The Observer Hotel

I can’t say that this place impressed me all that much. Okay, it isn’t a bad place, but it certainly isn’t one of those places that really stands out in my books. The only reason that I actually visited this pub was simply because I was visiting all the old pubs in the Rocks so basically mark each and every one off my list. Sure, The Observer is probably an old pub, but it doesn’t seem to have all that much character about it. It does have a burger bar out the back, but then again I’m not a huge fan of burgers (though I will have one every so often). There are a couple of outdoor areas, including next to the burger bar, but nothing all that fantastic. In the end this is one of those pubs that I am unlikely to visit again, even if I find myself back in The Rocks (which is more likely than not).

Had a great burger here for lunch! The lunch special is only $ 12 w/​choice of salad and chips.
Portions were huge and I had a bit of chips left over that I couldn’t finish. Well worth the $ 12 it costs.
We visited on a Monday — they had the ‘Aussie Burger’ on special if I remember correctly, which was with egg and bacon.

One of the Best pubs in The Rocks. They have a great range of beers on tap and their wine selection is pretty good. The staff are quick and pleasant. Gavin who has been their forever, has my drink poured for me as I walk in the door. How’s that for service.
As for food. Their burgers are pretty good if not the best in the area.
Can’t wait for my next visit.

Decent selection of beers on tap and a nice little outdoor area in front as well as an inner garden up the stairs. The food is below par though, my fish and chips was pretty horrible. How is it possible to so completely mess up such a simple dish?

The Observer is a fave haunt for so many reasons. It’s like that comfortable old pair of jeans, it just fits…
I have been coming here for many many years and for me it’s the home of Sunday sesh’s, great live music, charming staff and for a long time the all-​day-​every-​day-​$ 5-​tiger-​beer!
Walking into the Observer you are greeted by friendly staff, and if you’re lucky Gav will be working — he’s a riot!
Like the Fortune, it is one of those most unlikely creatures on the Sydney bar scene. A bar where you can actually sit AT the bar. Love that! Theres also cool barrel spots off to the side.
There’s a tonne of good beers on tap, and cider options also available.
Live music every night of the week ensures this place is never a dull visit. They have a built-​in burger joint location (probably the only lowlight of the place). Outside seating can also be had for a spot of people watching or smoking a dart.
There’s quieter seating areas out the back to bring your crew and have a few over a chinwaggle.
No visit to The Rocks is complete without a stop at The Observer.

The Observer is one of many old pubs lined up along George Street in The Rocks. To be honest, they’re mostly indistinguishable from one another. Each seems to have either a selection of Matilda Bay or Squire on tap, and they certainly all have Coopers and VB. Some (Observer included) even have Asahi. The carpet is old, and the outside tables are uneven and rickety. You can find older men playing the pokies at any time of day, but the views stop there.
What sets The Observer apart is that it now plays home to a branch of The Burger Joint. There’s a pretty decent burger selection, and each comes with chips and salad. You’ll find lunch specials Mon-​Thurs that bring one of the burgers down to $ 12 — with sides– Bargain! Plus you can tack on a drink for an extra $ 3 (Coopers/​VB) or $ 5 (everything else).
Portions are large, I don’t think I’ve ever come close to cleaning my plate.
Most importantly, the burgers are actually good and piled high with toppings. I’ve tackled the Mexican Chicken, the Cheeseburger, and the Chili burger, and have not been disappointed. Respectfully, when this place says something is spicy, it packs a welcomed punch. These guys aren’t messing around.
Is it the best burger I’ve had? No. I can’t even honestly tell you its a great burger, but its a pretty good one — probably the best I’ve had in the area — and for $ 17 for a burger, fries, salad AND beer, you know I’ll be back regularly.

I am normally loathe to hit a traditional pub, particularly when in the Rocks, but I have to concede the point: The Observer Hotel occasionally manages a pretty decent hoedown. One one occasion, I have visited when there was a solo guitarist who acquiesced to our demands of «Wonderwall» and anything Crowded House.
On another occasion, I have visited on a Saturday when your favourite 90s and other retro hits blared. We danced drunkenly and I videotaped one of my buddies dancing with some ladies a number of years older than I he. As I see it, any venue which facilitates the recording of such potential blackmail material is worth a try.

If you’re looking for a «Cheers» type of hangout where everybody knows your name, the Observer Hotel is where you should be at. This pub is a great place to grab a pint, unwind, and joke around with friends. The extremely friendly bar staff and cozy atmosphere make this place a home away from home for many locals and tourists alike. Affordable Guinness and yummy food are also part of this pub’s charm. Their Thai Chicken salad is excellent! And to add to your fun, they also offer great live music. Good pub food, great beer, and fun people are all the makings of one excellent pub. Definitely recommended!

The Observer Hotel at The Rocks is one of the larger watering holes in the area.
There are several areas where you can enjoy a drink, a meal or maybe even a dance depending on what night your there. If you want some air then there is a small courtyard area around the side which will satisfy.
It’s your classic old Rocks pub which will cater for many people whether you’re with a group of friends or just wanting to enjoy a meal with the family. Just watch your step when walking down those couple of stairs after ordering your food!
And if there is a live band there, hit the dance floor. You know you want to!