Austral Hotel

The Austral Another very popular pub in Adelaide that can almost be considered an institution though I can't say that I have been as regular a visitor as some of the other pubs around Rundle Street, though I still enjoy coming here every so often. Like many of the other pubs around this area it gets very crowded on a Friday and Saturday night, and moving your way to the bar can be a challenge in itself. They used to have a beer garden out the back with live bands, but ever since the apartments went up, the bands have been moved inside and the area out the back is now a cafe bar. In my most recent visit I discovered that they have opened up the second level and the balcony, though when I was here last the balcony was so crowded they had to stop people going out onto it.

We were originally going to the Stag and then decided at the last minute to give the Bunker restaurant at the Austral a go as I enjoy the Austral for a drinking pub. We were surprised that the restaurant was empty on a Friday night, but it soon became apparent why. The fish and chips and pork belly were absolute let downs - for the price charged the portion sizes were miniscule. Plus, the snapper had been poorly trimmed and half the dish was blood line which is inedible. If you are going to eat here stick with the burgers and pies - whilst not best I've ever had, it is a decent serve for the price.



The upside of the meal was the service. Both staff members were extremely friendly and when the snapper blood line issue was pointed out it was dealt with in a professional manner and the dish immediately removed from the bill. However, Rundle Street is a competitive strip so the Austral is not going to be able to rely on good service alone.

Excellent pub with a great atmosphere, the food is outstanding and beers always cold. Many little areas to choose from including the restaurant, front bar but most peoples favorite is out on the foot path at one of the many tables. There you can enjoy your drink of choice while watching the many "characters" of Rundle Street walk on by. The Austral is one of those places that you always seem to end up at when heading to Rundle Street, everyone knows where it is and the service,food and drink are all good.