PJ’s Irish Pub Parramatta

From the outside this pub looks a bit like a bunker or a compound, so I was tempted to walk right past. Glad I didn’t make that mistake, because the expansive internal courtyard is enough to make you forgive the external lack of charm. It’s the perfect place to sit back and soak up some of those precious winter rays over a schooner of James Squire One Fifty Lashes Pale Ale ($5.90) and a perfect Confit Garlic, Rosemary and Mozzarella Pizza ($14) plucked from the wood fire oven. The Beef and Guinness Pie ($19) is hard to beat, topped with mash, mushy peas and flaky pastry. My male dining companion is kept happy with a Bone In Sirloin ($27) with a marble score of 2, served with ripper chips and salad. A pot of clever house-made Misa Pitchu smoky barbeque and bourbon sauce keeps your palate interested. While I accompanied my meal with a bottle of Red Claw Pinot Gris ($45), I should also mention the Hazelnut Dream ($14) cocktail, uniting Frangelico, Baileys and Butterscotch Schnapps with a dash of cream, makes a damn fine alcoholic dessert. Friendly staff oversee the diverse crowd, running the gamut from couples with kids to the Honda Goldwing touring set.

PJ’s Irish Pub Parramatta
74 Church Street, Parramatta
Ph: (02) 9635 8811 pjsparramatta.com.au
Pub Bistro $$-$$$