The Ball And Chain

I ordered the beef ribs and got a huge serving of ribs that just fell off the bones, the meat was so tender and there was lots of it. It was really good value as well, I had been expecting a smaller serving for the price but was pleasantly surprised.

It’s a nice place. Decent selection of whiskeys from the US, Scotland, and Australia. It’s no Varnish but its more than your standard pub. My whiskey, Bruichladdich Organic, was 24 dollars for a jigger which I thought was steep but it is a more expensive whiskey.
The beer selection was slightly above average, hopefully they’ll expand this a bit from a lot of macrobrews to more micros.
Food was tasty, I had the jalapenos poppers that were a very reasonable 6 dollars. and came out in a label removed soup can. Good reuse chic points there. American BBQ lovers will find the BBQ sauce way too sweet (we had some on the plate and 6 americans taste it), its a very Aussie BBQ sauces so good for you aussies.
Ambience isn’t bad, we took over the back room which had comfy couches and board games including Jenga and Connect 4. The front room is bar and open beer cellar.

I went to the Ball and Chain for beer only, no food. I found their selection good and ambiance good as well, but $ 12 for a pint was staggering. With pints of many of the same beers at similar venues nearby priced around $ 7 at happy hour and $ 10 normally, I find the Ball and Chain uncompelling and would go out for a beer elsewhere.

This is just fab — the food (corn on the cob and jalapeño poppers) was great all. Oh and the beer was god!

Has a reasonable selection of beer. The décor is really nice. The background music was just a low thudding sound which was more irritating than enjoyable.

I just can’t keep up with the new openings! This place has a lovely interior and a few seats outside for those inevitable sundowner drinks.
The drinks could definitely be cheaper, there’s no denying that. As prices start to come down in the area, its a bit hard to stomach $ 12 pints. Saying that they seem to have regular offers on so just keep an eye out.
They have a lot of the Matilda Bay craft beers and will offer you a taste if you’re not too sure.

Fabulous décor, lovely service, excellent food and a really chilled out vibe. Oh, and in a great location right near the Esplanade and other restaurants — definitely give it a go!
The chilli popcorn ($ 2) is fabulous! Excellent beer list, selection of whiskey and good for summer or winter casual dining.
Can’t get into Bread in Common? Head on into this place.