Part bohemian hang, part local pub, this watering hole has a tired but friendly authentic feel that brims with personality.
In the heart of the busy O'Connell Street cafe strip is one of North Adelaide's most popular pubs, the Royal Oak Hotel.
What immediately stands out about the venue is the eclectic decor: flying ducks on the walls, musical instruments hanging from the ceiling and genuine '60s laminated tables and chairs in the dining area. Rather than being gimmicky, these furnishings create an informal setting that attracts not only tourists, but plenty of well-dressed locals and young professionals.
With a reputation for above-average pub fare, the Royal Oak's menu is a mix of the traditional and the slightly more adventurous. For a bar snack try some duck dim sims with a plum dipping sauce, or a blue swimmer crab linguine for dinner. There's plenty of outdoor seating, when weather permits, for an alfresco breakfast, lunch or dinner.
There's an extensive wine list. In fact, the hotel boasts the largest wine selection of any bar in Australia, with 30 wines available by the glass and a choice of more than 3000 labels from the adjoining bottleshop and cellar.
And for those wanting a little more, there's entertainment every night of the week. Cult movies (and free popcorn) feature on Monday, followed by smooth live jazz on Wednesday. The resident DJs spin chilled-out tunes at the party end of the week and there's more live music on Sunday with a fusion of jazz, funk and soul.
Kashmir Brummel
