Bar Fly: Pier 26, Darling Harbour

So I've posted on the Pier 26 bar before, but for Sarah's first dining-out online flogger event: Bar Fly: eat at the bar (great idea!), I couldn't resist heading back here again.

In the dying throes of a gorgeous Sydney summer (technically it's the end of autumn but don't tell the sun that), Pier 26 is one of our favourite places to sit back with a glass of wine and watch the world go by.

Straddling Cockle Bay and King Street Wharf, Pier 26 is popular with both the tourists and officeworkers who inundate the area. A set of stairs takes you up to the open-plan bar, giving you an elevated view of Darling Harbour and the envy-inducing water traffic.

We especially love the open deck verandah here, where giant white canopies offer welcome shade from the glaring sun. Wooden tables and bar stools offer a casual viewpoint of the sun glinting on water; and comfy lounges line the wall.

But best of all, Pier 26 can always be relied on for good food. With a fairly extensive menu extending from pizzas to bruschetta to dressed-up pub grub, there's something here to please every preference.





Smoked salmon baguette with mixed leaves, tomato and
salsa verde cream cheese $13.50


Beer-battered hake with chips, salad and tartare sauce $14.50


Pan-fried jewfish with tomato couscous, beans and mango jam $17.00

I had the jewfish with a glass of 2004 Margaret River Sentinel Verdelho ($6.50). Classily presented without being over-the-top, the jewfish was moist and tender. The beer-battered fish was also declared a winner with a light crispy batter, and the smoked salmon baguette was generously portioned.

Cockle Bay and King Street Wharf are both littered with al fresco-style cafes, but Pier 26 offers a great sense of airy seclusion amidst the hustle and bustle. The music is always funky but low enough to hold a conversation, and the general atmosphere is casual but cool. And they have pretty funky bathrooms too...



The buzz: Open deck, water views and good food at reasonable prices

Food: Daily specials from $12, pizzas from $14, snacks from $6

Beers: on tap $4.50-$6; bottled $6-7
Wines: decent range $6-$8/glass; sparking $7/glass
Cocktails: $14

Cigars also available (Monte Cristo minis $3, Romeo y juliettes $15,
Monte Cristo No. 4 $20)


Pier 26 Bar
Aquarium Wharf, Darling Harbour
Tel: 02 8270 5126

Open 12pm till late, 7 days

For a summary of all the Bar Fly posts, check out Sarah's wrap-up
at The Delicious Life.

Related GrabYourFork posts:
Pier 26, July 2006
Pier 26, March 2006
Pier 26, June 2005
Pier 26, August 2004