Balmain Belgian Beer Cafe
From the guys that began the Belgian Beer Cafe boom outside of Europe, finally a location that suits those in the inner west! Their third branch is located down at the end of Balmain where parking is free and reasonably plentiful, so I can now gleefully partake in their speciality of excellently cooked fresh Australian mussels by the kilo. They come in at least eight styles – I won’t profess to having tried them all but the Hoegaarden Mussels ($24.90) are great, particularly with a matching Hoegaarden White Beer. All mussels come with chips and mayonnaise, as is the Belgian tradition, so expect a full meal. But if you can fit in a morsel more, the Vegetarian Monk’s Tart ($15.50) and the Home-made Duck Pâté ($16.00) are both excellent. The refit of the old Commercial Hotel with authentically imported Belgian fittings is beautiful and sensitive to the area with little change to the facade. It meets the needs of the area too with a great beer garden; and they take their beer very seriously here. Check out their elaborate pouring method! They like their chocolate as well – the Belgian Chocolate Mousse ($12.50) is a sure crowd-pleaser, but I preferred the Belgian Waffle ($12.50).
Balmain Belgian Beer Cafe
82 Darling Street, Balmain East
Ph: (02) 9810 1663
Belgian $$$
