Redoak Boutique Beer Cafe

Posted by: berrypie | 3 April 2009, 4.47pm

Came here with my partner on a trip to Sydney. I'd heard rave reviews, mainly from this website, and thought it'll be worth a try. I particularly liked the idea of the food-beer matching tasting platter. We arrived with no reservation and was seated promptly. We ordered the seafood and meat platters. Food arrived reasonably quickly. The beers with those platters were ok, but lacking in flavour. I noticed that only the honey ale was a prize-winning one and the others were probably not the best the brewery has to offer. I understand it is cheaper, but it is strange that the brewery doesn't offer its best beers in the tasting platter, surely, that would entice more sales? The food was ok, but nothing to get excited about. My partner had the lamb and ale sausages, which was lovely, although the stout jus was far too sweet, and by the end of the meal, tasted like BBQ sauce. The complimentary organic pale ale didn't really match, seemed very bland. I had the capsicum linguine with beef. I think this is a classic case of Asian fusion gone wrong. The pasta was cooked too soft, the texture similar to overcooked Hokkien egg noodles. Without the walnut pesto it would have been an ordinary fried noodles dish, but with the pesto it was weird! The blackberry wheat beer was divine though, crisp and lovely tart finish. I think it would have been more enjoyable if we didn't order the tasting platter, but just got the beers that the brewery performs particularly well in. The service was great throughout.

Food:			Visit: Thu 26 March 2009 Mealtime: dinner
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Posted by: Dallastoaus | 7 December 2008, 5.42pm

I'm not a review writer usually. Most dining experiences other than the ridiculously expensive ones which make you WANT to, or HAVE to remember them, are just dining experiences. I am always on the lookout for something different, and usually go overseas for that. In the last year, I have had two fantastic experiences at Redoak. No, that would be four great experiences. I had my doubts, because I don't like beer. Sorry, I 'thought' I didn't like beer, but my son talked us into going there for his birthday. Good move. It's not often that everything comes together, but the beer, the food, the service, and the New York buzz atmosphere on a busy night made it for us. I've been back a couple of times. One night we just went for drinks with some overseas friends, and the way the bar staff went the 'extra mile' to explain all about the beers impressed me so much. And, the bar meals which are different to the dine in meals were a real treat...very inventive for bar meals. I hate 'beer halls' that try to be something they aren't, like transplanted venues from Germany or Belgium. Redoak is honest and charming. I can't remember the lady who looked after us, but I was told she was a co-owner. She looked after us so well that we came back with our daughter and friends for another birthday. The tasting plates are always my choice, because I am essentially greedy and always want what the other person is having, and with the tasting plate, I can have several meals and several beers all at once! But the lovely thing about Redoak is that they are continually changing and reinventing what they put on their plates, and I just get that the staff like working there, and nothing seemed to be a trouble to them. So often you find a place you love and it changes hands and everything is messed up. I love that even though the menu is always changing, the other nice things about this place are a constant.

Food:			Visit: Fri 3 October 2008 Mealtime: dinner
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Posted by: Yeaaaaaaah | 28 November 2008, 10.20am

Had heard of this place before but never made it out to the city location until my mate's buck's party here last saturday. A little bit noisy with all those hardwood surfaces but it's a bar, it could be a lot worse. We (About 20 of us) were booked in for a canape and beer matching thing, the foods were great (if you ever get a chance, try the mini pork hamburgers, they're amazing!) and the drinks ranged from amazing to a little fruity (the wheat beer wasn't up my alley) but the final match of a dense chocolatey mud cake with the wee heavy ale was unbelievably tasty.

The service was great too, we had our own little private section down the front by the window and if anything the food and beer was coming too fast (if there is such a thing!) but we asked if they could hold off on the next round and they happily obliged. The gorgeous waitress who brought us the food was friendly and helpful but definitely easy on the eyes as well, and the barman who served us the drinks was great too, even if he laid on the information about the beers a little thick. I appreciate the enthusiasm though!

All in all I'd definitely recommend this place for group functions, maybe skyebluey was just there on a bad night but my experience was definitely very different, and definitely very positive! Can't wait to get back there and try some more beers and have a crack at one of those little tasting boards!

Food:			Visit: Sat 22 November 2008 Mealtime: dinner
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Posted by: beeze | 27 November 2008, 9.12pm

I loved my experience at Redoak! My friends and I had a wonderful time. We loved the food and the desserts are to die for! We especially loved the beer icecreams and the chocolate pudding.

I'm not normally a beer drinker but I did try the raspberry beer and loved it.

The staff went out of their way to make sure we were well looked after and helped us choose the drinks that they thought we would like best.


I'm going to take my boyfriend there - he'll love it.

Food:			Visit: Mon 3 November 2008 Mealtime: dinner
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Posted by: Razoxane | 27 November 2008, 6.36pm

I've been here quite a few times - Father's Day, birthdays, nights out with friends - and Redoak handled them all superbly.

The range of beers is mind bogglingly good, and caters for almost every taste. A couple of girls who would never drink beer really liked the Framboise Froment!

The Belgian Chocolate and Choco-Cherry Stouts are an experience to be savoured, and the friendly and knowledgable bar staff recommend the best way to enjoy the rich flavours and aromas.

The menu has a good range of options for vegetarian and vegaquarian (fish and seafood) diners. The standout snack on the Bar menu for me is the Handcut Chips. Chunky, perfectly cooked potato chips, with a choice of sea salt and malt vinegar or mayonnaise for dipping into.

For an entree or light meal you can't go past one of the the Tasting Boards. I've tried seafood, vegetarian and cheese, and all were a surprisingly satisfying sample of how different beers match with different foods.

The main meals come as a generous, but manageable serving size. I thoroughly enjoyed the atlantic salmon - beautifully prepared, and cooked to perfection.

On a busy night be prepared for a little bit of a wait for food, but it's a good opportunity to soak up the rustic hand-carved decor and warm a glass of Chocolate stout to the perfect drinking temperature.

I would definately go back to Redoak, for any occasion where amazing beers, fine food and a friendly atmosphere are called for.

Food:			Visit: Thu 27 November 2008 Mealtime: dinner
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Posted by: D333 | 27 November 2008, 5.04pm

A friend of mine took me here for dinner and a few beers and it has turned out to be one of my most favourite places to go for a night out. We had a great time and the food was excellent!

The staff were friendly and very helpful! They have such a large selection of boutique beers that are award winning - I tried a few but will have to go back to complete the lot. I loved the oatmeal stout and the special strong bitter. The staff were knowledgeable and could tell you everything about the style - from the taste profile and even the history about the style. The tasting boards are great to get a taste of a few different kinds of styles which are matched to food.

The place has a great atmosphere - the music isn't too loud so you can hold a decent conversation.

I will definately be heading back!

Food:			Visit: Thu 27 November 2008 Mealtime: dinner
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Posted by: josh_in_a_box | 27 November 2008, 4.23pm

Good Food, Great Atmosphere and the staff are very helpful.
I was recommended the Angus Scotch Fillet paired with the oatmeal stout, and it was fantastic. Generous portion makes it great value for money.
Will definitely be heading back for more!

Food:			Visit: Fri 21 November 2008 Mealtime: dinner
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Posted by: =13= | 27 November 2008, 4.17pm

Went here for the first time as part of a mate s bucks party. The atmosphere is great, a little loud but that just shows how popular it is. Food was just canap?s but they were really tasty. The beer is just fantastic (my favorite was the Oatmeal Stout) and the bar staff were more than happy to talk with us about what we were drinking. Looking forward to going back and making a proper night of it!

Food:			Visit: Sat 20 September 2008 Mealtime: dinner
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Posted by: skyebluey | 9 May 2008, 4.05pm

I have to express my disappointment in the service our group received at dinner on Saturday 3rd of May. The food was of a high quality, but this did not make up for the service we received.

We booked for a group of 16 for a 30th birthday and I did not complain on the night as I did not want to upset the birthday girl. However right from our arrival there were problems. Firstly we were split onto two tables, when the birthday girl had passed up her first choice of restaurant because they advised that they could only seat a group of 16 at two tables, so it would have been good if we had been advised of this when enquiring to book.

Secondly, our two tables were serviced (orders being taken and food being served) about half an hour apart. It took about an hour to be served our entrees and the second table received their mains at 9.30 after arriving at the restaurant at 7.30 with the first table finished their mains before the second table had even received theirs. On top of this, the second table's kangaroo dishes were stone cold!

Finally we were given dessert menus and at 11pm with no one coming to serve either of our tables, I had to ask if we could order dessert - we were considering leaving to have dessert elsewhere. Then there was a mix up with the number of deserts ordered and when we asked to have the additional dessert, we were told that it was not possible - no reason given, I assume the kitchen had closed.

We were extremely disappointed with the above service and I believe it is this type of experience that has the rest of the world so far ahead of Sydney in the food and wine sector.

Food:			Visit: Fri 9 May 2008 Mealtime: dinner
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Posted by: matte | 20 March 2007, 9.31pm

We read about the Redoak on the web & decided to give it a try. From the time that we walked in, to the time that we left the service from our waiter (Tom) was outstanding. Nothing was too much trouble & his recommendations were very much appreciated. The food was great & the helpings are a good size & value for money. The atmosphere on a Tuesday was quiet but not so uncomfortable that you think you're in a barn - relaxing if anything. This is one place that we will be definitely returning to, even if its just for a bowl of the awesome hot chips & a beer!!!

Food:			Visit: Tue 20 March 2007 Mealtime: dinner
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Posted by: Kris10jane | 6 March 2007, 8.42am

I found this bar through this website, and I knew my husband would love it there, and of course he did. We sat at the bar for a while and had a chance to ask a few questions of the bar attendant- he was helpful and knowledgeable. It was too noisy at the bar so we moved to our table. We loved the tasting boards and the variety of foods and beers that came with them. From our new-found knowledge of the beers from the tasting boards we ordered our mains with beers to match... we were impressed that the waiter didn't write down our meals and yet got them right! One complaint we had was that the service whilst professional was a bit slow and our mains took forever! We got a free round of beers offered as an apology. The food was fantastic, the beer was great, the service was professional but don't expect to get in and out of here in a hurry! It is a little noisy in the restaurant area as well but that's a bit tricky for them to fix due to the layout. We were pleasantly surprised at the cost of dinner - only $65 and we each had an entree, a main and of course dessert, and a few beers each. We'll be back for sure!

Food:			Visit: Sat 3 March 2007 Mealtime: dinner
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Posted by: tony luck | 15 December 2006, 4.34pm

Worth coming for the vast array of beers (hence the name), modern decor and buzzy atmosphere. Great place for a few drinks before moving on for dinner, but don't eat here if you want a romantic meal for two: the bar and dining area are on top of each other and it gets very noisy. As for the food, it was adaquate - but only because we didnt have to pay full price!

Food:			Visit: Tue 12 December 2006 Mealtime: dinner
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Posted by: Binters | 10 December 2006, 1.22pm

Ate here for the first time at a Christmas party. The atmosphere is great, loud so it covers any awkward silences but also gives the place a fun vibe. Food was ok, I was a bit disappointed as I didn't get what I ordered and they didn't offer to correct it but over all it's good food, just not as great as I was expecting. Most people enjoyed their meals but it's the beer and the tasting plates that come with matching beer that you go for. The gimmick works. Overall, was a fun night and we would go back for another party, probably not just for a meal.

Food:			Visit: Fri 8 December 2006 Mealtime: dinner
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