doesn’t annoy you when trying to catch up with a mate, has decent food and allows you to chill out. What it does lack is the insta worthy pic and token cool crowd- perhaps that’s why it has such a low rating but stands out as a place I’d go back to again.....
Choosing this hotel for dinner with my best friend in a rainy night. We ordered medium Porterhouse steaks with a choice of mushroom sauce, potato fries and salad. The steak was tasty and sauce tasted perfectly mushroom. Our dinner was so satisfied. Staff was friendly and helpful. Price was reasonable. Highly recommend and will be back for dinner again!!!!!
Had dinner at this pub last night for the first time in many years, and the food was still good value for money and tasty. Both the soup and the main was served piping hot which is always a bonus. I ate the bangers and mash and was served 3 big fat pork sausages with mash of course and peas and smothered in gravy. Delicious. I will be going back again but I do wish they would steam clean their carpet. It is so dirty and greasy that it makes the whole place smell! Pity!
Not as bad as people say. I've been here a few times and have eaten here a few times. Yes it's not The Local and it has it's fair share of bogans, but it's fine for what it is. I like that it has no pretentions about being anything else than a workers bar. The staff are friendly, the prices are cheap and they have an open fire in winter. They have lots of live sport, which my husband likes and there are not the annoying people talking right through.
A surprise on Carlisle St!
We came in expecting a standard St Kilda pub environment, and after the rooftop dining was recommended, we made out way upstairs to an awesome rooftop dining area with a great chilled ambience!!
The staff were all excellent. Riley especially was great and made sure we had everthing we needed.
The food was served quick enough that we weren't waiting but not so fast that we felt rushed. Oh, and it tasted GREAT! The Veggies that came with the (yummy!) Parma were top quality. The garlic and cheese bread was superb and the Korean chicken appetisers were SO GOOD!
In short, the Balaclava Hotel didn't just exceed our expectations, it blew them away!
Definitely a diamond in the rough!
The Balaclava board was AMAZING!! Those boneless Korean fried chicken and kimchee sandwiches ooolala very well done. They were so yummy omg🤤🤤🤤 very friendly service there as well!
What a fabulous place! As a group of 6 we couldn’t think of a nicer place to be. Loved all the food on menu ( not just your average pub menu, great vegan salad for our girls), exceptional service from Riley, warm atmosphere and enjoyed sitting rooftop. This is definitely worth a drive of 40 km, as nothing this good where we are out Beaconsfield way! You locals are very lucky to have this. Definitely be back again.
I highly recommend this hidden St Kilda gem. Food was excellent quality and beautifully served and yet still incredibly good value and the extensive menu has something for everyone, including vegans. Even better were the wonderful staff who were so patient, kind and helpful with our group who had mobility issues. Thanks so much, you made our beachside day out end perfectly!
Really excited about the revamped venue!! The staff and food where fantastic.. all the pub classics, affordable prices. Upstairs is our favourite and our new watering hole
Definitely has cleaned up over the years. Lovely little venue. Great feed and good staff. Highly recommend checking out the new menu. The Parma is a personal fav or the share plate. Definitely won't be disappointed.
Great menu and UPSTAIRS renovation is ideal for a small group or to have your function. Cocktails are very reasonably priced and bar staff make you feel welcome
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