The Elk

*THIS VENUE IS CLOSED* The Elk boasts a giant, eyeless, flock-covered deer head mounting the wall, while fake ivy runs up the ceiling over the bar. The downstairs rumpus room is where it's at, for our money, decorated with empty picture frames, antique pinball machines, pool tables, 80s video games and darts. You could easily burn several hours and more than a few dollar coins here. The Elk is broken up into several areas including an outdoor strip directly opposite rival bar Sugar Mill, a darker lounge area, and the bar proper, where you'll find the booze. Cocktails aren't exactly a drawcard, but they pour a decent schooner and the wine list, though short, is modestly priced. Wednesday night is poker night with cash prizes; DJs feature on Friday and Saturday nights; art shows are a regular occurrence; there's even burlesque. You can eat cheaply here, too – there's nothing on the menu over $15 and from Thursday to Saturday it's $5 pizza and house drinks from 5pm. While the Elk isn't really the sort of place you'd linger, it's definitely worth a look as part of a bigger bar crawl through the Cross.