30 Knots

The pub spans two levels. The upper part has no bar but it does boast a whole bunch of comfy lounges, as well as pool tables and tiny table and Bentwood chair sets. Downstairs, you can grab a spot at one of the communal benches and order some beer battered onion rings or maybe a rack of sweet, sticky pork ribs. It’s beer food, to be sure. And with 30 different beers on offer to try, it’s good to have the option of a little ballast. Of course, you’re only a five minute walk from Rockpool Bar and Grill and its incredible burger, so you might want to hold out.

It’s a pretty nice pub, despite the giant plasma screens planted around the room like Venus eye-traps. And while the bar staff are less than friendly, a schooner of James Squire Golden Ale will only set you back $6.50. The jukebox, while fairly undistinguished (the usual mix of Powderfinger, JJJ compilations, Sinatra, Stones and Blondie) still turns up some gems and you could definitely spend five bucks in change in worse ways.

 
Sure, this little black duck would be more likely to be found in the beer garden at the Courthouse in Newtown, but there's nothing wrong with 30 Knots for a little naval gazing.