Ruby Lotel

At first glance, Rozelle’s Ruby L’otel could be suffering from an identity crisis. But somehow the mish-mash of spaces, drinks and food actually works. The original part of the pub is all old-school drinking den, while out the back there is a beach-shack bungalow vibe going on, ideal for afternoon drinks. An outdoor bar in the back section of the hotel serves slushy cocktails and a range of dangerous-sounding shots with Schoolies Week associations, but the wine list is well rounded with some fine wines sitting alongside an array of easy quaffers. The confusion extends to the menu, which has traditional pub grub (schnitzels, burgers and Ruby’s pork ribs) competing for space with dumplings and little tacos that feature pork, fish, chicken, beef or the vegetarian option. You can grab lunch for a tenner during the week, $3 tacos and trivia on Tuesdays, a kilo of ribs for less than 20 bucks on Thursdays, and over the weekend there is plenty of live music, including an acoustic Sunday set.