Bar Fly: Pier 26, Darling Harbour

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
posted by Helen (AugustusGloop) on 4/26/2005 11:59:00 pm


5 Comments:
At 4/26/2005 11:04 pm,
Reid said…
Hi AG,
The food here looks good. How was that mango jam? I like the sound of it with the fish. I'm going to have to try something like that at home.
You know that if I do make it to Sydney this fall, you are going to take me to all these wonderful places right? =)
At 4/26/2005 11:58 pm,
Helen (AugustusGloop) said…
Hi Reid - The mango jam was tasty but could've done with more mango (of course!). I bought a jar of homemade mango jam relatively recently so now I have very high fruit standards!
If you make it to Sydney, I will selflessly hurl myself into a leadership role of frenzied excessive gastronomic research by consumption. I take my hospitality duties very seriously.
At 4/27/2005 10:30 am,
mrstweety said…
Hey.. AG,
I love all alfresco places.. and the food look so yummy.. :)
i will too hold you to your hospitality duties.. when i visit sydney again.. ;) hehhe!!
At 4/30/2005 3:20 pm,
Anonymous said…
sir augustus!
the complete DINE N DISH session is here:
http://thedeliciouslife.blogspot.com/2005/04/dine-dish-no-1-bar-fly-lets-dish.html
At 5/01/2005 5:01 pm,
Helen (AugustusGloop) said…
Hi MrsTweety - Nothing beats sitting outside in the sunshine eating good food with good company.
And of course I would be happy to accompany you on a gastronomic refresher tour. Wouldn't want your tastebuds to get lost.
Hi Sarah - Excellent. I've updated my post with the link. Thanks so much for hosting (and coming up with the idea!).
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