I'm usually not the biggest fan of Irish Pubs as most of the Irish Pubs where I hail from, South Florida, seem to be mostly faux or fake Irish with huge flat screens blaring out reruns of American NFL football games and have rather unauthentic cheap, less than flavorful gimmicky Irish foods. So, I found the Porterhouse Hotel a real delight. The Irish Aussie or just Aussie crowds that gather here are friendly, engaging and just sort of a joy to be with. They also have a WiFi though it isn't all that good and limits you to 30 minutes a day, but the beers are great, kept at the correct temperatures and served with a full pour. Though maybe a matter of personal taste, I really loved their Kilkenney draught.
It's also a spacious establishment with a really great down to earth sandstone/brick décor, an atrium dining area enhanced with a seemingly out of character but adding to the charm chandelier. There is also an outside porch with tables and chairs, kind of nice to sit at since faces an off street having little traffic.
Most important to me however was their food. They have complete finger food, lunch and dinner menu items; all of which I found to not only be delicious but reasonable in price, particularly their Chicken Schnitzel priced at 14AU$, their Kilkenney battered fish 18AU$, or Guinness Pie 18AU$. You place your order and pay at a counter, they give you a number to display on your selected table, then serve the food right from the kitchen.
I also found the staff, particularly the bartenders to be friendly, polite and always seeming to have the time to give you a smile, say a kind word or two, and sort of make you feel comfortable and welcomed. read more