Palookaville Dinner Review
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Palookaville Dinner Review

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The idea behind Palookaville is basically ‘no bullshit’. No fluff. No fancy add-ons. Order at the counter, pay a pittance extra for a pot of beer and expect consistently good food, with all main meals sitting at a fixed price of $14 (bar the steak, which is a few dollars extra, and only $12 on Tuesdays and Wednesdays).

The eclectic menu roams the globe in its influences. Choose between bistro-style favourites like fish and chips, sirloin steak or beef spare ribs, or opt for something a little more exotic in the way of Thai seafood noodles, Cambodian vegetable curry or Persian lamb shanks. There are plenty of options for vegetarians as well, including the Middle Eastern dips which gave us something to break bread over as we waited for our mains.

Our table was pleasantly surprised at how beautifully the modest sized meals were presented, with a clean and classic restaurant approach. The southern-style mac ‘n’ cheese is a natural, comforting choice for winter and ideal if you feel you’ve lapsed on your lactose intake. Below the green garnish, you break through the baked shredded breadcrumb crust, down through the layer of cheesy, creamy macaroni and eventually strike gold with the rich vegetable ragu layered on the bottom. The tiers of this dish lead to a nicely rounded meal in the taste stakes.

The twice-cooked pork belly combines the melt in your mouth meat with a crispy skin, giving a pleasantly distinct texture difference. It was served with Asian greens and a fragrant mound of rice.

The portion size is pretty much perfect, with next to no food wasted, leaving you with enough room should you want a little extra indulgence from the dessert menu. The friendly staff members complement the down-to-earth ambiance of the bar. Palookaville is unassuming and unpretentious, and the key ingredient is honest prices without compromising on quality.

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