Saturday, 11 February 2.41am
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Wining and dining Dad


Father's Day somehow doesn't seem to carry the same urgency as Mother's Day. Perhaps it's just that Dad's stoic front doesn't have the same guilt-inducing impact on selfish kids as Mum's martyred doe eyes, or perhaps it's that power tools and a nice pair of socks don't have the same emotional resonance as the flowers and fragrant perfumes Mum probably received on her special day. Poor old Dad.

But there's no reason why fathers can't have something nice on this one day of the year. A couple of cold beers and a nice meal is a thoughtful way to make your dad happy and it's a lot more fun than caddying him around the golf course, or helping him try out his new circular saw.

1
 
Liquidity Cafe/Bar
Rozelle
Liquidity sits right on the water at Rozelle Bay, so the rest of the family can enjoy the water views while Dad salivates over the luxury yachts moored outside. They're open for brunch, but come for lunch if Dad's a jazz fan; from 1pm a live jazz band lends smooth tunes to the setting.

2
 
Lowenbrau Keller
The Rocks
Let your dad relive his wayward, beer-soaked youth at this Bavarian restaurant, where every day is Oktoberfest. The menu is packed full of schnitzel and sauerkraut (just like Nanna's cooking), while the bar stocks enough beer to float a ship. Dine here on Father's Day and they'll even present him with a one-litre stein to take home a memento of your thoughtful gesture.

3
 
Belgian Beer Cafe Brussels
Brisbane
If your dad fancies himself a bit of an ale connoisseur, the beer appreciation menu here is for him. The degustation menu features five beers, matched with five food courses. Alternatively, just sit him down with a bottomless stein and a kilo pot of mussels and you'll be the golden child for the rest of the year. To seal the deal, every dad gets a Hoegaarden gift pack.

4
 
The Mediterranean Restaurant
Dawesville
If Dad's whinging about missing his weekly golf game to hang out with the kids on Father's Day, this place could be a good compromise. After he's whipped around the course, get him to meet the family at the 19th hole, where The Cut Golf Club have set up The Mediterranean. You can enjoy the view over the first tee while Dad fills you in on the thrills and spills of his round.

5
 
Rockpool Bar and Grill
Southbank
Dad wants a big bloody steak but Mum won't be seen anywhere without starched linen? Neil Perry's latest gastro-temple will keep everyone happy. A little more upmarket than your average steakhouse, Rockpool's menu allows you to prove your love with such upmarket gourmet treats as wagyu beef and sterling caviar.

6
 
Vlado's
Richmond
If Dad really just wants a traditional steak, there's still no need to take him to some filthy pub. Vlado's is one of the oldest grills in town, serving countless different cuts of beef, served any way you like.

7
 
Waters Edge
Parkes
Waters Edge has long been a favourite destination for special occasions such as these. A change in ownership has seen it ditch some of the fine-dining trimmings, but this will only make it more appealing if your dad's a laidback or modest type. The pretty water views and good food will still serve to let Dad know you love him.