Freaky Tiki

@ 174 King Street, Newtown



**Freaky Tiki is now "Sadly Missed". It has finally been replaced, renovated and all that jazz and been turned into Newtown Hotel.

Formally the Newtown Hotel, this bar has been closed for around three years but opened its doors as Freaky Tiki around a year ago. Now, for all you who may not know, Newtown Hotel used to be the gay bar of King Street (not that all the bars aren't gay friendly, it's just Newtown Hotel was renouned for being a gay bar). Anywho, Freaky Tiki follows suit. The theme is, well, Tikis. It is dressed ultra tackily (in that it's so bad that it's good) with straw huts, fake palm trees and umbrellas and is riddled with graffiti like no other.

The food menu is Asian fusion. There are dumplings and spring rolls and for dessert ... chocolate spring rolls?! It's all a little unnerving and I'm not THAT brave when it comes to food (that and I don't want to spoil my pallette at such a young age) so we opt for the alcohol instead. There are bowls of punch to be downed that can be shared either by two or four. Each night is a novelty night. And tonight is trivia. We've a tranny walking around in all her glory who plays a round of trivia and celebrity heads with the crowd before bowing off the stage to a rousing number in true diva style.

It's a fun night out, I'll admit though it doesn't feel like a bar. It doesn't feel like a restaurant either. I guess you could say it's a "venue" or an "artspace". The crowd doesn't seem to be that local. Most are either out for an interesting night out or are visiting as tourists or backpackers. A local hole? Probably not for me. But it's definitely worth the visit just to see what all the fuss is about.


Times hit: 1

Marlborough Hotel

@ 145 King Street, Newtown

Welcome to Marly Bar. It was renovated some five years ago and is looky as pretty as ever! Downstairs is the bar and if you enter from the side you'll make your way to Bar Prego where the food is good and the crowd is great. There's an inner seated area or, go a little bit further and you'll find the outdoor courtyard/smokes. The service, admittedly is a little slow, the food though is good. Once again, it's your usual pub grub going for a rate of anything from $15-$20 per meal.

Upstairs is where it's all happening. A nice balcony area that overlooks Missendon road sits on the side but inside is where the renovations really start to shine. Turn the corner around the bar and you'll find a row of pool tables. Keep going and the courtyard will appear. Lined with wooden benches and ferns, the roof has been taken out, leaving you with a gorgeous view of the night sky.

Times hit: 4

Bank Hotel

@ 324 King Street, Newtown

Craving food after work, we find out way into the Bank Hotel. It was close to where we parked after all. Through the main bar area and into the courtyard, we are met with a jangle of fairy lights and wooden chairs and tables that take (at least mine) the breath away.

The menu does the same. This is Sumalee Thai, the Thai restaurant connected to the Bank Hotel. The prices are steep but we are hungry and, in a sense, desperate. How steep? Around $40. I head for the Green Curry with roast duck. Problem is, they didn't warn us how large the servings were.

Delivered in an enormous serving bowl and with a dollop of rice to top things off, this is a meal that could be shared by two or perhaps three small eats. The taste is divine. With just the right amount of coconut and cream and topped with Thai eggplant and spices, I was hard pressed to finish this one off. I didn't. We stole two takeaway boxes and were off. Content and set for two more nights of dinner in our hands. I can't wait to test out the rest of these delicious dishes. Definitely one of my favourite Thai eating holes in Newtown.

Times hit: 1

Town Hall Hotel

@ 326 King Street, Newtown

Ahhh, the good ol' Townie. This one's hard to miss, after all, it's right next to the station. I've spent many an evening here, drinking away the hours and listening to the jukebox - more like waiting for it to play our songs. Downstairs you've got your TAB but it's upstairs where you can people watch as the night goes on.

Once again, pub grub is what goes on at this bar. They used to have some super curly fries on the bill but the last I checked that had disappeared. I usually head for the parmie or the steak and they're both your usual good grub for the evening. The drinks are neither here nor there. Sometimes they get the cocktails right, sometimes they get them tragically wrong. The beauty of this place however is the endless jukeboxing, the location and the fact that they close something near 4am so whenever you're looking to close the night off, the Townie will always be there.


Times hit: 20

Zanzibar

@ 323 King Street, Newtown

Years ago my friend recommended I check out Zanzibar, the little orange bar on the opposite corner of the station. She highly recommended the rooftop. So, in we went one day to check the place out. I pass this place every now and again on my way home. It's usually dark, filled with people staring out on the street or playing pool and has a line of smokers or drunk teens loitering around the alley beside it.

We went in late one night, close to midnight actually, and walked straight through a couple of packed floors. The place was happening, the crowd was so-so. Ending up on the rooftop, we were sad to hear the food had stopped being served, though managed to squeeze a bowl of fries out of the servers. Alcohol followed. It was a nippy night so we didn't stay long, but from what I hear they keep it going until the very early hours of the morning. It seemed like a busy place and the view from the top floor was stunning. Did it scream, visit me, visit me again? Perhaps I'm getting old and this "happening" place is beyond me but sadly my answer is no. 

Times hit: 1

Sandringham Hotel

@ 387 King Street, Newtown

**The Sandringham has now been renovated and looks like the swankiest thing on the block. The clientele is noticeably younger and the music nights? Well, I haven't seen them around. They do have great pizza specials during the weekdays and a cute little courtyard to smoke and stare at the stars in. A full review will be coming soon.

On the outside, this dingy looking pub looks like something you'd have to douse yourself in santisier in before and after you enter. Looks can be deceiving, though not this time. Inside, it's dark, dingy, is filled with cronies from the days of olde and in truth, is nothing spectacular. There is a main seated area out front near the bar, a teeny little courtyard that could turn you claustrophobic and on the left is what is the bistro, though could probably be better described as the kitchen. It's a small little thing. The menus are even smaller. Flimbsy bits of paper detail what's on the menu. Pub grub and that's it. Basically steak and chips, sandwiches, wedges, spag bol and the like. If it's deep fried, you'll find it here. 

It takes me a while to choose what to eat. There isn't anything appealing at all. I settle on a steak sandwich. Seemingly harmless. It puts me back $6.50. Another harmless endeavour. The lady behind the counter is nice, chatty and easy going. 

There are no buzzers or numbers. Just memory. My meal is served on a tiny little plate, it smells delicious though looks nothing more than what you could get off a fundraising bbq. There's no cutlery in sight so I used the good old paws. I polish the sandwich off, it tastes healthy enough and I'm satisfied. Will I return. Only if I'm brave.


Times hit: 1

Coopers Arms

@ 221 King Street, Newtown



One of the earliest closers on King Street is Coopers. I'm not too sure why as it's no closer to residential (in my opinion) than the rest of the bars on King Street. Nevertheless, I've been refused alcohol at Coopers as early as 11.30 and kicked out of the bar at midnight. Whatever, let's get onto the food.

I've been here once for food and twice for alcohol. They don't have my favourite alcohol behind the bar so that's already a heavy blow to them. The food however is good but EXTREMELY pricey for a bar. A bangers and mash cost me around $20 and though was more than enough for me, I wouldn't have to fork so much out at any other bar on the street for that meal. My friend ended up getting spaghetti as she was on a cash diet, that set her back near the $20 as well.

In terms of atmosphere, this place is nice. It's a little dim on the top, but it's got a nice balcony and downstairs there's always something going on from music to trivia. But with so many other bars on offer, why should I bother? Sorry Coopers, but that's just how the cookie crumbles.

Times hit: 2

Tandoori Express

@ 581 King Street, Newtown

Look for the orange building. Covered in bright oranges, reds and purples, there is little doubt this place serves Indian food. There's a takeaway counter on the right, but why would you takeaway with atmosphere like this? Fine square tables laced in white and with a long bench on the side dressed with coloured cushions, this is a pretty place to eat.

We ordered a Beef Madras and Bhoona Lamb dish and some rice. The heat was just right for the Bhoona and the coconut in the madras was addictive and seductive. We polished off one bowl of rice between us and had to order a second to get through the lot and the sauces. To polish that off, we tried our stomachs against a Gulab Jamun, reduced milk dumplings soaked in cardamon flavoured syrup. It was delicious but oh-so sweet. Too sweet for our teeth in fact, we didn't make it all the way through. The service was a little sluggish, but I'll admit it was a long day and it was quite late in the evening. Definitely a place to go for good Indian whether it be takeaway or dine in.

Times hit: 1

Rise Bakery

@ 257 King Street

**Sadly missed. This one is now Bean In Town**

Sitting next to Franklins is Rise Bakery. It's a thin hallway of a cafe but is rich with coffee, bread and baked goods. Oh and it has some seating room too. The service here is impeccable. They're on the ball. The second you walk through that archway they greet you and ask for your order. Most of the time the customers are on a coffee-memory basis. Some of the more regulars come equipped with the exact change, which they leave on the counter as the servers take care of the rest. In this same vein, they do this for the bread. A couple of coins and they're off. It's a popular spot for early risers (sorry for the pun) and joggers on the move. Currently being renovated, it'll be interesting to see what they do to the place. In the meantime, I'll just have to wait for the return of my coffee fix. Oh, the coffee. It's good. The brownies and chocolate muffins, great. I intended to buy a brownie for one of my fello team members one day. Let's just say, it never made it to them ...

Times hit: 2

Ichioku Japanese Teppanyaki Restaurant

@ 267 King Street, Newtown

This is the only Teppanyaki restaurant on King Street (as far as I'm aware) and is organised as one big U shaped table. It's also my first time at Teppanyaki but from what I have heard, I should be afraid. On the menu, it explains that Teppanyaki is like Circus Sports. I'm really scared at this point. For this uncoordinated little girl, this is not looking good.

Thankfully the food comes first. Choosing a mixture of meats, vegetables and rice as well as the traditional miso soup, it takes a while for us to be served. I hear this is usual too, though my stomach doesn't enjoy the news. Our server says hi and welcomes us and proceeds to cook out meat. As he cooks he explains what he's doing and warning us of a fire burst or two. Adding in different sauces and wines before he scoops up the meal from the hot plate and delivers it onto our plates. One by one our plates fill up.

And then he asks us if we want to play a game. We say yes, it's all part of the experience right? He asks us how many games and we look at each other deciding. He decides for us. Three. The first is easy. Catch a raw egg in a cup. Done. The second is a little more complicated to the point where we fail. Throwing little bits of omelette our way we try our best to catch these in our mouths. Epic fail. The third. Bowl stacking. Throwing five bowls our way in succession we must catch each in each bowl, stacking to five. Sounds easy, but here's the rub. The last is filled with rice and vegies. Can we make it? Sadly no. But it was fun. He asks if we're alright (we're covered in rice and egg). We chuckle and nod and he hands us a roll of towels and our final dish. Fun, yeah? Definitely. And the food was pretty good too (try the chicken, it's sooo good!)


Times hit: 1

Gelatomassi

@ 262 King Street, Newtown

Open until the wee hours of the morning, if you've had a late one and are looking for ice cream (like we were recently) then you can't go past Gelatomassi. There's a lot of room to sit from the front stools on the pavement to a longer table down the back. A variety of ice cream flavours, as well a coffees, waffles and milkshakes will tide you over until you reach home. Quality wise, it's good gelato. Piasso Pizza even chooses to stock this as their ice cream of choice. The scoops are generous and the service is nice. Keep cool, readers.

Times hit: 2

Pizza Piasso

Note: Pizza Picasso has now moved down the road and taken over the pizza spot on the Newtown side of Sydney Park. It's new home is Shop 5/654 King Street and means extra seating space and a fancy schmancy larger logo. 
Happy pizza-ing.

Shop 5 / 503-511 King Street, Newtown

Until recently, this was much larger. It had a dining area and a takeaway section where you could order a scoop of ice cream either for dessert or to eat while you waiting for your pizza to be cooked. Now, it's been reduced to a couple of stools outside and the kitchen.

This evening I ordered a pizza on takeaway off the internet. Seems their system is still in the works however as they decided that my order should be cooked immediately instead of the two hours after I had ordered it. Needless to say, over an hour earlier than expected I heard banging on my door. Not good. At first the delivery guy was annoyed as I had made him wait (I was in the shower at the time) outside and had left a substantial number of calls at my door. When I explained to him I had ordered it for the following hour, he was apologetic. I accepted the pizza early and we both went out merry ways.

Tonight's dinner? Picasso Club. A combo of chicken, ham, turkey, swiss and bacon topped with a layer of cranberry sauce (this came in a separate tub so as not to turn disgusting). And for dessert, banana and sour cream pudding with butterscotch sauce. Despite the unexpected service, the food was magnificent. The pizza was rich and filling and the dessert was so addictive I had to pry myself away from it. With other interesting topping titles like Blue Nude and Thunder and Lightning, I'll be checking out some others in the future - just not via online ordering.

Times hit: 1

Eat Me Sushi

258 King Street, Newtown

It wants me to eat it. It's asking me to eat it. I ate it. It was good.

This tiny little eatery is tucked away just a couple of blocks from the station. It's a quick stop shop for some sushi or noodles. I made it a very quick one. In and out within seconds, I pointed at one of the Eat me Set boxes in the display and ran. To be honest, sushi is sushi to me. Perhaps I've not been spoilt with this cusine but the only time sushi ever really stands out to me is when there's some unusual combination involved or it's displayed interestingly. This was plain sushi. It was good, cooked well and was priced well. Go here on the run. If you want something a little more flash/interesting, I'd probably recommend Sushi Train closer to the station. At least you get some atmosphere and some more unusual combos.

Times hit: 1

Izote Mexican

@ 6 King Street, Newtown

Closer to the Sydney Uni end of things is this Mexican gem. Now, you can choose to go to Guzman Ye Gomez to fulfil them Mexicano cravings of yours or you can sit your pretty little bum down in Izote Mexican and give your tastebuds a real treat.

The servings here are substantial, neither of us finished our dishes. We each chose an burrito and it was packed with all the good stuff including beans and guacamole. The place was quite packed and though we sat at the front, we could see there was an enticing looking courtyard out back that will definitely have to be scouted out next I visit.

Each of our burittos set us back nearly $20 - a bit steep for Mexican compared to Guzman so be warned. If cheap is what you're after, head for the yellow sign further down the road. But if a good atmosphere, lovely service, hearty Mexican meal and night out is what you're seeking, go the extra mile (three or so blocks) and try this one out for size.

Times hit: 1